Ophthalmic Endoilluminator with Angled Fiber Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic endoilluminators are unable to effectively direct light in certain situations, such as during ophthalmic surgery, where a specific illumination pattern is required to enhance visibility within the eyeball.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cannula with a cylindrical shape and an optical fiber with a shaped distal end, where the fiber optical axis is not parallel to the cannula's cylindrical axis, allowing for directed light emission with an increased divergence angle, and an actuator mechanism to adjust the illumination axis, preventing light vignetting and enabling angled illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical fiber is bent or shaped to direct light in a particular direction, then light directionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is bent into a curved configuration with a specific radius of curvature to direct light at a desired angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. This curvature allows the fiber to emit light laterally through side-firing while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is positioned asymmetrically within the cannula such that its curved path creates a specific illumination pattern. The fiber's curvature radius and positioning are designed to direct light preferentially in one direction, creating an asymmetric illumination field that highlights specific anatomical structures during ophthalmic procedures
2Illumination intensity
If the optical fiber emits light in multiple directions, then illumination coverage is improved, but light intensity in specific areas decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved optical fiber is designed to emit light with different characteristics at different locations along its length. The curvature creates zones where light is emitted laterally at specific angles, providing concentrated illumination in targeted areas while maintaining overall coverage. This local variation in light emission quality allows simultaneous achievement of broad coverage and focused intensity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical fiber is positioned at an angle to the cannula axis, then angled illumination is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is pre-curved and pre-positioned at a specific angle relative to the cannula axis during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration ensures that the fiber is already oriented to provide optimal angled illumination for ophthalmic procedures, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative adjustment mechanisms and reducing the precision requirements for final assembly
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration provides improved light distribution and visibility during ophthalmic procedures, allowing for precise illumination patterns that enhance surgical outcomes by directing light at desired angles and preventing light obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber is disposed within the intermediate material and has a fiber optical axis and a distal end configured to emit light
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain embodiments of an endoilluminator may include a cannula, an intermediate material, and an optical fiber. The cannula has a substantially cylindrical shape that defines an interior region and has a cylindrical axis. The intermediate material is disposed within the interior region. The optical fiber is disposed within the intermediate material and has a fiber optical axis and a distal end configured to emit light. The emitted light has an illumination pattern with an illumination axis that is not parallel to the cylindrical axis.