Multi-Spot Laser Probe With Fiber Illumination in Small Cannulas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-spot laser probes face limitations in illumination due to large plastic optical fiber diameters, low illumination efficiency, and thermal vulnerability, which hinder efficient photocoagulation procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-fiber, multi-spot laser probes incorporating smaller diameter illumination fibers, such as nanofibers, and LED-based illumination systems, which are integrated into the probe design to enhance visibility without increasing the cannula size, allowing for improved illumination and thermal robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large diameter plastic optical fibers are used for illumination, then illumination coverage is sufficient, but the probe occupies substantial cannula space and thermal damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is segmented into multiple small-diameter fibers (e.g., 10-50 microns each) rather than using a single large fiber. Multiple fibers are arranged in arrays or bundles within the cannula, providing sufficient total illumination coverage while occupying less overall space and allowing better thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different fiber types (plastic optical fibers for illumination, glass fibers for laser delivery) with different properties in a composite structure. This allows each fiber type to be optimized for its specific function while managing thermal characteristics and space occupation within the cannula
2Illumination intensity
If large diameter plastic optical fibers are used for illumination, then illumination coverage is sufficient, but thermal damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting illumination into multiple small-diameter fibers reduces the thermal load on any single fiber and the surrounding tissue. The distributed thermal profile across multiple fibers minimizes localized overheating and thermal damage risk while maintaining adequate illumination coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the diameter parameter of illumination fibers from large (traditional) to small (10-50 microns), and may use different materials with superior thermal properties. This parameter change reduces thermal conduction to surrounding tissues while maintaining illumination effectiveness through multiple fiber arrangements
3Measurement precision
If multiple laser spots are burned sequentially, then precise retinal treatment is achieved, but procedure time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser delivery functions into a single probe head with multiple fibers arranged in arrays. This allows simultaneous or rapid sequential delivery of multiple laser spots through different fibers, combining the precision of targeted treatment with increased procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is pre-configured with multiple fibers positioned to deliver laser spots at predetermined locations. This preliminary arrangement allows the surgeon to treat multiple retinal spots in rapid succession without repositioning the probe between spots, significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining treatment precision
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
Enhances surgical efficiency by enabling self-scleral depression, bimanual surgery, and additional task lighting, reducing the need for multiple laser spot applications and minimizing thermal damage.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination fiber extending from the proximal end of the laser probe to at least near the distal end of the laser probe
Implementation Method 2
Laser photocoagulation therapy addresses ocular conditions such as retinal detachments and tears
Implementation Method 3
a laser probe is used to cauterize the blood vessels at various laser burn spots across the retina
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Multi-fiber laser probes utilize relative motion of fibers and other laser probe elements to preserve small-gauge compatibility while providing for multi-spot beam deliver, or to provide for the selectively delivery of single-spot or multi-spot beam patterns. An example probe includes fibers having distal ends that are movable as a group onto a distal ramp element affixed to a distal end of a cannula, so that the distal ends of the fibers can be moved between a retracted position, in which the distal ends of the fibers are within the cannula or ramp element, and an extended position, in which distal ends of the fibers are guided by grooves or channels of the ramp so as to extend at least partially through external openings in the distal end of the laser probe and so as to be pointed angularly away from a longitudinal axis of the cannula.