Package and method for managing excess laser fiber

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a laser optical fiber surrounded by a tubular packaging having a plurality of segments along a length of the tubular packaging, each segment of the plurality of segments connected to an adjacent segment by a circumferential tear line, each segment of the plurality of segments including a length marker.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 188,969, filed May 14, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] In medical procedures using laser systems that include laser fibers, determining the appropriate length of the laser fiber extending from the laser module to the patient can be challenging. This appropriate length can be limited by factors such as the location of the laser module in the room relative to the patient. When the laser system is near the patient, the short distance between the system and the patient can lead to excessively long laser fibers. Current methods for managing this excess length involve wrapping it in a damp cloth and placing it near the patient. Better methods for determining the appropriate length of the laser fiber and managing any excess length would be beneficial for both the user and the patient. This document discloses an apparatus and method of use for addressing the aforementioned problem. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This document discloses a medical device, which, according to some embodiments, includes: a laser fiber defining a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the laser fiber includes a connector located at the proximal end; and a tubular package extending along the laser fiber, wherein the laser fiber is disposed within the tubular package. The tubular package includes a plurality of segments along the length of the tubular package, and adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are configured to be separated from each other during use of the laser fiber.

[0005] In some implementations, the tubular package is defined as a coiled shape.

[0006] In some implementations, the tubular package is made of a rigid material to maintain its coiled shape during use.

[0007] In some implementations, the tubular package is configured to be fixed to the laser system during use.

[0008] In some implementations, adjacent segments are joined together via a weak joint, and the weak joint is configured for separation by a clinician during use.

[0009] In some implementations, each of the multiple segments includes a length marker.

[0010] In some implementations, each length mark indicates the length of the laser fiber extending between the length mark and the connector.

[0011] In some implementations, each length mark is engraved or stamped onto the tubular package.

[0012] In some implementations, one or more of the multiple segments include a separable seam extending longitudinally along the tubular package.

[0013] In some implementations, the connector is located outside the package.

[0014] In some implementations, the packaging is a one-time use item.

[0015] This document also discloses a method for managing excess length of medical laser fiber during medical procedures. According to some embodiments, the method includes: (i) coupling a connector of the laser fiber to a laser system, the laser fiber being disposed within a tubular package; (ii) determining the desired length of the laser fiber to be used in performing the medical procedure; (iii) removing a portion of the tubular package to expose the desired length of the laser fiber; and (iv) securing excess length of the laser fiber to the laser system, the excess length being disposed within the tubular package.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method, the tubular package includes multiple segments, and adjacent segments of the multiple segments are configured to be separated from each other by clinicians during use of the laser fiber.

[0017] In some implementations of this method, each of the multiple segments includes a length marker.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method, each length mark indicates the length of the laser fiber extending between the connector and the length mark.

[0019] In some implementations of this method, determining the desired length of the laser fiber includes using length markers to determine the portion of the tubular package to be removed from the laser fiber.

[0020] In some embodiments of the method, removing the tubular encapsulation to expose the laser fiber involves separating one or more adjacent segments from each other.

[0021] In some embodiments of the method, removing the tubular encapsulation to expose the laser fiber also includes passing one or more of a plurality of segments through the distal end of the laser fiber.

[0022] In some embodiments of the method, one or more of the multiple segments include a separable seam extending longitudinally along the tubular package.

[0023] In some embodiments of the method, removing the tubular encapsulation to expose the laser fiber includes separating a separable seam from one or more of a plurality of segments to expose the laser fiber.

[0024] In some embodiments of the method, the tubular package is defined as a rigid coiled shape, and managing excess length of the laser fiber includes retaining the excess length of the laser fiber within the tubular package.

[0025] In some embodiments of this method, securing excess length of the laser fiber to the laser system includes suspending the tubular package on a hook of the laser system. These and other features of the concept presented herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings, which describe specific embodiments of this concept in more detail, and the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings merely depict common embodiments of the invention and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional features and details using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1A A perspective view of a laser system including a laser fiber according to some embodiments is shown.

[0028] Figures 1B to 1C Plan views of different arrangements of a laser system during a medical procedure, according to some implementation schemes, are shown.

[0029] Figure 2A A side view is shown of a portion of an enclosure in which laser fibers are arranged, according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 2B The following are illustrated according to some implementation schemes. Figure 2A A top view of the package with a coiled shape.

[0031] Figure 2C The following are illustrated according to some implementation schemes. Figures 2A to 2B A perspective view of another embodiment of the encapsulation with longitudinal seams.

