Medical devices and methods for managing excess lengths of medical laser fiber during medical procedures

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a laser fiber enclosed in a tubular package having a plurality of sections along its length, each of the plurality of sections being connected to an adjacent section by a circumferential tear line, and each of the plurality of sections including a length indicia.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to medical devices, and more particularly to a package and method of use for managing excess laser fiber. [Background technology]

[0002] In medical procedures using laser systems that include a laser fiber, it can be difficult to determine the appropriate length of the laser fiber to reach from the laser module to the patient. The appropriate length can be limited by factors such as where the laser module is located in the room relative to the patient. When the laser system is close to the patient, there may be excess length of laser fiber due to the short distance between the laser system and the patient. Current methods of managing this excess length include wrapping it in a wet cloth and placing it near the patient. A better method for determining the appropriate length of laser fiber needed and managing excess length of laser fiber would be beneficial to users and patients. Disclosed herein are devices and methods of use that address the above. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A medical device disclosed herein, according to some embodiments, includes a laser fiber defining a proximal end and a distal end, the laser fiber including a connector at the proximal end, and a tubular package extending along the laser fiber, the laser fiber being disposed within the tubular package, the tubular package including a plurality of sections along a length of the tubular package, adjacent ones of the plurality of sections being configured to separate from one another during use of the laser fiber.

[0004] In some embodiments, the tubular package defines a coil shape. In some embodiments, the tubular package is formed from a rigid material to maintain the coiled shape during use.

[0005] In some embodiments, the tubular package is configured to be secured to the laser system during use. In some embodiments, adjacent sections are joined via frangible joints, the frangible joints being configured to be separated by a clinician during use.

[0006] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of sections includes a length indication. In some embodiments, each length indication indicates a length of the laser fiber extending between the length indication and the connector.

[0007] In some embodiments, each length indicia is engraved or stamped onto the tubular packaging. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of sections includes a separable seam extending longitudinally along the tubular package.

[0008] In some embodiments, the connector is located external to the package. In some embodiments, the package is disposable. Also disclosed herein is a method of managing excess length of a medical laser fiber during a medical procedure. According to some embodiments, the method includes the steps of: (i) coupling a connector of the laser fiber to a laser system, where the laser fiber is disposed within a tubular package; (ii) determining a desired length of the laser fiber for use 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 the excess length of the laser fiber to the laser system and disposing the excess length within the tubular package.

[0009] In some embodiments of the method, the tubular package includes a plurality of sections, adjacent ones of the plurality of sections configured to be separated by a clinician during use of the laser fiber.

[0010] In some embodiments of the method, each of the plurality of sections includes a length indication. In some embodiments of the method, each length indication indicates a length of the laser fiber extending between the connector and the length indication.

[0011] In some embodiments of the method, determining the desired length of the laser fiber includes using the length indication to determine a portion of the tubular package to be removed from the laser fiber.

[0012] In some embodiments of the method, removing the tubular packaging to expose the laser fiber includes separating one or more of the adjacent sections. In some embodiments of the method, removing the tubular packaging to expose the laser fiber further includes threading one or more number of sections off a distal end of the laser fiber.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method, one or more of the plurality of sections includes a separable seam extending longitudinally along the tubular package. In some embodiments of the method, the step of removing the tubular packaging to expose the laser fiber includes separating a separable seam of one or more sections of the plurality of sections to expose the laser fiber.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method, the tubular package defines a rigid coil shape, and organizing the excess length of laser fiber includes maintaining the excess length of laser fiber within the tubular package.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method, the step of securing the excess length of the laser fiber to the laser system includes hanging the tubular package on a hook of the laser system. These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which disclose in more detail certain embodiments of such concepts.

