Thin-Film Sensor for Minimally Invasive Eye Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye surgery techniques face challenges in visualizing and directly interacting with regions near the front of the eye due to the limited field of view provided to the surgeon, which is exacerbated by the small size of instruments and the inability to use endoscopes effectively.
Innovation Solution
An imaging tool with a thin-film image capturing platform is developed, which can be extended and expanded from a tubular implement of no greater than 0.7 mm in outer diameter to provide direct imaging within the eye, while the larger microchip assembly is displaced to a housing for processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an endoscope is used for direct imaging within the eye, then image quality and field of view are improved, but the device size exceeds the 0.7 mm cannula constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into two separate components: a thin-film image capturing platform (sensor array) that fits within the 0.7 mm tubular implement, and a separate microchip assembly housing that contains the larger microchip and processing electronics. This segmentation allows the imaging function to be achieved while respecting the size constraint of the cannula-accessible portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a bulk three-dimensional imaging device to a two-dimensional thin-film sensor array. By flattening the image capturing platform into a thin film that can be rolled or folded, the device achieves a form factor that can pass through the narrow 0.7 mm tubular implement while maintaining adequate imaging capabilities.
2Area of stationary object
If a surgical mirror is used to expand field of view, then visualization of offset locations is improved, but image quality remains limited due to indirect imaging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a mirror to create an indirect reflected image, the patent employs a thin-film sensor array that directly captures light from the surgical site. This direct digital copying of the visual scene provides higher quality images while maintaining the ability to visualize offset and front eye locations through strategic positioning of the tubular implement.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging tool with a tubular implement of minimal diameter for locating in a patient's eye and to extend an image capturing platform therefrom. The platform is uniquely sized for storage within the lumen or inner diameter of the implement, such as a thin film image sensor. However, a microchip package having a bulk footprint too large for the inner diameter of the implement may be displaced to another location of the tool such as within the adjacent, more sizeable handpiece or housing. Further, the platform may be expanded upon being exposed to the interior of the eye by the extending thereinto. Thus, an increased surface and pixel count may be provided for the imaging.