Laser Fiber Probe Suction Sheath and Fiber Conduit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser lithotripsy faces challenges in efficiently fragmenting and evacuating kidney stones due to the risk of destroying endoscopes and inefficient debris removal, which hinders precise targeting and increases surgery time.
Innovation Solution
A laser fiber probe with a suction sheath and fiber conduit that allows for controlled positioning of the fiber laser window relative to the suction window, enabling effective targeting and evacuation of debris through a combined suction and irrigation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the fiber tip is protruded from the endoscope to maintain good vision during laser procedures, then the vision quality is improved, but the suction of calculus to the suction window is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fiber optic cable and suction channel into a single integrated probe structure. The fiber tip and suction window are positioned at the same distal end, allowing both laser delivery and suction functions to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining vision quality and ensuring suction efficiency
2Reliability
If the fiber tip is kept away from the endoscope camera to avoid destroying the endoscope, then the reliability of the endoscope is improved, but the suction of calculus is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the fiber optic cable and suction channel into one integrated structure where the fiber tip and suction window are co-located at the distal end. This allows the fiber to remain protected within the probe structure while the suction window efficiently captures calculus, resolving the contradiction between endoscope safety and suction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The suction window acts as an intermediary structure that captures calculus before it can reach the fiber tip. By positioning the suction window at the same location as the fiber tip, it serves as a mediator that protects the fiber and endoscope from damage while maintaining efficient suction capability
3Productivity
If irrigation water is used to force debris away instead of direct suction, then the debris evacuation is achieved, but the stones are difficult to target due to movement induced by laser pulse energy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a vacuum suction system (pneumatic principle) to create negative pressure that actively draws calculus toward the suction window and holds it in place. This prevents calculus movement during laser pulses while maintaining effective debris evacuation, resolving the contradiction between evacuation efficiency and targeting precision
Solution Approach 2:
The suction system provides continuous feedback control by maintaining negative pressure that responds to calculus movement. When calculus moves due to laser pulses, the suction force continuously pulls it back toward the target position, ensuring precise targeting while achieving effective evacuation
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
This configuration improves control over the interaction between laser energy and stone targets, reduces surgery time, and enhances debris removal efficiency by ensuring precise targeting and simultaneous fragmentation and evacuation.
Implementation Method 1
the proximal end of the suction sheath is adapted to connect to a suction source or an irrigation pump
Implementation Method 2
a fiber conduit having a fiber position regulator functions at least to move forward or backward of the fiber laser window to approach thereof the suction window
Data Source
AI summary
A laser fiber probe comprises two parts, a suction sheath and a fiber conduit, which are combined together. The suction sheath has an opening in the distal end of the suction sheath and the opening is either completely in the side of the suction sheath, or in combination of part the terminal and the side. The fiber conduit has a fiber position regulator functioning to move forward or backward of the fiber tip to approach the suction opening. The relative position of the suction sheath and the fiber conduit of the fiber probe or is fixed, or can be changed through turning movement. The laser fiber probe further comprises a suction switcher to turn on or off the suction channel. The fiber probe has applications in calculus and tissue fragmentation and simultaneously evacuates them away out of the patient.