Laser Beam Splitter for Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser fibers used in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy procedures face challenges with retropulsion of calculi fragments and tissue damage due to high energy settings, requiring prolonged procedural times and increased risk of tissue injury.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a sheath, a laser fiber, and a laser beam splitter with flexible members, where the laser beam splitter is coupled to the laser fiber to create a diffraction pattern that reduces peak power and increases the surface area affected, minimizing retropulsion and tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high energy laser settings are used to fragment calculi, then fragmentation efficiency is improved, but retropulsion of fragments and tissue damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is segmented into multiple lower-energy sub-beams by the beam splitter, which divides the single high-energy beam into several parallel beams. This segmentation allows the calculi to be fragmented effectively while reducing the peak power of individual beams, thereby minimizing retropulsion and tissue damage caused by high energy concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point laser application to a multi-point simultaneous application by using a beam splitter. The laser energy is distributed across multiple spatial dimensions, creating a pattern of multiple beams that treat a broader area of the calculi surface simultaneously, reducing the need for high peak power at any single point.
2Productivity
If laser fiber is kept in close proximity to calculi for effective treatment, then fragmentation effectiveness is improved, but procedural time increases due to manipulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter creates multiple laser beams that can treat different areas of the calculi simultaneously, reducing the need for continuous repositioning of the laser fiber. This segmentation of the laser beam allows for more efficient coverage of the calculi surface, decreasing procedural time while maintaining fragmentation effectiveness.
3Productivity
If high peak power laser settings are used, then calculi break into fragments more readily, but fragment retropulsion increases requiring longer procedural time
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is divided into multiple lower-power beams that fragment the calculi effectively without causing excessive retropulsion. By segmenting the beam, the invention maintains fragmentation efficiency while reducing the peak power at any single point, thereby minimizing fragment displacement and the time required to chase and treat retropelled fragments.
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 device significantly reduces the risk of retropulsion and tissue damage by distributing laser energy over a larger surface area, allowing for more efficient fragmentation and retrieval of calculi with reduced procedural time.
Implementation Method 1
the laser beam splitter is coupled to the laser fiber to create a diffraction pattern that reduces peak power and increases the surface area affected
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of assembling a medical device. A sheath is provided. A laser fiber is extended from an end of the sheath. The basket section is slidably connected between the sheath and the laser fiber. The basket section comprises flexible members. At least a portion of the flexible members are between the sheath and the laser fiber. A laser beam splitter is coupled to the laser fiber.