Steerable Laser-Energy Delivery Device With Segmented Optical Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable medical devices face challenges in efficiently delivering laser energy due to stray laser energy issues, which can damage the system and reduce maneuverability, especially in tight spaces within the body, and current coupling components lack stability and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A steerable medical device with an optical fiber having a constant outer diameter of less than 250 microns, capable of delivering up to 100 watts of laser energy, and a flexible steering mechanism that allows the distal end to be moved off its longitudinal axis for precise targeting within the body, reducing heat sink requirements and enhancing maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large diameter fiber core (e.g., 550 microns) is used to provide sufficient stiffness and support laser power at higher wattages, then the fiber can control placement and support high power, but the fiber becomes too stiff to allow bending or easy maneuvering within the patient's body
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into multiple sections with different diameters along its length. The proximal portion has a larger diameter (e.g., 550 microns) to provide stiffness and support high laser power, while the distal portion has a smaller diameter (e.g., 250 microns or less) to enable bending and maneuvering within the body. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the optical fiber are given different local properties - the proximal section has larger diameter for strength and power handling, while the distal section has smaller diameter for flexibility. This local differentiation of fiber properties resolves the contradiction between needing stiffness for power support and flexibility for maneuverability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If known coupling components (e.g., tapered coupling components) are used to deal with stray laser energy, then stray laser energy can be managed, but the components lack stability, increase effective numerical aperture leading to premature fiber failure, redirect laser energy inefficiently, are expensive to manufacture, and require large heat sinks
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber diameter is changed as a parameter along its length, transitioning from a larger diameter at the proximal end to a smaller diameter at the distal end. This parameter change creates a gradual transition zone that manages stray laser energy without requiring complex tapered coupling components, thereby reducing device complexity while still addressing stray energy issues.
3Ease of operation
If the optical fiber is bent or curved to maneuver within tight spaces, then the fiber can reach target areas, but stray laser energy enters and weakens the coating around the optical fiber, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber is segmented into proximal and distal portions with different diameters. The distal portion's smaller diameter and reduced stiffness enable bending and curving to navigate tight spaces, while the proximal portion maintains larger diameter for structural integrity. This segmentation allows the fiber to bend where needed without compromising overall coating integrity.
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 enables precise and efficient delivery of laser energy to target areas within the body while minimizing damage and heat sink needs, improving the longevity and efficiency of the laser-energy-delivery system.
Implementation Method 1
Laser energy from the laser energy source can be emitted into a proximal end (also can be referred to an entry end) of the optical fiber and propagated along the optical fiber until the laser energy is delivered to the target area out of a distal end of the optical fiber
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes an optical fiber (1150) that includes a fiber core with a substantially constant outer diameter of less than or equal to 250 microns extending to a distal end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is also configured to deliver laser energy up to at least 100 watts to a target area within a patient. The optical fiber is sufficiently flexible such that the optical fiber can be moved between a first configuration in which a distal end portion of the optical fiber is substantially linear and defines a longitudinal axis and a second configuration in which the distal end portion of the optical fiber is moved off its longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a steering mechanism (330) coupled to the optical fiber. The steering mechanism is configured to move the optical fiber between its first configuration and its second configuration.