Capillary Cover for Laser Fiber Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Side-firing optical fibers used in laser-based surgical procedures face issues such as damage during insertion, reduced laser energy delivery, overheating, and potential metal cap degradation, which can lead to patient safety concerns and device longevity problems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving a low-profile cover, such as a light-sensitive polymer coating or a slideable metal sleeve, are used to protect the optical fiber capillary during insertion, which can be removed or retracted to expose the treatment area, enhancing laser energy delivery and reducing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective metal cap is placed over the optical fiber end, then the optical fiber end portion is protected from damage, but the profile or size of the optical fiber end increases making insertion more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary is inserted through the endoscope first, then the protective metal cap is placed over the optical fiber end while it is already positioned within the endoscope lumen. This nesting approach allows the cap to be installed without increasing the insertion profile, as the optical fiber passes through the cap rather than the cap leading the insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is inserted through the endoscope before the protective metal cap is attached. By performing the insertion action first and then adding the protective cap, the system avoids the problem of the cap increasing the insertion profile while still providing the necessary protection.
2Reliability
If a protective metal cap is used, then the optical fiber is protected, but back-scattered laser energy causes the metal cap to degrade and release portions into the patient's body
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is extracted from a solid metal cap and transferred to a coating applied directly to the capillary surface. This coating is specifically designed to be resistant to laser-induced degradation, thereby eliminating the problem of metal cap deterioration while maintaining protection of the optical fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the protective layer are changed from metal to a laser-resistant coating material. This parameter change in material composition provides protection against the optical fiber while being immune to degradation from back-scattered laser energy, preventing release of particles into the patient's body.
3Reliability
If a protective metal cap is used, then the optical fiber is protected, but the metal cap overheats and affects the mechanical and optical properties of the optical fiber end
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is extracted from the metal cap structure and implemented through a thin coating on the capillary. This coating provides protection without the thermal mass and heat retention characteristics of metal, allowing heat to dissipate more effectively and preventing overheating that would affect the optical fiber properties.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin film coating is applied to the capillary surface instead of using a thick metal cap. This thin film provides the necessary protection while having minimal thermal insulation effect, allowing efficient heat dissipation and preventing the overheating problems associated with metal caps.
4Reliability
If a protective metal cap is used, then the optical fiber is protected during insertion, but side-firing laser energy delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is extracted from a solid metal cap and implemented through a minimal coating on the capillary. This approach provides protection during insertion while minimizing interference with laser energy delivery, as the thin coating presents less obstruction to the side-firing laser energy compared to a solid metal cap.
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 solution improves the longevity of the optical fiber device, increases side-fired laser energy transmission, reduces overheating, and enhances patient safety by minimizing metal cap degradation and damage during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the coating can be removed after insertion by exposing the light-sensitive material to laser energy transmitted from an optical-fiber-core end housed within the capillary
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes disposing a cover about a capillary used in a side-firing optical fiber. The cover can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through an endoscope for medical treatment. In some embodiments, the cover can be a low-profile cover such as a coating made of a light-sensitive polymer or like material. At least a portion of the coating can be removed after insertion by exposing the light-sensitive material to laser energy transmitted from an optical-fiber-core end housed within the capillary. In other embodiments, the cover can be a slideable or moveable low-profile sleeve or metal cover. During insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is positioned over the capillary. After insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is retracted to expose the area to be treated to side-fired laser energy transmitted from the capillary.