Structured Illumination Probe for Ophthalmic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic illuminators struggle to provide structured, safe illumination for surgical fields during eye surgery, particularly in vitreo-retinal procedures, due to the challenges of articulating probes through small incisions and achieving desirable contrast with off-axis illumination systems.
Innovation Solution
A surgical illumination system comprising a light source, optical fiber, optical element, and cannula, where the optical element has a larger surface area than the optical fiber, creating structured illumination patterns such as grids or rings, and can be fabricated from biocompatible materials for use in ophthalmic surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an off-axis illumination system is used to illuminate retinal structures, then the surgical field can be accessed through small incisions, but the contrast and visualization quality deteriorate due to curved stripe patterns and topography distortion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using off-axis illumination that causes curved stripe artifacts, the patent inverts the approach by using on-axis illumination with a coaxial illumination and detection path. The illumination source is positioned at the center of the objective lens, eliminating the off-axis angle and producing straight stripe patterns that accurately represent retinal topography without distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary component that separates the illumination and detection paths while maintaining coaxial alignment. This allows the illumination light to travel through the same optical axis as the detection path, enabling structured illumination to be delivered to the retina while the reflected light is directed to the camera for high-quality imaging.
2Illumination intensity
If a bulky off-axis illumination system is attached to the fundus camera, then structured illumination can be provided, but the device complexity and practical utility for micro-surgery deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination system with the existing fundus camera by integrating the light source, beam splitter, and optical elements into the camera's optical path. This combination eliminates the need for a separate bulky illumination system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structured illumination capability for retinal imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a light source for visualization and as a structured illumination source for topography analysis. The same optical components used for standard fundus imaging are utilized for structured illumination, eliminating the need for dedicated separate systems and reducing overall complexity.
3Measurement precision
If gradient field imaging with dynamic contrast is used, then retinal features can be visualized, but the probe articulation through incisions and finite angle of incidence make desirable contrast difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional gradient field approach by using on-axis illumination instead of off-axis illumination. This eliminates the finite angle of incidence problem that occurs with probe articulation, as the illumination now travels along the same optical axis as the detection path, maintaining consistent contrast regardless of probe position or angle.
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 system provides enhanced contrast and visualization of retinal structures with minimal loss in transmission, allowing for improved retinal structure visualization and topology analysis during vitreo-retinal surgery, while being safe and practical for use in ophthalmic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element, a proximal end of the optical element optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and scattering the light beam to illuminate an area
Data Source
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AI summary
A structured illumination surgical system is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, comprising an optical fiber, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical element, a proximal end of the optical element optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and scattering the light beam to illuminate an area (e.g., a surgical site), wherein the surface area of the proximal end of the optical fiber; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element.