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 for precise targeting during ophthalmic procedures, such as laser photocoagulation, which is essential for treating proliferative retinopathy.
Innovation Solution
A steerable laser probe design featuring a handle with an actuation structure, a housing tube with varying stiffness sections, and an optic fiber, where the actuation structure compresses or decompresses to curve or straighten the housing tube and optic fiber, allowing for precise directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid housing tube is used to maintain structural stability, then the probe can maintain its shape, but it cannot be easily steered or curved to reach multiple targets within the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The housing tube is divided into multiple sections with different stiffness characteristics. The distal portion has lower stiffness to enable curving and steering, while proximal portions maintain higher stiffness for structural support. This segmentation allows the probe to be steered by activating shape memory alloys in specific segments without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing tube transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptable structure using shape memory alloy wires. These wires can change their stiffness properties in response to electrical activation, allowing the tube to curve when needed for steering and return to a straight stable configuration when steering is not required.
2Ease of operation
If the housing tube is made flexible to enable curving, then the probe can be steered to multiple targets, but it loses structural stability and precision
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the housing tube have different stiffness properties tailored to their specific functions. The distal section near the optic fiber tip has reduced stiffness to allow curving for target acquisition, while proximal sections maintain high stiffness to ensure stable positioning and precise laser delivery once the target is reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing tube incorporates shape memory alloy wires within a polymer or metal matrix, creating a composite structure that combines the flexibility and actuation capabilities of shape memory materials with the structural stability and precision of rigid materials. This composite construction enables both steering and precise positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a simple straight optic fiber is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be guided to multiple targets within the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The optic fiber delivery system is segmented into the housing tube sections, each capable of independent curving control through shape memory alloy activation. This allows the optic fiber to be guided along complex paths to reach multiple targets within the eye while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without requiring multiple separate components.
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 of the laser beam at multiple targets within the eye, enhancing the success of ophthalmic procedures by allowing easy guidance and positioning of the laser probe.
Implementation Method 1
a compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the housing tube
Implementation Method 2
a wire having a pre-formed curve
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, a wire having a pre-formed curve, and an optic fiber disposed within the housing tube and an inner bore of the handle. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. A compression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube. A decompression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube.