Medical laser apparatus, endoscope controller, and medical system

Abstract

The invention discloses a medical laser apparatus, an endoscope controller, and a medical system. The medical laser apparatus includes: an energy guide; a first energy source configured to generate energy for treating the target tissue through the energy guide; a light source having at least two illumination modes for providing illumination to the target tissue; a second energy source, different from the light source, configured to emit a first aiming beam and a second aiming beam through the energy guide towards the target tissue, the second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam; and a controller comprising hardware, the controller configured to: receive a signal indicative of an illumination mode of the at least two illumination modes that currently illuminates the target tissue; selecting an aiming beam from the first aiming beam and the second aiming beam based on a current illumination mode for illuminating the target tissue; and controlling the second energy source to emit the selected aiming beam to the target tissue.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with an application date of February 8, 2019, application number 201980012086.0 (international stage application number PCT / US2019 / 017153), and invention name “Medical Laser Device and System”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 628,513, filed on February 9, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0004] 1. Field

[0005] The present invention relates generally to medical laser devices and systems, and more particularly to medical laser devices and systems for use with an endoscopic system having two or more illumination modes.

[0006] 2. Prior Art

[0007] Medical lasers have been utilized in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including, for example, various endoscopic procedures. Typically, these procedures require precise control of the delivery of energy in order to successfully complete the desired procedure.

[0008] Typically, laser energy is delivered to the target tissue using a surgical probe. The surgical probe typically includes an energy guide, such as an optical fiber, coupled to an energy source such as a laser, wherein the probe can be positioned so that the tip of the probe is positioned adjacent to the target tissue. The laser energy is directed from the tip of the optical fiber to the desired portion of the target tissue. The laser optical fiber coupled to the laser source is required to be flexible to some extent so that the optical fiber can be manipulated. The laser system can include, for example, a thulium fiber laser for generating laser light that is delivered to the target tissue via an optical fiber. The laser can be operated in different treatment modes such as a cutting (excision) mode and a coagulation (hemostasis) mode.

[0009] The medical professional performing the particular procedure maneuvers the optical fiber into position near the target tissue and sets the laser power and mode for various treatments, which may require different power and mode settings, eg, vaporization mode or coagulation mode, depending on the treatment.

[0010] The laser beam used to treat tissue is typically invisible to the human eye and standard image sensors. Therefore, another illumination source can be used to generate a visible aiming beam. By using an aiming beam, the aiming beam spot can appear in the image formed when viewing the target area using an endoscope.

[0011] In addition, the endoscopic video imaging system has the function of assisting in the early detection of micro-lesions such as cancer, and accurately diagnosing the diseased area before surgery. In addition to normal light imaging, the system also includes a specific light imaging function using a specific spectrum. The endoscopic video imaging system can have at least two illumination modes, white light (normal light) illumination and a specific light illumination mode. The endoscope also has an illumination mode switching function, which changes from a white light mode to a specific light illumination mode, or from a specific light illumination mode to a white light mode. Summary of the invention

[0012] Therefore, a medical laser device is provided. The medical laser device includes: an energy guide; a first energy source configured to generate energy for treating a target tissue through the energy guide; a light source having at least two illumination modes for providing illumination to the target tissue; a second energy source different from the light source, configured to emit a first aiming beam and a second aiming beam to the target tissue through the energy guide, the second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam; and a controller including hardware, the controller being configured to: receive a signal indicating an illumination mode of the at least two illumination modes currently illuminating the target tissue; select an aiming beam from the first aiming beam and the second aiming beam based on the illumination mode currently illuminating the target tissue; and control the second energy source to emit the selected aiming beam to the target tissue.

[0013] Wherein, when the white light illumination mode is indicated, the controller may control the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength within a range of 500 nm to 550 nm.

[0014] Wherein, when the special light illumination mode is indicated, the controller can control the second energy source to emit a second aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 635nm to 690nm. The special light illumination mode can be one of a narrowband imaging mode, an automatic fluorescence imaging mode or an infrared imaging mode.

