Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
DEVICE FOR HANDLING LASER FIBER

2. APPLICANT:
Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., an Indian company of the Survey No. 135/139 Bilakhia House, Muktanand Marg, Chala, Vapi-Gujarat 396191, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to a medical device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device for handling a surgical laser fiber during a medical procedure.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] Varicose veins is a common problem in mostly affecting adults. In this condition, the veins become twisted and enlarged, causing pain and discomfort in some patients. They mostly usually appear in on legs due to damaged or weaken portion of veins. Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive technique to treat varicose veins. During the EVLT procedure, a surgical laser fiber is introduced into the affected vein under the guidance of ultrasound. A laser generator generates a laser signal, which traverses through the laser fiber. As the laser fiber is pulled out, the heat produced by the laser causes the varicose vein to close off and eventually shrink. The closed varicose vein forces blood to flow through healthier veins. The shrunk varicose vein then fades off.
[003] To ensure that the affected vein is properly exposed to heat, it is important that the laser fiber is pulled out uniformly at an appropriate rate, which is generally, 1mm/second. Typically, a physician pulls out the laser fiber manually. However, this is prone to human errors. For example, the laser may not be pulled out uniformly. This may cause uneven heating of the affected vein, leading to possible side effects in the patient and/or sub-optimal outcome of the treatment. Moreover, this is also cumbersome for the physician.
[004] Motorized devices for removal of the laser fiber are available. These devices pull out the laser fiber in a controlled rate. However, such devices are designed for a fixed diameter of laser fibers. However, laser fibers of different diameters may be required depending on, for example, the wavelength of the laser signal, size of the affected veins, etc. Since the conventional devices can only work for a single diameter, the physician needs to use multiple devices. Consequently, the conventional devices are inefficient and are not cost effective.
[005] Hence, there arises a need for a device which overcomes the challenges associated with the conventional devices.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[006] The present disclosure relates to a fiber handling device. In an embodiment, the fiber handling device includes a motor, a roller and a control element. The roller is coupled to the motor and is configured to receive a fiber. The control element is configured to control a vertical position of a tip vertically aligned with the roller. In response to the rotation of the motor in a first direction, the roller is configured to rotate in the first direction, thereby pulling the fiber disposed between the tip and the roller in a proximal direction.
[007] The foregoing features and other features as well as the advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[009] Fig. 1A depicts a perspective internal view of a fiber handling device 100 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] Fig. 1B depicts a front internal view of the fiber handling device 100 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] Fig. 2 depicts a motor 104 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] Fig. 2A depicts an isometric view of a switch 116 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Fig. 2B depicts a side view of the switch 116 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] Fig. 3A depicts a front perspective view of a roller 106 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] Fig. 3B depicts a rear perspective view of the roller 106 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] Fig. 4A depicts a side perspective view of a control element 108 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] Fig. 4B depicts an isometric view of the control element 108 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] Fig. 5A depicts a side view of a holder 110 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Fig. 5B depicts a front view of the holder 110 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] Fig. 6A depicts an isometric view of a top casing 112a of a casing 112 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Fig. 6B depicts a bottom view of the top casing 112a of the casing 112 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] Fig. 6C depicts an isometric view of a bottom casing 112b of the casing 112 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] Fig. 6D depicts a top view of the bottom casing 112b of the casing 112 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] Fig. 7A depicts a top perspective view of a clamp 114 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] Fig. 7B depicts a bottom perspective view of the clamp 114 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] Fig. 8 depicts an expanded view of a section of the fiber handling device 100 showing an angle made by a fiber 102 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[0028] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0029] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[0030] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[0031] The present disclosure relates to a device for handing a laser fiber (or fiber) during an Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy (EVLT) procedure for treating varicose veins. The device includes a motor-driven mechanism to withdraw the fiber from a patient’s body during the EVLT procedure. In an embodiment, the device includes a roller and a control element. The control element is configured to control a vertical position of a tip vertically aligned with the roller. In an embodiment, the control element includes the tip. The fiber is passed between the roller and the tip. The roller is driven by a motor. In response to the motor rotating in a first direction, the roller is configured to rotate in the first direction, thereby pulling the fiber disposed between the tip and the roller in a proximal direction. A vertical position of the tip of the control element is adjustable so that the gap between the roller and the tip can be adjusted according to the diameter of the fiber. This enables the user to employ the same device to handle fibers with different diameters unlike convention techniques, which require using separate devices in such a case. Further, the device provides continuous and uniform withdrawal of the fiber, resulting in uniform exposure of affected veins to a laser light. As the device is motor-driven, the user’s manual efforts are reduced and human errors are eliminated.
