Electrosurgical Illumination via Optical Waveguide Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrosurgical tools lack adequate illumination, especially in deep, dark surgical sites, which can obstruct the surgical field and hinder precise procedures due to insufficient brightness and directional lighting.
Innovation Solution
The development of an illuminated energy device featuring an optical waveguide coupled to a handle and an energy tip, allowing for adjustable positioning of the light source relative to the surgical target, thereby enhancing illumination and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are positioned at the distal tip to provide illumination, then brightness and proximity to target are improved, but thermal safety and device profile are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the illumination system (LEDs and optical elements) is separated from the energy delivery system (electrode tip). This allows the LEDs to be positioned closer to the target for better illumination while the energy tip can be positioned independently to manage thermal effects and maintain safety margins.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical waveguide or light guide is introduced as an intermediary between the LEDs and the surgical target. This allows the light to be transmitted from a position that is thermally safe to the distal tip, providing illumination at the target location without placing heat-generating LEDs directly at the distal tip.
2Illumination intensity
If LEDs are positioned at the distal tip for optimal illumination, then brightness is improved, but beam directionality and light shaping become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Optical elements such as lenses, light guides, or waveguides are introduced as intermediaries to shape and direct the light beam. These optical components can collimate the light from omnidirectional LEDs and direct it along the longitudinal axis of the device, providing both brightness and directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with localized optical elements (lenses, light guides) at specific positions along the device to control light directionality in the region where it is most needed, while allowing other parts of the device to maintain their primary functions.
3Illumination intensity
If high powered LEDs are used to increase brightness, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat generation increases requiring cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-generating LED components are extracted from the distal tip region and relocated to a cooler, proximal location within the device handle. This separation allows high-powered LEDs to be used for brightness while the heat they generate can be managed in a region with better thermal dissipation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide or optical fiber is introduced as an intermediary to transmit light from the proximal LED location to the distal tip. This allows the LEDs to be positioned in a thermally favorable location while still providing illumination at the surgical target.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If LEDs are mounted in the handle for thermal safety, then thermal management is improved, but illumination proximity to target is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An optical waveguide or light guide serves as an intermediary to transmit light from the LEDs positioned in the handle to the distal tip region. This allows the LEDs to be located in a thermally safe position while the light is delivered close to the surgical target, maintaining both thermal safety and illumination proximity.
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 provides improved illumination with enhanced brightness, directionality, and thermal safety, ensuring optimal visibility and safety during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the light passing therethrough has at least one internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink thermally coupled with the illumination element and dissipates heat generated therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated energy device includes a handle, an optical waveguide coupled to the handle, and an energy tip such as an electrode coupled to the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is preferably adjustably coupled to the optical waveguide, and adjustment of the optical waveguide moves a distal end of the optical waveguide closer to or further away from a target such as tissue in a surgical field.