Precise laser incisions, corrected for patient respiration with an intelligent aiming system.
OBJECTIVE
Patient motion due to respiration and blood flow can negatively affect the precision of a laser incision.


METHODS
The video image of the surgical field is monitored by a computer system, and trends in the motion are "learned" by the computer. The laser beam is then adjusted to compensate for predicted motion. Occasional erratic motion sometime causes a false prediction. In this event, the prediction is corrected with real-time feedback.


RESULTS
Our experience shows that even with occasional false predictions, the motion compensation still gives a better incision. The surgeon always maintains control of the laser. The net effect of the intelligent aiming system is to subtract away nearly all patient motions.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser surgery can be performed with greater accuracy and reduced unwanted tissue damage with the predictive tracking of motion.
Reinisch
L
L
Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Mendenhall
M H
MH
Ossoff
R H
RH
D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009038:Motion; D012119:Respiration; D012371:Robotics; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014741:Video Recording