[0032] Figs. 1A-1B depict different views of a fiber handling device 100 (or device 100), according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 100 has a proximal end 100a and a distal end 100b. The device 100 includes a fiber 102, a motor 104, a power source 105, a roller 106, a control element 108, two or more holders 110, a casing 112 and a clamp 114. The device 100 is used to pull the fiber 102 from a patient’s body during the EVLT procedure. The fiber 102 is placed between the roller 106 and the control element 108. By adjusting the vertical position of the control element 108, the gap between the roller 106 and the control element 108 can be adjusted. Consequently, the same device 100 can be used for the fiber 102 having different diameters. The motor 104 provides torque for rotating the roller 106. In response to the rotation of the roller 106 and due to the friction exerted on the fiber 102 by the control element 108 and the roller 106, the fiber 102 is gently pulled out of the veins in a proximal direction of the device 100. The power source 105 provides power to the motor 104 to generate the torque. The casing 112 encloses the motor 104, the power source 105, the roller 106, the control element 108, and the clamp 114.
[0033] The fiber 102 has a proximal end and a distal end, defining a length therebetween. In an embodiment, the fiber 102 is an optical fiber. The fiber 102 allows a passage for an optical laser signal during the EVLT procedure. For example, the proximal end of the fiber 102 includes a connector (not shown) that is coupled to a laser generator (not shown). The distal end of the fiber 102 is inserted into a patient’s body and navigated to the affected vein(s). The laser generator generates the laser signal, which passes through the fiber 102. The fiber 102 is then pulled out using the device 100 so that the heat generated by the laser signal closes off the affected vein(s). The fiber 102 can be made of any suitable material such as, without limitation, glass, plastic, etc. In an embodiment, the fiber 102 is made of glass silica. The fiber 102 has a suitable diameter depending upon the requirements of the EVLT procedure.
[0034] Fig. 2 depicts the motor 104 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure. The motor 104 can be an AC motor or a DC motor. In an embodiment, the motor 104 is a DC motor. In an exemplary implementation, the motor 104 is a brushed DC (BDC) motor. The motor 104 can be switched ON and OFF using a switch 116 electrically coupled to the motor 104 (as shown in Fig. 1A). The motor 104 includes a shaft 104a. The shaft 104a has a first end 104a1 and a second end 104a2. The shaft 104a includes a first portion 104a3 provided towards the first end 104a1 and a second portion 104a4 provided towards the second end 104a2. The first portion 104a3 may have a cross-section of a suitable shape including, without limitation, circular, triangular, hexagonal, square, semicircular, D shape, etc. In an embodiment, the first portion 104a3 has a D-shaped cross-section. The second portion 104a4 may have a suitable cross-section, such as, circular, semicircular, D-shape, square, etc. In an embodiment, the second portion 104a4 has a circular cross-section. The shaft 104a can be hollow, solid, partially solid, etc. In an embodiment, the shaft 104a is solid. An outer surface of the shaft 104a may be threaded, semi-threaded or smooth. In an embodiment, the shaft 104a has a smooth outer surface. The shaft 104a can be made of a material such as, without limitation, medium carbon, medium tensile steel, nickel-chromium, chromium-vanadium steel, steel, etc. In an embodiment, the shaft 104a is made of steel.
[0035] The motor 104 is configured to receive power from the power source 105 and generate the rotational torque based on the received power. As a result, the motor 104 rotates the shaft 104a in a first direction. The first direction can be clockwise or anti-clockwise. In the depicted embodiment, the first direction is anti-clockwise.
