Variable Intensity Endoilluminator for Eye Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical illuminators for eye surgery require multiple incisions to provide both wide-angle and precise spot illumination, as standard fiber optic probes cannot offer peripheral lighting and precise details simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A variable intensity endoilluminator with a moveable optical fiber housed in a translucent cannula, allowing for adjustment between fully extended and retracted positions to switch between spot and diffuse illumination, reducing the need for multiple instruments and incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard fiber optic probe is used, then precise spot illumination is provided, but peripheral lighting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is made movable relative to the cannula, allowing it to be positioned in different locations. When the optical fiber is at the distal end, it provides precise spot illumination. When retracted into the cannula, it enables diffuse peripheral lighting. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between precise spot illumination and peripheral lighting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single endoilluminator device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide both precise spot illumination and diffuse peripheral lighting by repositioning the optical fiber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate instruments, resolving the contradiction between specialized precision and general illumination capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide-angle illuminator is used, then peripheral lighting is provided, but precise spot illumination capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber can be dynamically repositioned between being at the distal end (for precise spot illumination) and being retracted into the cannula (for diffuse peripheral lighting). This dynamic adjustment allows the device to switch between wide-angle and precise illumination modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the illumination function into two distinct modes through the optical fiber's position: direct transmission for spot illumination and diffused transmission through the cannula for peripheral lighting. This segmentation of functions within a single device resolves the contradiction between specialized precision and general illumination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illuminators are used to provide both peripheral and spot lighting, then comprehensive illumination is achieved, but the number of incisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a standard fiber optic probe and a wide-angle illuminator into a single device. The optical fiber can be positioned to provide either precise spot illumination or diffuse peripheral lighting, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and multiple incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single endoilluminator is designed with universal functionality to perform both spot and peripheral illumination tasks. By making the optical fiber movable within the cannula, the device achieves multi-functionality that reduces the number of incisions required from multiple to just one.
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
Enables continuous adjustment of illumination intensity and type, optimizing viewing conditions by providing either direct spot lighting or diffused illumination without the need for multiple instruments, thereby minimizing surgical incisions and improving surgical field visibility.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam to illuminate a surgical field
Implementation Method 2
the cannula is operable to diffuse and transmit the light from the light beam when the optical fiber is retracted into the cannula
Data Source
AI summary
A variable intensity endoilluminator system is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable to receive the light beam; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam to illuminate a surgical field; and a translucent cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber, wherein the cannula is operable to diffuse and transmit the light from the light beam when the optical fiber is retracted into the cannula. The cannula and the handpiece can be fabricated from biocompatible materials.