Low profile optical system for surgical procedures

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to optical systems for surgical procedures, and more particularly to optical relay systems for visualization systems used during ophthalmic microsurgical procedures. The optical system described herein provides improved ergonomics to the surgeon because such a system facilitates a low height microscope camera that enables the surgeon to see a display screen or other monitor placed in an ergonomically advantageous position for ophthalmic procedures across the camera. Such an optical system also provides improved performance because the total magnification of the optical head can be split into multiple lens barrels, resulting in a high resolution image that enables the surgeon to see more clearly the ophthalmic anatomy. Even further, such an optical system provides improved manufacturability while reducing weight and manufacturing costs, since the lens barrel may have a fixed focal length for use with a digital magnification mechanism.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Vitreoretinal surgery procedures and cataract surgery procedures are among the most commonly performed ophthalmic surgical procedures. As the name implies, vitreoretinal procedures are performed in the relatively small ocular space in the gelatinous vitreous and on the light-sensitive retinal surface. Common conditions that require vitreoretinal surgery include epiretinal membranes, vitreomacular schisis, vitreomacular traction syndrome, diabetic traction retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), retinal detachment, macular holes, and various microinjection procedures for gene- and cell-based therapies. On the other hand, cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with a new artificial lens. There are two types of cataract surgery: phacoemulsification, in which the cloudy lens is removed after being broken up by applying ultrasound waves; and extracapsular surgery, in which the cloudy core of the lens is removed as a whole.

[0002] Traditionally, surgeons performing vitreoretinal and / or cataract surgery have used surgical microscope eyepieces to provide magnified and illuminated images of ophthalmic structures. Recently, heads-up digital surgical visualization systems have begun to replace the use of such microscopes. Such visualization systems, which rely on high-resolution stereo cameras to transmit images from the patient's eyes to a heads-up display for the surgeon to view, have the following advantages over traditional microscopes: better ergonomics for the surgeon, reduced phototoxicity, peripheral visualization, improved magnification, and less eye fatigue.

[0003] However, despite the many advantages of heads-up digital surgical visualization systems, current designs of optical heads (i.e., the body that carries the optical components) used therewith are not optimized for ophthalmic surgery in terms of optics, ergonomics, and / or general use. For example, current optical heads used in such systems are tall and bulky, not only hindering surgical access to the patient's eye, but also obstructing the surgeon's and / or assistant's view of the heads-up display. Furthermore, the optics of such optical heads introduce numerous optical distortions when increasing magnification or changing the field of view and / or depth of field, which can reduce the accuracy and precision of ophthalmic surgical procedures.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved optical systems for visualization systems used during ophthalmic surgical procedures. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to optical systems for surgical procedures and, more particularly, to optical relay systems for visualization systems used during ophthalmic microsurgical procedures.

[0006] In certain embodiments, an optical system for a surgical camera is provided. The optical system includes: two stereo channels, each stereo channel having: a first lens barrel having one or more first optical devices, the first lens barrel being configured to produce an image with a wide field of view (FOV); and a second lens barrel having one or more second optical devices, the second lens barrel being configured to produce an image with a narrow FOV, wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel share the optical load of each stereo channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In order to be able to understand the above features of the present disclosure in detail, the present disclosure briefly summarized above can be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings only show exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope thereof, and other equally effective embodiments may be allowed.

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary ophthalmic kit including a digital visualization system for use in an ophthalmic surgical procedure in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2A A simplified top perspective view of an exemplary optical head according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 2B Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 2A A bottom-up stereoscopic view of the components of the optical head in FIG.

[0011] Figure 2C Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 2A Another top view stereoscopic image of the components of the optical head in FIG.

[0012] Figure 2D Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 2A A front view of the components of the optical head.

[0013] Figure 2E Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 2A A side view of the components of the optical head.

[0014] Figure 3A Exemplary optical modules (e.g., FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Simplified cross-sectional front view of the optical module of the optical head in FIG.

[0015] Figure 3B Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 3A Rear perspective view of the optical module.

[0016] Figure 4A Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 3A A perspective side view of an exemplary lens barrel tandem of optical modules.

[0017] Figure 4B Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 3A A perspective side view of another exemplary lens barrel tandem of an optical module.

[0018] Figure 5A Exemplary optical modules (e.g., FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of an optical module of an optical head in FIG.

[0019] Figure 5B Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 5A Schematic plan view of an exemplary configuration of an optical module.

[0020] Figure 5C Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 5A Schematic plan view of another exemplary configuration of an optical module.

[0021] Fig. 6A A perspective view is shown of an exemplary configuration of multiple optical modules within an optical head for use during different types of ophthalmic procedures in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6B Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 5A A plan view of an exemplary optical head configuration.

[0023] Fig. 7A A patient's eye as viewed by the digital visualization system described herein is shown at different stages of magnification in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7B Exemplary optical heads (e.g., FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Schematic cross-sectional side view of an optical head in FIG. 1 , wherein its optical module is moved to a first position.

[0025] Figure 7C Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 7B Another schematic cross-sectional side view of an optical head in FIG. 1 , wherein its optical module is moved to a second position.

[0026] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate understanding of the disclosed subject matter. However, it is clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and are not exhaustive of all possible embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the reference to the described examples is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure relates are generally fully able to envision any changes and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure. In particular, it is fully envisioned that the features, components, and / or steps described for one embodiment may be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] It should be noted that as described herein, the distal end or distal portion of a component refers to that end or portion that is closer to the patient's body during use of the component. On the other hand, the proximal end or proximal portion of a component refers to that end or portion that is farther from the patient's body.

[0029] As used herein, the term "about" may refer to a variation of + / - 10% from the nominal value. It should be understood that such variations may be included in any value provided herein.

[0030] The present disclosure relates to optical systems for surgical procedures and, more particularly, to optical relay systems for visualization systems used during ophthalmic microsurgical procedures.

[0031] As described above, many current optical heads for heads-up digital surgical visualization systems are not optimized for ophthalmic surgery in terms of optics, ergonomics, and / or general use. For example, such optical heads may be tall and bulky, not only hindering surgical access to the patient's eye, but also obstructing the surgeon's and / or assistant's view of the heads-up display. Furthermore, the optics of such optical heads may introduce numerous optical distortions when increasing magnification or changing the field of view and / or depth of field, thereby reducing the accuracy and precision of ophthalmic surgical procedures. The present disclosure addresses these and other shortcomings of many current designs by providing a robust and low-profile optical head for an ophthalmic 3D stereo microscope camera, which helps to improve ergonomics and visibility during ophthalmic surgical procedures.

[0032] In some embodiments, the optical head includes an optical module having two stereo channels, each channel having two lens barrels (i.e., each channel having a lens barrel in series), so the optical head has a total of four lens barrels. In other embodiments, the optical head includes two or more optical modules, wherein each optical module includes two stereo channels each having two lens barrels, so the optical head has a total of eight or more lens barrels. In such embodiments, each optical module can be optimized for performing different ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as cataract / anterior chamber procedures or retina / posterior chamber procedures. For example, different optical modules can be optimized more than other optical modules for different depths of field, so as to allow more efficient viewing of anatomical structures at different depth levels along the optical axis of the microscope camera, and / or different optical modules can be optimized more than other optical modules for different resolutions, depending on the size of the anatomical structures desired to be viewed during the ophthalmic surgical procedure. In other embodiments, different optical modules can be configured to perform at different fields of view (e.g., different magnification levels). In some embodiments, different modules can also be connected or used with different filters.

[0033] In yet other embodiments, each stereo channel of the optical head can be included on a submodule of the optical module. For example, in some embodiments, the optical module can include a "left" submodule and a "right" submodule corresponding to the "left" stereo channel and the "right" stereo channel, respectively. During assembly of the optical head, each submodule, and therefore each stereo channel, can be constructed to be individually aligned with each other and with other components of the optical head, thereby facilitating more efficient alignment and assembly of the optical head.

