Forward-Imaging OCT Probe with Nested Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) probes, particularly forward-imaging probes, face challenges due to their complex design and large size, which limits their clinical applications, especially in minimally invasive medical procedures where precise imaging and minimal tissue trauma are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A forward-imaging OCT probe design featuring a cylindrical housing with an optically transparent distal end, a mirror on the exterior, and a motor that linearly moves and rotates an optical fiber and wedge lens, allowing for both forward and side illumination through a spiral pattern of light, enabling better sample coverage and adaptability from existing side-imaging probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If forward-imaging OCT probe design is implemented, then imaging capability and sample coverage are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the actuation mechanism (motor, fiber, and lens assembly) inside a hypodermic needle housing, nesting the complex forward-imaging components within a compact cylindrical structure that resembles a simple needle, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining functional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is divided into distinct functional modules: an actuation mechanism section containing the motor and optical components, and a separate imaging section with the distal end, allowing independent optimization of each segment and simplifying the overall design process
2Measurement precision
If forward-imaging OCT probe design is implemented, then imaging capability and sample coverage are improved, but probe diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber and wedge lens assembly is nested within the hypodermic needle housing, with the fiber running through the center and the lens positioned at the distal end, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the probe diameter to approximately 2.4 mm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a wedge lens to convert the optical fiber's output into a diverging beam that illuminates tissue in a conical pattern, effectively expanding the imaging coverage in the lateral dimension without increasing the probe diameter
3Device complexity
If side-imaging OCT probe is used, then device simplicity and flexibility are improved, but imaging coverage and surgical guidance capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of imaging sideways from the probe body as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the approach by positioning the imaging components at the distal tip and directing light forward along the needle axis, enabling forward visualization of tissue ahead of the needle path
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 design enhances imaging capabilities in minimally invasive procedures by providing comprehensive sample coverage with reduced trauma to tissues, improving the precision and effectiveness of medical interventions like tumor resection and brain surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge lens located inside the cylindrical housing, adjacent the distal end, the wedge lens configured to receive light from the optical fiber, and direct the light towards the mirror
Implementation Method 2
a mirror configured to: receive light from the wedge lens and reflect the light out of the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A forward-imaging optical coherence tomography probe is provided, comprising: a substantially cylindrical housing comprising: a longitudinal axis; an interior side; a distal end that is optically transparent; and a mirror located at the interior side, adjacent the distal end; an optical fiber located inside the cylindrical housing along the longitudinal axis; a wedge lens located inside the cylindrical housing, adjacent the distal end, the wedge lens configured to receive light from the fiber, and direct the light towards the mirror; and, at least one motor configured to both: rotate the fiber and the wedge lens about the longitudinal axis and inside the cylindrical housing; and, linearly displace the fiber and the wedge lens along the longitudinal axis and inside the cylindrical housing; the mirror configured to: receive light from the wedge lens and reflect the light out of the distal end as the wedge lens moves linearly and rotationally.