Angled Optical Fiber Tip with Direct Bonded Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical laser systems using optical fibers face challenges due to enlarged bulbous shapes at the distal end, which require larger working channels, especially in noninvasive procedures, as existing reflective surfaces cannot reflect all laser energy, necessitating an air pocket and increased channel size.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber design with an angled distal face and a reflector attached without an air gap, using different adhesives to direct at least 90% of laser energy transversely, and a buffer to minimize outer diameter, allowing the fiber tip to have an atraumatic shape and fit within smaller working channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a reflective surface is used to direct laser energy away from the fiber core, then laser energy reflection is improved, but the outer diameter of the cap increases due to the required air pocket
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the air pocket from the cap structure. By directly bonding the reflective surface to the fiber core distal end, the design removes the unnecessary air gap that previously increased the cap's outer diameter while maintaining the same laser energy reflection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the reflective surface directly with the fiber core distal end through bonding, eliminating the separate air pocket component. This integration achieves total laser energy reflection without requiring the additional space that an air gap would occupy, thereby reducing the cap's outer diameter.
2Loss of energy
If the cap outer diameter is increased to accommodate an air gap for total reflection, then laser energy reflection is improved, but the working channel size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the air pocket from the cap structure. By directly bonding the reflective surface to the fiber core distal end, the design removes the unnecessary air gap that previously increased the cap's outer diameter while maintaining the same laser energy reflection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the reflective surface directly with the fiber core distal end through bonding, eliminating the separate air pocket component. This integration achieves total laser energy reflection without requiring the additional space that an air gap would occupy, thereby reducing the cap's outer diameter.
3Power
If an exit port with lens or aperture is added to the cap, then laser energy delivery is improved, but the outer diameter of the cap increases and irregularities in shape are created
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end of the fiber core serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light transmission medium and the mounting surface for the reflective layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate exit ports, lenses, or apertures that would increase the cap's outer diameter and create shape irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the reflective surface directly with the fiber core distal end through bonding, eliminating the separate air pocket component. This integration achieves total laser energy reflection without requiring the additional space that an air gap would occupy, thereby reducing the cap's outer diameter.
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
The solution enables efficient delivery of laser energy while maintaining a smaller profile, reducing the need for larger working channels and minimizing tissue or stone absorption, thus improving procedural efficiency and reducing channel size requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector including a proximal face attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to an angled proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct the laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse with the fiber axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
One described aspect is an optical fiber comprising: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end with an angled distal face; a jacket that surrounds a proximal portion of the fiber core along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end located proximal of the angled distal face; a fiber tip including a proximal end with an angled distal face; and a reflector including a proximal face attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct the laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse with the fiber axis, wherein the optical fiber tapers along the fiber axis. Associated laser systems are also disclosed.