Ophthalmic Illuminator End Part with Light Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmological instruments, such as endoilluminators and laser probes, lack the ability to redirect light in desired directions effectively, leading to limitations in surgical procedures like peripheral vitrectomy due to glare and inefficient light distribution.
Innovation Solution
An Illuminator end part comprising an elongated sleeve with a bore and a light deflection part that redirects light away from the instrument's regular direction, allowing for a broader spectrum of use and improved visualization during surgeries by providing an additional functionality like scleral depression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If light is directed tangentially to the cornea at an angle of 0 to 45 degrees, then glare is reduced and light reaches the back of the eye, but the ability to redirect light in desired directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light deflection part as an intermediary component that receives light from the light guiding end part and redirects it in desired directions. This mediator enables flexible light direction control while maintaining the beneficial tangential illumination pattern that reduces glare.
Solution Approach 2:
The light deflection part can be configured with different deflection angles and orientations, allowing dynamic adjustment of light direction. This enables the system to adapt to different surgical requirements while maintaining the core function of reducing glare through tangential illumination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light deflection part is added to redirect light, then light direction control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflection part is integrated with the elongated sleeve part to form a unified Illuminator end part. This merging of components achieves light direction control functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through compact, integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The Illuminator end part with the light deflection part can serve multiple functions: it can redirect light for various surgical applications, provide scleral depression, and maintain the beneficial tangential illumination pattern. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by providing versatile capabilities.
3Loss of energy
If light is directed along the lamellae of the cornea, then very little light reaches the back of the eye, but the ability to apply light to specific surgical fields is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflection part acts as an intermediary that takes light traveling along the corneal lamellae and redirects it toward specific surgical fields. This enables precise light delivery to the desired location while maintaining the energy-efficient tangential illumination path that prevents light from reaching the back of the eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The light deflection part can be configured with specific deflection characteristics tailored to different surgical applications. This allows localized optimization of light delivery to specific surgical fields while maintaining the overall efficiency of the tangential illumination approach.
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 precise control and visualization of the peripheral retina during surgeries by redirecting light to desired directions, enhancing surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light deflection part (5) arranged to guide light originating from the light guiding end part (11) in a direction away from the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a light deflection part (5) arranged to guide light originating from the light guiding end part (11) in a direction away from the first direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention discloses an assembly of an ophthalmic illuminator instrument and an illuminator end part, the illuminator instrument comprising an elongate light guiding end part, extending in a first direction from an instrument side towards a light deflection part side, the illuminator end part comprising: - an elongated sleeve part having a bore extending in a first direction with a diameter corresponding to an outside diameter of a light guiding end part of the ophthalmic illuminator instrument, and tapering from an instrument side towards a light deflection part side, - a light deflection part arranged to guide light originating from the light guiding end part in a direction away from the first direction, - an instrument adapter part that is releasably connected to the illuminator instrument.