[0036] In an embodiment, the motor 104 rotates the shaft 104a at a pre-defined rotational speed. The pre-defined rotational speed depends upon one or more factors, for example, desired rate of withdrawal of the fiber 102 and an outer diameter of a portion of the roller 106 where the fiber 102 is set. In an example implementation, the desired rate of withdrawal of the fiber 102 is 1 mm per second and the pre-defined rotational speed of the shaft 104a is 30 rotations per minute (RPM). In an embodiment, the rotational speed of the shaft 104a may be controlled dynamically based upon the requirements by adjusting the speed of the motor 104 using any suitable speed control technique known in the art. For example, a controller, e.g., a dimmer (not shown), may be provided and electrically coupled to the motor 104 to control the speed of the motor 104 during the operation of the device 100. This allows the desired rate of the withdrawal of the fiber 102 to be adapted dynamically based upon the requirements.
[0037] The power source 105 is configured to provide power to the motor 104. The power source 105 may be capable of providing DC power or AC power depending upon the motor 104. In an embodiment, the power source 105 includes one or more batteries. The one or more batteries may be alkaline batteries, zinc carbon batteries, etc. Optionally, or in addition, the power source 105 may include a rectifier (not shown) electrically coupled to the motor 104. The rectifier may receive AC power from an AC power supply. The rectifier is configured to convert the AC power supply into the DC power provided to the motor 104. The rectifier allows the device 100 to be operated by the AC power supply.
[0038] The switch 116 is configured to switch the motor 104 ON or OFF. According to an example implementation, the switch 116 is a two-way switch. In an embodiment, the switch 116 includes a switch case 116a, a button 116b and a plurality of terminals. For example, the switch 116 includes three pair of terminals, namely, 116c, 116d and 116e as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. The switch 116 is electrically coupled to the motor 104 and the power source 105. For example, the terminals 116c of the switch 116 are coupled to a positive and a negative terminal (not shown) of the power source 105 using wires and the terminals 116e of the switch 116 are coupled to a positive and a negative terminal (not shown) of the motor 104 using wires (shown in Fig. 1A). The user can press the button 116b to toggle the switch 116 between an ON state and an OFF state. When the switch 116 is in the ON state, the switch 116 couples the power source 105 to the motor 104, thereby switching the motor 104 ON. When the switch 116 is in the OFF state, the switch 116 decouples the power source 105 from the motor 104, thereby switching the motor 104 OFF.
[0039] Figs. 3A-3B depict different views of the roller 106 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure. The roller 106 is configured to receive the fiber 102. The roller 106 is coupled to the shaft 104a. The roller 106 is configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the shaft 104a. For example, when the shaft 104a rotates in the first direction, the roller 106 rotates in the first direction. The roller 106 includes a disc portion 106a and a stem 106b. The disc portion 106a has a generally cylindrical shape. The disc portion 106a includes a groove 106a1 and flanges 106a2. The groove 106a1 is provided circumferentially on the disc portion 106a between the flanges 106a2. The groove 106a1 is configured to receive the fiber 102. The groove 106a1 provides a better grip on the fiber 102 and avoids slippage of the fiber 102 from the roller 106 during the operation of the device 100. The groove 106a1 can be of any suitable shape, for example, V shape, U shape, upward C shape, etc. In an embodiment, the groove 106a1 has the upward C shape. The flanges 106a2 provide support to the fiber 102 during the operation of the device 100.
[0040] The stem 106b has a cross-section of any suitable shape such as, without limitation, circular, hexagonal, square, semicircular, D shape, pentagonal, etc. In an embodiment, the stem 106b has D shaped cross-section. The stem 106b has a hole 106b1 extending from a first end 106b2 of the stem 106b towards a second end 106b3 of the stem 106b for at least a partial length of the stem 106b. The hole 106b1 has a shape complementary to the cross-section of the first portion 104a3 of the shaft 104a. In an embodiment, the hole 106b1 is D-shaped. The length of the hole 106b1 may be less than or equal to the length of the first portion 104a3. In an embodiment, the length of the hole 106b1 is less than the length of the first portion 104a3. Internal surface of the hole 106b1 may be threaded, partially threaded or smooth. In the depicted embodiment, the internal surface of the hole 106b1 is smooth. The first portion 104a3 is coupled with the stem 106b. In an embodiment, the first portion 104a3 is coupled with the hole 106b1 using, for example, welding, screw mechanism, adhesive, snap-fit mechanism, friction fit mechanism, nut-bolt mechanism, etc. In an exemplary implementation, the first portion 104a3 is coupled with the hole 106b1 using a friction fit mechanism by inserting the first portion 104a3 into the hole 106b1 until at least a length of the first portion 104a3 fits in the hole 106b1.