[0016] A more particular description of the present disclosure will be provided by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a laser system including a laser fiber, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] 1A-1D show plan views of different positions of a laser system during a medical procedure, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1C] 1A-1D show plan views of different positions of a laser system during a medical procedure, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a side view of a portion of a package with a laser fiber disposed therein, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a top view of the package of FIG. 2A having a coiled shape, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the package of FIGS. 2A and 2B having a longitudinal seam, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] 2A and 2B and an embodiment of the package of FIG. 2C in various states of separation to expose a laser fiber, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B]2A and 2B and an embodiment of the package of FIG. 2C in various states of separation to expose a laser fiber, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3C] 2A and 2B and an embodiment of the package of FIG. 2C in various states of separation to expose a laser fiber, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3D] 2A and 2B and an embodiment of the package of FIG. 2C in various states of separation to expose a laser fiber, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for managing excess length of laser fiber, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] 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 concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein may have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiment and, optionally, combined with or substituted for features of any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0019] With regard to the terms used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are intended to describe some particular embodiments, and that these terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps within a group of features or steps, and do not provide serial or numerical limitations. For example, "first," "second," and "third" features or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and a particular embodiment including such features or steps is not necessarily limited to three features or steps. Designations such as "left," "right," "up," "down," "front," "rear," etc. are for convenience and do not imply, for example, a particular fixed position, direction, orientation, etc. Instead, such designations are used, for example, to reflect a relative position, orientation, or direction. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] With respect to "proximal," for example, a "proximal portion" or "proximal end portion" of a portion disclosed herein includes a portion of the portion that is intended to be near a clinician when the portion is used on a patient. Similarly, for example, a "proximal length" of a laser fiber includes a length of the laser fiber that is intended to be near a laser system when the laser fiber is used on a patient. For example, a "proximal end" of a laser fiber includes an end of the laser fiber that is intended to be near a laser system when the laser fiber is used on a patient. A proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a laser fiber can include the proximal end of the laser fiber, but a proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a laser fiber need not include the proximal end of the laser fiber. That is, unless the context suggests otherwise, a proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a laser fiber is not a terminal portion or terminal length of a laser fiber.

[0021] With respect to "distal," for example, a "distal portion" or "distal tip portion" of a laser fiber disclosed herein includes a portion of the laser fiber that is intended to be near or in a patient when the laser fiber is used on a patient. Similarly, for example, a "distal length" of a laser fiber includes a length of the laser fiber that is intended to be near or in a patient when the laser fiber is used on a patient. For example, a "distal end" of a laser fiber includes an end of the laser fiber that is intended to be near or in a patient when the laser fiber is used on a patient. A distal portion, tip portion, or length of a laser fiber can include the distal end of the laser fiber, but a distal portion, tip portion, or length of a laser fiber need not include the distal end of the laser fiber. That is, unless the context suggests otherwise, a distal portion, tip portion, or length of a laser fiber is not a terminal portion or length of the laser fiber.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 1A shows a perspective view of a laser system 100 including a laser fiber 110 (medical device), according to some embodiments. The laser system 100 can be used in performing medical procedures, including laser lithotripsy. The laser fiber 110 includes an optical fiber for transmitting a laser from the laser system 100 to a patient. The laser fiber 110 includes a connector 112 at a proximal end, the connector 112 configured to operably couple the laser fiber 110 to the laser system 100. A distal end portion of the laser fiber 110 is configured to engage a patient.

[0023] The laser fiber 110 can be placed in a package configured to organize the laser fiber 110 before and during use, as shown and described below. The package can also define a microbial barrier to maintain sterility of the laser fiber 110 before use. During use, the entire length of the laser fiber 110, or a portion thereof, can be removed from the package. As shown, in some instances, the entire length of the laser fiber 110 exceeds the length required to extend from the laser system 100 to the patient location. In such cases, the excess length 113 of the laser fiber 110 can be coiled and placed on or near the patient's bed 105 or near the laser system 100.

[0024] 1B and 1C show plan views of different placements of the laser system 100 during a medical procedure, according to some embodiments. During a medical procedure, the laser system 100 can be placed in various locations within the operating room 160 depending on the physician's preference and the location of available electrical outlets. In some embodiments, the laser system 100 can be placed closer to the patient, as shown in FIG. 1B, resulting in excess length of the laser fiber 110 that must be managed. In some embodiments, the laser system 100 can be placed further away from the patient, as shown in FIG. 1C, resulting in little or no excess length of the laser fiber 110.

[0025] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a laser fiber package (package) 130, according to some embodiments. The package 130 can be configured to protect and organize the laser fiber 110 during shipping and handling of the laser fiber 110. The package 130 can also be configured to manage excess length of the laser fiber 110 during use. The package 130 can also be configured to define a microbial barrier to maintain sterility of at least a distal portion of the laser fiber 110. The package 130 includes an elongated body 132 defining a lumen 134 configured to receive the laser fiber 110. The laser fiber 110 can be slidably disposed within the package 130. In some embodiments, the package 130 can define a closed distal end (not shown). In some embodiments, a proximal portion of the package 130 can be configured to receive the connector 112.