[0032] Figures 3A to 3D The following are illustrated according to some implementation schemes. Figures 2A to 2B The encapsulation section and Figure 2C The encapsulation implementation scheme is in various separated states to expose the laser fiber in a three-dimensional view.

[0033] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for managing excess length of laser optical fibers according to some implementation schemes is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the ideas presented herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein may have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiments and optionally combined with or replaced by features of any of the many other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0035] Regarding the terminology used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are for the purpose of describing certain specific embodiments and do not limit the scope of the ideas presented herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a set of features or steps and do not provide any ordering or numerical restrictions. For example, the features or steps “first,” “second,” and “third” need not appear in that order, and specific embodiments including such features or steps are not limited to these three features or steps. Markings such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” etc., are for ease of use and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed position, orientation, or direction. Rather, these markings are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation, or direction. Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references.

[0036] For example, the terms "proximal," "proximal portion," or "proximal end portion" as used herein refer to the portion of the laser fiber intended to be close to the laser system when the laser fiber is used on a patient. Similarly, for example, the term "proximal length" of the laser fiber refers to the length of the laser fiber intended to be close to the laser system when the laser fiber is used on a patient. For example, the term "proximal end" of the laser fiber refers to the end portion of the laser fiber intended to be close to the laser system when the laser fiber is used on a patient. The proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a laser fiber may include the proximal end of the laser fiber; however, the proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a laser fiber does not necessarily include the proximal end of the laser fiber. That is, unless the context otherwise requires, the proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a laser fiber is not the end portion or end length of the laser fiber.

[0037] For example, the terms "distal," "distal portion," or "distal part" as used herein refer to a portion of the laser fiber intended to be close to or within the patient when used on a patient. Similarly, for example, the term "distal length" of the laser fiber refers to the length of the laser fiber intended to be close to or within the patient when used on a patient. For example, the term "distal end" of the laser fiber refers to the end of the laser fiber intended to be close to or within the patient when used on a patient. The distal portion, distal part, or distal length of a laser fiber may include the distal end of the laser fiber; however, the distal portion, distal part, or distal length of a laser fiber does not necessarily include the distal end of the laser fiber. That is, unless the context otherwise requires, the distal portion, distal part, or distal length of a laser fiber is not the end portion or end length of the laser fiber.

[0038] Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] Figure 1A A perspective view of a laser system 100 (medical device) including a laser fiber 110 according to some embodiments is shown. The laser system 100 can be used to perform medical procedures, including laser lithotripsy. The laser fiber 110 includes an optical fiber for transmitting laser light from the laser system 100 to a patient. The laser fiber 110 includes a connector 112 at its proximal end, wherein the connector 112 is configured to operatively couple the laser fiber 110 to the laser system 100. The distal portion of the laser fiber 110 is configured for engagement with a patient.

[0040] The laser fiber 110 can be housed within an encapsulation configured to organize the laser fiber 110 before and during use, as shown and described below. The encapsulation can also define a microbial barrier to maintain the sterility of the laser fiber 110 before use. During use, the entire length of the laser fiber 110 or a portion of the laser fiber can be removed from the encapsulation. As shown, in some cases, the entire length of the laser fiber 110 exceeds the necessary length extending from the laser system 100 to the patient's location. In such cases, the excess length 113 of the laser fiber 110 can be coiled and placed on or near the bed 105 or the laser system 100.

[0041] Figures 1B to 1C A plan view showing different arrangements of the laser system 100 during a medical procedure, according to several embodiments. During the medical procedure, the laser system 100 can be located at different positions within the operating room 160, depending on the physician's preference and the location of available power outlets. In some embodiments, such as in... Figure 1BAs shown, the laser system 100 can be located near the patient, which results in an excess length of laser fiber 110 that needs to be managed. In some embodiments, such as in Figure 1C As shown, the laser system 100 can be positioned further away from the patient, which results in little or no excess length of the laser fiber 110.

[0042] Figure 2A A perspective view of a laser fiber package (encapsulation) 130 according to some embodiments is shown. Encapsulation 130 can be configured to protect and organize the laser fiber 110 during transport and handling. Encapsulation 130 can also be configured to manage excess length of the laser fiber 110 during use. Encapsulation 130 can also be configured to define a microbial barrier to maintain the sterility of at least the distal portion of the laser fiber 110. Encapsulation 130 includes an elongated body 132 defining an inner cavity 134 configured to receive the laser fiber 110. The laser fiber 110 can be slidably disposed within encapsulation 130. In some embodiments, encapsulation 130 can define a closed distal end (not shown). In some embodiments, the proximal portion of encapsulation 130 can be configured to receive a connector 112.