[0015] The controller may also be configured to receive a signal indicating whether a spot caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image of the target tissue. When the spot cannot be identified in the image, the controller is also configured to switch one of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam to the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam. The controller may also be configured to receive a signal indicating whether a spot caused by the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image of the target tissue. When the spot caused by the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam cannot be identified in the image, the controller may be configured to control the first energy source to prohibit the first energy source from generating energy for treating the target tissue.

[0016] The at least one characteristic may be selected from the group consisting of wavelength, power level, and emission pattern.

[0017] The energy guide may be a laser fiber.

[0018] The first energy source may be a therapeutic laser beam.

[0019] An endoscope controller is also provided, which includes hardware, the endoscope controller is used with the endoscope, and the endoscope controller is configured to: output a first signal indicating a current illumination mode of the endoscope for illuminating target tissue; based on the illumination mode, select an aiming beam from a plurality of aiming beams generated by an aiming beam energy source to be emitted toward the target tissue; detect whether a spot from the selected aiming beam is visible in an image captured by an image sensor in the endoscope; and output a second signal based on the detection.

[0020] The second signal may be output only if no speckle can be detected in the image.

[0021] The aiming beam may be a first aiming beam; and in the event that the spot cannot be detected in the image, the second signal may instruct the laser device to change the first aiming beam to a second aiming beam, the second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam.

[0022] A medical system is also provided, comprising: a medical laser device, the medical laser device comprising: an energy guide; a first energy source, which is configured to generate energy for treating a target tissue through the energy guide; a second energy source, which is configured to emit a first aiming beam and a second aiming beam to the target tissue through the energy guide, the second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam; a first controller including hardware, the first controller being configured to: receive a first signal indicating an illumination mode of at least two illumination modes used by an endoscope to illuminate the target tissue; select an aiming beam from the first aiming beam and the second aiming beam based on the illumination mode currently used to illuminate the target tissue; and control the second energy source to emit the selected aiming beam to the target tissue; and a second controller including hardware, the second controller being used together with the endoscope, the second controller being configured to: output a first signal indicating an illumination mode of at least two illumination modes used by the endoscope to the first controller.

[0023] When the white light illumination mode is indicated, the first controller may control the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength within a range of 500 nm to 550 nm.

[0024] When the special light illumination mode is indicated, the first controller may control the second energy source to emit a second aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 635nm to 690nm. The special light illumination mode may be one of a narrowband imaging mode, an autofluorescence imaging mode, or an infrared imaging mode.

[0025] The second controller may also be configured to: output a second signal indicating whether a spot caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope; and the first controller may also be configured to: receive the second signal; and when the spot cannot be identified in the image, switch one of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam to the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam.

[0026] The second controller may also be configured to: output a second signal indicating whether a spot caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope; and the first controller may also be configured to: receive the second signal; and when a spot caused by the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam cannot be identified in the image, control the first energy source to prohibit the first energy source from generating energy for treating the target tissue.

[0027] The at least one characteristic may be selected from the group consisting of wavelength, power level, and emission pattern.

[0028] The energy guide may be a laser fiber.

[0029] The first energy source may be a therapeutic laser beam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 A medical system with an endoscope, a laser device, an endoscope processor, and an endoscope light source is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 Shown include Figure 1 The distal end of the endoscope Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the healthcare system.

[0033] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A flow chart of a first method of operation of a medical system.

[0034] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A flow chart of a second method of operation of a medical system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Now refer to Figure 1 , which shows the overall configuration of a medical system 100 having an endoscope 102, an endoscope processor 103, a light source 104, a laser device 106, and a display 108. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the endoscope 102 includes an insertion portion 110 configured to be inserted into an object, image the interior of the object and generate an image signal of the interior of the object; an endoscope processor 103 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal captured by the endoscope 102, and controls at least part of the medical system 100; the light source 104 generates illumination light for the endoscope 102, having at least two illumination modes; the laser device 106 has a first energy source for generating energy for treating the target tissue through the energy guide 112 and a second energy source configured to emit two or more aiming beams to the target tissue through the energy guide 112; and the display device 108 displays the image of the aiming beam and the image signal that has undergone the image processing performed by the endoscope processor 103.