[0034] In some embodiments, the optical head further includes one or more coaxial illumination sources. The coaxial illumination source can be mounted to the optical module (s) of the optical head or other components of the optical head so that the illumination light generated by the coaxial illumination source is coaxially aligned with one or more optical axes of the (s) optical module. For example, a single coaxial illumination source can be mounted to each submodule of the optical module so that the illumination light generated by the coaxial illumination source is coaxially aligned with one or more optical axes of the lens barrel in each submodule. Accordingly, in some examples, two, three, four or more optical axes and / or illumination axes of the optical head can be coaxially aligned.

[0035] In some embodiments, during the assembly of the optical head, each submodule of the optical head and therefore each stereo channel can be constructed to align individually with each other (and / or align individually with other components of the optical head). The individual assembly and alignment of each stereo channel helps to align and assemble the entire optical head more easily, and alleviates some overall tolerance issues associated with assembling and aligning multiple stereo channels together. In some embodiments, the individual assembly and alignment of the submodule or stereo channel includes the assembly and alignment of one or more lens barrels together with one or more coaxial illumination sources. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the lens barrel for each submodule or stereo channel can be first assembled and aligned with the coaxial illumination source, and then assembled and aligned with another submodule or stereo channel of the optical head, so that the entire optical head can be assembled more efficiently.

[0036] In some embodiments, each lens barrel of the optical module includes a fixed focal length architecture and is configured to work with digital zoom to produce high-resolution images without moving parts (e.g., moving lenses). In such embodiments, one lens barrel in each stereo channel may include a narrow field of view lens barrel, and another lens barrel in each stereo channel may include a wide field of view lens barrel. In some other embodiments, each lens barrel of the optical module includes one or more adjustable or movable lenses to provide optical zoom functionality.

[0037] In some embodiments, the two lens barrels in each stereo channel are arranged in a side-by-side arrangement. In some other embodiments, the two lens barrels in each stereo channel are arranged in a stacked arrangement. In this way, each lens barrel can "see" or receive input from the same optical axis, thereby reducing or eliminating any distortion and / or other complexity generated, such as if the lens barrels are aligned with different optical axes, then there will be a need for compensation. In such an embodiment, the received light can be split between the two lens barrels in each stereo channel via a beam splitter and a reflector, wherein most of the light is directed to a narrow field of view lens barrel (e.g., a higher magnification lens barrel), and the remaining light is directed to a wide field of view lens barrel. In some embodiments, each of the lens barrels can be configured to have a relatively low f-number (f / #) and a high numerical aperture (NA), thereby contributing to higher resolution and more efficient use of light, so that lower irradiation levels can be utilized, thereby reducing phototoxicity and improving patient safety.

[0038] Due to these and other features, the optical systems described herein provide improved overall ergonomics compared to more conventional systems. More specifically, the optical systems described herein facilitate a low-height microscope camera that more easily enables surgeons of all body sizes to look over / around the optical head to a display screen or other monitor placed in an ergonomically advantageous position (e.g., along the surgeon's line of sight and perpendicular to the operating room floor).

[0039] Conventional surgical systems and devices (including visualization systems used during ophthalmic microsurgery procedures) are typically designed for users of "average" stature and / or body type. Therefore, surgeons with more significant physical features (e.g., height, etc.) may need to make additional efforts and / or suffer greater strain in order to use such conventional systems and devices, and repeated use and long-term use of such systems and devices may lead to chronic health problems (e.g., chronic neck pain and back pain). For example, a "shorter" surgeon may need to position himself in an ergonomically unsuitable manner to view one or more display screens of a visualization system during, for example, an ophthalmic surgical procedure, in order to view the display screen or screens of the visualization system. Moreover, in many cases, the surgeon may need to view such display screens for a long time, thereby requiring the surgeon to remain in (multiple) ergonomically unsuitable positions for a longer period of time, thereby increasing the amount of physical strain on the surgeon's body. Accordingly, the optical system described herein solves this and other problems by enabling surgeons with more significant physical features (in addition to surgeons with more "average" size) to more comfortably view monitors and other devices in the operating room with little or no obstruction from the surgical microscope camera.

[0040] In addition, the optical systems described herein also provide improved performance compared to more conventional systems because splitting the total zoom among multiple barrels provides high-resolution images, thereby enabling surgeons to see ophthalmic anatomy more clearly. Even further, the optical systems described herein provide improved manufacturability at reduced weight and manufacturing costs because fixed-focus barrels without moving optics are easier to manufacture, have relatively low scrap rates, and are more rugged and resistant to vibration and misalignment. These and other benefits of the optical systems herein are set forth in more detail below.

[0041] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary ophthalmic kit 100 for ophthalmic surgical procedures according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Although described with reference to ophthalmic surgical procedures, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will readily appreciate that the disclosed technology can be applied to various other fields of anatomical diagnosis, surgical procedures, and the like.

[0042] exist Figure 1In the example of , the ophthalmic suite 100 includes a digital visualization system 102, a surgical console 104, and a heads-up display 106. The digital visualization system 102 includes a surgical camera 108, which is positioned above the patient's head on a patient table 110. In some embodiments, the surgical camera 108 can be a high dynamic range (HDR) microscope camera, whose resolution, image depth, clarity, and color contrast enable high-quality three-dimensional (3D) images of patient anatomical structures (such as ophthalmic anatomy). The surgical camera 108 includes a body or optical head that includes multiple optical components (i.e., optical devices) for facilitating the relay and capture of 3D images of the patient's anatomical structures, which are displayed in FIG. 2A to FIG. 6B The surgical camera 108 may be communicatively coupled to one or more of the heads-up displays 106 (e.g., via a wired connection, a wireless connection, etc.), and the heads-up display 106 may display a stereoscopic representation of the 3D image, thereby providing the surgeon, staff, or other (multiple) observers with a depth perception of the patient's ocular anatomy. The surgical camera 108 may also be used to increase the magnification of the ocular anatomy, change the field of view, etc.

[0043] The stereoscopic representation of the 3D image can be viewed by the surgeon or another observer on the heads-up display 106 using stereo glasses worn by the surgeon or another observer (e.g., in the form of an autostereograph, viewed using a Fresnel lens, etc.). With the stereoscopic representation of the 3D image displayed on the heads-up display 106, the surgeon can perform the procedure on the patient's eye in a more ergonomic position (such as sitting on a stool 112) without having to lean over the microscope eyepiece and avoid, for example, straining his neck. In addition, while conventional microscope camera designs may be tall and bulky, thereby obscuring the surgeon's view of, for example, the heads-up display 106 or other equipment in the operating room, the camera 108 as described herein includes a low profile design, allowing the surgeon to see over / around the camera 108 to the heads-up display 106, which can be positioned along the surgeon's line of sight.

[0044] The surgical console 104 includes a controller (not shown) and, in some embodiments, a receiver (not shown) in communication with the controller. The controller can be configured to cause the surgical console 104 to perform tasks associated with driving one or more devices within the ophthalmic suite 100 (such as the digital visualization system 102 and the heads-up display 106 in some embodiments). Accordingly, the surgical console 104 can be communicatively coupled to the digital visualization system 102 (including the surgical camera 108), the heads-up display 106, and / or other devices within the ophthalmic suite 100 (such as one or more surgical probes) via the receiver (e.g., via a wired connection, a wireless connection, etc.) for performing various operations. In some examples, the surgical console 104 can receive signals from the digital visualization system 102 and / or send signals to the digital visualization system for controlling parameters associated with the camera 108, such as increasing / decreasing magnification, changing the field of view (FOV), applying filters, switching between stereo channels and / or modules, etc. The surgical console 104 may also send signals to the heads-up display 106 for controlling parameters associated with image manipulation or playback, such as starting / stopping video recording. In some embodiments, the heads-up display 106 may also receive information (e.g., surgical parameters) from the surgical console 104 and display such information on the heads-up display 106 along with a stereoscopic representation of the 3D image of the patient's eyes.

[0045] Using the surgical console 104, the user can control the digital visualization system 102 as well as other devices within the ophthalmic suite 100. In certain embodiments, the user can control such devices within the ophthalmic suite 100 via adjustments to digital or physical knobs on the surgical console 104 or by actuating a foot pedal 105 or other similar control device communicatively coupled to the surgical console 104.

