Illuminated Suction Apparatus Waveguide Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical suction devices with fiber optic illumination suffer from light losses and heat issues due to non-transmissive zones and Fresnel reflections, leading to inadequate illumination and potential thermal damage during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held surgical suction device with a metal suction tube and an integrated illumination waveguide made of optical-grade polymer, using total internal reflection to efficiently transmit high-intensity light from a xenon source, reducing losses and heat generation, and allowing for customizable light profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fiber optic cable assemblies are used to provide illumination in suction devices, then some level of illumination is achieved, but light losses occur due to non-transmissive zones and Fresnel reflections at fiber interfaces, generating excess heat that can cause thermal damage to tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic fiber-to-fiber coupling interfaces from the illumination system. By using a single continuous fiber optic cable running the entire length of the suction device rather than assembling multiple fiber segments, the invention removes the sources of Fresnel reflections and non-transmissive zones that generate harmful heat at connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a continuous fiber optic cable as the light transmission medium, which acts as a bridge between the light source and the surgical site without requiring intermediate coupling interfaces. This continuous transmission path eliminates the harmful thermal effects associated with fiber-to-fiber connections while maintaining effective illumination.
2Volume of moving object
If narrow fiber optic assemblies of 2.5 mm or less in diameter are used, then the device maintains compact size, but the assemblies are only capable of transmitting less than 50% of the output light from a standard 5 mm fiber optic cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of fiber optic cable diameter from the conventional 2.5 mm or less to a larger diameter of 5 mm or greater. This parameter change enables the device to transmit more than 50% of the output light from standard light sources while still maintaining a compact and manageable device form factor suitable for surgical procedures.
3Loss of energy
If the entire fiber optic bundle acts as the surgical light source to eliminate connection losses, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but the device becomes more expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the fiber optic cable serves dual functions: it transmits light efficiently from the light source to the surgical site while also serving as the structural backbone of the suction device. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate illumination components and complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high light transmission efficiency.
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 solution provides reliable, high-intensity illumination that minimizes heat and light loss, enhancing visualization in surgical procedures while maintaining ergonomic functionality and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination waveguide is formed surrounding the optical cladding on the central portion of the suction tube and serves to conduct light around the suction tube from the proximal end to the distal end of the illumination waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a layer of optical cladding having a refractive index between 1.29 and 1.67 on the outer surface of the central section of the suction tube
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance illumination waveguide with suction. This device would be useful in a wide array of various surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.