[0036] The endoscope 102 includes: an insertion portion 110 to be inserted into a subject; an operation unit 107 to be held by an operator on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 110; and a flexible universal cable 114 extending from the operation unit 107. Figure 1 A gastrointestinal (GI) endoscope is shown, but the devices and systems disclosed herein are not limited to GI endoscopes, and also have specific utility for use with other types of endoscopes, such as ureteroscopes, or cystoscopes, or endoscopes used for other therapeutic procedures.

[0037] The insertion portion 110 is formed using an optical fiber (light guide), a cable, an optical fiber, or the like. The insertion portion 110 includes: a distal end portion 110a including an imaging unit to be described later; a bendable curved portion 110b including a plurality of curved pieces; and a flexible flexible tube portion 110c provided on the proximal end side of the curved portion 110b. The distal end portion 110a is provided with: an illumination light guide 120 (see Figure 2 ), which is illuminated by a lens 122 (see Figure 2 ) to illuminate the interior of the object; an observation unit, which includes an image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS, and an objective lens system 118 (see Figure 2 );With treatment tool channel 102a (see Figure 2 ) an insertion port 107b connected thereto; and an air / water supply nozzle (not shown).

[0038] The operation unit 107 includes: a bending knob 107a for bending the bending portion 110b in the up-down direction and the right-left direction; a treatment tool insertion port 107b through which a treatment tool such as a medical forceps or an energy guide 112 is inserted into the body cavity of the subject; and a plurality of switches 107c for operating peripheral devices such as the endoscope processor 103, the light source device 104, the air supply device, the water supply device, and the gas supply device. The treatment tool, for example, the energy guide 112 can be inserted from the treatment tool insertion port 107b and pass through the channel 102a so that the distal end of the energy guide 112 is inserted from the opening 102b of the channel 102a at the distal end of the insertion portion 110 (see Figure 2 ) exposed.

[0039] The universal cable 114 includes an optical fiber, an electric cable, etc. The universal cable 114 is branched at its proximal end. One end of the branch end is a connector 114a, and the other proximal end of the branch end is a connector 114b. The connector 114a can be attached to / detached from the connector of the endoscope processor 103. The connector 114b can be attached to / detached from the light source 104. The universal cable 114 is connected to the optical fiber 104 via the connector 114b and the light guide 120 (see FIG. 11 ). Figure 2 ) transmits the illumination light emitted from the light source 104 to the distal end portion 110a. In addition, the universal cable 114 transmits the illumination light emitted from the light source 104 to the distal end portion 110a via the signal line 124 (see Figure 2 ) and is connected to the image sensor 116 (see Figure 2 )The captured image signal is transmitted to the endoscope processor 103.

[0040] The endoscope processor 103 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal output from the connector 114 a , and controls at least part of the components constituting the medical system 100 .

[0041] The light source 104 includes one or more light sources that emit light having one or more illumination characteristics, referred to as illumination modes, a condenser lens, and the like. Such a light source may be, for example, a xenon lamp, an LED (light emitting diode), an LD (laser diode), or any combination thereof. Under the control of the endoscope processor 103, the light source 104 emits light from one or more light sources thereof, and provides the light to the endoscope 102 connected via the optical guide of the universal cable 114 and the connector 114b as illumination light for the interior of the object being targeted. The illumination mode may be a white light illumination mode or a special light illumination mode, such as a narrow band imaging mode, an automatic fluorescence imaging mode, or an infrared imaging mode. Special light illumination may concentrate and enhance light of a specific wavelength, for example, to produce a fine contrast that better visualizes superficial microvessels and mucosal surface structures to enhance the irregularities of the mucosa.

[0042] The display 108 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, etc. The display 108 displays various types of information including an image that has been subjected to predetermined image processing via a video cable 108a by the information processing device 103. This allows the operator to observe and determine the behavior of a desired position inside the subject by operating the endoscope 102 while viewing the image (in-vivo image) displayed by the display 108.

