Curved Plasma Optical Fiber Tip for Disc Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based intervertebral disc treatments, such as PLDD, face issues with diffusing light causing side effects and high energy density damaging internal organs due to the linear nature of laser light, which is not suitable for procedures inside the human body.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing an optical fiber emitting plasma light involves removing the coating, applying a photocatalyst to the core layer, and molding the end surface into a curved shape using a laser to convert laser light into plasma light, reducing energy density and improving light diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If laser light is used for intervertebral disc treatment, then high energy density and precise targeting are achieved, but side effects occur due to light passing through the target to affect other areas
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber tip is molded into a curved surface instead of a linear shape. This curvature causes the laser light to diffuse and spread out as it exits the fiber, creating a broader treatment area that affects only the target intervertebral disc without passing through to damage other structures. The curved geometry transforms the concentrated linear laser beam into a diffused plasma light pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and propagation parameters of the light by converting laser light into plasma light through photocatalytic conversion at the curved fiber tip. This parameter change transforms the light from a coherent, linear beam into a diffused plasma emission that spreads outward, reducing energy density at any single point while increasing the overall treatment area coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If linear laser light is used, then precise targeting is achieved, but high energy density damages internal organs
Solution Approach 1:
By molding the optical fiber tip into a curved surface, the invention preserves the ability to target the intervertebral disc precisely while distributing the laser energy over a broader area. The curved geometry ensures that even though the fiber is inserted precisely, the emitted plasma light spreads outward in a controlled manner, preventing concentrated energy from damaging surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved optical fiber tip acts as an intermediary between the laser light source and the target tissue. It converts the linear laser beam into diffused plasma light through photocatalytic conversion, serving as a mediator that transforms the energy delivery mechanism to reduce harmful concentrated energy density while maintaining targeting precision.
3Reliability
If laser light is used for treatment, then treatment efficacy is achieved, but the fiber may remain in body tissues post-procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes photocatalytic conversion that changes the optical properties of the light at the fiber tip, transforming it into plasma light with different emission characteristics. This optical transformation creates a visual and physical distinction between the treatment area and the fiber itself, facilitating easier identification and removal of the fiber after the treatment is complete.
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 emitting plasma light effectively reduces the risk of damaging tissues and improves treatment efficacy by diffusing plasma light within the intervertebral disc, minimizing side effects and ensuring the fiber does not remain in body tissues post-procedure.
Implementation Method 1
converting the applied laser light into plasma light
Implementation Method 2
applying a laser to the core layer of the optical fiber applied with the photocatalyst
Implementation Method 3
molding the end surface of the core layer into a curved surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an optical fiber emitting plasma light includes a coating removal step of removing a coating of an optical fiber; a photocatalyst application step of applying a photocatalyst to an end surface of a core layer of the optical fiber from which the coating has been removed through the coating removal step; and a molding step of molding the end surface of the core layer into a curved surface by applying a laser to the core layer of the optical fiber applied with the photocatalyst through the photocatalyst application step. The method for manufacturing an optical fiber including the above processes may be effectively used for therapy such as plasma disc coagulation therapy (PDCT) by converting the applied laser light into plasma light.