Preliminary Development of a Robotic Laser System Used for Ophthalic Surgery

摘要

This dissertation describes the experimental analysis and design of a second generation robotic laser system used for ophthalmic surgery. The goal of this research project is to develop an automated laser delivery and retinal observation system that is capable of placing multiple lesions of predetermined sizes into known locations in the retina. The goal of this dissertation is to show that from an economic, scientific, and engineering standpoint, the proposed design for this new system is feasible. The first generation laser system is the slitlamp microscope with a laser delivery system, where the laser is controlled by the manual dexterity of the ophthalmologist. This new system is designed to augment the ophthalmologist, making the operator more efficient with less training. The system is intended to simplify the surgical process while improving accuracy, speed, and safety. This task can be divided into three areas. The first is to completely develop an automated retina observation system, which will allow the computer to observe all areas of the retina automatically. The second part of the task is to design a computer controlled pointing and tracking system for the laser, which will keep the laser positioned onto one spot on retina during small movements of the eye. The third portion is to design and a test a reflectance measuring system that monitors and controls the size of the lesion. All three parts must be integrated into one cohesive, economical system. Thesis.(AW)