Micro-optical Surgical Probe Tips via 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical surgical probes face challenges in minimizing surgical access areas, particularly for small-diameter probes with multiple optical channels, which limits their effectiveness in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of micro-optical surgical probes with integrated illumination and collection waveguides, featuring a monolithically fabricated optical probe tip structure using 3D printing processes, such as two-photon laser 3D printing, to optimize optical engagement and alignment, and incorporate wavelength-selective elements for precise spectral control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional optical surgical probes are used, then optical functionality is provided, but the probe diameter cannot be minimized and surgical access area is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing collection waveguides inside or around the illumination waveguide structure, creating a compact multi-channel optical probe. The illumination waveguide serves as a central core with collection waveguides nested within its cladding region or arranged concentrically, allowing multiple optical functions in a minimized diameter while maintaining spectral separation through spatial nesting of optical channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar 2D optical channel arrangement to three-dimensional spatial configuration of waveguides. By utilizing radial and axial dimensions in 3D space, the probe accommodates multiple optical channels (illumination and collection) with different spectral characteristics in a compact cylindrical geometry, enabling minimally invasive applications while maintaining full optical functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical channels are integrated, then spectral control capability is improved, but probe complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the refractive index profile of waveguide regions to achieve wavelength-selective light guidance. The illumination waveguide and collection waveguides have different refractive index characteristics that enable spectral separation - illumination light at one wavelength range is guided differently than collection light at another wavelength range, providing spectral control through physical parameter variation rather than complex mechanical filtering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical optical filtering systems with integrated optical waveguide structures that inherently provide wavelength selectivity. Instead of using separate mechanical filters, mirrors, or prisms to separate illumination and collection paths, the design uses evanescent field coupling and refractive index engineering to achieve spectral control directly within the waveguide structure, simplifying the overall device architecture
3Length of moving object
If probe diameter is reduced, then minimally invasive capability is improved, but optical engagement and alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination waveguide and collection waveguides into a single integrated probe structure with fixed spatial relationships. The waveguides are positioned and coupled during manufacturing to create permanent, precise optical engagement without requiring post-assembly alignment. This integration ensures that even in a miniaturized probe, the optical paths maintain exact geometric relationships for optimal light coupling and spectral separation
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 solution enables the creation of compact, high-efficiency micro-optical probes that can be used for precise tissue probing and imaging, enhancing the accuracy and minimality of surgical procedures by providing enhanced optical engagement and spectral control within a reduced probe footprint.
Implementation Method 1
an optical probe tip structure integrally fabricated atop both the illumination waveguide and the collection waveguide to optically relay the output optical illumination from the illumination waveguide and the optical response to the collection waveguide
Implementation Method 2
optically relay the output optical illumination from the illumination waveguide and the optical response to the collection waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a collection wavelength-selective element defined within a collection optical path of the optical response toward the collection waveguide to at least partially confine the optical response to the designated optical collection spectrum
Implementation Method 4
the collection wavelength-selective element comprises an optical coating deposited upon a surface previously fabricated within the optical path
Data Source
AI summary
Described are various embodiments of micro-optical surgical probes and micro-optical probe tips and methods of manufacture therefor. In some embodiments, multichannel micro-optical probe tip structures are directly manufactured upon respective optical channel waveguides, or again manufactured to integrally define respective optical coupling to these waveguides. In some embodiments, micro-optical probe tip structures are manufactured via a 3D laser printing process. Specific embodiments include, but are not limited to, spectroscopic or particularly Raman spectroscopy probes and their associated multichannel probe tip structures, and multichannel endoscopes.