Flexible Laser Endoscope for Spinal Decompression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive epidural surgery techniques face challenges in safely and precisely visualizing and ablating tissues in the epidural space due to limited visualization capabilities and the risk of collateral damage, particularly in addressing conditions like disc herniation and spinal stenosis.
Innovation Solution
A flexible imaging endoscope with a diameter of 5 mm or less, equipped with a fiber optic device for laser ablation and high-resolution imaging, is used to visualize and safely remove encroaching structures in the epidural space, employing a CO2 laser or other infrared lasers for tissue ablation, and a distensible tubular body to dilate the epidural space for improved access and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open surgical approaches are used to address epidural space conditions, then reliable decompression and visualization are achieved, but the invasiveness and long term consequences increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical open surgical instruments with a laser-based ablation system delivered through a flexible endoscope. The CO2 laser vaporizes encroaching structures (herniated disc, ligament) without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for large incisions and extensive tissue dissection while maintaining effective decompression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible endoscope with diameter of 5 mm or less that can navigate through the epidural space. The flexible tubular body allows minimally invasive access to the epidural space while maintaining the ability to visualize and treat encroaching structures, thereby reducing surgical invasiveness compared to rigid open surgical approaches
2Object-affected harmful factors
If current minimally invasive epidural surgery techniques are used, then surgical invasiveness is reduced, but visualization capabilities and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the flexible endoscope provides visualization, the fiber optic device delivers laser energy for ablation, and the distensible tubular body maintains epidural space patency. This integration allows minimally invasive access while achieving precise visualization and treatment of encroaching structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the epidural space by using a distensible tubular body to dilate and maintain the epidural diameter. This creates adequate working space for the endoscope and laser device while maintaining minimally invasive access, thereby improving both visualization precision and treatment effectiveness
3Object-affected harmful factors
If epiduroscopic surgery is performed without adequate visualization, then minimally invasive access is maintained, but safety and precision of tissue ablation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time visualization through the flexible endoscope, allowing the surgeon to continuously monitor the epidural space and encroaching structures during laser ablation. This visual feedback ensures precise targeting of pathology while avoiding damage to adjacent neural structures, thereby maintaining both minimally invasive access and procedure safety
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible endoscope acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the epidural space, providing direct visualization of the treatment field. This intermediary allows the surgeon to navigate and ablate tissues with precision while maintaining minimally invasive access, eliminating the need for blind or poorly visualized procedures
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible endoscope with diameter of 5 mm or less is used, then minimally invasive access and reduced surgical trauma are achieved, but the epidural space is too small for adequate visualization and ablation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a distensible tubular body that can dynamically adjust the epidural space diameter. The tubular body can be inflated or expanded to create adequate working space for visualization and laser ablation, then deflated for removal. This dynamic adjustment allows minimally invasive access while providing sufficient space for effective treatment
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 safe and precise minimally invasive decompression of the epidural space, reducing the risk of damage to adjacent structures and improving visualization, thus enhancing the effectiveness of epidural surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic device can be inserted for delivering light having an energy density sufficient to ablate tissue
Implementation Method 2
Due to its emission wavelength, a CO2 laser is preferably used for the tissue removal process
Implementation Method 3
The tubular body can include device elements that distend the epidural diameter to provide improved visualization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a flexible laser surgical instrument for endoscopic spinal decompression and methods thereof. Various methods of accessing the epidural space with this instrument are described. The instrument design enables placement of the device through several approaches. It is then advanced under fluoroscopic (X-Ray), for example, into areas of the spine including lumbar (low back), thoracic (mid and upper back) and cervical (neck). The pathologies encroaching upon the spinal space can then be visualized wherein the epidural membrane can optionally be displaced to further aid in visualization. Methods utilizing a CO2 laser for laser ablation, for example, are employed for the removal of tissue pathologies within the epidural space.