[0046] Figure 2A FIG. 2F shows a surgical camera (e.g., Figure 1 1 and 12. Various views of an exemplary optical head 200 for surgical cameras 108 in the operating room (see FIG. 1 ). The optical head 200 includes an ergonomic, low profile (e.g., low height) design that enables surgeons of all body sizes to look over / around the optical head 200 to view display screens or other monitors / equipment within the operating room scene without exerting excessive force or sustaining strain.

[0047] Now go to Figure 2A , shows a simplified top perspective view of an optical head 200 according to an embodiment described herein. The optical head 200 includes a housing 201, which is Figure 2A201 is shown in dotted lines to show the internal components of the optical head 200. The housing 201 encloses and protects the internal components of the optical head 200 (e.g., the optical module described below, etc.) from damage and external contamination, and may further provide anchor points to stabilize such internal components inside. The housing 201 may generally be formed of any suitable surgical grade material (including surgical grade polymers, thermoplastics, thermosetting materials, and / or elastomers). For example, the housing 201 may include polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc. In some embodiments, the housing 201 includes one or more surgical grade metal materials (including aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and other metal alloys).

[0048] The housing 201 is coupled to a substrate 202 at its bottom end. The substrate 202 serves as a base or support for the internal components of the optical head 200 (and the housing 201), which may be rigidly or removably anchored to the substrate. In addition, the substrate 202 may include an opening 205, in which an insert 207 may be removably disposed. The insert 207 may include a window 203 that facilitates the vertical entry / exit of light into / out of the optical head 200. Similar to the housing 201, the substrate 202 may be formed of any suitable and rigid surgical grade material (including surgical grade metal materials such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel and other alloys). In some embodiments, the substrate 202 includes surgical grade polymers, thermoplastics, thermosetting materials and / or elastomers, such as those described above. The substrate 202 and the housing 201 together form a low profile shape / morphology of the optical head 200 so as to reduce or eliminate the possibility of visual obstruction of the surgeon's view of the display screen and / or other equipment in the operating room during a surgical procedure. In Figure 2A In the example shown, the substrate 202 and the housing 201 form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but other shapes / forms are also conceivable.

[0049] Within the housing 201 and anchored to the base plate 202 is an optical module 210 that internally includes a plurality of optical devices (e.g., optical means; not shown) for relaying and modulating input light within the optical module 210 (e.g., light reflected back from the patient's eyes) toward one or more optical sensors 216 and 218. The optical sensors 216 and 218 then receive / capture the relayed input light (as an image) for display as a three-dimensional (3D) representation on a heads-up display (e.g., heads-up display 106). The optical devices within the optical module 210 form at least two separate and independent stereo channels (e.g., a "left" channel for the user's left eye and a "right" channel for the user's right eye; not shown) to facilitate representing the relayed and captured images in 3D.

[0050] exist Figure 2A In the example of , the optical head 200 includes a Greenough optical head and thus has optics that form two separate and independent optical axes 212a and 212b (hereinafter collectively referred to as optical axes 212), one optical axis for a corresponding "left" stereo channel and a "right" stereo channel. Although many conventional microscope cameras utilize a common main objective (CMO) optical head, this type of optical head typically results in a tall and bulky optical head, which may block the surgeon's view of a heads-up display during, for example, an ophthalmic procedure. Further, a CMO optical head typically requires more lenses, thereby increasing the cost and complexity of the overall surgical camera. Accordingly, using the Greenough optical head 200 for, for example, a digital visualization system 102 makes the design of the surgical camera 108 less obstructive and more efficient.

[0051] In some embodiments, as described above, the optics for each stereo channel of the optical head 200 may be included on a separate submodule 260 or portion of the optical module 210. For example, Figure 2A As shown, the optical head 210 includes two submodules 260a and 260b (e.g., a "left" submodule and a "right" submodule; hereinafter collectively referred to as submodules 260), wherein each submodule 260 includes optical devices for different stereo channels. Accordingly, the optical devices of each submodule 260a and 260b respectively form one of the optical axes 212a or 212b.

[0052] like Figure 2A As further shown in FIG. 2 , the optical head 200 also includes a first mirror-beam splitter module 240 located within the housing 201 and anchored to the substrate 202. The first mirror-beam splitter module 240 facilitates the input coupling of input light (e.g., light reflected back from the patient's eye) into the optical module 210, and the output coupling of any illumination light generated by the light source within the optical head 200 toward the surgical site. The first mirror-beam splitter module 240 includes one or more mirrors and / or beam splitters 242 in any suitable arrangement for redirecting input light vertically entering the optical head 200 through the window 203 of the insert 207 into the optical module 210. Accordingly, the first mirror-beam splitter module 240 can be positioned above / adjacent to the window 203, which acts as an aperture of the optical head 200. Similarly, the optical module 210 can include one or more windows 211 that enable the input light to pass to one or more optical devices of the optical module 210 for further relaying and / or manipulation. In some embodiments, the first mirror-beam splitter module 240 is configured to transmit (e.g., redirect) the input light horizontally into the optical module 210 at an angle between about 45° and about 135° relative to the initial orientation of the input light.

[0053] The optical head 200 may further include one or more coaxial illumination sources 250 configured to generate and transmit illumination light for illuminating a surgical site (e.g., internal structures of a patient's eye) during a surgical procedure. Figure 2A In the example of FIG. 2 , the optical head 200 includes two coaxial illumination sources 250a and 250b (hereinafter collectively referred to as coaxial illumination sources 250), each of which generates illumination light and transmits the illumination light along an illumination axis 252a or 252b (hereinafter collectively referred to as illumination axis 252). Each illumination axis 252 is coaxially aligned with the optical axis of the optical module 210, where the illumination axis 252a is aligned with the optical axis 212a, and the illumination axis 252b is aligned with the optical axis 212b. The alignment of the illumination axis 252 and the optical axis 212 facilitates optimal illumination and, therefore, facilitates the brightness of the image captured by the optical head 200.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the coaxial illumination sources 250 can be mounted or assembled within the optical head 200 in any suitable arrangement to facilitate coaxial alignment of the illumination axis 252 and the optical axis 212. For example, the coaxial illumination sources 250 can be mounted directly to the optical module 210. In some examples, each coaxial illumination source 250 can be mounted to a submodule 260 of the optical module 210. During assembly of the optical head 200, each optical axis 212 can be individually aligned with the illumination axis 252 before aligning the optical axes 212 together. Accordingly, when each optical axis 212 is aligned with the corresponding illumination axis 252, the illumination axis 252 and the optical axis 212 can remain aligned during further downstream assembly of the optical head 200.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the coaxial illumination source 250 may be disposed external to the optical head 200 , and light generated thereby may be transmitted into the optical head 200 along an illumination axis 252 via a liquid light pipe, a fiber optic cable, or the like.

[0056] Generally, any suitable type of illumination source can be used for coaxial illumination source 250. For example, in some embodiments, coaxial illumination source 250 includes a light emitting diode (LED), such as a white light LED, a red-green-blue (RGB) light LED, etc. In some embodiments, coaxial illumination source 250 includes an incandescent lamp, such as a halogen lamp or a tungsten-halogen lamp.

[0057] In addition to the coaxial illumination source 250, the optical head 200 may also include one or more oblique illumination sources 270. Figure 2A In the example of FIG. 2 , a single oblique illumination source 270 is shown as being disposed through an opening 209 of the insert 207, which opening may be adjacent to the window 203. The oblique illumination source(s) 270 may generate and transmit additional illumination light 272 ( Figure 2B210) for increasing illumination of a surgical site during a surgical procedure. In certain embodiments, the (multiple) tilted illumination source 270 can be arranged / configured to generate illumination light 272 and transmit the illumination light along one or more illumination axes (not shown) that are angled relative to the optical axis 212 of the optical module 210, the one or more illumination axes of the tilted illumination source being thus not coaxially aligned with the optical axis of the optical module. Accordingly, this "tilted" angle of illumination light 272 generated by the (multiple) tilted illumination source 270 facilitates irradiating tissue surrounding the surgical site in addition to the surgical site itself. In general, the (multiple) tilted illumination source 270 can include the same type or a different type of illumination light source as the coaxial illumination source 250.