[0043] Now refer to Figure 2 , schematically showing Figure 1 The medical system 100 of the present invention. The laser device 106 is used for use with an energy guide 112, such as a laser fiber. The energy guide is disposed in the channel 102a through the treatment insertion port 107b and includes a distal end 112a, which extends distally from the distal opening 102b of the channel 102a so as to be configured to guide the treatment energy to the target tissue. The proximal end of the energy guide 112 is operatively connected to the laser device 106.

[0044] The laser device 106 includes two or more energy sources coupled to the proximal end of the energy guide 112 for generating laser energy. Such energy sources may be selected by a user through inputs such as a button 106a or a foot switch (not shown) on the laser device 106, through inputs to a user interface on the software or display 108, or other inputs, manual or automatic, as known in the art. A first energy source 202 is optically coupled to the energy guide 112 and may be configured to generate energy for treating target tissue through the energy guide 112. For example, the first energy source 202 may be a thulium laser for generating laser light for delivery to the target tissue through the light guide 112 to operate in different treatment modes, such as a cutting (excision) mode and a coagulation (hemostasis) mode. Other energy sources known in the art for such treatment of tissue, or any other treatment mode, may also be used for the first energy source 202, such as Ho:YAG, Nd:YAG, and CO2, as well as others known in the art.

[0045] The two or more energy sources may also include a second energy source 204, which is also optically coupled to the energy guide 112 and is configured to transmit at least two aiming beams to the target tissue through the energy guide 112, wherein the first aiming beam has at least one characteristic different from the second aiming beam. Such distinguishing characteristics may be wavelength, power level, and / or emission pattern. For example, the first aiming beam may have a wavelength in the range of 500nm to 550nm, while the second aiming beam may have a wavelength in the range of 635nm to 690nm. The characteristics of the different aiming beams may be selected based on the visibility of the aiming beams in the image processed by the endoscope processor 103, and the characteristics of the different aiming beams may be displayed on the display 108 under certain illumination modes provided by the light source 104.

[0046] The laser device 106 also includes a controller 206 including hardware such as a CPU, which controls the operation of the laser device 106 including the first energy source 202 and the second energy source 204. The laser device 106 may also include a sensor 208 operatively coupled to the energy guide 112 and under the control of the controller 206. As is known in the art, the sensor 208 is configured to detect reflected light from the distal end 112a of the energy guide 112, through the energy guide 112 and back to the sensor 208, so that the sensor 208 can determine the illumination pattern output from the light source 104 to the light guide 120. That is, such a sensor 208 detects the illumination pattern used to illuminate the target tissue. Such reflected light detection can be similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,860,972, issued on January 19, 1999, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] The light source 104 includes one or more light sources, for example, a first light source 210 and a second light source 212 under the control of a controller 214. The light sources 210, 212 may be selected by a user through input, for example, a button 104a on the light source 104 or a foot switch (not shown), through software or a user interface on the display 108, or other inputs known in the art, whether manual or automatic. The first light source 210 and the second light source 212 are optically coupled to the light guide 120 to provide different illumination modes as described above to the light guide 120. Although different light sources are shown for each illumination mode, a single light source may be configured to produce illumination modes with different characteristics through the use of filters, lenses, etc.

[0048] The endoscope processor 103 also includes a controller 216 including hardware such as a CPU for controlling the endoscope 102, the display 108, the light source 104, and / or the laser device 106. As discussed above, the controller 216 receives signals from the image sensor 116 via the line 124 in the universal cable 114 to process the signals to generate an image / video for viewing on the display 108. Such an image includes not only the target area of ​​tissue to be treated under the illumination of the light source 104, but also the aiming beam generated by the laser device 106 when the first energy source 202 is activated and the energy guide 112 is used to treat the target tissue. The endoscope processor 103 includes one or more inputs such as a button 103a or a foot switch (not shown) on the endoscope processor 103, inputs through software or a user interface on the display 108, or other inputs known in the art, whether manual or automatic.

