Catheter Alignment Assembly for Laser Fiber Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning laser beams with optical fibers in medical applications, particularly for treating vascular lesions, face challenges such as energy loss and low coupling tolerance due to the use of acousto-optic deflectors, which require precise and accurate alignment while maintaining efficiency and safety, especially in single-use devices to prevent cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a multiplexer that directs a single light source into multiple optical fibers, utilizing an alignment assembly with camera-based micrometer-level adjustments and rotational degrees of freedom to ensure precise alignment of the light guides, allowing for efficient energy distribution and reduced risk of fiber damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If acousto-optic deflectors are used to align laser beams with optical fibers, then beam direction can be adjusted, but energy loss increases and coupling tolerance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the acousto-optic deflector from the system entirely, replacing it with a direct mechanical alignment mechanism. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the energy loss and low coupling tolerance issues while maintaining beam direction adjustment capability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acousto-optic deflection system with a mechanical alignment system using adjustable mounts and positioning mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for complex optical deflection while achieving the same functional goal of beam alignment with minimal energy loss.
2Ease of operation
If acousto-optic deflectors are used for beam alignment, then beam direction can be changed, but alignment precision and coupling tolerance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the acousto-optic deflector, the patent eliminates the source of imprecision. The direct mechanical alignment system provides superior coupling tolerance and alignment precision compared to the acousto-optic approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mechanical intermediaries such as adjustable mounts, positioning stages, and alignment fixtures that provide precise control over beam direction and fiber position. These mechanical intermediaries enable fine-tuning alignment without the limitations of acousto-optic deflection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-use applied part is used to prevent cross-contamination, then patient safety is improved, but alignment must be re-established for each new device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-aligned alignment features directly into the single-use applied part, such as pre-positioned fiber holders and alignment marks. This preliminary alignment setup eliminates the need for time-consuming realignment operations when connecting to the laser source, as the alignment is already established during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-use applied part is designed with self-aligning features that automatically establish proper alignment when connected to the laser source. The device serves itself by incorporating alignment mechanisms that require no external adjustment or re-establishment, maintaining both safety and efficiency.
4Productivity
If laser beam energy is increased to treat vascular lesions, then treatment efficacy is improved, but fiber damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical intermediaries such as optical couplers, connectors, and alignment mechanisms that efficiently transfer high-energy laser beams to the fiber core. These intermediaries ensure that the beam remains concentrated and properly aligned, preventing energy spillage that could damage the fiber while maintaining high treatment efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces acousto-optic deflection with direct mechanical alignment systems that provide more stable and precise beam positioning. This substitution reduces beam wandering and improves coupling efficiency, allowing higher energy levels to be delivered to the fiber core without increasing the risk of fiber damage.
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 system enables precise and efficient alignment of laser beams with optical fibers, enhancing energy delivery to vascular lesions while minimizing fiber damage and maintaining safety through accurate micrometer-level adjustments, thus improving treatment efficacy and reducing cross-contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
alignment assembly with camera-based micrometer-level adjustments
Implementation Method 2
multiplexer that directs a single light source into multiple optical fibers
Implementation Method 3
alignment assembly with rotational degrees of freedom
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system (100) for treating a vascular lesion (106A) within or adjacent to a vessel wall (108A) within a body (107) of a patient (109). The catheter system (100) includes a light source (124), a receptacle assembly (274), a first light guide (122A) and a second light guide (122A), a multiplexer (128), and an alignment assembly (256). The light source (124) generates a source beam (124A) of light energy. The first light guide (122A) and the second light guide (122A) are coupled to the receptacle assembly (274), each light guide (122A) having a guide proximal end (122P). The multiplexer (128) receives the source beam (124A) from the light source (124), the multiplexer (128) directing individual guide beams (124B) from the source beam (124A) to each of the guide proximal end (122P) of the first light guide (122A) and the guide proximal end (122P) of the second light guide (122A). The alignment assembly (256) adjusts the position of the receptacle assembly (274) relative to the individual guide beams (124B).