[0041] In an embodiment, the disc portion 106a and the stem 106b form an integral structure. In another embodiment, the disc portion 106a and the stem 106b may be coupled together using any suitable technique known in the art. The roller 106 can be made of a material such as, without limitation, medium carbon, medium tensile steel, nickel-chromium, chromium-vanadium steel, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, silicone rubber, etc. In an embodiment, the roller 106 is made of silicone rubber.
[0042] Figs. 4A-4B depict different views of the control element 108 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the control element 108 is a screw. The control element 108 includes a head portion 108a and a neck portion 108b. The head portion 108a can have any suitable shape such as, without limitation, cylindrical, conical, frustum, hexagonal, etc. In an embodiment, the head portion 108a is cylindrical in shape. The head portion 108a includes at least one groove 108a1 on a top surface 108a2 of the head portion 108a. The at least one groove 108a1 enables a better grip on the control element 108 during the operation of the device 100.
[0043] In an embodiment, the neck portion 108b is cylindrical. The neck portion 108b includes a tip 108b1 and a plurality of threads 108b2. The tip 108b1 has a semi-spherical shape. The plurality of threads 108b2 are disposed on at least partial length of the neck portion 108b extending from the tip 108b1.
[0044] The control element 108 is rotatable. The control element 108 translates a rotational motion into a linear motion. The head portion 108a can be rotated by the user in clockwise direction or anticlockwise direction, using a suitable tool, for example, a screw driver. The plurality of threads 108b2 translates the rotational motion of the control element 108 into the linear motion as explained later. Consequently, the tip 108b1 moves vertically in response to the rotational motion of the control element 108, thereby adjusting the gap between the roller 106 and the tip 108b1. For example, in response to the head portion 108a being rotated in the clockwise direction (i.e., the control element 108 being rotated in the clockwise direction), the tip 108b1 moves vertically downwards, thereby decreasing the gap between the roller 106 and the tip 108b1. Similarly, in response to the head portion 108a being rotated in the anticlockwise direction (i.e., the control element 108 being rotated in the anticlockwise direction), the tip 108b1 moves vertically upwards, thereby increasing the gap between the roller 106 and the tip 108b1. Thus, by adjusting the position of the tip 108b1, gap between the roller 106 and the tip 108b1 can be adjusted to accommodate the fiber 102 with different diameters. Consequently, the device 100 can be used for fibers having different diameters. The control element 108 can be made of a material such as, without limitation, stainless steel, brass, steel, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, etc. In an embodiment, the control element 108 is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
[0045] It should be appreciated that the control element 108 shown in Figs. 4A-4B is merely exemplary and any suitable control element configured to control the vertical position of the tip 108b1 can be employed without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, though it is shown that the control element 108 includes the tip 108b1, it is possible that a control element is operatively coupled to the tip 108b1 for controlling the vertical position of the tip 108b1 and the same is within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0046] The two or more holders 110 are provided such that at least one holder 110 of the two or more holders 110 is provided on each of a proximal side and a distal side of the roller 106. In the depicted embodiment, the two or more holders 110 include two holders 110 provided on either side of the roller 106. Figs. 5A-5B depict different views of one holder 110 of the two or more holders 110 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure. Each holder 110 includes a supporting member 110a and a guiding member 110b. The supporting member 110a includes a first end 110a1 and a second end 110a2. The supporting member 110a can have any suitable shape. In an embodiment, the supporting member 110a is generally cuboidal. The guiding member 110b can have any suitable shape such as, without limitation, tubular, ring, torus, etc. In an embodiment, the guiding member 110b is tubular. The guiding member 110b includes a hole 110b1 extending through the length of the guiding member 110b and providing a passage to the fiber 102. The supporting member 110a is coupled to the guiding member 110b at the first end 110a1 using any suitable coupling technique. In an embodiment, the supporting member 110a and the guiding member 110b form an integral structure. The two or more holders 110 can be made of a material such as, without limitation, stainless steel, brass, steel, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, etc. In an embodiment, the two or more holders 110 are made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
[0047] The casing 112 of the device 100 includes a top casing 112a and a bottom casing 112b. The top casing 112a and the bottom casing 112b can be coupled using, for example, a friction fit mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a screw mechanism, a nut-bolt coupling, a stud-groove coupling mechanism, or any other suitable coupling mechanism to form the casing 112. In the depicted embodiment, the top casing 112a and the bottom casing 112b are coupled using stud-groove coupling mechanism. The top casing 112a and the bottom casing 112b can be made of a material such as, without limitation, stainless steel, brass, steel, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, etc. In an embodiment, the top casing 112a and the bottom casing 112b are made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
[0048] The top casing 112a, as shown in Figs. 6A-6B, includes a plurality of sidewalls, an opening 112a4, a hole 112a6 and a plurality of male studs 112a8 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the top casing 112a is rectangular having four sidewalls 112a2, though the top casing 112a may have any other suitable shape.
