Steerable Laser Probe Actuation for Ophthalmic Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmic surgeons face challenges in accurately aiming and controlling a laser beam during procedures like photocoagulation, requiring a surgical instrument that can be easily steered to multiple targets within the eye.
Innovation Solution
A steerable laser probe with a handle and housing tube system, featuring a plurality of actuation controls that allow for gradual curving and straightening of the optic fiber, enabling precise movement and targeting within the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rigid laser probe is used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the ease of operation for steering to multiple targets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple modular sections (handle, shaft, tip) that can independently articulate. The actuation controls segment the steering function into discrete, manageable operations for each section, allowing gradual curving rather than requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamically flexible one through articulated joints between segments. These joints allow the probe to adapt its shape and orientation in real-time during surgery, improving ease of steering to multiple targets while maintaining structural integrity through controlled flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the laser probe is made highly maneuverable with multiple articulation points, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation controls are designed to perform multiple functions: they can curve individual probe segments, straighten them, and maintain positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each action, thereby improving ease of positioning without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe utilizes changes in physical parameters (flexibility, curvature radius, articulation angles) to achieve maneuverability. By adjusting these parameters through simple actuation controls rather than complex mechanical linkages, the system achieves high positioning ease with relatively simple control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the housing tube is designed to gradually curve, then the optic fiber alignment is maintained, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing tube is pre-formed with gradual curves during manufacturing rather than requiring post-assembly bending. This preliminary action ensures consistent alignment of the optic fiber within the curved path, maintaining reliability while reducing the precision demands on final assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing tube employs a flexible design that allows controlled curving without compromising structural integrity. This flexibility enables the tube to accommodate gradual curves with standard manufacturing tolerances, reducing the need for ultra-precise manufacturing while ensuring reliable optic fiber alignment through the curved path.
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a plurality of actuation controls of the handle, a housing tube having a housing tube distal end and a housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the housing tube. A gradual curving of the housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the housing tube. A gradual straightening of the housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber.