Common Light Source for OCT and Illumination in Surgical Probes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microsurgical probes are complex, costly, and difficult to miniaturize, making them unsuitable for ophthalmic surgery, where small dimensions are required, and often require multiple light sources for different functions, leading to inefficiencies in illumination and surgical applications.
Innovation Solution
A broadband light source that splits light into visible illumination and surgical light, using a supercontinuum laser and wavelength splitter, coupled with high numerical aperture optics to deliver light through nano-scale guides to multi-function surgical probes, enabling efficient and versatile illumination and surgical applications in small-scale procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate light sources are used for different surgical functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single broadband supercontinuum light source is used to provide multiple surgical functions including illumination, OCT imaging, and photodisruption by varying the wavelength selection, eliminating the need for multiple separate light sources while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband light is spectrally segmented into different wavelength ranges using a wavelength splitter, allowing separate delivery of illumination light (visible spectrum) and surgical light (infrared spectrum) through separate light guides to appropriate surgical probes
2Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources are used for illumination and surgery, then sufficient light output is achieved, but harmful wavelengths may damage tissue
Solution Approach 1:
Different wavelength ranges are selectively delivered to different locations or functions: visible wavelengths for illumination and infrared wavelengths for surgical applications, with harmful wavelengths filtered out through wavelength-selective coupling optics and light guides
Solution Approach 2:
Wavelength-selective coupling optics and spectral filtering act as intermediaries between the broadband light source and the surgical probe, selectively transmitting useful wavelengths while blocking harmful ones before they reach the tissue
3Adaptability or versatility
If probes are made larger to accommodate complex mechanisms, then functionality is improved, but they become unsuitable for ophthalmic surgery requiring small dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical and optical components are extracted from the probe tip and relocated to the external surgical console, allowing the probe tip to be minimized to minimal invasive dimensions while maintaining full functionality through remote control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light guides carrying different wavelengths are nested within a single probe structure, allowing multiple functions to be delivered through a single minimally invasive probe without increasing its external dimensions
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 provides a compact, efficient, and versatile light delivery system for microsurgical probes, allowing for effective illumination and surgical functions like OCT, while minimizing tissue damage and reducing waste by filtering out harmful wavelengths, thus enhancing the practicality and safety of ophthalmic microsurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a broadband coherent light source produces broadband coherent light having a spectral range including at least a majority of the visible spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength splitter adapted to split the broadband light into illumination light having a spectral range covering at least a majority of the visible spectrum and surgical light having a spectral range outside of the spectral range of the illumination light
Implementation Method 3
The coupling optics couple the broadband coherent light to the nano-scale light guide with a high numerical aperture, thus producing a large angular distribution when the broadband light is emitted from a distal end of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A light source for a surgical system includes a broadband light source operable to produce broadband light. The light source further includes a wavelength splitter adapted to split the broadband light into illumination light having a spectral range covering at least a majority of the visible spectrum and surgical light having a spectral range outside of the spectral range of the illumination light. The light source then includes at least one surgical module adapted to control application of the surgical light. The light source also includes first and second coupling optics. The first coupling optics are configured to optically couple the illumination light to an illumination light guide for delivery to a first surgical probe. The second coupling optics are configured to optically couple the surgical light to a surgical light guide for delivery to a second surgical probe.