[0043] Package 130 may include a plurality (e.g., one, two, three, four, five or more) of separable segments 136 along the length of package 130. For example, package 130 may include three segments 136A-136C extending along the length of package 130. Each segment 136 of segments 136A-136C defines a length portion of an elongated body 132. The elongated body 132 may define any suitable cross-section, such as a circular or polygonal cross-section. Each segment 136A-136C is connected to adjacent segments by a separable joint 140 (e.g., a circumferential tear line). Joint 140 defines a weak portion configured to allow adjacent segments to be separated from each other by applying a separation force to it by a clinician. The force separating segments 136 may include tensile, thrust, torsional, or a combination thereof. Joint 140 may include scribing, grooves, laser-cut lines, perforations, thinning portions, or similar structures that facilitate separation of joint 140. Each segment 136A-136C can be configured to separate from adjacent segments along the junction 140A-140C. After separation, each of the multiple segments 136A-136C can extend distally from the laser fiber 110 to expose a portion of the laser fiber 110 for use. Similarly, the laser fiber 110, or a portion thereof, can be withdrawn proximally from the encapsulation 130.

[0044] In some embodiments, each segment of sections 136A-136C may include a length mark 144. This length mark may indicate the length of the corresponding segment or some other length, such as the distance between length mark 144 and connector 112. In some embodiments, length mark 144 may indicate the distance of each mark 144A-144C from connector 112. Length marks 144A-144C may be applied to package 130 via any suitable process (e.g., engraving, stamping, or printing).

[0045] Figure 2B A perspective view of a package 130 in which a laser fiber 110 is arranged, according to some embodiments, is shown. The package 130 may be defined as a coiled shape having multiple loops. The package 130 may be rigid to maintain the coiled shape during use. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the laser fiber 110 may include a connector 112, and the connector 112 may be disposed outside the package 130. During use, a clinician may determine the length of the laser fiber 110 to perform treatment. The clinician may remove a portion of the package 130 from the determined length of the laser fiber 110, leaving the excess length of the laser fiber 110 within the remaining portion of the package 130. Leaving the excess length of the laser fiber 110 within the package 130 allows the excess length of the laser fiber 110 to be organized and protected by the package 130. The package 130 is configured to secure the excess length of the laser fiber 110 to the laser system 100, for example, by suspending the excess length of the laser fiber 110 from the housing of the laser system 100. Segments 136A-136C defining the joints 140A-140D may be equidistantly spaced along the length of the package 130. In some embodiments, segments 136A-136C may be spaced closer together toward the distal end of the package 130 and further apart toward the proximal end of the package 130. In some embodiments, segments 136A-136C may be spaced apart by a defined distance (e.g., 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, etc.). In some embodiments, the package 130 may be made of a hardened plastic (e.g., PEEK, PTFE, PPSU, PSU, PU, ​​nylon, PEBAX, PP, PE, ABS, EVA, PETG, PVDF, etc.). In some embodiments, the coils or segments 136A-136C of the package 130 may be joined together via attachment means 146 to help maintain the coiled shape, wherein attachment means 146 may include, for example, adhesives or tapes. In other words, multiple portions of package 130 are connected together to manage excess length of the laser fiber 110 arranged within package 130. In some embodiments, package 130 may be disposable.

[0046] Figure 2CA perspective view of another embodiment of package 130 is shown. In this embodiment, package 130 may include a junction 140 and a seam 150 extending longitudinally along package 130, which allows the laser fiber 110 to be laterally separated from package 130. Seam 150 may include a tear line, or seam 150 may include a slit biased toward a closed configuration. In some embodiments, seam 150 may extend along one or more segments 136, or along the entire length of package 130. For example, seam 150 may extend a longer segment 136 positioned along the distal portion of package 130, because a distally positioned segment 136 is more likely to be removed during use. Advantageously, seam 150 allows a user to laterally separate segment 136 from laser fiber 110 without having to longitudinally pass segment 136 through the distal end of laser fiber 110, thereby saving clinicians time during preparation of laser fiber 110.

[0047] Figures 3A to 3D A perspective view is shown of a disassembled package 130 to expose a laser fiber 110 according to some embodiments. The proximal end of the laser fiber 110 is coupled to a laser system 100 (see [reference]). Figures 1A to 1C Meanwhile, the laser fiber 110 is housed within the package 130, such as... Figure 3A As shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, encapsulation 130 includes segments 136A-136D defining junctions 140A-140C. The user can determine the desired length of the laser fiber 110. After determining the desired length of the laser fiber 110, the user can remove segment 136A of encapsulation 130 to expose the laser fiber 110. The user can remove segment 136A by separating segment 136A from segment 136B along junction 140A and sliding segment 136A along the laser fiber 110 in the distal direction, as shown. Figure 3B As shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, the user can remove segment 136A from segment 136B by separating segment 136A along joint 140A, and further remove segment 136A from laser fiber 110 to expose laser fiber 110 by separating segment 136A along seam 150, as shown in the diagram. Figure 3C As shown in the diagram. The remaining segments 136B-136D of the package 130 can be retained on the laser fiber 110 to be arranged into a disc and fixed to the laser system 100.

