Electronic Laser Video Endoscope with Distal CMOS Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser video endoscopes face limitations in achieving precise illumination and targeted laser energy delivery during ophthalmological surgeries due to their design, which often requires larger incisions and lacks advanced imaging capabilities at the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
An electronic laser video endoscope with a CMOS or CCD image sensor at the distal end, combined with optical and electronic connections for laser and illumination guides, enabling precise imaging, targeted laser energy delivery, and efficient illumination through a smaller probe diameter, accommodating various laser wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional laser video endoscope design is used, then laser energy delivery and illumination are achieved, but imaging precision and surgical accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser delivery, illumination, and imaging functions into a single integrated endoscope probe. The laser guide, illumination guide, and image sensor are merged within the same distal end structure, allowing all three functions to operate simultaneously through one device rather than requiring separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope probe is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: delivering laser energy through the laser guide, providing illumination through the illumination guide, and capturing images through the image sensor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate instruments and enables comprehensive surgical capabilities through a single device.
2Ease of operation
If larger incisions are made for conventional endoscope insertion, then instrument access is improved, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from requiring large incisions for instrument insertion to using a small-bore catheter-based approach. By reformulating the endoscope as a flexible catheter that can be inserted through minimal access points, the design enables instrument access through a different dimensional approach (smaller cross-sectional profile) while maintaining full functional capabilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If probe diameter is reduced for smaller incisions, then tissue trauma is minimized, but illumination intensity and laser precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probe interior into distinct functional channels: a laser guide for laser energy delivery, an illumination guide for light delivery, and space for an image sensor. This segmentation allows each function to have its dedicated pathway, enabling optimized performance for illumination and laser delivery within the constraints of a reduced overall probe diameter.
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
Facilitates precise and accurate imaging and laser energy delivery through a smaller incision, enhancing surgical precision and minimizing tissue trauma while maintaining effective illumination and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic image detection module comprises an image sensor, such as a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and/or CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the connections comprises a laser guide, such as an optical fiber, extending from the distal end of the probe to a source of laser energy
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the connections comprises an illumination guide, such as an optical fiber or a bundle of fibers, extending from the distal end of the probe to a source of illumination
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic laser video endoscope comprising laser output, illumination output and imaging component disposed at a distal end of a probe, or a cannula, of the endoscope to facilitate precise illumination, targeted laser energy delivery, and accurate imaging at the site of a procedure, where the imaging component comprises an electronic image detection module. The electronic image detection module comprises an image sensor, such as CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and/or CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor, disposed at a distal end of the probe.