[0049] Now about Figure 3 The flowchart shown in Figure 1 The use of the medical system 100 of the present invention is described in detail. After inserting the endoscope 102 to the target tissue site, at 300, the user views the target tissue on the display 108. Such viewing of the target tissue is consistent with the illumination mode set at 302 and output by one of the light sources 210, 212 of the light source 104. Such an illumination mode can be set by the user through selection in any manner known in the art, or automatically set by any of the controllers 214, 216 based on a determination made by predetermined criteria.

[0050] At 304, a determination is made by controller 206 as to whether first energy source 202 is activated (on) and delivering therapeutic energy to energy guide 112. In the event that it is determined that first energy source 202 is not delivering therapeutic energy to energy guide 112, then at 304N, controller 206 does not activate second energy source 204 to generate an aiming beam. In the event that it is determined that first energy source 202 is delivering therapeutic energy to energy guide 112, then at 304Y, controller 206 activates second energy source 204 to generate one of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam at 306.

[0051] At 308, the controller 206 determines the illumination mode based on the illumination mode used by the endoscope to illuminate the target tissue, for example, receiving a signal indicating the type of illumination mode used. The illumination mode signal provided to the controller 206 can be a manual input from a user at the input 104a of the light source 104 to direct the light source controller 214 to output a signal to the controller 216 of the endoscope processor 103, which in turn outputs a signal to the laser device controller 206. Such manual input can also be an input from the endoscope processor 103, for example, a button 103a. The light source controller 214 can also output a signal indicating the illumination mode directly to the laser device controller 206. The input can also reach the controller 216 of the endoscope processor 103 via the button 107c on the endoscope through the signal line 107d, and the signal is relayed to the controller 206 of the laser device. The controller 206 of the laser device 106 may also receive a signal indicating the illumination mode being used by the endoscope from a sensor 208, the sensor detecting the illumination being used by the reflected light through the energy guide 112, and the controller 206 processing such detection and determining the illumination mode based on the output from the sensor 208. In addition, the controller 216 of the endoscope processor 103 may analyze the image signals from the image sensor 116 and determine the illumination mode based on such image signals, and output such determination to the controller 206 of the laser device 106. Other sensors (not shown) may also be employed, for example, at the distal end of the endoscope 102 or in the endoscope processor 103, for determining the illumination mode being used by the endoscope.

[0052] At 310, a determination is made as to whether the aiming beam is suitable for the determined illumination mode. Such a determination may be based on historical data reflected in a lookup table (LUT) operatively connected to the controller 206, wherein the LUT corresponds illumination modes to aiming beam characteristics. Such a LUT may store data of illumination modes (or wavelengths of illumination light) and corresponding wavelengths of aiming beams used with such illumination modes or wavelengths of such illumination modes. In the event that the aiming beam being used is determined to be suitable for use with the illumination mode being used, then the aiming beam being used need not be changed, and at 310Y, the process continues to image the target tissue until a determination is made at 310N that the aiming beam being used is not suitable for use with the illumination mode being used. Such a determination may be made once at a predetermined interval or once a predetermined event occurs, such as, for example, turning off the first energy source and then turning it on again.

[0053] However, in the event that it is determined at 310N that the aiming beam being used is not suitable for use with the illumination mode being used, then the second energy source 204 is controlled at 312 to change the aiming beam based on the indicated illumination mode. For example, when a white light illumination mode is determined, the controller 206 may control the second energy source 204 to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 500nm to 550nm. Alternatively, in the event that a special light illumination mode is determined, then the controller 206 may control the second energy source 204 to emit a second aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 635nm to 690nm. As discussed above, for example, the special light mode may be one of a narrowband imaging mode, an autofluorescence imaging mode, or an infrared imaging mode.