[0026] The package 130 can include a number of separable sections 136 (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, or more) along the length of the package 130. By way of example, the package 130 can include three sections 136A-136C extending along the length of the package 130. Each of the sections 136A-136C defines a length of the elongated body 132. The elongated body 132 can define any suitable cross-section, such as, for example, a circular cross-section or a polygonal cross-section. Each of the sections 136A-136C is connected to an adjacent section by a separable joint 140 (e.g., a circumferential tear line). The joint 140 defines a weakened portion configured to allow a clinician to separate the adjacent sections by applying a separation force. The force to separate the sections 136 can include a pulling force, a pushing force, a twisting force, or a combination thereof. The joint 140 may include score lines, grooves, laser cut lines, perforations, thinned sections, or similar structures to facilitate separation of the joint 140. Each of the sections 136A-136C may be configured to separate from adjacent sections along the joints 140A-140C. Once separated, each of the multiple sections 136A-136C may be distally threaded off the laser fiber 110 to expose a portion of the laser fiber 110 for use. Similarly, the laser fiber 110, or a portion thereof, may be proximally removed from the package 130.

[0027] In some embodiments, each of sections 136A-136C can include length indicia 144. The length indicia can indicate, for example, the length of the respective section or some other length, such as the distance between length indicia 144 and connector 112. In some embodiments, length indicia 144 can indicate the distance of each indicia 144A-144C from connector 112. Length indicia 144A-144C can be applied to package 130 via any suitable process, such as, for example, engraving, stamping, printing, etc.

[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a package 130 having a laser fiber 110 disposed therein, according to some embodiments. The package 130 can define a coil shape having multiple windings. The package 130 can be rigid to maintain the coiled shape during use. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the laser fiber 110 can include a connector 112, which can be disposed outside the package 130. During use, a clinician can determine a length of the laser fiber 110 to perform a treatment. The clinician can remove a portion of the package 130 from the determined length of the laser fiber 110 to leave an 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 hanging the excess length of the laser fiber 110 on a housing of the laser system 100. Sections 136A-136C defining joints 140A-140D may be equally spaced along the length of package 130. In some embodiments, sections 136A-136C may be more closely spaced toward a distal end of package 130 and more farther apart toward a proximal end of package 130. In some embodiments, sections 136A-136C may be spaced apart a defined distance (e.g., 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, etc.). In some embodiments, package 130 may be constructed of a hardened plastic (e.g., PEEK, PTFE, PPSU, PSU, PU, ​​Nylon, PEBAX, PP, PE, ABS, EVA, PETG, PVDF, etc.). In some embodiments, the windings of package 130 or sections 136A-136C may be coupled to one another via fixtures 146, which may include, for example, an adhesive or adhesive tape, to help maintain the coiled shape.In other words, portions of the package 130 are combined to manage excess lengths of the laser fiber 110 disposed within the package 130. In some embodiments, the package 130 may be disposable.

[0029] 2C shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the package 130. In such an embodiment, the package 130 can include the splice 140 and can further include a seam 150 extending longitudinally along the package 130 to laterally separate the laser fiber 110 from the package 130. The seam 150 can include a tear line, or the seam 150 can include a slit biased toward a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the seam 150 can extend along one or more of the sections 136 or along the entire length of the package 130. For example, the seam 150 can extend along a section 136 disposed along a distal portion of the package 130, since such distally disposed section 136 is more likely to be removed during use. Advantageously, splice 150 allows a user to laterally separate section 136 from laser fiber 110 without longitudinally threading the section 136 off the distal end of the laser fiber 110, thereby saving a clinician time in setting up the laser fiber 110.

