Chamfering Optical Fiber Tool for Intraoperative Laser Lithotripsy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reprocessing surgical optical fibers during surgical procedures, such as endoscopic laser lithotripsy, often result in damaged working channel liners and reduced laser energy delivery efficiency due to the inability to effectively chamfer the fiber edges without distorting the optical output, which fails to meet FDA compliance.
Innovation Solution
A chamfering tool with conical bores and a housing body designed to allow chamfering of the fiber edges within the glass cladding layer, preventing core chamfering and maintaining the spatial distribution of light, is used intraoperatively, enabling the tool to be hand-held and rotated to achieve the desired chamfer angle without requiring the fiber end to be free.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional thermal chamfering methods (CO2 laser, plasma arc, gas flame) are used on surgical fibers, then the fiber edges can be chamfered, but the chamfer extends into the fiber core causing spatial distortion of optical output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal chamfering methods (CO2 laser, plasma arc, gas flame) with a mechanical chamfering die that uses a conical bore with controlled dimensions. The die mechanically grinds the fiber cladding to create a chamfer without extending into the core, thereby maintaining optical output spatial distribution while achieving the desired edge chamfering.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfering die is designed with a conical bore that has a specific diameter (0.38-0.43mm) that is larger than the fiber core diameter (0.20-0.91mm) but smaller than the fiber cladding outer diameter (0.23-1.05mm). This dimensional precision ensures that the chamfering action is localized to the cladding layer only, preserving the core's optical properties while modifying the outer edge geometry.
2Productivity
If sterile strippers and cleavers are used for intraoperative fiber reprocessing, then fiber edges can be recut, but working channel liners are damaged by gouging, pitting, and perforation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable, sterile, single-use chamfering die that is discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for reusable strippers and cleavers that cause damage to working channel liners. The disposable nature ensures sterility while preventing cumulative damage to expensive endoscope components through repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfering die is designed to be removed from the endoscope working channel after a single use, taking the chamfering function with it. This extraction of the chamfering tool from the system prevents any reusable tool from remaining in the channel and causing future damage, while still achieving the necessary fiber preparation intraoperatively.
3Reliability
If the fiber distal end is constrained during chamfering, then the fiber remains attached to the laser source, but conventional chamfering tools cannot access the fiber end
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bringing the fiber end out to the operator for chamfering, the patent inverts the approach by inserting the chamfering die into the endoscope working channel to reach the fiber end. The die is pushed through the channel and contacts the fiber distal end from the opposite direction, allowing chamfering while the fiber remains connected to the laser source.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfering die is designed to be inserted through and nested within the endoscope working channel, which itself is nested within the endoscope. This nested configuration allows the chamfering tool to access the fiber end deep within the endoscope while maintaining the fiber's connection to the external laser source, solving the accessibility problem without compromising connection reliability.
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 tool effectively chamfers the surgical optical fibers during procedures, preventing core distortion and ensuring compliance with FDA requirements by confining the chamfer area to the glass cladding layer, thus maintaining the spatial characteristics of the optical output and improving the efficiency of laser energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the chamfering (substantially conical) surface that, when rotated relative to the fiber, gently grinds the edge to the chamfer angle
Implementation Method 2
The surface of the conical portion may be hardened, for example, by anodization or other surface hardening techniques known in the art
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for chamfering cleaved tips of optical fibers. The tool including conical bores of relatively smooth and hard material terminate at a cylindrical bore that is slightly larger than the fiber core maximum diameter and a fiber centering bore that is slightly larger than the fiber coating maximum diameter. The tool provided such that when a cleaved fiber tip is inserted into the centering bore the sharp edge falls upon the chamfering surface that, when rotated relative to the fiber, gently grinds the edge to the chamfer angle. Chamfering cannot occur on the core face due to the absence of tool surface at this dimension.