Bent Optical Fiber Probe With Fluid Jet Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating tissues, such as the prostate, suffer from less than ideal removal outcomes, longer healing times, cumbersome user interfaces, inaccurate treatment, and challenges in real-time imaging and alignment with treatment images, leading to suboptimal surgical experiences.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for tissue resection using a fluid stream directed through a urethra to generate shedding clouds, which are scanned to overlap and remove tissue portions, combined with real-time imaging and automated alignment to enhance precision and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior methods of prostate surgery are used, then treatment can be performed, but healing time is longer and outcomes are less desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical instruments with a high-energy fluid jet system that uses pressurized fluid streams to resect and treat prostate tissue. This substitution enables more precise tissue removal and controlled treatment zones, improving surgical outcomes while reducing trauma to surrounding tissues and accelerating healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes variable fluid pressure parameters and pulsed fluid delivery to control tissue resection depth and precision. By adjusting pressure parameters and using pulsed rather than continuous fluid delivery, the system achieves precise tissue removal with minimal damage to surrounding areas, thereby improving outcomes and reducing healing time.
2Measurement precision
If prior ultrasound imaging methods are used, then tissue can be imaged, but real-time imaging of treatment site is not achieved and alignment with treatment images is less than ideal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging system and treatment delivery system into an integrated probe assembly. The ultrasound transducer and fluid jet delivery are merged in a single device, allowing simultaneous real-time imaging and treatment delivery. This integration eliminates the need for separate imaging and treatment procedures, achieving real-time visualization of the treatment site and precise alignment without treatment delays.
3Productivity
If prior treatment apparatus are used, then tissue can be treated, but user interface is cumbersome and surgical efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated control systems that reduce manual operation complexity. The system includes automated fluid pressure regulation, pulsed delivery timing control, and integrated imaging-guided treatment planning that reduces the cognitive and operational burden on the surgeon. These self-regulating features simplify the user interface while maintaining high surgical efficiency.
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
Improves tissue removal accuracy, reduces healing time, and enhances surgical efficiency by providing real-time imaging and automated alignment, resulting in more precise and effective surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A tissue treatment probe is provided including a bent optical fiber and a fluid delivery system
Implementation Method 2
a fluid delivery system configured to deliver a fluid stream to a treatment site
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to treat a patient, the apparatus comprises a carrier having a proximal end and a distal end, an optical fiber to couple to a light source, a fluid delivery element comprising a nozzle having an orifice on the distal end, and an alignment structure to align the optical fiber with the orifice. A distance extends between the alignment structure and the orifice, such that the light beam emitted from the optical fiber diverges so as to allow energy transmission and fluid flow through the orifice. In some embodiments, the apparatus to ablate tissue comprises a source of pressurized fluid, and the nozzle is coupled to the source of pressurized fluid to release a fluid stream.