Medical Device Handle with Segmented Laser Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser devices used in medical procedures, such as ureteroscopic and endoscopic procedures, often suffer from distortion and loss of laser beam integrity due to the distance traversed by optical fibers from the laser source to the treatment area, and are typically expensive.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a handle containing an imaging module and a laser module, including two laser sources with detachable laser fibers, which can be selectively attached to a shaft extending to a distal tip, allowing for control of laser wavelengths and minimizing distortion through the use of a printed circuit board and actuators for precise control and image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are used to transmit laser beams from the laser source to the treatment area, then the laser can reach the target location, but distortion and loss of laser beam integrity occur due to the distance traversed
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the laser transmission path into multiple segments by using multiple laser sources positioned at different locations within the handle. Each laser source transmits over a shorter distance through its own dedicated fiber, reducing the cumulative distortion that would occur in a single long fiber transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate laser sources within the handle as mediators between the primary laser source and the treatment area. These intermediate sources receive laser energy and re-transmit it through shorter fiber segments, acting as relay points that maintain beam integrity over the total distance.
2Reliability
If multiple laser sources are used to reduce distortion, then laser beam integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple laser sources and their associated control electronics are merged into a single integrated handle unit. This consolidation allows the system to achieve reduced distortion through multiple sources while minimizing the increase in device complexity by sharing common structural and control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed as a universal platform that houses multiple laser sources, control electronics, and imaging capabilities in a single integrated unit. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate devices for each function.
3Reliability
If laser devices are used for medical procedures, then effective treatment is achieved, but the devices are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system is segmented into multiple independent laser sources that can be manufactured and assembled separately. This modular approach allows for more efficient manufacturing processes and potential cost reductions compared to producing single complex laser devices, while maintaining treatment effectiveness through the combined output of multiple sources.
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 medical device reduces distortion and maintains laser beam integrity, providing effective and flexible options for medical procedures while potentially reducing costs through modular design and wavelength control.
Implementation Method 1
a first laser source configured to couple to a first laser fiber and a second laser source configured to couple to a second laser fiber
Implementation Method 2
the distance traversed by optical fibers from a laser source to the area of treatment can result in distortion
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices and related methods are described, including a medical device that includes a handle including a housing. The housing may include a grip and an actuator. The handle may further include an imaging module including a printed circuit board, and a laser module including a first laser source configured to couple to a first laser fiber and a second laser source configured to couple to a second laser fiber. The laser module and the imaging module may be contained within the housing or the imaging module, the laser module, or both the imaging module and the laser module may be selectively attachable to and detachable from the housing.