Fiber-Optic Microinstrument with Proximal Scanner for Ophthalmic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microinstrument systems for fiber-optic scanning face limitations in visualizing hard-to-access structures during surgeries due to geometric constraints and shadowing effects, particularly in ophthalmic surgeries, and require complex distal structures that complicate disinfection and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A microinstrument system using a single optical fiber or fiber bundle with a distal end that moves laterally over the observation object, employing a determination device to track the position and orientation of the fiber end, allowing for the compilation of two-dimensional or three-dimensional images without a scanner at the distal end, thus maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scanner is integrated at the distal end of the optical fiber to enable two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging, then the imaging capability and lateral coverage are improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanner from the distal end of the optical fiber and relocates it to the proximal end. This removal of the scanning component from the distal region simplifies the distal structure, making it easier to manufacture and sterilize, while the proximal scanner maintains the ability to perform two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging by scanning the optical fiber bundle across the region of interest
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that receives position data from a determination device and uses this information to selectively deactivate individual optical fibers or groups of fibers. This mediator enables the system to achieve variable field of view and focus on regions of interest without requiring complex mechanical scanning at the distal end, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining imaging versatility
2Measurement precision
If the distal end structure is made more complex to improve imaging resolution and lateral coverage, then the imaging quality is improved, but the ease of sterilization and disinfection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the scanner from the distal end and relocating it to the proximal end, the patent simplifies the distal structure to essentially just the optical fiber bundle termination. This extraction of complex components from the distal region makes the microinstrument much easier to sterilize and disinfect, as the distal end becomes a simple, smooth structure without moving parts or complex assemblies that would trap contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified distal structure enabled by removing the scanner makes the microinstrument suitable for disposable use. The distal end can be manufactured as a simple, sterile-ready component that does not require complex sterilization procedures, aligning with the trend toward single-use medical instruments that eliminate sterilization complexity entirely
3Area of stationary object
If the optical fiber bundle is used to increase the lateral extent of the imaged region, then the area coverage is improved, but the manufacturing precision and alignment requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for precise mechanical alignment of multiple optical fibers at the distal end with a computational approach. The determination device tracks the position and orientation of the microinstrument, and the control unit uses this information to selectively activate specific fibers or groups of fibers based on their known spatial arrangement. This substitution of mechanical alignment precision with computational positioning allows for larger lateral coverage using fiber bundles without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a purely spatial arrangement problem to a spatiotemporal solution by introducing the time dimension through sequential scanning. Instead of requiring all fibers to be perfectly aligned and active simultaneously, the system scans through different fiber combinations over time, using the temporal dimension to achieve precise imaging without demanding extreme spatial alignment precision during manufacturing
4Adaptability or versatility
If scleral indentation is performed to access obstructed structures in the eye, then the visualization of shadowed structures is improved, but the risk of tissue trauma and loss of operational control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional microinstrument that combines high-resolution optical coherence tomography imaging with the ability to perform or assist in surgical procedures. The same simplified microinstrument platform can be used for imaging without requiring tissue manipulation like scleral indentation, eliminating the need for such traumatic maneuvers while maintaining comprehensive visualization capability through the integrated OCT system and selective fiber activation
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
Enables the recording of images with a larger lateral extent than the fiber bundle, improving visualization of obstructed structures without increasing distal complexity, facilitating sterilization, and reducing production costs while maintaining high resolution.
Implementation Method 1
A microinstrument system and its use for recording a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image by fiber-optic scanning
Implementation Method 2
a determination device for determining position data for a number of positions on a path along which the distal end (23) of the at least one optical fiber (15) is moved
Data Source
AI summary
A microinstrument system comprises: a microinstrument, having at least one integrated optical fiber which has a distal end facing the object to be observed; a recording apparatus, to which light from the object to be observed can be supplied for recording image data with the aid of the at least one optical fiber; a determining device, which is designed to determine the positions of the distal end of the at least one optical fiber at the recording times of the particular image data; wherein a data-processing device, connected to the recording apparatus in order to receive the image data; is connected to the determining device in order to receive the position data; and is designed to compile the image data with the aid of the position data to form a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image.