[0058] Figure 2A 200 and its associated components (e.g., gears, rods, belts, etc.) are further shown in FIG. The actuator 280 can be used to actuate various components of the optical head 200 (such as the optical module 210) and one or more filters or apertures of the optical module 210, as described in more detail below. The actuator 280 can include any suitable controlled motion motor, such as a servo motor. In some embodiments, the actuator 280 includes a stepper motor, such as a permanent magnet (PM) stepper motor, a variable reluctance (VR) stepper motor, and a hybrid synchronous (HY) stepper motor. In such embodiments, the stepper motor can be controlled via full-step positioning rather than micro-step positioning to generate less heat. Micro-stepping the motor may require a considerable current to be sent to the motor to maintain the micro-step position (thereby generating considerable heat), while full-stepping the motor only requires enough current to keep its coil activated (thereby generating less heat). Therefore, the stepper motor can be micro-stepped during operation to achieve smoother and quieter motion, but can be stopped at full steps to reduce heat generation. Reduced heat generation contributes to reduced movement of optics within the optical head 200 during use, so alignment of such optics can be better maintained. In general, the actuator 280 described herein can be controlled by a user (e.g., a surgeon or other medical practitioner) via any suitable method or mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator 280 can be controlled via a foot switch, voice command, surgical console, and / or other mechanism for controlling / switching devices, functions, or parameters of a surgical system.

[0059] Figure 2B Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 2A A bottom-up stereoscopic view of the internal components of the optical head in FIG. Figure 2B2, the base plate 202 is removed for clarity. As shown, the optical module 210 is movably coupled to a track 284, which can be anchored to the base plate 202 of the optical head 200. Sliding of the optical module 210 along the track 284 facilitates translational movement of the optical module 210 toward and / or away from the first mirror-beamsplitter module 240 in the optical head 200. Such movement of the optical module 210 relative to the first mirror-beamsplitter module 240 enables adjustment of the working distance of the optical head 200 and the focus of the image captured by the optical module 210 during a surgical procedure, as described below with reference to FIG. Figure 7B and Figure 7C This is described in more detail. In some embodiments, the optical module 210 is directly coupled to the track 284. In other embodiments, the optical module 210 is indirectly coupled to the track 284 via a platform 282, which is movably (e.g., slidably) coupled to the track 284, and the optical module 210 can be anchored to the platform via, for example, a bolted connection.

[0060] The translation of the optical module 210 along the track 284 is driven by at least one of the actuators 280. Figure 2B In the example of FIG. 2 , an actuator 280 a is shown, which may include a stepper motor for driving the optical module 210 to move along the track 284 to adjust the working distance and / or focus of the optical head 200. The actuator 280 a, like other actuators 280, may be controlled via user input. For example, in some embodiments, a surgeon or other medical practitioner may control the actuator 280 a via a foot switch, voice command, surgical console, and / or other suitable methods and mechanisms for controlling / switching devices, functions, or parameters of a surgical system.

[0061] Figure 2BFurther depicted is illumination light 272 generated by an oblique illumination source 270. The oblique illumination source 270 can be disposed at least partially through or adjacent to an opening 209 of the insert 207, which enables the illumination light 272 to propagate from the oblique illumination source 270 toward the surgical site (and out of the optical head 200). The insert 207 (which can be removably attached to the base plate 202) further includes a window 203 that facilitates transmission of light into / out of the optical module 210. Thus, the insert 207, and more specifically the window 203, is disposed below the first mirror-beam splitter module 240, which splits and / or redirects light between the optical module 210 and the window 203. In certain embodiments, the window 203 includes a wedge optic 206 to reduce the generation of optical ghosting and other artifacts in the images generated by the optical head 200. The window 203 may generally include one or more such wedge-shaped optical devices 206 (e.g., in a stacked arrangement), one or more such wedge-shaped optical devices for each optical axis 212 of the optical module 210 that passes through the window 203. Figure 2B In the example of FIG. 2 , at least two wedge-shaped optical devices 206 (one for each optical axis 212a and 212b) arranged side by side are shown. In some embodiments, the window 203 can further include a fixed filter, such as an infrared (IR) filter or a laser filter. For example, in some embodiments, the fixed filter can include a coating on the optical device of the window 203.

[0062] It should be noted that although the opening 209 and the window 203 are Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example of FIG. 2 , the features of the insert 207 are depicted as features of the insert 207, but in other examples, the opening 209 and the window 203 can be formed directly in the substrate 202 (rather than the opening 205). However, using the insert 207 can facilitate easier repair and / or replacement of various components of the optical head 200 (including the tilted illumination source 270 and / or the wedge-shaped optical device 206).

[0063] Figure 2C Another top perspective view of the optical head 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the optical module 210 of the optical head 200 is shown along Figure 2A 204a and 204b (e.g., one for each eye of the user; hereinafter collectively referred to as channels 204), which may each be disposed within a separate and independent submodule 260a or 260b of the optical module 210. Within each channel 204 are a plurality of lens barrels. Figure 2CIn the example of FIG. 1 , two lens barrels 208 and 209 are shown in each channel 204, and the two lens barrels work in series to share the optical workload of each corresponding channel 204, as referred to below. Figure 3A 212a or 212b, to the optical sensors 216 and 218. The input light is redirected into each lens barrel 208 or 209 via one or more second reflector-beam splitter modules 262 disposed within the optical module 210 and including a beam splitter 266 and a reflector 267. In certain embodiments where the optical module 210 includes submodules 260a and 260b, the one or more second reflector-beam splitter modules 262 may be disposed between the submodules 260a and 260b within the optical module 210. In some embodiments, the (multiple) second reflector-beam splitter module 260 is configured to transmit (e.g., redirect) input light horizontally into the lens barrel 208 or 209 at an angle between about 45° and about 135° relative to the orientation of the input light as transmitted by the first reflector-beam splitter module 240.

[0064] Figure 2D and Figure 2E Coincident axes of the optical module 210 and the coaxial illumination source 250 are shown according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, Figure 2D The front view of the internal components of the optical head 200 depicts the coincident arrangement of the optical axis 212 and the illumination axis 252, and Figure 2E These coincident axes are shown in a side view of the optical head 200. As shown, the optical axis 212a of the optical module 210 formed by one of its two channels 204 coincides with the illumination axis 252a of the coaxial illumination source 250a. At the same time, the optical axis 212b of the optical module 210 formed by the other of its two channels 204 coincides with the illumination axis 252b of the coaxial illumination source 250b. Moreover, each pair of coincident axes 212, 252 converges with each other to form a focus, as shown in FIG. Figure 2D The relative orientation of the channel 204 (e.g., submodule 260) and the coaxial illumination source 250 of the optical module 210, as well as the arrangement and orientation of the first mirror-beam splitter module 240 and the second mirror-beam splitter module 262 that converge the axis 212 onto each other, promotes the coincidence of the optical axis 212 and the corresponding illumination axis 252. It should be noted that in Figure 2D and Figure 2E , for clarity, the coincident optical axis 212 and illumination axis 252 are depicted adjacent to each other.

[0065] Figure 3AA simplified cross-sectional side view of an optical module 210 and its optical axis 212 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, input light 301 (e.g., light reflected back from a patient's eye) is transmitted toward the optical module 210 along the optical axes 212a and 212b (collectively referred to as the optical axis 212) of two stereo channels 204a and 204b (collectively referred to as channels 204) via a first reflector-beam splitter module 240, respectively. Similarly, each channel 204a and 204b can be included in a separate submodule 260a or 260b of the optical module 210 that is assembled and aligned with each other. The input light 301 is then optionally split and relayed by an optical device disposed near or within a plurality of barrels (e.g., two or more barrels) of each channel 204 before reaching a plurality of optical sensors 216 and 218 for capturing the light and displaying it as a 3D representation on a head-up display (e.g., head-up display 106).

