External Optical Fiber in Ophthalmic Laser Probe Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The housing of optical fibers within aspiration tubes in laser probes can cause clogging issues due to the occupation of aspiration pathways, preventing the effective removal of tissue and vitreous during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber is positioned external to the aspiration tube, with a sleeve or distal cap forming a channel that defines an aspiration pathway, allowing the optical fiber to be partially disposed within this channel for efficient laser delivery and tissue aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the optical fiber is housed within the aspiration tube, then the laser beam can be delivered to the surgical site, but the aspiration pathway becomes blocked and causes clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is extracted from the aspiration tube and positioned externally, allowing the aspiration pathway to remain clear for effective tissue and vitreous removal while maintaining laser delivery capability through the separate optical fiber positioning
2Power
If the optical fiber occupies space in the aspiration tube, then the laser can be transmitted, but larger pieces of tissue and vitreous cannot be aspirated
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into separate functional zones: the aspiration tube handles tissue removal while the optical fiber, positioned externally via the channel, handles laser delivery. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without interference, maximizing aspiration efficiency for larger tissue pieces
3Productivity
If the optical fiber is positioned external to the aspiration tube, then the aspiration pathway is clear, but the optical fiber needs proper positioning and protection
Solution Approach 1:
A channel structure acts as an intermediary element that guides and positions the optical fiber externally to the aspiration tube. This intermediary provides a dedicated pathway for the optical fiber, ensuring proper positioning and protection while maintaining clear aspiration pathways for effective tissue removal
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 configuration reduces the likelihood of clogging, enhances the aspiration of larger tissue and vitreous pieces, and maintains effective laser delivery to the surgical site.
Implementation Method 1
A laser beam is typically transmitted from a surgical laser system through an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the optical fiber may further block the aspiration pathway by not allowing larger pieces of tissue and vitreous to be aspirated out of the aspiration tube
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide an optical fiber system. The optical fiber system includes an aspiration tube, an optical fiber external to the aspiration tube, and a sleeve surrounding the optical fiber and the aspiration tube. The sleeve includes a distal portion that defines a channel. The channel extends between the aspiration tube and a distal opening of the sleeve. The channel and the aspiration tube define an aspiration pathway. The optical fiber is partially disposed within the channel.