Optical Fiber Retainer Structure for Stable Lithotripsy Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithotripsy methods using laser light to fragment calculi face challenges in efficiently scanning the laser light over the treatment area due to instability in the vibration of the optical fiber distal end, leading to reduced treatment efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber retainer is attached to the side surface of the optical fiber, maintaining a fixed distance within a medical tube channel, comprising a tubular main unit with a fiber hole and flow-path defining section, allowing the optical fiber to extend through, and a helical structural body to support and stabilize the fiber while enabling fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the optical fiber is freely positioned in the channel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vibration stability of the distal end deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical fiber retainer as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the channel wall. This retainer maintains a fixed distance between the optical fiber side surface and the channel inner surface, providing stable vibration positioning without requiring complex direct fixation structures. The retainer acts as a mediator that stabilizes the optical fiber while preserving the simplicity of the overall device structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the optical fiber is stabilized with a retainer, then the vibration stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber retainer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it stabilizes the optical fiber position, maintains a fixed distance from the channel wall, and allows fluid flow through its flow-path defining section. By integrating these multiple functions into a single component, the patent avoids the need for separate stabilization mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved vibration stability.
3Strength
If the retainer structure occupies space in the channel, then the vibration amplitude increases, but the fluid flow capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a flow-path defining section that allows fluid to travel through, and a vibration support section that provides stable positioning. This segmentation enables the retainer to simultaneously accommodate fluid flow and support vibration without compromising either function. The flow path is specifically designed to maintain adequate cross-sectional area for fluid delivery while the vibration support structure provides the necessary amplitude.
4Strength
If the optical fiber is fixed close to the channel wall, then the vibration amplitude is limited, but the treatment precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance parameter between the optical fiber side surface and the channel inner surface by introducing the retainer with a specifically designed flow-path defining section. This parameter adjustment allows the optical fiber to be positioned at an optimal distance that enables large vibration amplitude while maintaining treatment precision. The retainer structure facilitates this parameter optimization by providing a stable mounting platform that decouples the fiber position from direct contact with the channel wall.
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 optical fiber retainer stabilizes the vibration of the distal end, allowing for a large amplitude scan, enhancing calculus fragmentation efficiency and maintaining a clear visual field with high perfusion flow rates, thus improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source that supplies laser light to the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
Known lithotripsy in the related art involves using laser light to fragment a calculus
Implementation Method 3
an optical fiber retainer that is disposed between the optical fiber and an inner surface of the channel and that maintains a fixed distance between a side surface of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the channel
Implementation Method 4
The flow path allows a fluid to travel in a longitudinal direction of the main unit
Implementation Method 5
comprising a tubular main unit with a fiber hole and flow-path defining section, allowing the optical fiber to extend through, and a helical structural body to support and stabilize the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber retainer is attached to a side surface of an optical fiber and maintains, within a channel of a medical tube, a fixed distance between the side surface of the optical fiber and an inner surface of the channel. The optical fiber retainer includes a substantially tubular main unit having a fiber hole through which the optical fiber extends. The main unit has a flow-path defining section that defines a flow path within the channel. The flow path allows a fluid to travel in a longitudinal direction of the main unit.