[0066] As shown, each channel 204a and 204b includes at least a first lens barrel 208a or 208b (hereinafter collectively referred to as the first lens barrel 208) and a second lens barrel 209a or 209b (hereinafter collectively referred to as the second lens barrel 209). The first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204 work in series to share the optical workload of the corresponding channel 204 to multiple optical devices (e.g., lenses) systems to achieve wide field of view and narrow field of view viewing, which in some embodiments helps the optical head 200 to achieve an overall fixed focal length system without moving optical devices. Since the two lens barrels share the optical workload, the user (e.g., a surgeon) can instantly rotate between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204 to obtain different fields of view (e.g., wide field of view composition and narrow field of view composition). In addition, without moving lenses, the optical module 210 can achieve "instant" zoom, and it only takes milliseconds or less to zoom from one magnification to another magnification via a digital mechanism. Further, using two lens barrels in series for each channel 204 enables a picture-in-picture view, in which the user can observe two different views at a time. Also, by placing the total number of optical devices for each channel in two lens barrels, the tolerances of the optical devices in each lens barrel may be looser (because all optical devices do not have to be arranged in the same lens barrel of the channel), thereby making the manufacture of the optical head 200 easier.

[0067] To help share the optical workload between the lens barrels, the input light 301 can be split and reflected by one or more beam splitters 266a or 266b (hereinafter collectively referred to as beam splitters 266) and one or more mirrors 267a or 267b (hereinafter collectively referred to as mirrors 267) of the second reflector-beam splitter module 262. In some embodiments, the beam splitter 266 and / or the mirror 267 may include an optical prism having one or more reflective or partially reflective surfaces, or other suitable optical devices.

[0068] exist Figure 3A In the example of FIG. 1 , a single second reflector-beam splitter module 262 is disposed between the submodules 260a and 260b of the optical module 210. The single second reflector-beam splitter module 262 includes two sets of beam splitters 266a and 266b and two sets of mirrors 267a and 267b for directing the input light 301 (transmitted along the optical axes 212a and 212b) through the series of lens barrels 208a and 209a or 208b and 209b in opposite directions. In certain other embodiments, two or more second reflector-beam splitter modules 262 may be utilized, wherein each second reflector-beam splitter module 262 includes a single set of beam splitters 266 and / or mirrors 267. However, in any configuration, the arrangement of the (multiple) second reflector-beam splitter modules 262 facilitates the coaxial alignment of the optical axes of the multiple lens barrels in each stereo channel 204 to form the optical axis 212 of the optical module 210. And, when used with the coaxial illumination source 250, three or more optical axes (e.g., the optical axes of the two lens barrels 208, 209 in the stereo channel 204 plus the optical axis of the coaxial illumination source 250) can be aligned (i.e., coincident) by the optical head 200. Accordingly, the angle beam splitter 266 and / or the mirror 267 of the (multiple) second reflector-beam splitter module 262 define an optical axis angle α of the Greenough system of the optical head 200. In some embodiments, the angle α is between about 1° and about 20°, such as between about 1° and about 15°, such as between about 5° and about 10°. In some embodiments, the angle α is about 5°.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first lens barrel 208 includes a wide field of view lens barrel, each having a plurality of lenses and / or other optical devices 312 configured to generate wide field of view images of the patient's anatomy from the input light 301 and project these images onto an optical sensor 216a or 216b (hereinafter collectively referred to as optical sensor 216). In some embodiments, the second lens barrel 209 includes a narrow field of view lens barrel, each having a plurality of lenses and / or other optical devices 314 configured to generate magnified narrow field of view images of the patient's anatomy and project these images onto an optical sensor 218a or 218b (hereinafter collectively referred to as optical sensor 218). During use, the surgeon can switch between the wide field of view lens barrel and the narrow field of view lens barrel on the fly (e.g., switch between images captured by optical sensors 216 and 218), which are configured to provide a seamless transition between wide field of view views and narrow field of view views of the patient's anatomy. In some embodiments, the optics 312 of the wide field of view first lens barrel 208 may include a Risley prism or other wedge-type optic disposed at the end of the first lens barrel 208 closest to the second mirror-beam splitter module(s) 262 (e.g., opposite the sensor 218), which may be distinguished from other optics within the lens barrel 209. Such a Risely prism enables the optical axis of the wide field of view first lens barrel 208 to be aligned with the optical axis of the narrow field of view lens barrel 209. In such embodiments, the Risley prism or other wedge-type optic is rotationally adjustable to “steer” the path of light passing therethrough (into the lens barrel 209).

[0070] The optical sensors 216 and 218 may include any suitable type of imaging sensor. In some embodiments, the optical sensors 216 and 218 include ultra high definition sensors having a resolution of 4K or higher. For example, in some embodiments, the optical sensors 216 and 218 include ultra high definition sensors having a resolution of 8K or higher. In some embodiments, the optical sensors 216 and 218 include sensors having a nominal resolution of two times the display resolution (e.g., output resolution) or higher. Utilizing sensors having a nominal resolution of two times the output resolution helps maintain the very high resolution provided by the fixed focus system of the optical module 210 at all zoom levels up to 2X magnification or 4X magnification.

[0071] like Figure 3AAs shown, in some embodiments, the lens barrels in the channel 204 of the optical module 210 can be arranged in an opposite layout; that is, the first lens barrel 208a of the channel 204a can be arranged to be opposite to the first lens barrel 208b of the channel 204b and be in an opposite (but parallel) orientation relative to it, and the second lens barrel 209a of the channel 204a can be arranged to be opposite to the second lens barrel 209b of the channel 204b and be in an opposite orientation relative to it. This opposite layout of the lens barrels enables a compact, robust and manufacturing-friendly design. For example, the opposite layout of the optical module 210 helps to improve the thermal performance of the optical head 200, and therefore helps to improve the thermal performance of the surgical camera 108, because the opposite lens barrels will move in series during the thermal change state, thereby maintaining its coaxial arrangement. For more conventional microscope camera designs, such as CMO-type microscope cameras, optical devices are typically arranged side by side. When these cameras become hot during use, the heat may cause the optical devices to move around and shift, usually away from each other, thereby causing the optical devices to be misaligned and causing any 3D image collected from them to be distorted. However, through the reverse layout of the optical module 210, optical device misalignment due to thermal loading may be reduced and / or eliminated.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 are designed to have a low f number (f / #) to facilitate higher resolution and more efficient use of light. The lens barrels utilize light more efficiently so that a lower level of illumination to the patient's eyes can be utilized, thereby reducing the phototoxicity to the patient's eyes. In some embodiments, the f number of the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 can be about f / 8, f / 6, f / 5, f / 4, f / 3, f / 2, etc. In some embodiments, the f number of the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 is between about f / 8 and about f / 4. In some examples, an f number less than f / 4 may cause the optical device to be larger and not ergonomic, while an f number greater than f / 8 may cause the image resolution to be low.

[0073] As described above, to facilitate the series operation of first lens barrel 208 and second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204, input light 301 is split and / or reflected by beam splitter 266 and mirror 267 of second mirror-beam splitter module 262 into the corresponding lens barrel series in each channel. In some embodiments, the input light 301 is split at a ratio of about 50:50 between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel; in some embodiments, the input light 301 is split at a ratio of about 60:40 between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204, or vice versa; in some embodiments, the input light 301 is split at a ratio of about 65:35 between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204, or vice versa; in some embodiments, the input light 301 is split at a ratio of about 70:30 between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204, or vice versa; in some embodiments, the input light 301 is split at a ratio of about 70:30 between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204. 209 in a ratio of about 75:25, or vice versa; in some embodiments, the input light 301 is split between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204 in a ratio of about 80:20, or vice versa; in some embodiments, the input light 301 is split between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204 in a ratio of about 85:15, or vice versa; in some embodiments, the input light 301 is split between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204 in a ratio of about 90:10, or vice versa; or, in some embodiments, the input light 301 is split between the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 in each channel 204 in a ratio of about 95:5, or vice versa. In some embodiments, a majority of the input light 301 is reflected into a corresponding second lens barrel 209 (e.g., a narrow field of view lens barrel) because the narrow field of view lens barrel has a higher magnification and many, if not most, ophthalmic surgical procedures are performed while the surgeon is viewing the patient's anatomy at a higher magnification.

