Optical Beam Disperser for Minimally Invasive Endometrial Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation devices for treating menorrhagia are cumbersome for surgeons and painful for patients due to the need for manual manipulation and large introducer diameters, which can cause cervical trauma and require two-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a beam fiber and a beam disperser that disperses energy globally around the longitudinal axis, eliminating the need for side-to-side sweeping or rotation, featuring a pyramidal, conical, or polygonal shape with angled faces to optimize energy distribution and reduce introducer diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a large introducer diameter is used to accommodate large current carrying conductors, then the ablation device can deliver sufficient energy to treat the endometrium, but the insertion becomes painful and may cause cervical trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical current carrying conductors with optical fiber technology. The beam fiber delivers laser energy (electromagnetic energy) instead of using large electrical conductors, allowing energy delivery through a much smaller diameter introducer that does not cause cervical trauma or insertion pain
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of energy transmission from electrical current to optical laser energy. This parameter change enables energy delivery through a smaller introducer diameter while maintaining effective treatment capability, resolving the contradiction between energy delivery and patient comfort
2Productivity
If the surgeon manually manipulates or rotates the introducer to expose the endometrium to the energy source, then the entire body cavity can be treated, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and painful for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam disperser with multiple faces arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the beam fiber. This disperses the laser energy in multiple directions simultaneously, achieving comprehensive endometrial treatment without requiring manual manipulation or rotation of the introducer, thus simplifying the procedure and reducing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The beam disperser is designed to automatically distribute energy globally around the longitudinal axis without requiring external manipulation. The device self-adjusts to treat the entire body cavity through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for surgeon intervention and manual sweeping motions
3Reliability
If plugs are used to seal the uterus during treatment, then the energy can be contained and directed effectively, but a second hand is required making the device cumbersome to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer is designed with integrated sealing capability through its own structure, eliminating the need for separate plugs. The device achieves both energy containment and directional control through its geometric design, allowing effective treatment with single-handed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function and energy delivery function into a single integrated device structure. The introducer itself provides the sealing mechanism while the beam fiber and disperser provide energy direction, combining multiple functions into one device that can be operated with one hand
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 device allows for efficient and less invasive treatment of body tissue by reducing the need for manual manipulation and minimizing patient trauma, enabling effective ablation of the endometrium with reduced procedural complexity and time.
Implementation Method 1
The beam disperser is configured to disperse beam energy from an energy source at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the beam fiber
Implementation Method 2
The beam disperser is configured globally disperse the beam energy around or about the longitudinal axis of the beam fiber, or around a circumference of the beam disperser
Implementation Method 3
The one face or the plurality of faces may be angled relative to each other to form an obtuse angle or an acute angle. The angular arrangement, which may also be referred to as the cone angle, or the cone angle of the one face or plurality faces, may function to effect or change the width or disperse angle of the beam energy from the beam disperser
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device that includes a hand piece; a beam fiber; and a beam disperser located at a distal end of the beam fiber through which beam energy is dispersed. The beam disperser includes one face, or a plurality of substantially planar faces through which the beam energy is dispersed.