Side-Fire Optical Fiber Distal End Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side-fire optical fiber members used in laser-based surgical procedures are susceptible to undesirable laser energy leakage and premature structural failure due to cavitation bubbles, which can damage the distal end portion and reduce device longevity and patient safety.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a reinforcement component with a capillary component, where the optical waveguide's distal end surface is non-normal to its longitudinal centerline, and a heat-fused interface with a silica-based material, along with a reflective coating, enhances structural integrity and redirects laser energy efficiently, reducing overheating and damage from cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a side-fire optical fiber member is used to emit laser energy laterally, then control over off-axis treatment areas is improved, but the distal end portion becomes susceptible to cavitation bubble damage and premature structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
A reinforcement component is integrated into the distal end portion of the optical waveguide before use, providing pre-established structural support that cushions against cavitation bubble collapse damage. This reinforcement structure absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress from cavitation events, preventing premature failure of the optical waveguide while maintaining its side-fire functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the distal end surface is angled non-normal to the longitudinal centerline, then laser energy is redirected to offset directions, but laser energy leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end portion of the optical waveguide features a localized angled surface with specific orientation, while the remainder of the waveguide maintains its normal cylindrical structure. This localized angular geometry redirects laser energy laterally to off-axis treatment areas without causing excessive leakage, as the angle is precisely controlled to achieve the desired beam direction while maintaining energy containment.
3Power
If laser energy is emitted at high intensity, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but overheating and cavitation damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid medium is introduced as an intermediary between the distal end portion of the optical waveguide and the surrounding tissue. This fluid acts as a heat sink and cavitation buffer, absorbing excess thermal energy from high-intensity laser emission and reducing the formation of damaging cavitation bubbles. The fluid circulates to continuously remove heat, enabling sustained high-power operation without overheating.
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 configuration increases the longevity of the side-fire optical fiber, enhances laser energy transmission efficiency, and improves patient safety by minimizing damage from cavitation and overheating during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical waveguide and incident on the portion of the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal centerline
Implementation Method 2
a first portion of an inner surface heat-fused to a portion of an outer surface of the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
light intensity from laser energy emitted from a distal end portion of the side-fire optical fiber member can boil a fluid around the distal end portion of the side-fire optical fiber member causing a cavitation bubble
Implementation Method 4
A shockwave (e.g., an acoustic shockwave) produced when the cavitation bubble collapses around the distal end portion of the side-fire optical fiber member can damage the distal end portion of the side-fire optical fiber member
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present disclosure may include an apparatus having an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide may have a distal end surface non-normal to a longitudinal centerline of a distal end portion of the optical waveguide, wherein the distal end surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical waveguide and incident on the portion of the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal centerline. The apparatus may further include a capillary component which may have a first portion of an inner surface heat-fused to a portion of an outer surface of the optical waveguide. The apparatus may also include a reinforcement component which may have a proximal end surface disposed distal to the distal end surface of the optical waveguide such that the distal end surface of the optical waveguide and the proximal end surface of the reinforcement component may be separated by a non-zero distance, and wherein a portion of an outer surface of the reinforcement component may be heat-fused to a second portion of the inner surface of the capillary component.