[0049] The top casing 112a has the opening 112a4 on a top surface of the top casing 112a. The opening 112a4 is provided to accommodate the switch 116. The shape and size of the opening 112a4 corresponds to the shape and cross-sectional area of the switch 116. In the depicted embodiment, the opening 112a4 is rectangular.
[0050] The hole 112a6 includes a plurality of internal threads (not shown) configured to engage with the plurality of threads 108b2 of the control element 108. The plurality of internal threads of the hole 112a6 is complementary to the plurality of threads 108b2 of the control element 108. The plurality of internal threads of the hole 112a6 engages with the plurality of threads 108b2 of the control element 108 so that the control element 108 moves in the linear motion when the head portion 108a of the control element 108 is rotated.
[0051] The plurality of the male studs 112a8 are provided on the plurality of sidewalls and extend in a direction away from the top surface of the top casing 112a. The plurality of male studs 112a8 can be cylindrical, conical, hexagonal, cuboidal, etc. In an embodiment, the plurality of male studs 112a8 are cylindrical. In the depicted embodiment, the top casing 112a has eight male studs 112a8.
[0052] The bottom casing 112b, as shown in Figs. 6C-6D, includes a surface 112b2, a plurality of sidewalls, a platform 112b8, and a plurality of female grooves 112b14, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the bottom casing 112b is rectangular having four sidewalls including a proximal sidewall 112b3 and a distal sidewall 112b4, though the bottom casing 112bmay have any other suitable shape.
[0053] A hole 112b6 is provided on the casing 112 towards each of a proximal end and a distal end of the casing 112. The holes 112b6 are symmetrically positioned. The holes 112b6 provide a passage to the fiber 102 during the operation of the device 100 and are suitably dimensioned. In the depicted embodiment, the holes 112b6 are provided on each of the proximal sidewall 112b3 and the distal sidewall 112b4 of the bottom casing 112b as shown in Fig. 6C.
[0054] The two or more holders 110 are coupled to the bottom casing 112b. In an embodiment, the second end 110a2 of supporting member 110a of each holder 110 is coupled to the surface 112b2 of the bottom casing 112b using, for example, welding, screw mechanism, adhesive, nut bolt mechanism, snap fit mechanism, friction fit mechanism, etc. In an embodiment, the two or more holders 110 and the bottom casing 112b forms an integral structure and can be formed, for example, by a molding process.
[0055] The heights of the holes 110b1 of the two or more holders 110, the holes 112b6 and the roller 106 are designed as explained below. In an embodiment, the holes 110b1 of the two or more holders 110 and the holes 112b6 are aligned such that when the fiber 102 is inserted therethrough, the fiber 102 is substantially straight. For example, the holes 110b1 of the two or more holders 110 and the holes 112b6 are aligned along the longitudinal axis X-Y of the device 100 (shown in Fig. 8). In an embodiment, the fiber 102 makes an angle of A° with the longitudinal axis X-Y when the fiber 102 is placed on roller 106 (or the groove 106a1) (as shown in Fig. 8). Accordingly, the roller 106 is situated at a suitable height above the longitudinal axis X-Y. In an embodiment, the angle A° ranges between 0° and 7.5°. More particularly, the angle A° ranges between 7° and 7.5°. In an exemplary implementation, the angle A° is equal to 7°. The angle made by the fiber 102 defines a curve. This curve tightens the fiber 102 on the roller 106 producing more friction therebetween. As a result, the fiber 102 moves more easily when the roller 106 rotates.
