Steerable Laser Probe with Variable Stiffness Housing
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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, requiring a more precise and flexible laser delivery system.
Innovation Solution
A steerable laser probe design featuring a handle, actuation lever, and optic fiber housed within a housing tube with varying stiffness sections, allowing for curvature and straightening through mechanical actuation, enabling precise targeting of multiple locations within the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the laser probe uses a rigid housing tube, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to steer and curve the probe to reach multiple targets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing tube is divided into multiple sections with different stiffness characteristics. The proximal portion has higher stiffness for structural stability, while the distal portion has lower stiffness for flexibility and curving. This segmentation allows the probe to maintain overall structural integrity while enabling steerable capability at the working end.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the housing tube are assigned different mechanical properties - the proximal portion is designed with higher stiffness to provide structural support, while the distal portion is designed with lower stiffness to enable curving and steering. This local differentiation of quality resolves the contradiction between overall stability and local flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing tube is made fully flexible to enable curving, then the steering capability is improved, but the structural stability and precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing tube is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, allowing the distal section to curve for steering while the proximal rigid section maintains positioning precision. This segmentation enables the probe to achieve both curving flexibility and positioning accuracy simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal portion of the housing tube is designed with higher stiffness to ensure positioning precision and structural stability, while the distal portion is designed with lower stiffness to provide curving flexibility. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and precision.
3Ease of operation
If a complex actuation mechanism is added to enable steering, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation mechanisms with a simpler system that utilizes the inherent flexibility of the distal housing tube portion. The actuation lever applies force directly to the flexible portion, causing it to curve through elastic deformation rather than through complex mechanical linkages. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the housing tube from uniform rigidity to a gradient of stiffness (higher proximal, lower distal). This parameter change allows the tube to respond to simple actuation forces with controlled curving, eliminating the need for complex actuation mechanisms while maintaining ease of steering control.
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 allows for precise and controlled delivery of laser energy to multiple targets within the eye, enhancing the effectiveness of ophthalmic procedures like photocoagulation by facilitating easy guidance and positioning of the laser beam.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation of the actuation lever, e.g., as a result of an application of a force to the actuation lever, may be configured to gradually compress a first housing tube portion of the housing tube
Implementation Method 2
a compression of the first housing tube portion may be configured to gradually curve the housing tube
Implementation Method 3
an actuation of the actuation lever, e.g., as a result of a reduction of a force applied to the actuation lever, may be configured to gradually decompress a first housing tube portion of the housing tube
Implementation Method 4
a gradual straightening of the housing tube may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation lever, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffs ness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. An actuation of the actuation lever about a pivot pin of the handle may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation lever about the pivot pin of the handle may gradually straighten the optic fiber.