[0048] Figure 4A flowchart is shown of an exemplary method 200 for managing excess length of laser fiber 110 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method 200 includes coupling the laser fiber 110 within a package 130 to a laser system 100 (block 202). In some embodiments, the coupling step includes coupling a connector 112 of the laser fiber 110 to the laser system 100 while arranging the remaining portion of the laser fiber 110 within the package 130. Method 200 also includes determining the desired length of the laser fiber 110 (block 204). In some embodiments, the determining step may include using a length marker 144 on the package 130 to determine the portion of the package 130 to be removed from the laser fiber 110. Method 200 also includes removing a portion of the package 130 to expose the desired length of the laser fiber 110 (block 206). In some embodiments, removing the package 130 includes separating adjacent segments 136 of the package 130 from each other at a junction 140. In some embodiments, the removal step includes sliding the separated segments 136 in a distal direction along a longitudinal axis to expose the laser fiber 110. In some embodiments, the removal step includes separating segment 136 along seam 150 to expose laser fiber 110. Method 200 also includes tidying up and securing encapsulation 130 to laser system 100, wherein excess length of laser fiber 110 is disposed within encapsulation 130 (box 208). In some embodiments, tidying up excess laser fiber 110 includes coiling the excess laser fiber 110. In some embodiments, securing excess laser fiber 110 to laser system 100 includes suspending encapsulation 130 on a hook of laser system 100.

[0049] Although certain specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although these specific embodiments have been disclosed in detail, they are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts presented herein. Additional changes and / or modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and / or modifications are also covered in a broader sense. Therefore, deviations from the specific embodiments disclosed herein are possible without departing from the scope of the concepts presented herein.

Claims

1. A medical device comprising: A laser fiber that defines a near end and a far end, the laser fiber including a connector located at the near end; and A tubular package extending along the laser fiber, the laser fiber being disposed within the tubular package, wherein: The tubular package includes multiple segments along the length of the tubular package. Adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are configured to be separated from each other during use of the laser fiber. The tubular package defines the coil shape, and The tubular package is made of a rigid material to maintain the coiled shape during use.

2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the tubular package is configured to be secured to a laser system module during use.

3. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein: The adjacent sections are connected together via a weak joint, and The weak joint is configured to be separated by a clinician during use.

4. The medical device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of segments includes a length marker.

5. The medical device of claim 4, wherein each of the length markers indicates the length of the laser fiber extending between the length marker and the connector.

6. The medical device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each length mark is engraved or stamped on the tubular package.

7. The medical device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of segments include a separable seam extending longitudinally along the tubular package.

8. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the connector is disposed outside the package.

9. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the encapsulation is disposable.

10. A method for managing excess length of medical laser fiber during a medical procedure, comprising: The connector of the laser fiber is connected to the laser system, and the laser fiber is arranged in a tubular package; Determine the desired length of the laser fiber used in the medical procedure; Remove a portion of the tubular package to expose the desired length of the laser fiber; and The excess length of the laser fiber is fixed to the laser system, and the excess length is arranged within the tubular package. The tubular package defines a rigid coil shape, and Organizing the excess length of the laser fiber includes retaining the excess length of the laser fiber within the tubular package.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein: The tubular package comprises multiple sections, and Adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are configured to be separated from each other by clinicians during use of the laser fiber.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of segments includes a length marker.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the length markers indicates the length of the laser fiber extending between the connector and the length marker.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the desired length of the laser fiber comprises: The length marker is used to determine the portion of the tubular package to be removed from the laser fiber.

15. The method of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein removing the tubular encapsulation to expose the laser fiber comprises: Separate one or more of the adjacent segments from each other.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein removing the tubular encapsulation to expose the laser fiber further comprises: One or more of the plurality of segments are passed through the distal end of the laser fiber.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein one or more of the plurality of segments include a separable seam extending longitudinally along the tubular package.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein removing the tubular encapsulation to expose the laser fiber comprises: Separate the separable seam of one or more of the plurality of segments to expose the laser fiber.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein fixing the excess length of the laser fiber to the laser system comprises: The tubular package is suspended from the hook of the laser system.

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