[0056] The motor 104 is coupled to the bottom casing 112b. In an embodiment, the motor 104 is placed on the platform 112b8 and is coupled with a top surface of the platform 112b8 using the clamp 114. The platform 112b8 includes holes 112b8a separated by a pre-defined distance. In an embodiment, the platform 112b8 has a square shape, though the platform 112b8 may have any other suitable shape. According to an embodiment, the platform 112b8 has a predefined height such that the roller 106 is situated above the longitudinal axis X-Y as explained earlier.
[0057] The power source 105 is coupled to the bottom casing 112b using any suitable coupling mechanism. In an embodiment, the power source 105 is coupled to the bottom casing 112b using a friction-fit mechanism. For example, a plurality of protrusions 112b10 are provided on the surface 112b2 arranged to define an area of the shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the power source 105. The power source 105 is pressed between the plurality of protrusions 112b10 to snugly fit the power source 105 within the area. In the depicted embodiment, four protrusions 112b10 are provided defining a rectangle with each protrusion 112b10 placed at one corner of the rectangle.
[0058] The plurality of female grooves 112b14 are provide on the plurality of sidewalls of the bottom casing 112b. The plurality of female grooves 112b14 are complementary to the plurality of male studs 112a8 of the top casing 112a. Each female groove 112b14 mates with a corresponding male stud 112a8. The number of plurality of female grooves 112b14 is equal to the number of plurality of male studs 112a8. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom casing 112b includes eight female grooves 112b14. Though the depicted embodiment shows that the top casing 112a includes the plurality of male studs 112a8 and the bottom casing 112b includes the plurality of female grooves 112b14, it is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the top casing 112a includes the plurality of female grooves 112b14and the bottom casing 112b includes the plurality of male studs 112a8 or any combinations thereof.
[0059] Fig. 7A-7B depict different views of the clamp 114 in accordance with one or more embodiment of the present disclosure. The clamp 114 includes a frame 114a, and arms 114b. In the depicted embodiment, the frame 114a is cuboidal, though the frame 114a may have any suitable shape. The frame 114a at least partially surrounds the motor 104. The arms 114b extend away from opposite sides of the frame 114a. Each intersection of the frame 114a and the arms 114b has a hole 114c. The clamp 114 may be placed over the motor 104 and coupled to the surface 112b2 using suitable fasteners, e.g., screws, passing through the respective hole 114c and the respective hole 112b8a. The clamp 114 can be made of a material such as, without limitation, stainless steel, brass, steel, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, etc. In an embodiment, the clamp 114 is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
[0060] An embodiment of operating the device 100 is now explained. During the EVLT procedure, the user chooses the fiber 102 of a suitable diameter and length based upon the requirements. The user inserts the distal end of the fiber 102 from the proximal end 100a of the device 100 through the hole 112b6 of the proximal sidewall 112b4 of the bottom casing 112b. The distal end of the fiber 102 is then passed through the hole 110b1 of the holder 110 on the proximal side of the roller 106, the groove 106a1 of the roller 106, the hole 110b1 of the holder 110 on the distal side of the roller 106 and through the hole 112b6 of the distal sidewall 112b4 of the bottom casing 112b to exit the device 100 at the distal end 100b, wherein the fiber 102 has a desired length outside the distal end 100b of the device 100. The user inserts the distal end of the fiber 102 into an affected vein using, for example, an introducer sheath. The proximal end of the fiber 102 is then coupled to the laser generator using the connector of the fiber 102. The head portion 108a of the control element 108 is rotated to adjust the vertical position of the tip 108b1 as needed depending upon the diameter of the fiber 102. The vertical position of the tip 108b1 is adjusted so that the tip 108b1 contacts the fiber 102, and the roller 106 and the tip 108b1 provide sufficient frictional force and a better hold on the fiber 102. The laser light is then delivered at the targeted area of the affected vein. The device 100 is powered on, i.e., the motor 104 is switched ON by toggling the switch 116 to the ON state. This starts the motor 104. The motor 104 rotates the shaft 104a in the first direction. In response to the rotation of the shaft 104a, the roller 106 starts rotating in the first direction. According to an embodiment, the shaft 104a rotates at a constant pre-defined rotational speed of 30 RPM. Due to the rotation of the roller 106, the fiber 102 is continuously pulled in the proximal direction at the constant withdrawal rate of 1 mm per second. Consequently, the fiber 102 is uniformly and continuously withdrawn from the patient’s body, thereby leading to uniform and desired exposure to the laser beam.
