Multi-Core Fiber Vitrectomy System for Photodisruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vitrectomy systems rely on complex mechanical means to cut vitreous humor during ophthalmic surgical procedures, which may be inefficient and invasive.
Innovation Solution
A photodisruption-based vitrectomy system utilizing a laser source to generate optical pulses with threshold energy for causing photodisruption, combined with a multi-core optical fiber and an optical switching device to direct pulses for controlled tissue rupture, eliminating the need for mechanical apparatus within the needle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical means are used to cut vitreous humor, then the cutting function is achieved, but the device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting system with an optical photodisruption system. Instead of using mechanical blades or scissors inside the needle, high-energy optical pulses are delivered through a multi-core optical fiber to cause photodisruption of the vitreous humor, eliminating complex mechanical components while improving cutting efficiency and reducing invasiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical force to optical energy. By controlling parameters such as pulse energy, pulse duration, and spatial distribution of optical pulses, the system achieves effective vitreous humor disruption without mechanical contact, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving productivity
2Device complexity
If a single-core optical fiber is used, then the system is simpler, but the area and depth of photodisruption are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber into multiple cores, where each core can independently deliver optical pulses to different spatial locations. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously treat multiple areas of the vitreous humor, greatly increasing the effective treatment area and depth without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-core (one-dimensional energy delivery) to a multi-core (multi-dimensional spatial distribution) optical fiber structure. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous photodisruption at multiple locations, effectively increasing the treatment volume while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized fiber architecture
3Productivity
If high energy optical pulses are used, then photodisruption effectiveness increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high energy pulse delivery across multiple optical cores, allowing the total energy to be distributed over multiple simultaneous treatment sites. This segmentation maintains photodisruption effectiveness at each site while improving overall energy efficiency by parallelizing the treatment process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pulsed laser operation with controlled pulse durations and intervals. By using periodic pulsed action rather than continuous energy delivery, the system achieves effective photodisruption while minimizing total energy consumption through optimized pulse timing and duration parameters
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
Enables efficient removal of eye tissue by enlarging the area and depth of photodisruption without mechanical means, allowing for precise control of the volume of tissue affected through varying pulse energy and core scanning.
Implementation Method 1
Photodisruption is a phenomenon that occurs in tissue when high energy optical pulses cause vapor bubbles to form in the tissue, resulting in a rupture of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
In a general aspect, a vitrectomy system is adapted to use photodisruption to rupture eye tissue. In some aspects, a photodisruption-based vitrectomy system includes a laser source configured to generate optical pulses having a pulse energy greater than a threshold energy for causing photodisruption in vitreous humor. The system also includes an optical switching device arranged to receive an output of the laser source, and an optical fiber with multiple cores that is arranged to receive an output of the optical switching device. The optical switching device is configured to select a core of the optical fiber and direct optical pulses received from the laser source into the selected core.