Steerable Laser Probe Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical laser probes lack the ability to be easily steered to multiple targets within the eye during ophthalmic procedures, making it difficult for surgeons to accurately aim and control the laser beam for effective treatments like photocoagulation.
Innovation Solution
A steerable laser probe with a flexible housing tube and actuation mechanism that allows the optic fiber to be gradually curved or straightened, enabling precise control and direction of the laser beam within the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid laser probe is used, then the laser beam can be easily directed to a single target position, but the surgeon cannot easily guide the laser to multiple targets within the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a flexible housing tube that can dynamically change its curvature through an actuation mechanism, allowing the optic fiber to be steered to multiple targets within the eye. The flexible tube can be curved to different degrees and angles, enabling the laser beam to reach various retinal locations while maintaining ease of control through the actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe uses a flexible housing tube instead of a rigid structure. This flexible tube allows the optic fiber to bend and curve as needed, enabling the laser beam to be directed to multiple targets within the confined space of the eye. The flexibility of the tube is controlled by the actuation mechanism, providing both adaptability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optic fiber is made flexible to reach multiple targets, then the laser can be steered to different positions, but the control and stabilization of the laser beam becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism includes feedback control that allows the surgeon to precisely adjust the curvature of the flexible housing tube and maintain the laser beam at the desired position. The feedback system monitors the position and makes real-time adjustments, enabling both steering to multiple targets and stable holding of the laser beam at each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible housing tube has inherent elastic properties that allow it to return to its original position when the actuation force is removed. This self-service characteristic helps in stabilizing the laser beam position, as the tube naturally maintains its curvature without requiring continuous active control, making it easier for the surgeon to hold the laser at a target position.
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an actuation mechanism control of the handle, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and within the flexible housing tube. An actuation of the actuation mechanism control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation mechanism control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.