Steerable Laser Probe Shape Memory Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ophthalmic surgeons face challenges in accurately aiming and controlling a laser beam during procedures like photocoagulation, requiring a surgical instrument that can be easily steered to multiple targets within the eye.

Innovation Solution

A steerable laser probe featuring a handle with an actuation structure, a shape memory sleeve, and an optic fiber, where compression and decompression of the actuation structure gradually curve or straighten the optic fiber, allowing precise targeting and movement within the eye.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional rigid laser probe is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surgeon cannot easily guide the laser to multiple targets within the eye

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of guiding laser to multiple targetsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser probe incorporates a flexible optic fiber that can dynamically change its curvature through an actuation structure, allowing the probe to adapt its shape during the procedure to reach multiple targets within the eye, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic controllable one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The probe uses a flexible optic fiber instead of a rigid structure, enabling the laser beam to be steered to multiple targets by bending the fiber through an actuation mechanism, providing ease of guidance while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If the laser probe is made steerable with flexible components, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of controlling laser movementVSAvoidprecision of optic fiber curvature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation structure changes the curvature of the optic fiber by adjusting physical parameters such as compression or expansion, allowing precise control of the laser beam direction through controlled parameter changes rather than complex mechanical positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical steering mechanisms with a softer actuation system that uses compression or expansion forces to control the flexible optic fiber, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 controlled aiming and movement of the laser beam, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of ophthalmic procedures such as photocoagulation by allowing easy guidance and positioning of the laser at multiple targets within the eye.

Implementation Method 1

a shape memory sleeve at least partially disposed within the housing sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS10695221B2Steerable laser probe

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 KATALYST SURGICAL LLC

AI summary

A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle proximal end and a handle distal end, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve at least partially disposed within the housing sleeve, and an optic fiber disposed within the shape memory sleeve and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.