[0030] 3A-3D are perspective views illustrating separation of package 130 to expose laser fiber 110, according to some embodiments. A proximal end of laser fiber 110 is coupled to laser system 100 (see FIGS. 1A-1C), and laser fiber 110 is housed within package 130, as shown in FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, package 130 includes sections 136A-136D that define joints 140A-140C. A user can determine a desired length of laser fiber 110. Once a user has determined a desired length of laser fiber 110, the user can remove section 130A of package 136 to expose laser fiber 110. A user can remove section 136A by separating section 136A from section 136B along joint 140A and sliding section 136A distally along laser fiber 110, as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, a user can remove section 136A from section 136B by separating section 136A along joint 140A, and further remove section 136A from laser fiber 110 by separating section 136A along seam 150 to expose laser fiber 110 as shown in FIG. 3C. The remaining sections 136B-136D of package 130 may remain on laser fiber 110 and be organized into a coil and secured to laser system 100.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 200 for managing excess length of laser fiber 110, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method 200 includes coupling the laser fiber 110 in the package 130 to the laser system 100 (block 202). In some embodiments, the coupling includes coupling the connector 112 of the laser fiber 110 to the laser system 100, with the remaining portion of the laser fiber 110 disposed in the package 130. The method 200 further includes determining a desired length of the laser fiber 110 (block 204). In some embodiments, the determining can include using a length indicia 144 on the package 130 to determine a portion of the package 130 to be removed from the laser fiber 110. The method 200 further includes removing a portion of the package 130 to expose a desired length of the laser fiber 110 (block 206). In some embodiments, removing the package 130 includes separating adjacent sections 136 of the package 130 at a splice 140. In some embodiments, the removing step includes sliding the separated section 136 distally along the longitudinal axis to expose the laser fiber 110. In some embodiments, the removing step includes separating the section 136 along the seam 150 to expose the laser fiber 110. The method 200 further includes configuring and securing the package 130 to the laser system 100, where the excess length of laser fiber 110 is disposed within the package 130 (block 208). In some embodiments, organizing the excess laser fiber 110 includes coiling the excess laser fiber 110. In some embodiments, securing the excess laser fiber 110 to the laser system 100 includes hanging the package 130 on a hook of the laser system 100.

[0032] Some specific embodiments are disclosed herein, and although the specific embodiments are disclosed in some detail, the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concept provided herein. Additional adaptations and / or modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the broader aspects also encompass these adaptations and / or modifications. Thus, one may deviate from the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concept provided herein.

Claims

1. 1. A medical device comprising: a laser fiber defining a proximal end and a distal end, the laser fiber having a connector on the proximal end; a tubular package extending along the laser fiber, the laser fiber being disposed within the tubular package; the tubular package includes a plurality of sections along its length; A medical device, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of sections are configured to separate from one another during use of the laser fiber.

2. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the tubular package defines a coil shape.

3. The medical device of claim 2 , wherein the tubular package is formed from a rigid material to maintain the coiled shape during use.

4. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tubular package is configured to be secured to a laser system module during use.

5. the adjacent sections are joined together via weakened joints; The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frangible joint is configured to be separated by a clinician during use.

6. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of sections includes a length indicia.

7. The medical device of claim 6 , wherein each length marking indicates a length of the laser fiber extending between the length marking and the connector.

8. 8. The medical device of claim 6 or 7, wherein each length indicia is engraved or stamped onto the tubular packaging.

9. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more of the plurality of sections includes a separable seam extending longitudinally along the tubular package.

10. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connector is disposed externally of the tubular package.

11. The medical device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tubular package is disposable.

12. 1. A method for managing excess length of a medical laser fiber during a medical procedure, comprising: coupling a connector of a laser fiber to a laser system, the laser fiber being disposed within a tubular package; determining a desired length of a laser fiber for use in performing a medical procedure; removing a portion of the tubular package to expose a desired length of the laser fiber; fastening the excess length of the laser fiber to the laser system and placing the excess length within a tubular package.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the tubular package includes a plurality of sections, adjacent ones of the plurality of sections being configured to be separated by a clinician during use of the laser fiber.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein each of the plurality of sections includes a length indication.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein each length marking indicates a length of the laser fiber extending between the connector and the length marking.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining a desired length of the laser fiber comprises using the length indication to determine a portion of the tubular package to be removed from the laser fiber.

17. The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein removing the tubular package to expose the laser fiber comprises separating one or more of the adjacent sections.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein removing the tubular package to expose the laser fiber further comprises detaching one or more of the plurality of sections from a distal end of the laser fiber.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein one or more of the plurality of sections includes a separable seam extending longitudinally along the tubular package.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein removing the tubular package to expose the laser fiber comprises separating a separable seam of one or more of the multiple sections to expose the laser fiber.

21. the tubular package defining a rigid coil shape; The method of claim 12 , wherein organizing the excess length of laser fiber comprises maintaining the excess length of laser fiber within the tubular package.

22. The method of claim 12 , wherein the step of securing the excess length of the laser fiber to a laser system comprises hanging the tubular package on a hook of a laser system.

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