Illuminated Optical Fiber Suture for Surgical Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate placement of surgical sutures is challenging due to difficulty in observing them, especially when the tissue color is similar to the suture color or in dark regions with limited space for an optic probe.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber suture with a core and cladding layer is used, illuminated by a light source, allowing light to propagate through the cladding layer to enhance visibility, and a tuning device adjusts light intensity, color, and pattern for improved contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional suture is used, then the suture can be easily manufactured and inserted, but the suture is difficult to observe when tissue color is similar to suture color or in dark regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suture function with the optical fiber function into a single integrated structure. The suture is constructed as an optical fiber with core and cladding layers, merging the mechanical suturing capability with the optical illumination capability. This allows the suture to both stitch tissue and provide its own illumination for visibility without requiring separate illumination devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical closure of tissue wounds while also acting as an illuminated guide for precise placement. The optical fiber structure enables the suture to function both as a surgical tool and as a light-guiding element, eliminating the need for separate observation tools like optic probes in dark or difficult-to-reach areas.
2Illumination intensity
If an optic probe is used to illuminate dark regions, then visibility improves, but the available space for inserting the probe is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is extracted from a separate optic probe and integrated directly into the suture itself. By incorporating the optical fiber structure within the suture, the illumination capability is built-in, eliminating the need to insert a separate probe into the surgical site. This resolves the space constraint issue while maintaining the ability to illuminate dark regions for better visibility.
3Measurement precision
If the suture is made visible through illumination, then placement accuracy improves, but the light source and optical components add device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suture material with the optical fiber structure, creating a unified component that performs both functions. The core and cladding layers are integrated into the suture construction itself, using biocompatible materials that serve both mechanical and optical purposes. This integration reduces the need for additional separate components while achieving precise placement through illumination.
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 illuminated suture improves visibility in dark or color-matched tissue environments, facilitating accurate placement and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
The core thickness and the cladding layer thickness may be configured to cause at least a portion of light propagating in the core region to propagate out of the optical fiber through the cladding layer
Implementation Method 2
a light source optically coupled to the optical fiber and configured to provide the light for propagation in the core region of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may comprise an optical fiber that includes a core region having a core thickness and a cladding layer having a cladding layer thickness. The core region and the cladding layer may have material characteristics suitable for suturing biological tissue. The core thickness and the cladding layer thickness may be configured to cause at least a portion of light propagating in the core region to propagate out of the optical fiber through the cladding layer. The apparatus may also comprise a light source optically coupled to the optical fiber and configured to provide the light for propagation in the core region of the optical fiber. The apparatus may also comprise a suturing device coupled to the optical fiber and configured to guide the optical fiber for suturing the biological tissue.