Excimer Laser Fiber Probe With Integrated Illumination for Angle Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser treatment procedures for glaucoma lack adequate visualization of the trabecular meshwork, leading to inadequate drainage and potential collateral tissue damage due to insufficient illumination from external light sources.
Innovation Solution
A single-use laser probe with an integrated light emitting member provides internal illumination to the eye, allowing precise visualization of the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal during laser treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If external light sources (slit lamp) are used to illuminate the anterior chamber angle, then the illumination can be provided from outside the eye, but the visualization of the trabecular meshwork and laser fiber position remains inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser fiber and illumination fiber into a single integrated probe that can be inserted into the eye. The illumination fiber is positioned adjacent to the laser fiber, allowing both laser delivery and visualization functions to be performed from the same location within the anterior chamber angle, providing comprehensive illumination and visualization of the treatment area
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination fiber acts as an intermediary that brings light directly to the target site (anterior chamber angle and trabecular meshwork) from within the eye rather than from outside. This internal illumination source provides superior visualization of the laser fiber position and tissue structures compared to external light sources
2Manufacturing precision
If laser fiber is positioned without proper internal illumination, then the procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but the precision of laser positioning and treatment effectiveness cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The probe merges multiple functions (laser delivery, illumination, and visualization) into a single integrated device. The illumination fiber is positioned adjacent to the laser fiber within the same probe body, enabling precise laser positioning and treatment verification without requiring separate illumination equipment or complex external positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers laser energy to the trabecular meshwork, provides internal illumination of the anterior chamber angle, and enables visualization of the laser fiber position and treatment effectiveness. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall procedural setup
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
Enhances the surgeon's ability to position the laser delivery tip optimally, ensuring effective channel formation and drainage, and verifies treatment effectiveness through improved visualization of aqueous humor flow.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination member for providing illumination in a field of view proximate to the delivery tip of the fiber core
Implementation Method 2
a fiber optic core comprising a delivery tip for transmitting laser energy from the laser source to the target tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a laser system for performing an intraocular procedure. The laser system includes a single use, disposable laser probe configured to be coupled to a laser source and transmit laser energy from the laser source to a target tissue for treatment thereof. The laser probe comprises a laser transmitting member including a fiber optic core comprising a delivery tip for transmitting laser energy from the laser source to the target tissue during a procedure. The laser probe further includes a light emitting member providing illumination in a field of view proximate to the delivery tip of the fiber core, thereby providing a clear field of view for a surgeon during laser treatment of the target tissue.