Steerable Laser Probe Actuation via Flexible Tube Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical laser probes lack the ability to be easily steered and controlled within the eye, making it difficult for ophthalmic surgeons to accurately aim and maneuver the laser during procedures like photocoagulation.
Innovation Solution
A steerable laser probe is designed with an actuation structure, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber, where compression and decompression of the actuation structure cause the flexible housing tube to curve or straighten, allowing the optic fiber to be directed to multiple targets within the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid laser probe is used, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to steer and aim at multiple targets within the eye is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The laser probe incorporates a flexible housing tube that can dynamically change its curvature and orientation in response to actuation forces, allowing the distal end to be steered to different positions and orientations while maintaining structural integrity through the flexibility of the tube itself
Solution Approach 2:
The housing tube is designed as a flexible structure that can bend and curve to redirect the laser beam to multiple targets within the eye, providing steerability while the tube's material properties maintain sufficient structural stability to protect the internal components
2Ease of operation
If the laser probe is made flexible to enable steering, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and control accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and orientation of the laser probe tip, allowing the control system to compensate for deviations and maintain precise aiming accuracy despite the flexibility of the housing tube
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible housing tube is designed with specific material properties and structural parameters that allow controlled flexibility while maintaining sufficient stiffness to hold the laser beam steady once positioned, achieving both ease of steering and aiming precision through optimized parameter selection
3Ease of operation
If a complex actuation mechanism is added to enable steering, then steerability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is divided into multiple independent segments or control elements that can be actuated separately to control different aspects of probe orientation, allowing complex steering movements to be achieved through simple, modular control actions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation mechanisms with alternative approaches such as magnetic actuation or shape memory alloy elements, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to steer the flexible probe to desired positions
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable laser probe may include an actuation structure, a nosecone fixed to the actuation structure by one or more links and one or more link pins, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed in the flexible housing tube and the actuation structure. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.