[0054] Now about Figure 4 The flowchart shown in Figure 1 Another use of the medical system 100 of the invention, wherein 300, 302, 304, and 306 are substantially as described above. In the event that the laser device 106 activates one of the aiming beams, such as the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam, a determination is made at 314 as to whether a spot caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope 102. That is, the controller 216 analyzes the image signal from the image sensor 116 to determine whether the aiming beam spot being used is visible in the image of the target tissue. Such determination of spots in image data is well known in the art, for example, by pixel comparison to determine differences (discontinuities) in pixel data in an area of ​​the image corresponding to an expected size and / or shape of the spot. In addition, if the spot is detected but the difference is below a certain predetermined threshold, such a determination may deem the spot to be invisible in the event that a user would have difficulty clearly identifying the spot from the image.

[0055] In the event that a spot is detected in the image or is sufficiently detected, then at 314Y the image and spot continue to be imaged, illuminated, and displayed until such determination changes or the laser device no longer activates the first energy source 202. At 314N, in the event that a spot cannot be detected in the image or is not sufficiently detected, then at 316 the controller 216 outputs a signal to the laser device controller 206 to switch to a different one of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam.

[0056] At 318, the controller 216 makes a similar determination to determine whether speckle caused by a different one of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in the image from the endoscope 102. In the event that speckle is detected in the image or is sufficiently detected, then imaging, illuminating, and displaying the image and speckle continue at 318Y until such determination changes or the laser device no longer activates the first energy source 202. At 318N, in the event that speckle cannot be detected in the image or is not sufficiently detected, as a safety measure, at 320, the controller can output a signal to the laser device controller 206 to control the first energy source to disable the first energy source from generating energy for treating the target tissue.

[0057] Although described with respect to flexible endoscopes, the above-described apparatus and methods also have utility with rigid-type endoscopes. In addition, although the laser device 106 is described as a separate device, its features may be incorporated into one or both of the light source and the endoscope processor, wherein a common controller may be used to make the determinations and controls indicated herein.

[0058] Although there has been shown and described what are considered to be preferred embodiments, it will of course be understood that various modifications and changes in form or details may be readily made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention is not limited to the exact forms described and shown, but should be conceived to cover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0059] In addition, the present disclosure also provides the following configuration.

[0060] 1. A medical laser device, comprising:

[0061] Energy guides;

[0062] a first energy source configured to generate energy through the energy guide for treating target tissue;

[0063] a second energy source configured to transmit a first aiming beam and a second aiming beam through the energy guide toward target tissue, the second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam; and

[0064] A controller comprising hardware, the controller being configured to:

[0065] receiving a signal indicative of an illumination mode of at least two illumination modes to be used by the endoscope to illuminate the target tissue; and

[0066] Based on the indicated illumination mode, the second energy source is controlled to output the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam.

[0067] 2. The medical laser device according to configuration 1, wherein, when the white light illumination mode is indicated, the controller controls the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength within a range of 500 nm to 550 nm.

[0068] 3. The medical laser apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein, when a special light illumination mode is instructed, the controller controls the second energy source to emit a second aiming beam having a wavelength within a range of 635 nm to 690 nm.

[0069] 4. The medical laser device according to configuration 3, wherein the special light illumination mode is one of a narrow-band imaging mode, an automatic fluorescence imaging mode, or an infrared imaging mode.

[0070] 5. The medical laser device according to configuration 1, wherein the controller is further configured to receive a signal indicating whether a spot caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in the image from the endoscope.

[0071] 6. The medical laser device according to configuration 5, wherein, when the spot cannot be identified in the image, the controller is further configured to switch one of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam to the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam.

[0072] 7. The medical laser device of configuration 6, wherein the controller is further configured to receive a signal indicating whether a spot caused by the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope.

[0073] 8. The medical laser device of configuration 7, wherein, when a spot due to the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam cannot be identified in the image, the controller is configured to control the first energy source to prohibit the first energy source from generating energy for treating the target tissue.

[0074] 9. The medical laser device of configuration 1, wherein the at least one characteristic is selected from the group consisting of wavelength, power level, and emission pattern.

[0075] 10. The medical laser device according to configuration 1, wherein the energy guide is a laser fiber.

[0076] 11. The medical laser device according to configuration 1, wherein the first energy source is a therapeutic laser beam.

