Fiber Optic Tip Radial Dispersion for Uniform Thermal Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-based surgical instruments face challenges with non-uniform temperature distribution due to conical radiation patterns from the fiber optic tip, leading to extreme temperature variations that complicate procedures like vascular ablation.
Innovation Solution
A laser surgery instrument featuring a fiber optic core with a higher refractive index surrounded by a cladding, equipped with a distal end that includes a plurality of refracting surfaces or annular prisms, which disperse laser energy in a radial pattern, controlling temperature distribution and reducing extreme tip temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If laser energy is delivered through a conventional fiber optic tip, then laser energy can be transmitted to targeted tissue, but the temperature distribution becomes non-uniform with extreme variations
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic tip is segmented into multiple annular prisms arranged in a circular pattern. Each prism acts as an independent light-guiding element, dividing the single point source into multiple distributed sources. This segmentation allows the laser energy to be distributed across multiple exit points on the tip surface, creating a more uniform temperature distribution across the treated tissue area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a point source (0D) to a distributed surface source (2D) by arranging multiple annular prisms in a circular pattern on the tip surface. This dimensional change allows laser energy to be delivered across a two-dimensional area rather than from a single point, fundamentally altering the temperature distribution profile from concentrated to uniform.
2Device complexity
If laser energy radiates in a conical pattern from the fiber tip, then energy delivery is simple, but the temperature at the tip increases rapidly to 800°C-1,300°C
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is divided into multiple annular prisms that each guide and emit laser energy independently. This segmentation distributes the thermal load across multiple prism surfaces rather than concentrating it at a single point, preventing the extreme tip temperatures (800°C-1,300°C) that occur with conventional point-source delivery while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature decreases rapidly with distance from the fiber tip, then energy is concentrated at the target, but vascular ablation procedures become unnecessarily complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from point-source to distributed surface-source geometry, the invention creates a broader, more uniform energy distribution pattern. This allows vascular ablation procedures to treat larger surface areas uniformly without requiring complex multi-point targeting or sequential treatments, significantly simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining effective energy delivery.
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 radial dispersion of laser energy allows for controlled, uniform temperature distribution, enabling more efficient and safer procedures by reducing operative times and avoiding complications from sudden temperature gradients, and can be tailored for specific applications like vascular or tumor ablation.
Implementation Method 1
The light-conducting fibers, called the core, are encased in a second medium, called the cladding layer, which has an index of refraction lower than that of the core to provide total internal reflection of the rays propagating though the core.
Implementation Method 2
Each refracting surface is formed at least at one angle to a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic tip and configured to disperse the laser energy in a radial pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic probe that eliminates extreme tip temperatures by radiating laser energy in a radial, 360° pattern from the surface of an exposed fiber optic tip is disclosed. In an embodiment, a fiber optic core is configured to operatively engage with a source of laser energy at a proximal end of the fiber optic tip, and, at a distal end of the fiber optic tip, includes a plurality of refracting surfaces configured to disperse laser energy in a radial pattern. In one embodiment, the refracting surfaces may be arranged as a plurality of annular prisms defined around the fiber core. In another embodiment, the refracting surfaces may be arranged as a plurality of concave lenses defined in the fiber optic tip. The temperature distribution of the disclosed probes is controlled and uniform, and may be tailored to radiate laser energy in any desired pattern which may be suitable to achieve an intended objective.