Steerable Laser Probe Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical laser probes lack the ability to be easily steered and controlled within the eye for precise targeting during ophthalmic procedures, such as laser photocoagulation, which is essential for treating proliferative retinopathy.
Innovation Solution
A steerable laser probe with a handle, actuation structure, and a housing tube containing an optic fiber, where the actuation structure's compression and decompression mechanisms allow the housing tube and optic fiber to curve and straighten, enabling precise targeting of multiple locations within the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid housing tube is used to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to curve and steer the laser beam is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The housing tube is divided into multiple segments or sections that can articulate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the tube to curve and change direction while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility needed for steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing tube transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure that can change its configuration. The tube sections can move relative to each other to follow the curvature of the needle, enabling the laser beam to be steered to different targets while maintaining structural stability through controlled articulation.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible housing tube is used to enable curving and steering, then the steering capability is improved, but the structural stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The housing tube incorporates flexible segments or thin-walled sections that can bend and curve while maintaining sufficient structural strength. These flexible portions allow the tube to conform to the needle curvature and steer the laser beam, while the overall tube structure maintains stability through its design.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing tube may use composite materials that combine flexibility and structural strength. The composite construction allows the tube to be flexible enough to curve and steer while maintaining the structural stability needed to support the laser fiber and withstand surgical conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuation structure is extended to increase steering range, then the steering range is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation structure may utilize the natural flexibility and elasticity of the housing tube segments to return to their original position after being deflected. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex active actuators at each segment, simplifying the overall actuation system while maintaining steering range.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex actuators to actively bend each tube segment, the system may use a simplified actuation mechanism that applies force in one direction, relying on the tube's passive flexibility and elastic recovery to achieve the steering range. This inverts the approach from active control of each segment to passive response with minimal actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a housing tube, a first housing tube portion of the housing tube having a first stiffness, a second housing tube portion of the housing tube having a second stiffness, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. An extension of the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end may be configured to gradually curve the housing tube and the optic fiber. A retraction of the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end may be configured to gradually straighten the housing tube and the optic fiber.