Tilted Optical Fiber Tip for Off-Axis Steam Bubble Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based cataract surgery methods face challenges due to collinear steam bubbles generated by optical fibers, which hinder access and precision during capsulorhexis and emulsification, particularly in navigating tight spaces and corners within the eye.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical fibers with non-orthogonal tilted edges and potentially pre-bent tubes to deflect steam bubbles from the axis, allowing for more flexible and directional cutting paths, enabling better access and visibility during cataract surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fibers with non-orthogonal tilted edges are used to deflect steam bubbles, then surgical precision and access are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber tip is designed with a non-orthogonal tilted edge instead of a conventional orthogonal cut. This asymmetric geometry deflects the steam bubble generation zone at a specific angle relative to the fiber axis, enabling the bubble to be positioned away from the fiber tip. This allows the fiber to reach tight corners and confined spaces while the steam bubble performs cutting at an optimized angle, improving surgical precision without requiring complex external deflection mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If steam bubbles are deflected from the fiber axis, then access to tight spaces and corners is improved, but control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection angle of the steam bubble is predetermined by the fixed tilted edge geometry of the optical fiber tip. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that the steam bubble is consistently generated at the desired angle relative to the fiber axis, providing reliable access to tight spaces and corners. The fixed geometry maintains control precision by eliminating the need for dynamic adjustment mechanisms, while still achieving the benefits of angled steam bubble deflection for improved surgical access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pre-bent tubes are used to guide optical fibers, then flexibility and access are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is enclosed within a pre-bent tube that follows a curved path rather than a straight configuration. This curved geometry allows the fiber to navigate the complex three-dimensional anatomy of the eye, including tight corners and confined spaces that cannot be accessed with straight fibers. The pre-bent tube provides mechanical guidance and protection while maintaining fiber flexibility, enabling access to previously unreachable surgical sites.
4Productivity
If larger cutting paths are created, then surgical efficiency is improved, but the fiber diameter must be increased which reduces maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The tilted edge geometry of the optical fiber tip deflects the steam bubble generation zone laterally away from the fiber axis, creating a cutting path that extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the fiber tip. This dimensional offset allows the steam bubble to perform cutting at a distance from the fiber body, effectively creating a larger cutting envelope without increasing fiber diameter. The cutting action occurs in a different spatial dimension relative to the fiber position, maintaining maneuverability while improving surgical efficiency.
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
This approach enhances surgical precision and efficiency by allowing the steam bubbles to be directed at angles that were previously inaccessible, reducing procedure time and improving the surgeon's line of sight, while maintaining the ability to create larger cutting paths than the fiber diameter.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber configured to generate a steam bubble from light energy conveyed through the fiber
Implementation Method 2
generate a steam bubble from light energy conveyed through the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for use in laser-assisted surgery, particularly cataract surgery. Specifically, the use of an optical fiber with a proximal and distal end, wherein the distal end has a non-orthogonal angle with the diameter of the optical fiber, to create an off-axis steam bubble for cutting and removing tissue in an operative region. Where the optical fiber is bent, rotating the fiber creates a circular cutting path for the steam bubble, allowing access to tissues that may normally be blocked by obstructions and obstacles.