[0074] The optical module 210 and thus the digital visualization system 102 may include any suitable type of zoom / zoom mechanism for magnifying the image produced by the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209. For example, in some embodiments, the zoom / zoom of the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 may be controlled by a digital mechanism (e.g., a digital cropping and rescaling mechanism) via software on the digital visualization system 102 or the surgical console 104, thereby facilitating each lens barrel to achieve a smaller barrel (e.g., body) and wherein no moving parts (e.g., moving optical devices 212 or 214) are required. In such embodiments, the lens barrels 208 and 209 may include fixed focal length optical devices 312 or 314, which makes the manufacture of such lens barrels easier. In some embodiments, the zoom / zoom of the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 may be controlled by a mechanical mechanism (i.e., an optical mechanism), thereby facilitating better image resolution, but requiring moving optical devices 312 or 314. In yet other embodiments, one of the lens barrels in each lens barrel series can be configured for use with a digital zoom mechanism, while the other lens barrel can include a mechanical zoom mechanism. For example, the first lens barrel 208 can include a digital zoom mechanism, while the second lens barrel 209 can include a mechanical zoom mechanism, thus providing a "hybrid" zoom system for the optical module 210.

[0075] Optics 312 and / or optics 314 may generally include any suitable type of optical components for relaying input light 301 to optical sensor 216 or 218. For example, optics 312 and / or optics 314 may include relay lenses, condenser lenses, diffraction elements, beam splitters, and / or other types of optical relay devices. In some embodiments, first lens barrel 208 and second lens barrel 209 may further include one or more apertures, one or more filters, and / or other similar light modulation devices. Figure 3A In the example of FIG. 1 , each of the first lens barrel 208 and the second lens barrel 209 includes an aperture 320 that helps control the amount of light passing through the corresponding lens barrel and change the depth of field during viewing. The aperture 320 can be opened / closed via actuation of one or more actuators 280, as described below with reference to Figure 3BAs described. In addition, the optical module 210 further includes a filter block 322 for each channel 204, the filter block including one or more filters 324 (e.g., color filters, infrared filters, laser filters, etc.) for each lens barrel of the channel. Similar to the aperture 320, the filters 324 of the filter block 322 can be selected by translating (e.g., sliding) the filter block 322 into and out of an appropriate position (such as driven by one or more actuators 280). In other embodiments, one or more fixed or movable filters can be mounted on the exterior of the optical module 210 within the optical head 200, such as adjacent to its (multiple) windows 211 (not shown). In specific embodiments, the external fixed filter can include a coating on the optics of the window 203, such as an IR filter coating on the proximal surface or distal surface of the optics of the window 203. In specific embodiments, the external fixed filter can include a laser filter mounted to the insert 207 and sized by the window 203.

[0076] In some embodiments, the optical module 210 further includes a catheter 330. The catheter 330 may include an opening, channel, or conduit formed through the optical module 210, in which an OCT fiber probe, a laser rangefinder probe, an inclined illumination source, a fixed light source, etc. may be disposed for use during the surgical procedure. The catheter 330 may generally be disposed centrally in the optical module 210, such as between the channels 204. For example, in Figure 3A In the embodiment, the central channel 330 passes through the second mirror-beam splitter module 262 and is disposed between its set of beam splitters 266 and mirrors 267. However, in examples utilizing two (or more) second mirror-beam splitter modules 262, the central channel 330 may be disposed between such modules.

[0077] Figure 3B A rear perspective view of an optical module 210 with an actuator 280 coupled thereto is shown in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, the optical module 210 may include one or more movable apertures 320 and one or more movable filters 324, each of which may be driven / actuated by one or more actuators 280. In certain embodiments, a single actuator 280 may drive a single aperture 320 and / or a single filter 324. In certain embodiments, a single actuator 280 may drive two or more apertures 320 and / or two or more filters 324 to achieve efficiency and synchronization of lens barrels in different channels 204 in the optical module 210. For example, in Figure 3B, two motors 280a and 280b are depicted at the rear of the optical module 210 for driving four apertures 320a-d (shown in dashed lines). The motor 280a is coupled to the optical module 210 via a shaft 340 and a set of direct drive or belt drive assemblies 342a and 342b (in FIG. Figure 3B ) is indirectly coupled to lens barrels 208a and 208b (shown as a direct drive assembly in Figure 3A 320a or 320b in each of the plurality of drive assemblies 342 (shown in FIG. 34A ). Each drive assembly 342 may include one or more gears 344 and / or belts (if belt driven) coupling shaft 340 to aperture 320a or 320b to deliver power thereto. Similarly, motor 280b is coupled to shaft 350 via a set of belt drive or direct drive assemblies 352a and 352b (shown in FIG. 34B ). Figure 3B 320d in each of the barrels 209a and 209b, wherein each drive assembly 352 may include one or more gears 354 and / or belts 356 that couple the shaft 350 to the apertures 320c, 320d. Accordingly, one motor 280a may simultaneously drive the "left" stereo channel aperture 320a and the "right" stereo channel aperture 320b (e.g., a wide field of view aperture) in the barrel 208, while another motor 280b may simultaneously drive the "left" stereo channel aperture 320c and the "right" stereo channel aperture 230d (e.g., a narrow field of view aperture) in the barrel 209.

[0078] Figure 4A A perspective side view of an exemplary lens barrel tandem of optical modules 210 in a first arrangement is shown according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4A In the example of FIG. 4 , the first lens barrel 408a and the second lens barrel 409a are stacked on top of each other, and the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel can represent Figure 3A The series connection of the lens barrels 208 and 209 in any channel 204 of the optical head 200 is shown in FIG. Here, the first lens barrel 408a (including the wide field lens barrel) is stacked above the second lens barrel 409a (including the narrow field lens barrel). In this arrangement, the first lens barrel 408a and the second lens barrel 409a are arranged along the same optical axis 412 of the optical module 210 and thus the optical head 200 and receive input light from it. Therefore, the input light passing along the optical path 412 must be split and / or reflected by one or more beam splitters 466 and reflectors 467 to help guide the light into each lens barrel and then guide it to the optical sensors 416a, 418a. Although doing so may result in a reduction in the light guided into each lens barrel, arranging the lens barrels in series in a stacked arrangement helps to switch between the view of the first lens barrel 408a and the view of the second lens barrel 409a without losing or changing the viewing angle.

[0079] Figure 4BFIG. 2 is a perspective side view of another exemplary lens barrel tandem of an optical module 210 in a second arrangement according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4B In the example of FIG. 4 , the first lens barrel 408b and the second lens barrel 409b are arranged side by side, and the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel can represent Figure 3A The series connection of the lens barrels 208 and 209 in any channel 204 of the optical head 200. In this arrangement, the first lens barrel 408b and the second lens barrel 409b are each arranged along the separate optical axis 412a or 412b of the optical head 200 and receive input light therefrom, so there is no need for light beam splitting to guide the input light into each lens barrel and then guide it to the optical sensors 416b, 418b. Alternatively, the input light can be simply reflected into each lens barrel by a reflector 467. However, because the lens barrels are arranged along different optical paths, switching between the view of the first lens barrel 408b and the view of the second lens barrel 409b will cause a loss or change in viewing angle to the user observing the head-up display.

[0080] Figure 5A 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an optical head 200 including an optical module 210 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 5B and Figure 5C Different exemplary orientations of optical devices in lens barrels 208 and 209 of optical module 210 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure are schematically illustrated. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C .like Figure 5A As shown and described above, input light 501 is reflected from the patient's eye 510 along optical axes 512a and 512b by the first reflector-beam splitter module 240 into the optical module 210. Within the optical module 210, the input light 501 is then directed by the (multiple) second reflector-beam splitter module 262 into the lens barrels 208a, 208b and / or 209a, 208b. Accordingly, in addition to the optical devices 312 or 314 ( Figure 3A ), the angles of the mirrors 267 and / or beam splitters 266 of the second mirror-beam splitter module 262 may also cause the lens barrel to have an emulated "tilted" orientation (e.g. Figure 5B ) or emulates a "straight" orientation (such as Figure 5C shown).

