Steerable Laser Probe Actuation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical laser probes lack the ability to be easily steered within the eye to target multiple locations efficiently during ophthalmic procedures, such as laser photocoagulation for proliferative retinopathy, due to limited control and guidance capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A steerable laser probe design featuring a handle with an actuation structure, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber, where compression and decompression of the actuation structure allow the flexible housing tube and optic fiber to curve and straighten, enabling precise targeting of multiple locations within the eye.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rigid laser probe is used, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to steer and target multiple locations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesteerabilityVSAvoidflexible structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible housing tube made of flexible material that allows the laser probe to be steered and positioned at multiple locations within the eye. This flexible structure enables the probe to bend and curve while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between steerability and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation structure with movable elements allows dynamic adjustment of the laser probe's position and orientation. The movable components enable real-time steering and repositioning during surgical procedures, providing the needed adaptability without compromising the delivery of laser energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the laser probe is made flexible to enable steering, then targeting capability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeting capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible housing tube provides the necessary flexibility for steering while maintaining sufficient structural stability to deliver laser energy effectively. The flexible material allows controlled bending without compromising the integrity of the laser delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The laser probe is divided into distinct functional segments: the handle, the flexible housing tube, and the optic fiber. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the handle provides rigid control, the housing tube provides flexibility for steering, and the optic fiber maintains stable laser transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the actuation structure is extended to reach distal targets, then access to multiple locations is improved, but control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to targetsVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation structure incorporates movable elements that can be dynamically adjusted to extend the reach of the laser probe to distal targets within the eye. The movable components enable precise control even at extended positions by allowing real-time adjustment of the actuation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible housing tube acts as an intermediary between the handle and the distal targets. It transmits the mechanical movements from the actuation structure while maintaining control precision through its flexible yet stable construction, enabling accurate targeting at extended distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 steerable laser probe enhances the surgeon's ability to aim and direct the laser beam accurately at multiple targets within the eye, improving the success rate of ophthalmic procedures by allowing for controlled and precise movement of the laser energy source.

Implementation Method 1

an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a compression of the actuation structure may be configured to extend the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

a decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to retract the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS9931246B2Steerable laser probe

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 KATALYST SURGICAL LLC

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 flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An extension of the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end may be configured to gradually curve the flexible 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 flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.