Ureteroscope Fiber Tip Sensing for Safe Laser Emission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ureteroscope systems face damage from laser light emission when the laser fiber's emitting end is still within the working channel, potentially causing harm to the ureteroscope and laser fiber.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of sensors and processors to detect the position of the laser fiber's emitting end relative to the ureteroscope's distal end, ensuring it is outside the working channel by a predetermined distance before allowing laser light emission, thereby preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If laser light emission is allowed during ureteroscope procedures, then effective stone fragmentation is achieved, but damage to the catheter and handpiece occurs when the emitting end is within the working channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of ureteroscope systemVSAvoidlaser light damage to catheter and handpiece

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the emitting end position before allowing laser emission. The sensor detects whether the emitting end has exited the working channel, and only after confirming safe positioning does the system enable laser light emission, preventing damage to the catheter and handpiece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the position of the emitting end relative to the working channel exit. The sensor provides real-time position information to the control mechanism, which adjusts the laser emission state based on the detected position, ensuring safe operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If sensors and processors are added to detect laser fiber position, then system safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety control of laser emissionVSAvoidnumber of sensors and processing components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a sensor as an intermediary component that indirectly detects the position of the emitting end by sensing its presence or absence at the working channel exit. This intermediary approach enables position detection without requiring direct measurement of the laser fiber itself, simplifying the overall detection mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents damage to the ureteroscope and laser fiber by ensuring safe emission of laser light only when the emitting end is spaced adequately away from the working channel, enhancing system safety and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

one or more sensors positioned and configured to detect a position of at least a portion of the laser fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4472540B1Ureteroscope devices and systems having a fiber tip position sensor

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 CR BARD INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A ureteroscope system including a handpiece, a catheter, one or more sensors, and a processor is described. The handpiece includes a working channel port and a working channel in fluid communication with the working channel port. The catheter is secured to the handpiece and includes a distal end defining a working channel opening in fluid communication with the working channel. The one or more sensors are positioned and configured to detect a position of at least a portion of a laser fiber. The processor is configured to determine if an emitting end of the laser fiber configured to emit laser light is outside the working channel and spaced at least a predetermined distance from the distal end of the catheter.