[0077] 12. An endoscope controller comprising hardware, the endoscope controller being used with an endoscope, the endoscope controller being configured to:

[0078] outputting a first signal indicating an illumination mode of the endoscope;

[0079] detecting whether speckle due to an aiming beam generated by an aiming beam energy source is visible in an image captured by an image sensor in the endoscope; and

[0080] A second signal is output based on the detection.

[0081] 13. The endoscope controller according to configuration 12, wherein the second signal is output only when the spot cannot be detected in the image.

[0082] 14. The endoscope controller of configuration 12, wherein:

[0083] The aiming beam is a first aiming beam; and

[0084] In the event that the spot cannot be detected in the image, the second signal instructs the laser device to change the first aiming beam to a second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam.

[0085] 15. A medical system comprising:

[0086] Medical laser equipment, including:

[0087] Energy guides;

[0088] a first energy source configured to generate energy through the energy guide for treating target tissue;

[0089] a second energy source configured to transmit a first aiming beam and a second aiming beam through the energy guide toward target tissue, the second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam; and

[0090] A first controller comprising hardware, the first controller being configured to:

[0091] receiving a first signal indicative of an illumination mode of at least two illumination modes to be used by the endoscope to illuminate the target tissue;

[0092] Based on the indicated illumination mode, controlling the second energy source to output the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam; and

[0093] A second controller comprising hardware for use with an endoscope, the second controller being configured to:

[0094] A first signal indicating an illumination mode used by the endoscope from among at least two illumination modes is output to the first controller.

[0095] 16. The medical system of configuration 15, wherein, when a white light illumination mode is indicated, the first controller controls the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength in a range of 500 nm to 550 nm.

[0096] 17. The medical system of configuration 15, wherein, when a special light illumination mode is indicated, the first controller controls the second energy source to emit a second aiming beam having a wavelength in a range of 635 nm to 690 nm.

[0097] 18. The medical system according to configuration 17, wherein the special light illumination mode is one of a narrow-band imaging mode, an automatic fluorescence imaging mode, or an infrared imaging mode.

[0098] 19. The medical system of configuration 15, wherein:

[0099] The second controller is further configured to:

[0100] outputting a second signal indicating whether a speckle caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope; and

[0101] The first controller is further configured to:

[0102] receiving the second signal; and

[0103] When the spot cannot be identified in the image, one of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam is switched to the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam.

[0104] 20. The medical system of configuration 15, wherein:

[0105] The second controller is further configured to:

[0106] outputting a second signal indicating whether a speckle caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope; and

[0107] The first controller is further configured to:

[0108] receiving the second signal; and

[0109] When a speckle due to the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam cannot be identified in the image, the first energy source is controlled to inhibit the first energy source from generating energy for treating the target tissue.

[0110] 21. The medical system of configuration 15, wherein the at least one characteristic is selected from the group consisting of wavelength, power level, and emission pattern.

[0111] 22. The medical system of configuration 15, wherein the energy guide is a laser fiber.

[0112] 23. The medical system of configuration 15, wherein the first energy source is a therapeutic laser beam.

Claims

1. A medical laser device, comprising: Energy guides; a first energy source configured to generate energy for treating target tissue through the energy guide; a light source having at least two illumination modes for providing illumination to the target tissue; a second energy source, different from the light source, configured to transmit a first aiming beam and a second aiming beam through the energy guide toward the target tissue, the second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam; and A controller comprising hardware, the controller being configured to: receiving a signal indicating an illumination mode of the at least two illumination modes currently illuminating the target tissue; selecting an aiming beam from among the first aiming beam and the second aiming beam based on a current illumination mode for illuminating the target tissue; as well as The second energy source is controlled to transmit the selected aiming beam toward the target tissue.

2. The medical laser device according to claim 1, wherein: When the white light illumination mode is indicated, the controller controls the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength within a range of 500 nm to 550 nm.

3. The medical laser device according to claim 1, wherein: When the special light illumination mode is indicated, the controller controls the second energy source to emit a second aiming beam having a wavelength within a range of 635 nm to 690 nm.

