Steerable Laser Probe Flexible Housing Tube Curvature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical laser probes lack the ability to be easily steered and controlled within the eye to effectively target multiple locations during ophthalmic procedures, such as laser photocoagulation for proliferative retinopathy, making precise and efficient treatment challenging.
Innovation Solution
A steerable laser probe with a flexible housing tube and optic fiber, actuated by a handle with multiple controls, allowing for gradual curvature and straightening of the probe to precisely direct the laser beam to various targets within the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid laser probe is used, then structural strength is maintained, but the ability to steer and target multiple locations within the eye is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible housing tube made of flexible material that allows the probe to be steered and curved while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible tube enables the probe to change its configuration to reach different targets within the eye while preserving the necessary strength to deliver laser energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a dynamic steering mechanism with actuation controls that allow the probe to change its shape and orientation in real-time. The flexible housing tube can be gradually curved and straightened through mechanical actuation, enabling dynamic repositioning to target multiple locations within the eye.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser probe is made steerable with flexible components, then targeting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the probe into distinct functional segments: a handle portion with actuation controls, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The steerable laser probe is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering laser energy, steering to different targets, and maintaining structural integrity. The flexible housing tube serves both as a protective enclosure and as a steering mechanism, reducing the need for separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the optic fiber is rigid, then laser delivery precision is maintained, but the ability to gradually curve and steer the probe is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible optic fiber that can be gradually curved while maintaining its ability to transmit laser energy with precision. The flexible fiber allows the probe to change its configuration for steering while preserving optical performance for precise laser delivery to retinal targets.
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 precise and efficient targeting of multiple locations within the eye, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of ophthalmic procedures like laser photocoagulation by allowing easy guidance and control of the laser beam.
Implementation Method 1
an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube
Implementation Method 2
Ophthalmic surgeons may use laser photocoagulation to treat proliferative retinopathy. Proliferative retinopathy is a condition characterized by the development of abnormal blood vessels in the retina that grow into the vitreous humor. Ophthalmic surgeons may treat this condition by energizing a laser to cauterize portions of the retina
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 flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber.