Single-Fiber Laser Probe With Adjustable Illumination and Stiffness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current single-fiber illuminated laser systems are limited to a single color of illumination light and often lack sufficient stiffness, which can complicate surgical procedures by reducing visibility and stability during ophthalmic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical laser system with a single optical fiber that includes a fiber core surrounded by cladding layers, capable of transmitting both laser and color-adjustable illumination light, and an optical relay system to direct these lights, along with a beveled distal endface to enhance stiffness and illumination angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single optical fiber is used to deliver both laser light and illumination light, then the probe tip size is reduced facilitating minimally invasive surgery, but the system is limited to a single color of illumination light
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical fiber is segmented into a core region and cladding region, where the core delivers laser light and the cladding delivers illumination light. This segmentation allows the fiber to carry multiple types of light simultaneously while maintaining a small probe tip size, and enables color adjustment by controlling the illumination light in the cladding region.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical fiber is designed to perform multiple functions: the core delivers laser light for treatment while the cladding delivers illumination light for visualization. This multi-functionality allows color-adjustable illumination while maintaining a compact probe structure suitable for minimally invasive surgery.
2Length of moving object
If the dimensions of the probe are reduced to account for probe curvature and small-gauge cannulas, then the probe can be inserted into the eye, but the probe lacks sufficient stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented with the optical fiber as the central element, allowing the probe body to be designed with adequate stiffness while the insertion portion maintains small dimensions. The fiber optic cable can be made sufficiently stiff in the handle region while remaining flexible where needed for insertion.
3Reliability
If multiple separate fibers are used for laser and illumination, then each fiber can be optimized for its function, but the probe fabrication becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The laser delivery function and illumination delivery function are merged into a single optical fiber structure with a core and cladding. This integration simplifies probe fabrication by eliminating the need to assemble and align multiple separate fibers, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable light delivery.
4Ease of repair
If two separate fibers are connected to separate ports, then each fiber can be independently managed, but handling during procedure becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The laser source and illumination source are merged into a single integrated probe unit with a single optical fiber structure. This allows the probe to be handled as one unified component during the procedure, improving ease of operation while maintaining independent control of laser and illumination functions through the core and cladding regions.
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
Enables high-angle illumination with color adjustability, improving tissue contrast and probe stability, facilitating accurate laser treatment and easier insertion/removal during ophthalmic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber comprising a fiber core circumferentially surrounded by one or more cladding layers, wherein the fiber core is configured to transmit the laser light emitted from the laser source and the illumination light emitted from the illumination source
Implementation Method 2
the illumination source comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged on a light scattering cell
Implementation Method 3
an optical relay system configured to direct the laser light emitted from the laser source onto the fiber core and the illumination light emitted from the illumination source onto the fiber core and the one or more cladding layers
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improved surgical laser systems with single-core single-optical fiber-illuminated laser probes, which are configured to propagate both treatment laser beams and illumination light beams. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide surgical laser systems with color adjustability of illumination light, as well as improved laser probe stiffness.