4. The medical laser device according to claim 3, wherein: The special light illumination mode is one of a narrow-band imaging mode, an automatic fluorescence imaging mode or an infrared imaging mode.

5. The medical laser device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is also configured to receive a signal indicating whether a speckle caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam is identifiable in the image of the target tissue.

6. The medical laser device according to claim 5, wherein: The controller is further configured to switch one of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam to the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam when the spot cannot be identified in the image.

7. The medical laser device according to claim 6, wherein: The controller is also configured to receive a signal indicating whether a speckle caused by the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam is identifiable in the image of the target tissue.

8. The medical laser device according to claim 7, wherein: When the spot from the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam cannot be identified in the image, the controller is configured to control the first energy source to inhibit the first energy source from generating energy for treating the target tissue.

9. The medical laser device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one characteristic is selected from the group consisting of wavelength, power level, and emission pattern.

10. The medical laser device according to claim 1, wherein: The energy guide is a laser fiber.

11. The medical laser device according to claim 1, wherein: The first energy source is a therapeutic laser beam.

12. An endoscope controller comprising hardware, the endoscope controller being for use with an endoscope, the endoscope controller being configured to: outputting a first signal indicating a current illumination mode of the endoscope for illuminating a target tissue; selecting, based on the illumination pattern, an aiming beam from a plurality of aiming beams generated by an aiming beam energy source for transmission toward the target tissue; detecting whether a spot from the selected aiming beam is visible in an image captured by an image sensor in the endoscope; as well as A second signal is output based on the detection.

13. The endoscope controller according to claim 12, wherein: The second signal is output only if the spot cannot be detected in the image.

14. The endoscope controller according to claim 12, wherein: The aiming beam is a first aiming beam; as well as In the event that the spot cannot be detected in the image, the second signal instructs the laser device to change the first aiming beam to a second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam.

15. A medical system comprising: Medical laser equipment, including: Energy guides; a first energy source configured to generate energy for treating target tissue through the energy guide; a second energy source configured to transmit a first aiming beam and a second aiming beam through the energy guide toward the target tissue, the second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam; A first controller comprising hardware, the first controller being configured to: receiving a first signal indicative of an illumination mode of at least two illumination modes to be used by the endoscope to illuminate the target tissue; selecting an aiming beam from among the first aiming beam and the second aiming beam based on a current illumination mode for illuminating the target tissue; and controlling the second energy source to emit the selected aiming beam toward the target tissue; and A second controller comprising hardware, the second controller being for use with the endoscope, the second controller being configured to: The first signal indicating an illumination mode used by the endoscope among the at least two illumination modes is output to the first controller.

16. The medical system of claim 15, wherein: When the white light illumination mode is indicated, the first controller controls the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength within a range of 500 nm to 550 nm.

17. The medical system of claim 15, wherein: When the special light illumination mode is indicated, the first controller controls the second energy source to emit a second aiming beam having a wavelength within a range of 635 nm to 690 nm.

18. The medical system of claim 17, wherein: The special light illumination mode is one of a narrow-band imaging mode, an automatic fluorescence imaging mode or an infrared imaging mode.

19. The medical system of claim 15, wherein: The second controller is further configured to: outputting a second signal indicating whether a speckle caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope; and The first controller is further configured to: receiving the second signal; as well as When the spot cannot be identified in the image, one of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam is switched to the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam.

20. The medical system of claim 15, wherein: The second controller is further configured to: outputting a second signal indicating whether a speckle caused by the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope; and The first controller is further configured to: receiving the second signal; as well as When the spot from the other of the first aiming beam or the second aiming beam cannot be identified in the image, the first energy source is controlled to inhibit the first energy source from generating energy for treating the target tissue.

21. The medical system of claim 15, wherein: The at least one characteristic is selected from the group consisting of wavelength, power level, and emission pattern.

22. The medical system of claim 15, wherein: The energy guide is a laser fiber.

23. The medical system of claim 15, wherein: The first energy source is a therapeutic laser beam.

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