Structured Illumination Probe for Retinal 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 challenges with articulating probes and finite angles of incidence, leading to difficulties in achieving desirable contrast.
Innovation Solution
A surgical illumination system comprising a light source, optical fiber, handpiece, and cannula, where an optical element with a larger proximal surface area than the distal optical fiber is used to create structured illumination, allowing for efficient and controlled light distribution, and an actuator for selective coupling of optical elements to achieve desired patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an optical fiber with small distal end surface area is used to illuminate the surgical field, then the probe can be inserted through small incisions with minimal obstruction to optics, but the illumination intensity and contrast are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional fiber optic light transmission to two-dimensional structured light patterns by using a microlens array to spatially modulate the light output. This dimensional transformation enables the small probe to generate complex illumination patterns (stripes, grids, dots) that provide enhanced contrast and topographic information without increasing probe size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial distribution parameters of light by using a microlens array with specific pitch and focal length ratios. By controlling the ratio of microlens pitch to optical fiber core diameter, the system generates different structured illumination patterns that optimize contrast for various retinal features while maintaining the same small probe footprint
2Illumination intensity
If a bulky off-axis illumination system is used to provide structured illumination, then desirable contrast can be achieved, but the system cannot be used for micro-surgery inside the eye due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the microlens array within the distal end of the optical fiber, creating a compact integrated structure. The microlens array is positioned at or near the fiber tip, allowing the entire structured illumination system to fit within a small gauge probe that can be inserted through vitrectomy incisions, effectively nesting a complex optical system within a minimal invasive delivery platform
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array acts as an intermediary element that transforms the simple circular light output of the optical fiber into complex structured illumination patterns. This intermediary component enables the system to achieve contrast enhancement normally requiring bulky off-axis systems, while the light itself serves as the flexible mediator that can be modulated without adding mechanical bulk
3Ease of operation
If the probe is articulated through the incision point at a finite angle of incidence, then the probe can navigate the surgical site, but providing desirable contrast becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the structured illumination patterns through electronic modulation of the microlens array activation. Different patterns (stripes, grids, dots) can be dynamically switched to optimize contrast for various viewing angles and retinal locations, allowing the system to adapt to the finite angle of incidence encountered during probe articulation
Solution Approach 2:
The structured illumination system provides multiple illumination patterns that work effectively across a range of incident angles. The microlens array can generate various patterns suitable for different surgical scenarios and probe orientations, making the system universally effective whether the probe is inserted straight or articulated at angles through the incision
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 visualization of retinal structures with improved contrast and topology, enabling effective structured and conventional illumination, suitable for micro-surgical applications within the eye.
Implementation Method 1
an optical cable, comprising an optical fiber, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical element, comprising a distal optical fiber and a distal light guide, wherein a proximal end of each of the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide can be selectably 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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Figure 5~7B
AI summary
A structured illumination probe is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: an optical fiber, to receive and transmit a light beam; a handpiece, coupled to the optical fiber; an optical element, comprising a distal optical fiber and a distal light guide, wherein the proximal ends of the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide can be selectably optically coupled to the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and scattering the light beam to illuminate an area, and wherein the surface area of the proximal end of the distal light guide is greater than the surface area of the distal end of the optical fiber; an actuator, coupled to the handpiece, for selectably coupling the optical fiber to the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide; and a cannula, coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element.