Multi-Fiber Ophthalmic Probe with Optical Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic laser probes require manual sweeping or repositioning motions to cover the treatment area, which can lead to inaccuracies and potential damage to the conjunctiva.
Innovation Solution
A scanning ophthalmic laser probe system with multiple fibers and an optical switching mechanism that allows for sequential laser shots through multiple fibers, enabling a fixed probe position to treat at least one quadrant of the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single fiber probe is used with manual sweeping motion, then the probe can cover the treatment area, but the treatment precision deteriorates due to manual repositioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The single fiber probe is segmented into multiple fibers (typically 3-6 fibers) arranged in a specific pattern at the probe tip. Each fiber can be independently activated through the optical switching mechanism, allowing precise control of treatment locations without manual repositioning. The segmentation enables the system to cover a quadrant of the eye by sequentially activating different fibers at fixed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical sweeping motion is replaced by an optical switching mechanism that electronically directs laser energy through multiple fibers in sequence. This substitution of mechanical movement with optical switching eliminates the inaccuracies associated with manual probe repositioning while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the treatment area.
2Area of stationary object
If manual probe repositioning is used, then the probe can treat different areas, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of conjunctiva damage
Solution Approach 1:
The probe tip is designed with multiple discrete fibers arranged in a fixed pattern, allowing the treatment area to be divided into multiple precise zones. Each fiber corresponds to a specific treatment location, eliminating the need for manual movement that could cause conjunctival damage. The segmented structure enables safe, precise treatment while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical movement of the probe is replaced by an optical switching system that electronically controls laser delivery through multiple fibers. This eliminates the mechanical contact and movement that pose a risk of conjunctival injury, thereby improving reliability and safety while maintaining the ability to treat multiple areas.
3Device complexity
If a single fiber is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual sweeping
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fibers are merged into a single probe assembly with a unified tip structure, allowing simultaneous capability of multiple treatment locations. The optical switching mechanism merges the control of multiple fibers into a single integrated system, enabling rapid sequential treatment of multiple areas without requiring multiple separate probes or time-consuming manual repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switching mechanism enables continuous laser delivery through multiple fibers in rapid sequence, eliminating the interruptions and delays associated with manual probe repositioning. The system can continuously treat multiple areas of the eye by quickly switching between fibers, thereby significantly improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple probe hardware.
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
This solution reduces the need for manual probe motion, ensuring accurate and predictable treatment patterns, minimizing the risk of conjunctiva damage, and allowing for consistent laser delivery independent of the surgeon's hand.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end of the optical fiber is placed in contact with the perilimbal area of the eye for the purpose of transferring laser energy
Implementation Method 2
Laser shots have either a destructive (continuous wave) or non-destructive (pulsed, tissue-sparing) effect on the ciliary processes transsclerally for the treatment of glaucoma
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-fiber scanning ophthalmic transscleral laser probe system capable of firing multiple laser spots sequentially on the perilimbal area through the use of multiple fibers and an optical switching mechanism is disclosed. The design aims to reduce probe motion on the surface of the eye during transscleral cyclophotocoagulation and pulsed transscleral laser therapy by allowing multiple laser shots to be fired sequentially in a partial circular pattern without any probe movement and without the use of moving parts inside the probe. Sequential firing from a fixed probe location allows precise power level for each treatment spot and prevents the probe tip getting caught on or damaging the conjunctiva.