[0061] Thus, the device 100 is capable of handling the fiber 102 of any diameter. This obviates the needs to have multiple devices for each size of the fiber 102, which makes the device 100 more cost effective over conventional devices. As the device 100 operates automatically, manual errors associated with conventional techniques are prevented. Further, the device 100 results in a uniform and continuous withdrawal of the fiber 102, leading to exposing the affected vein uniformly to the laser light. This increases the treatment’s efficacy, thereby improving the patient outcome.
[0062] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. , C , Claims:WE CLAIM
1. A fiber handling device (100) comprising:
a. a motor (104);
b. a roller (106) coupled to the motor (104) and configured to receive a fiber (102); and
c. a control element (108) configured to control a vertical position of a tip (108b1) vertically aligned with the roller (106);
d. wherein, in response to the rotation of the motor (104) in a first direction, the roller (106) is configured to rotate in the first direction, thereby pulling the fiber (102) disposed between the tip (108b1) and the roller (106) in a proximal direction.
2. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control element (108) is rotatable; wherein in response to the rotation of the control element (108), the tip (108b1) moves vertically, thereby adjusting a gap between the tip (108b1) and the roller (106).
3. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein, in response to the control element (108) being rotated in the clockwise direction, the tip (108b1) moves vertically downward, thereby decreasing the gap between the tip (108b1) and the roller (106); and wherein, in response to the control element (108) being rotated in the anticlockwise direction, the tip (108b1) moves vertically upward, thereby increasing the gap between the tip (108b1) and the roller (106).
4. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control element (108) comprises:
a. a head portion (108a) having at least one groove (108a1) on a top surface (108a2) of the head portion (108a); and
b. a neck portion (108b) comprising the tip (108b1) and a plurality of threads (108b2) provided on at least partial length of the neck portion (108b) extending from the tip (108b1) and engaging with a plurality of internal threads provided in a hole (112a6) of a top casing (112a), wherein the plurality of threads (108b2) translates a rotational motion of the control element (108) into a linear motion, thereby resulting in a vertical movement of the tip (108b1).
5. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tip (108b1) is semi-spherical.
6. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control element (108) comprises the tip (108b1).
7. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller (106) comprises:
a. a stem (106b) coupled to a shaft (104a) of the motor (104); and
b. a disc portion (106a) comprising flanges (106a2) and a groove (106a1) provided circumferentially on the disc portion (106a) between the flanges (106a2), the groove (106a1) is configured to receive the fiber (102).
8. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fiber handling device (100) comprises two or more holders (110); at least one holder (110) of the two or more holders (110) being provided on each of a proximal side and a distal side of the roller (106); each holder (110) of the two or more holders (110) comprising a supporting member (110a) and a guiding member (110b) having a hole (110b1) extending through the length of the guiding member (110b) and providing a passage to the fiber (102).
9. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hole (112b6) is provided on a casing (112) towards each of a proximal and a distal end of the casing (112) to provide passage to the fiber (102).
10. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the fiber (102) is placed on the roller (106), the fiber (102) makes an angle A° with respect to a longitudinal axis X-Y of the fiber handling device (100).
11. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the angle A° ranges between 0° and 7.5°.
12. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fiber handling device (100) comprises a switch (116) electrically coupled to the motor (104) and a power source (105) and configured to switch the motor (104) ON or OFF.
13. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fiber handling device (100) comprises a controller electrically coupled to the motor (104) and configured to control rotational speed of the motor (104).
14. The fiber handling device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fiber handling device (100) comprises a power source (105) configured to provide power to the motor (104).