Multi-Spot Laser Surgical Probe Faceted Optical Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical surgical probes face challenges in producing multiple spots at a target area using diffractive beam splitter elements, which can be inefficient, prone to variations in spot spacing with different wavelengths, and costly to produce, especially for small surgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
A thermally robust optical surgical probe with a multi-spot generator featuring a faceted optical adhesive element and a high-conductivity ferrule to efficiently manage heat and prevent 'hot spots', along with a transparent cannula to reduce temperature and minimize light interference for the surgeon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a diffractive beam splitter element is used to produce multiple spots, then multiple spots can be generated at the target area, but the spot spacing varies with different wavelengths and higher diffraction orders are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is segmented into multiple discrete refractive indices arranged in a specific pattern, where each segment corresponds to a different refractive index value. This segmentation allows the single optical element to generate multiple distinct spots with controlled spacing by directing different portions of the incident beam through regions with different refractive indices, thereby achieving precise spot placement without wavelength-dependent spacing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical element are assigned different refractive indices to create localized optical properties. By varying the refractive index at specific locations within the optical element, the patent achieves wavelength-independent spot spacing because each local region's refractive index is specifically designed to direct light to predetermined spot positions, regardless of the incident wavelength.
2Productivity
If a diffractive beam splitter element is used, then multiple spots can be produced, but the element becomes expensive and difficult to produce for small surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the optical element from a diffractive structure (requiring precise surface relief patterns) to a refractive index-based structure. By varying the refractive index rather than creating complex surface geometries, the invention simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs, especially for small surgical instruments, while maintaining the multi-spot generation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a diffractive beam splitter element is placed into a medium other than air, then the element can be used in various surgical environments, but the recessed portions are filled with material having different refractive index which ruins the spot pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical mechanism from diffraction (which is sensitive to surrounding medium refractive index) to refraction through controlled internal refractive index variations. This parameter change makes the spot pattern generation independent of the external medium, as the refractive index differences are contained within the optical element itself, allowing consistent performance in air, saline solution, or oil without degradation of the spot pattern.
4Productivity
If a multi-spot generator is placed at the distal end of the optical surgical probe, then multiple spots can be produced from a single input beam, but additional components are needed to align the laser surgical probe with the sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the multi-spot generation function directly into the distal end of the optical probe by integrating the optical element with the light guide. This combination eliminates the need for separate alignment components and external laser sources, as the integrated design allows the single input beam to be directly converted into multiple spots at the target area through the refractive index variations in the optical element.
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
The solution effectively generates multiple spots at the surgical site while maintaining thermal stability and reducing heat accumulation, enhancing the probe's performance and usability with existing laser sources without additional components.
Implementation Method 1
a faceted optical adhesive element... including at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam
Implementation Method 2
a ball lens located distal to the faceted end surface
Implementation Method 3
A high-conductivity ferrule surrounds the distal end of the light guide and is in thermal contact with the metal cannula
Implementation Method 4
configured to shield the cannula from a portion of the light beam reflected by the faceted end surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical surgical probe includes a handpiece having a metal cannula at a distal end, a light guide within the metal cannula that carries a light beam from a light source through the metal cannula, and a multi-spot generator formed within a distal opening of the metal cannula that seals the distal opening of the metal cannula. The multi-spot generator includes a proximally-facing faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide that includes at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam and a ball lens located distal to the faceted end surface. A high-conductivity ferrule surrounds the distal end of the light guide, is in thermal contact with the metal cannula, and includes a side-shield portion extending beyond the distal end of the light guide. The ferrule shields the cannula from a portion of the light beam reflected by the faceted end surface.