Surgical Waveguide Distal Tip for Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical laser systems face challenges in delivering precise laser radiation during minimally invasive surgeries due to issues with tissue debris accumulation, overheating, and the need for precise tissue manipulation, particularly in small incisions and natural body openings, where existing waveguides are prone to damage and lack adequate feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A distal tip is designed to couple with a waveguide, featuring a cantilevered end portion with markings for depth assessment, a handle for manipulation, and a conical feature for beam alignment, which provides tactile and visual feedback, and is engineered to maintain a consistent spot size and power density, allowing for precise cutting, dissection, and coagulation while protecting the waveguide from debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a small diameter flexible waveguide is used for minimally invasive surgery, then the ability to access remote tissue regions through small incisions is improved, but the waveguide becomes more susceptible to damage from tissue debris and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide system is divided into multiple components: the flexible waveguide itself, a protective catheter sheath, and a distal tip assembly. This segmentation allows the waveguide to be protected from direct exposure to tissue debris while maintaining flexibility and access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective catheter sheath is introduced as an intermediary element between the waveguide and the surgical environment. This sheath shields the waveguide from tissue debris, blood, and mechanical stress while allowing laser energy to pass through to the target tissue.
2Manufacturing precision
If the waveguide is positioned close to tissue for precise laser treatment, then cutting precision is improved, but the risk of tissue debris accumulation and overheating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip is designed with a removable or replaceable component that can be extracted or changed. This allows the tip to be removed for cleaning or replacement when debris accumulates, preventing overheating and maintaining cutting precision without requiring removal of the entire waveguide system.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip incorporates visual indicators (such as colored markings or fluorescent materials) that change appearance or become visible under laser illumination to indicate the precise location where the laser beam will interact with tissue, enhancing positioning accuracy while allowing for easy visual monitoring of tip position.
3Reliability
If a distal tip is added to protect the waveguide and provide manipulation capabilities, then waveguide protection and tissue manipulation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the distal tip component: waveguide protection, tissue manipulation (via integrated forceps or grasper), positioning control, and visual indication. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while providing comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions: protecting the waveguide from damage, manipulating tissue (through integrated grasping mechanisms), providing visual feedback for positioning, and allowing for easy cleaning or replacement. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the outlet diameter is reduced to maintain consistent spot size, then laser beam precision is improved, but the amount of debris that can be blocked decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip features a conical section with varying diameter: a larger proximal diameter for blocking debris, a reduced outlet diameter for maintaining consistent spot size, and an intermediate transition zone. This local variation in geometry allows the tip to simultaneously achieve debris protection and precise beam delivery.
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 distal tip enhances precision and control during surgical procedures by providing real-time feedback and protecting the waveguide from tissue debris, ensuring consistent laser-tissue interaction and reducing the risk of waveguide damage, thus improving the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
long, thin, flexible waveguides are generally well adapted for performing the procedures described above... solid core silica fibers are used to guide wavelength of KPT (532 nm), Nd:YAG (1.06 μm), Ho:YAG (2.1 μm) and Tm:YAG (2 μm) lasers
Implementation Method 2
a conical feature for beam alignment, which provides tactile and visual feedback, and is engineered to maintain a consistent spot size and power density
Implementation Method 3
allowing for precise cutting, dissection, and coagulation... ensuring consistent laser-tissue interaction
Data Source
AI summary
Small diameter tools are provided, and methods of use described, to facilitate less invasive surgical procedures employing laser beams. Such tools include distal tips that enhance the precise placement of optical waveguides, as well as enable cutting and dissecting procedures. A rotary coupler allows precise control of flexible conduits in which waveguides may be disposed. Waveguide tips with conical features protect waveguide ends and allow unobstructed propagation of the laser beam out of the waveguide. A preferentially bending jacket for waveguides may be used to control an orientation of a waveguide disposed therein. Surgical waveguide assemblies may include various combinations of these components.