Endoscopic Laser Fiber Interlock Using Optical Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser endoscopic procedures lack a way to protect the inner workings of the endoscope from accidental laser emission, which can cause damage to the endoscope and other equipment, and result in costly repairs and surgical delays.
Innovation Solution
An optical feedback system is incorporated into the surgical laser system to detect when the surgical laser fiber transitions from being inside to outside the endoscope's working channel, using reflected light to prevent laser emission until the fiber is fully withdrawn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser emission is enabled during endoscopic procedures, then surgical treatment can be performed, but accidental laser emission can damage the endoscope and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the laser fiber's position relative to the endoscope tip before enabling laser emission. The controller continuously monitors whether the fiber distal end extends beyond the endoscope distal end, and only permits laser emission when the fiber is confirmed to be outside the endoscope, thereby preventing accidental internal emission that could damage equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller receives real-time information about the laser fiber position and adjusts the laser emission state accordingly. When the fiber is detected inside the endoscope, the controller prevents emission; when the fiber is detected outside, the controller permits emission, creating a closed-loop safety system
2Reliability
If the laser fiber position is continuously monitored, then accidental emission can be prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an optical intermediary approach where light is transmitted through the laser fiber itself to detect its position. By analyzing the optical properties (attenuation, reflection, transmission) of light passing through or reflecting from the fiber, the controller can determine fiber position without requiring complex mechanical sensors or additional invasive measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The laser fiber serves multiple functions: it acts as both the medium for delivering surgical laser energy and as the sensing element for position detection. The same fiber that delivers treatment also provides the optical feedback needed for safety monitoring, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing overall system complexity
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
Prevents accidental laser emission, protecting the endoscope and other equipment from damage, reducing repair costs and minimizing surgical delays by ensuring safe laser fiber advancement.
Implementation Method 1
optically detecting an amount of the light reflected from the target
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the optically detected amount of light through a laser fiber extending through a working channel of the endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for determining advancement of a surgical laser fiber in an endoscope and providing interlocking feedback for the surgical laser are disclosed. An exemplary method includes directing light from a distal end of an endoscope to a target, optically detecting an amount of the light reflected from the target, transmitting the optically detected amount of light through a laser fiber extending through a working channel of the endoscope, determining, based on the optically detected amount of light, a position of a distal end of the laser fiber relative to the distal end of the endoscope, and generating a control signal to the surgical laser system to adjust laser emission through the laser fiber.