[0081] exist Figure 5BIn the "tilted" orientation of FIG. 2 , the principal axes of the lens barrels 208 and 209, and therefore the principal axes of the optics 312 and 314, are disposed at a zero degree angle relative to the optical axis 512 of the input light 501 as transmitted into the lens barrels 208 and / or 209 by the second mirror-beam splitter module(s) 262. This emulates a more conventional microscope arrangement in which the optics for different stereo channels are disposed at non-zero angles relative to each other (e.g., the stereo channels are "tilted"). This orientation enables the sensors 216 and 218 to be centrally aligned (e.g., "in line") with the principal axes of their respective lens barrels 208 and 209, and further enables the use of smaller sized optics 312 and 314. In certain embodiments, the tilted configuration may cause an optical distortion known as the "keystone effect" in the images collected by the optical sensors 216 and 218; however, this distortion may be compensated for by software-based distortion correction.

[0082] exist Figure 5C In the straight orientation of the lens barrels 208 and 209, and therefore the main axes of the optical devices 312 and 314, are arranged at a non-zero angle relative to the optical axis 512 of the input light 501 as transmitted into the lens barrels 208 and / or 209 by the (multiple) second mirror-beam splitter module 262. This emulates a more conventional microscope arrangement in which the optics for the different stereo channels are arranged parallel to each other (e.g., the stereo channels are "straight"). Unlike the tilted configuration, the straight configuration may not require compensation or correction for keystone distortion, but may be more complicated to assemble and may require larger sized optics and offset sensors 216 and 218 (e.g., sensors that are not aligned with the main axes of their corresponding lens barrels 208 and 209).

[0083] Fig. 6A A perspective view of another exemplary configuration 600 of an optical head 200 for use with a variety of different types of ophthalmic procedures in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 6B Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Fig. 6A Therefore, for the sake of clarity, the following are described together in this article. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B .

[0084] In general, the optical head 200 can be configured for use with a variety of different types of surgical procedures, such as cataract procedures, retinal procedures, and other types of ophthalmic surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the optical head 200 can include multiple sets of lens barrels in an optical module or include multiple optical modules, wherein each set of lens barrels or each optical module is optimized for performing one or more different types of surgical procedures. Fig. 6A and Figure 6BIn the exemplary configuration 600 shown, the optical head 200 includes two optical modules 610a and 610b (hereinafter collectively referred to as modules 610), wherein each module 610 is optimized for performing at least one different type of surgical procedure. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 6, only the lens barrels of the optical modules 610 are shown for clarity. As shown, each module 610 includes two channels 204a and 204b, one channel for each eye, wherein each channel 204 includes a first lens barrel 208a or 208b and a second lens barrel 209a or 209b working in series as described above. Thus, the configuration 600 of the optical head 200 includes a total of eight lens barrels, but in other embodiments, additional optical modules 610 and therefore additional lens barrels may be utilized.

[0085] Optical modules 610 may be arranged in any suitable arrangement and oriented in any suitable orientation relative to each other. Figure 6B In the example of , optical modules 610a and 610b are shown as being arranged in a side-by-side arrangement and parallel orientation, but other arrangements and / or orientations may be further contemplated. Before or during a surgical procedure, a user (e.g., a surgeon) may select or switch between each optical module 610 by selecting or adjusting a digital or physical knob on a surgical console (e.g., surgical console 104), a digital or physical knob on a digital visualization system (e.g., digital visualization system 100), or by actuating a foot pedal or similar mechanism. In response, a controller in communication with the surgical console and / or the digital visualization system may switch views between the optical modules 610.

[0086] As mentioned above, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Each optical module 610 in can be optimized for performing different ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as cataract / anterior chamber procedures or retina / posterior chamber procedures. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each optical module 610 can be configured to display different depths of field as needed to see the desired eye anatomical structure for different types of ophthalmic surgical procedures. In some embodiments, each optical module 6100 can be configured to display different resolutions depending on the size of the anatomical structure targeted during such surgical procedures. In other embodiments, each optical module 610 can be configured to have different fields of view (e.g., magnification levels), and / or can include different filters, such as the filter 324 described above.

[0087] In still other embodiments, a single optical module 610 can be optimized for performing two or more different types of procedures, the single optical module comprising two channels 204, wherein each channel 204 has a first lens barrel 208 and a second lens barrel 209 working in series therein. In such embodiments, the single optical module 610 can be configured to operate within the technical specifications (e.g., depth of field, resolution, magnification level, input light level, filters, etc.) suitable for each of the two or more different types of procedures.

[0088] Fig. 7A A patient's eye 702 is shown as viewed on a three-dimensional (3D) digital visualization system at different magnification stages according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, a surgical camera of the 3D digital visualization system may include an optical head having multiple lens barrels for each of two stereo channels, wherein the multiple lens barrels may share the optical load for each channel. Fig. 7A The specific example shows the separation of optical loads of an optical head including two lens barrels in each channel (e.g., optical head 200 with optical module 210) as viewed by a user on a heads-up display of a corresponding digital visualization system (e.g., heads-up display 106 of digital visualization system 102).

[0089] like Fig. 7A As shown on the far left in , a viewing process 700 for viewing the ophthalmic anatomy of a patient's eye 702 can begin with a view 710 that includes a 3D wide field of view (FOV) without relative magnification (e.g., the image is magnified to a desired "starting" level). View 710 can be provided by a first wide field of view barrel in each stereo channel (e.g., barrel 208 or 408 described above). Then, via user adjustment of, for example, a digital knob or physical knob on a surgical console that communicates with the 3D digital visualization system, or by actuating a foot pedal or other similar control device communicatively coupled to the surgical console, the user can zoom in or zoom in on the eye 702 in a first increment (e.g., 2X), thereby presenting view 720. Fig. 7A In the example of, view 720 can represent the maximum magnification or zoom level of the first lens barrel. In order to transition to view 720, a magnification / zoom mechanism (such as a digital or optical zoom mechanism) for the first lens barrel can be triggered by a user's input to magnify the image provided by the first lens barrel.

[0090] When the maximum magnification or zoom level of the first barrel is reached, the optical head can transition to its second narrow field of view barrel (e.g., barrel 209 or 409 described above) in each channel, thereby presenting view 730. View 730 can represent the 3D narrow FOV as provided by the second barrel without magnification or zoom, and can be substantially the same as view 720 provided by the first barrel at its maximum magnification or zoom, thereby making a "seamless" transition. In order to make such a seamless transition between the images provided by the two barrels, the 3D digital visualization system can crop and rescale the image provided by the first wide field of view barrel while increasing its magnification to substantially match the unamplified image provided by the second narrow field of view barrel. In addition, in addition to the aperture control of the barrels, digital gain and offset (e.g., digital mechanism) are also used to match the light level, color balance and depth of field of the image.

[0091] Return to Fig. 7A After transitioning to view 730, upon receiving further input from the user to zoom in or zoom in on eye 702, a zoom / zoom mechanism (such as a digital or optical zoom mechanism) for the second lens barrel is triggered to magnify the image provided by the second lens barrel and present a final view 740.

[0092] Figure 7B and Figure 7C Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 2A Schematic cross-sectional side view of the optical head 200 in different stages of adjusting its working distance and / or focus during use. As described above, in some embodiments, the working distance of the optical head 200 and / or the focus of the image captured by the optical module 210 can be adjusted by changing the position (e.g., distance) of the optical module 210 relative to the first mirror-beam splitter module 240 within the optical head 200. In such embodiments, the optical module 210 can be movably mounted to a track 284 within the optical head 200 and translated laterally along the track 284 to adjust the working distance and / or focus of the optical head 200 and the optical module 210.

[0093] To demonstrate this concept, Figure 7B The optical module 210 is depicted in a first position 750 relative to the first mirror-beamsplitter module 240, wherein the input light 701 travels a distance Z between the mirror or beamsplitter 242 of the first mirror-beamsplitter module 240 and the sensor (e.g., 216 or 218) of the lens barrel 208 or 209. Figure 7B In FIG. 1 , the optical head 200 has a working distance Y, which is a function of the total distance that the input light 701 travels between the patient's eye 702 and the sensor of the lens barrel 208 or 209. Figure 7CIn FIG. 7 , the optical module 210 moves a distance X toward the first reflector-beam splitter module 240 to a second position 760. Accordingly, in Figure 7C , the distance that the input light 701 travels between the same reflector or beam splitter 242 of the first reflector-beam splitter module 240 and the sensor of the lens barrel 208 or 209 is reduced by the distance X (ZX). Conversely, the working distance Y is increased by the distance X (Y+X). Therefore, translating the optical module 210 laterally toward the first reflector-beam splitter module 240 along the track 284 can increase the working distance of the optical head 200, and vice versa. Similarly, this translation of the optical module 210 can be used to focus the image captured by the optical module 210. This overall mechanism not only provides a simple means for adjusting the working distance and focus of the optical head 200 and the optical module 210, but also helps maintain a relatively compact (e.g., low height or low profile) design of the optical head 200. In addition, by moving the entire optical module 210 and therefore moving all the lens barrels and optical devices together, any tolerance issues associated with the movement of individual optics / lens barrels are avoided, and the same resolution can be maintained at different working distances.

