Protected Light Conductors for Laser Lithotripsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser-based stone fragmentation systems face issues with damage to light-emitting fibers due to shockwaves, stone fragments, and heat, particularly when the distal end of the fiber is not optimally positioned relative to the stone, leading to inefficient energy dispersion and potential damage to the fiber.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a protection device or mitigator for the light-emitting fibers that shields them from damage by maintaining a desirable distance, dispersing energy, and deflecting or absorbing adverse effects, such as a lumen with a recessed fiber or a shield at the distal end, to prevent damage from shockwaves, fragments, and heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the distal end of the light conductor is positioned close to the stone for effective fragmentation, then energy delivery efficiency is improved, but the fiber becomes vulnerable to damage from shockwaves, stone fragments, and heat
Solution Approach 1:
A protective tip structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the light conductor and the stone. This tip receives the laser energy from the fiber and transmits it to the stone, acting as a mediator that protects the fiber from direct exposure to shockwaves, fragments, and heat while maintaining effective energy delivery for stone fragmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The protective tip structure converts potentially harmful direct exposure of the fiber to shockwaves and fragments into a beneficial protective barrier. The tip absorbs and dissipates the harmful effects while maintaining the therapeutic function of laser-induced shockwave generation for stone breakdown
2Reliability
If the distal end of the light conductor is positioned at a distance from the stone to avoid damage, then fiber protection is improved, but energy dispersion becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective tip serves as an intermediary that allows the fiber to be positioned at an optimal distance from the stone while maintaining effective energy delivery. The tip concentrates and directs the laser energy onto the stone surface, ensuring efficient energy dispersion despite the distance between the fiber and stone
Solution Approach 2:
The protective tip introduces a new spatial dimension between the fiber and stone interaction. By positioning the tip at a specific distance from the stone rather than having the fiber end directly contact the stone, the system optimizes both protection and energy delivery through controlled spatial separation
3Reliability
If a protection device is added to shield the light conductor, then fiber reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into multiple functional zones within the tip structure: a laser transmission zone that allows energy passage, a protection zone that shields the fiber from shockwaves and fragments, and a stone interaction zone that facilitates effective fragmentation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function and energy delivery function are merged into a single integrated tip structure. Rather than adding separate protective components, the tip itself is designed to simultaneously protect the fiber and deliver laser energy effectively to the stone, reducing overall device complexity
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 solution effectively prevents damage to the light-emitting fibers, ensuring consistent and efficient stone fragmentation with reduced risk of fiber damage, allowing for more effective energy delivery and improved procedural outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
fragmentation systems that utilize laser energy, such as Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy (EHL), typically require a laser module and a light conductor to convey laser energy from the laser module to a distal or working end of an instrument
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Pat. No. 10,646,276 to Fan et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, describes the use of Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy with a laser light of 2170 nm wavelength to break kidney stones by photothermal effect
Implementation Method 3
The present inventors have recognized that light conductors used in the laser fragmenting procedures can become damage during the performance of the procedure. For example, in a laser lithotripsy procedure, a laser beam can enter into fluid surrounding a stone in the anatomy. The fluid can comprise biological fluid or fluid introduced into the anatomy from a medical device during the procedure. Energy from the laser beam can enter the fluid and generate a shockwave that can transmit energy to the stone.
Implementation Method 4
Stone fragments can become heated during the fragmentation process and stone fragments directed back to the light-emitting fiber can cause heat damage (e.g., 'burn back') to the light-emitting fiber.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for performing a surgical procedure can comprise a shaft extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion, a light conductor extending at least partially through the shaft to be exposed at the distal portion, and a damage mitigator positioned to receive light from the light conductor to discharge the light from the device. A method of preventing damage to an optical fiber in a medical device having laser treatment capabilities can comprise emitting a laser beam from the optical fiber, fragmenting a biological stone with the laser beam, and mitigating damage to the optical fiber from fragmentation of the biological stone.