Embedded Laser Fiber Hollow Needle for Tissue-Safe Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delivery of laser energy deep into the body for therapeutic purposes using a hollow probe or needle is cumbersome, and existing methods, such as using a luer lock mechanism, are prone to user errors and can result in improper placement and migration of the laser fiber, leading to pain, discomfort, and damage to healthy tissues.
Innovation Solution
A hollow needle with a permanently embedded laser fiber, forming a non-detachable unit, where the fiber is fixed with glue and has a beveled cutting edge, ensuring precise and safe delivery of laser energy by preventing fiber protrusion and movement, and is designed for minimal tissue disruption with an outer diameter of 0.7 mm or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hollow probe or needle with a detachable laser fiber is used, then the device allows flexibility in fiber replacement, but the placement is cumbersome and prone to user errors causing fiber migration and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hollow needle and laser fiber into a single integrated unit where the fiber is permanently embedded within the needle shaft. This integration eliminates the detachable connection that causes migration and placement errors, while the needle itself serves as both the delivery vehicle and the stable housing for the fiber, ensuring precise and consistent positioning at the treatment site.
2Ease of operation
If the laser fiber protrudes past the cutting edge, then the fiber can be easily accessed, but the fiber is prone to splitting and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The laser fiber is nested within the hollow needle shaft, positioned precisely so that the fiber tip aligns with or is slightly recessed from the cutting edge. This nested configuration protects the fiber from external damage and splitting while maintaining the ability to deliver laser energy through the needle tip. The fiber is securely held in place by the needle walls, preventing migration while ensuring proper positioning for treatment.
3Reliability
If a larger diameter needle is used for fiber embedding, then the fiber is more securely fixed, but tissue disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the needle diameter to a specific range that provides sufficient structural support for secure fiber embedding while minimizing tissue trauma. The needle dimensions are carefully selected to balance the mechanical requirements for fiber stability with the biological requirements for minimal tissue disruption during percutaneous insertion and placement.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus facilitating percutaneous delivery of laser energy includes: a hollow needle having a cutting edge at an insertion end thereof; and a laser fiber fixedly embedded within the hollow needle, the embedded laser fiber within the needle being permanently fixed within the hollow needle as one non detachable unit.