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 versatile instrument for successful treatment.
Innovation Solution
A steerable laser probe is designed with a handle, housing sleeve of varying stiffness, an optic fiber, and a shape memory wire with a pre-formed curve, allowing for gradual curvature and straightening of the probe to facilitate precise targeting within the eye through an actuation control mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid housing sleeve is used to maintain structural stability, then the probe cannot be easily steered and curved to reach multiple targets, but if a flexible housing sleeve is used to enable steering, then the structural stability and precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing sleeve is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, with each segment having different stiffness characteristics. This segmentation allows the proximal portions to remain rigid for structural support while distal portions become more flexible for steering, resolving the contradiction between overall stability and local steerability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the housing sleeve are assigned different mechanical properties - the proximal sections maintain high stiffness for structural stability, while distal sections have reduced stiffness to enable curving and steering. This local variation in quality allows simultaneous achievement of both stability and maneuverability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a uniform stiffness housing sleeve is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the probe cannot achieve both structural support and flexible steering
Solution Approach 1:
The housing sleeve is manufactured as separate segments with different stiffness characteristics that are then assembled together. This segmentation approach maintains relative manufacturing simplicity for each individual segment while achieving the complex overall performance requirement of both structural support and flexible steering through the combined structure.
3Ease of operation
If the optic fiber is kept straight for easy alignment, then the laser beam cannot be directed to multiple positions within the eye, but if the optic fiber is curved to reach multiple targets, then the alignment precision and beam control are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The housing sleeve is pre-configured with a curved shape that automatically positions the optic fiber in the desired configuration when the probe is inserted. This preliminary shaping allows the optic fiber to maintain proper alignment throughout the curving process, enabling beam positioning at multiple targets without sacrificing alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing sleeve structure provides localized support and guidance to the optic fiber at critical points along its length. This localized support ensures that even when the overall structure is curved to reach multiple targets, the optic fiber maintains precise alignment and beam control at the distal end.
4Device complexity
If a single-stiffness housing sleeve is used, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot provide both proximal structural support and distal flexibility for steering
Solution Approach 1:
The housing sleeve is divided into multiple segments with different stiffness characteristics, where proximal segments provide structural support and distal segments enable flexibility for steering. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating a multi-section structure that delivers both structural integrity and steering ease without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness parameter of the housing sleeve is varied along its length, with higher stiffness values in proximal regions for structural support and lower stiffness values in distal regions for steering flexibility. This gradual parameter change allows the structure to transition from rigid to flexible, achieving both structural support and steering ease.
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 enables precise and controlled movement of the laser beam, allowing surgeons to aim at multiple targets within the eye, enhancing the chances of successful ophthalmic procedures like laser photocoagulation by providing easy guidance and control of the laser energy.
Implementation Method 1
a shape memory wire having a pre-formed curve. In one or more embodiments, an actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing sleeve and the optic fiber. Illustratively, an actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing sleeve and the optic fiber.
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle, a housing sleeve, a first portion of the housing sleeve having a first stiffness, a second portion of the housing sleeve having a second stiffness, an actuation control of the handle, an optic fiber disposed in an inner bore of the handle and the housing sleeve, and a shape memory wire having a pre-formed curve. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing sleeve and the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing sleeve and the optic fiber.