Hybrid Laser Cutter Tip for Low-Force Tissue Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical tools face challenges in efficiently cutting and coagulating tissue with mechanical force alone, often requiring high mechanical force and prolonged cutting times, and existing laser-based tools lack the combination of mechanical cutting with laser energy for enhanced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool incorporating a mechanical cutting mechanism combined with laser energy delivery through an optical fiber, where the laser energy reduces the mechanical force required for cutting and coagulates the tissue, allowing for faster cutting rates and improved tissue interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical force alone is used for tissue cutting, then the tool structure is simple, but cutting force is high and cutting time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical cutting with laser energy delivery in a single integrated tool. The mechanical cutting mechanism (blade, jaw, or grasper) works simultaneously with an optical fiber that delivers laser energy to the tissue-cutting site, creating a hybrid system that leverages both mechanical force and thermal energy for enhanced cutting performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical cutting with a hybrid system where laser energy substitutes for a portion of the mechanical cutting function. The laser energy heats and coagulates tissue while the mechanical component provides structural support and precise positioning, reducing the mechanical force required compared to traditional mechanical-only cutting
2Productivity
If laser energy alone is used for tissue cutting, then cutting force is reduced, but coagulation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical cutting and laser coagulation functions into a single integrated tool. The mechanical cutting mechanism provides immediate tissue separation while the simultaneously applied laser energy delivers thermal coagulation to seal blood vessels and prevent bleeding, achieving both cutting and coagulation in one action
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical cutting is used without laser energy, then the tool design is simple, but cutting precision and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional tool that performs mechanical cutting, laser energy delivery, and thermal coagulation through a single integrated design. The tool can adapt to different surgical requirements by adjusting the ratio of mechanical to laser-based cutting, providing versatility across various surgical applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the optical fiber within the mechanical cutting structure. The optical fiber is positioned inside or along the mechanical cutting blade, jaw, or grasper, allowing the laser energy to be delivered precisely to the tissue-cutting interface without interfering with the mechanical cutting action
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 combination of mechanical cutting with laser energy enables tissue cutting with lower mechanical force and faster cutting rates, while effectively coagulating the tissue, reducing the heat-affected zone and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber to deliver laser energy to a mechanical cutting mechanism
Implementation Method 2
heating the tissue disposed between the moving part and the other part by irradiating the tissue with the laser energy
Implementation Method 3
heating the tissue disposed between the moving part and the other part by irradiating the tissue with the laser energy
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
Apparatus is described that includes a tool (20) that has a handle (22) and an elongate shaft (26) that extends distally from the handle. A distal portion (30) of the shaft is inserted into a subject during a surgical procedure. An optical fiber (34) delivers laser energy to a tip (32) at the distal portion of the shaft. The tip includes a mechanical cutting mechanism (38) including a moving part (40) that absorbs the laser energy, thermally conducts the absorbed energy to tissue that is disposed between the moving part and another part (42), and moves with respect to the other part in order to cut tissue that is disposed between the parts using a mechanical force that is lower than a mechanical force that would be required to cut the tissue in the absence of the laser energy. Other embodiments are also described.