[0094] In summary, certain embodiments of the present disclosure include improved optical heads for visualization systems (such as heads-up digital surgical visualization systems). The optical heads described herein are optimized for use during a variety of different ophthalmic surgical procedures, and also contribute to improved ergonomics and visibility during ophthalmic procedures. Certain embodiments further provide optical heads with lens barrels that contribute to higher resolution and more efficient use of light, thereby improving patient safety. Such lens barrels can also be arranged in an arrangement that reduces the occurrence of optical distortion. Accordingly, the optical system described herein provides several benefits that are superior to conventional systems.

[0095] Although cataract surgery and retinal surgery are discussed as examples of surgical procedures that may benefit from the described embodiments, the advantages of the surgical devices and systems described herein may also benefit other surgical procedures.

[0096] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be envisaged without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure, and the scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow.

[0097] Example Embodiments

[0098] Embodiment 1: A surgical camera comprises: a housing; a substrate connected to the lower end of the housing, the substrate comprising a window for facilitating light to enter and exit the surgical camera; and an optical module connected to the substrate and disposed within the housing, the optical module comprising: two stereo channels, each stereo channel comprising: a first lens barrel, the first lens barrel comprising one or more first optical devices, the first lens barrel being configured to produce an image with a wide field of view (FOV); a first sensor, the first sensor being connected to the first lens barrel for receiving the image with the wide FOV; a second lens barrel, the second lens barrel comprising one or more second optical devices, the second lens barrel being configured to produce an image with a narrow FOV, wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel share the optical load of each stereo channel; and a second sensor, the second sensor being connected to the second lens barrel for receiving the image with the narrow FOV.

[0099] Embodiment 2: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more first optical devices of each first lens barrel include a fixed focal length.

[0100] Embodiment 3: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 2, wherein the optical module includes a digital zoom mechanism to magnify the image generated by each first lens barrel.

[0101] Embodiment 4: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more second optical devices of each second lens barrel include a fixed focal length.

[0102] Embodiment 5: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 4, wherein the optical module includes a digital zoom mechanism to magnify the image generated by each second lens barrel.

[0103] Embodiment 6: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more second optical devices of each second lens barrel include a fixed focal length.

[0104] Embodiment 7: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 6, wherein the optical module includes a digital zoom mechanism to magnify the image generated by each first lens barrel and each second lens barrel.

[0105] Embodiment 8: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more first optical devices of each first lens barrel include a movable optical device for providing optical zoom.

[0106] Embodiment 9: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the one or more second optical devices of each second lens barrel include a movable optical device for providing optical zoom.

[0107] Embodiment 10: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of each stereoscopic channel are arranged in a side-by-side arrangement in the optical module, and wherein each of the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel is arranged along a different optical axis of the optical module.

[0108] Embodiment 11: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of each stereoscopic channel are arranged in a stacked arrangement in the optical module, and wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are arranged along the same optical axis of the optical module.

[0109] Embodiment 12: A surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the two stereoscopic channels are arranged in an opposite layout within the optical module, so that the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of one of the two stereoscopic channels are arranged to be opposite to the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of the other of the two stereoscopic channels and are in an opposite but parallel orientation relative to the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of the other stereoscopic channel.

[0110] Embodiment 13: A surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the optical module further comprises a reflector-beam splitter module, and wherein the input light is split between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of each stereo channel via the reflector-beam splitter module and is guided into the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel.

[0111] Embodiment 14: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the input light is split between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of each stereo channel in a ratio of about 30:70.

[0112] Embodiment 15: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the f-number of each first lens barrel and each second lens barrel in the two stereo channels is between about f / 8 and about f / 2.

[0113] Embodiment 16: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1 further comprises: a pair of coaxial illumination sources, wherein the illumination axis of each of these coaxial illumination sources coincides with the optical axis of at least one of the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of each stereoscopic channel.

[0114] Embodiment 17: A surgical camera as described in Embodiment 16, wherein the illumination axis of each coaxial illumination source coincides with the first optical axis of the first lens barrel in each stereoscopic channel and the second optical axis of the second lens barrel in each stereoscopic channel.

[0115] Embodiment 18: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 17, wherein the illumination axes, the first optical axes and the second optical axes are made to coincide with each other by one or more mirror-beam splitter modules of the surgical camera.

[0116] Embodiment 19: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1 further comprises: a track anchored to the substrate, wherein the optical module is movably connected to the track; and an actuator for driving the optical module to move laterally along the track.

[0117] Embodiment 20: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 19, wherein the lateral movement of the optical module along the track helps to adjust the working distance of the surgical camera.

[0118] Embodiment 21: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 20, wherein the lateral movement of the optical module along the track helps to adjust the focus of the surgical camera.

[0119] Embodiment 22: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein each of the first lens barrels and the second lens barrels includes one or more apertures.

[0120] Embodiment 23: A surgical camera as described in Embodiment 22, wherein the opening and closing of these apertures are driven by one or more motors.

[0121] Embodiment 24: A surgical camera as described in Embodiment 23, wherein the apertures of the two first lens barrels are driven by a single motor.

[0122] Embodiment 25: A surgical camera as described in Embodiment 24, wherein the apertures of the two second lens barrels are driven by a single motor.

[0123] Embodiment 26: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the optical module is arranged to emulate the straight orientation of these first lens barrels and these second lens barrels.

[0124] Embodiment 27: The surgical camera as described in Embodiment 1, wherein the optical module is arranged to emulate the tilted orientation of these first lens barrels and these second lens barrels.

Claims

1. An optical system for a surgical camera, the optical system comprising: Two stereo channels, each including: a first lens barrel comprising one or more first optics, the first lens barrel being configured to produce an image having a wide field of view (FOV); and A second lens barrel includes one or more second optical devices, the second lens barrel is configured to produce an image with a narrow FOV, wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel share the optical load of each stereo channel.

2. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more first optical devices of each first barrel include a fixed focal length.

3. The optical system of claim 2, wherein: The optical system includes a digital zoom mechanism to magnify the image produced by each first lens barrel.

4. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more second optical devices of each second barrel include a fixed focal length.

5. The optical system of claim 4, wherein: The optical system includes a digital zoom mechanism to magnify the image produced by each second lens barrel.

6. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more second optical devices of each second barrel include a fixed focal length.

7. The optical system of claim 6, wherein: The optical system includes a digital zoom mechanism to magnify the image produced by each first lens barrel and each second lens barrel.

8. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more first optical devices of each first lens barrel include movable optical devices for providing optical zoom.

9. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more second optical devices of each second lens barrel include movable optical devices for providing optical zoom.

10. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of each stereo channel are disposed in a side-by-side arrangement, and wherein each of the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel is disposed along a different optical axis of the optical system.

11. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of each stereo channel are arranged in a stacked arrangement, and wherein the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are arranged along a same optical axis of the optical system.

12. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The two stereo channels are arranged in an opposite layout so that the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of one of the two stereo channels are arranged opposite to the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of the other of the two stereo channels and are in an opposite but parallel orientation relative to the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of the other stereo channel.

13. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: Input light is split between the first barrel and the second barrel of each stereo channel via a beam splitter and a reflector and directed into the first barrel and the second barrel.

14. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The input light is split between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel of each stereo channel at a ratio of about 30:

70.

15. The optical system of claim 1, wherein: The f-number of each first lens barrel and each second lens barrel in the two stereo channels is between about f / 8 and about f / 2.

Images