Wavelength Converting Illumination Probe for Vitreo-Retinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light sources used in vitreo-retinal surgery, such as halogen tungsten lamps and high-pressure arc lamps, are costly, complex, and require frequent replacements, while LED-based illuminators offer lower luminous efficiency and decreased luminous flux, posing challenges in providing effective illumination during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of a wavelength converting element within an illumination probe to convert the relatively narrow bandwidth light emitted by LEDs or lasers into broadband white light, enhancing illumination efficiency and reducing the need for frequent replacements, while also enabling smaller incisions and lower system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If halogen tungsten lamps or high-pressure arc lamps are used, then illumination intensity is sufficient, but device complexity and cost increase, and frequent replacements are required
Solution Approach 1:
A wavelength converting element is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the surgical field. This element converts light from the LED source into broadband white light, enabling the use of simpler LED-based illumination systems while maintaining the illumination intensity previously achievable only with complex halogen or arc lamp systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light by using a wavelength converting element that transforms the narrow bandwidth LED light into broadband white light. This parameter change enables the LED to achieve sufficient illumination intensity without requiring the complex optical systems of traditional lamps.
2Device complexity
If LED-based illuminators are used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but luminous efficiency and luminous flux decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength converting element acts as a mediator that recovers and converts the narrow bandwidth LED light into broadband white light, thereby improving the luminous efficiency and luminous flux of the LED-based system to levels comparable with traditional high-efficiency lamps.
3Device complexity
If narrow bandwidth light from LEDs is used directly, then device complexity is low, but illumination effectiveness for vitreo-retinal surgery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the light by introducing a wavelength converting element that transforms narrow bandwidth LED light into broadband white light. This parameter change enables the simple LED-based system to achieve illumination effectiveness suitable for vitreo-retinal surgery.
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 configuration provides effective and sustained illumination for vitreo-retinal surgeries, minimizing the need for frequent light source replacements and reducing surgical incision size, thereby improving procedural efficiency and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
use of a wavelength converting element within an illumination probe to convert the relatively narrow bandwidth light emitted by LEDs or lasers into broadband white light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an exemplary wavelength converting illumination probe having an illumination probe that can be selectively connected to a light source configured to generate light at a first wavelength range. The illumination probe including a lumen defining an aperture in a distal end of the illumination probe for emitting light. The wavelength converting illumination probe further including a wavelength converting element disposed within the lumen of the illumination probe. The wavelength converting element operable for receiving light from the light source at the first wavelength range, and converting the light to a second wavelength range.