Dual wavelength laser treatment device

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include a compact, lightweight, hand-held laser treatment device that combines the emissions of two separate laser energy sources into a common optical pathway for improved therapeutic effect. In some embodiments, the device includes a housing having separate first and second laser sources disposed within the interior thereof. In some embodiments, the laser energy emissions from the two internal laser sources can be individually or concurrently transmitted to a delivery tip of the device via a laser transmission path also defined within the interior of the housing. In some embodiments, the structural and functional features of the first and second laser sources, in concert with the unique architecture of the laser transmission path, can be configured to provide efficacy and efficiency in the operation of the device within the spatial constraints of the lightweight, hand-held housing thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 587,955 entitled “Dual Wavelength Laser Treatment Device”, filed Dec. 31, 2014, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 922,581 entitled “Dual Wavelength Laser Treatment Device”, filed on Dec. 31, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]Some embodiments of the invention relate generally to medical laser systems. Some embodiments relate to a compact and lightweight hand-held laser treatment device that combines the emissions of two or more separate laser energy sources into a common optical pathway for improved therapeutic effect.2. Description of Art[0003]Lasers find application in a variety of medical and dental treatment procedures, with some of the most common operations involving the cutting, ablation, disinfection or other treatment ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0025]The first and second laser sources can be operated in concert to generate combined laser emissions that synergistically enhance tissue treatment. Furthermore, the efficacy of treatment with the dual laser emissions can be increased with the addition of a water spray that, for ablative forms of treatment, reduces ablation width, increases ablation depth, and reduces charring that harms the surrounding tissue. Synergistic bactericidal, bio-stimulation or wound healing, and pain reduction benefits from the concurrent operation of the two laser sources are also contemplated. By way of example, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, one of the laser sources can primarily be used for ablation while having relatively limited bactericidal effects that weaken, but not entirely kill the bacteria. The second laser source, after the first laser source is pulsed, can generate another emission that kills the weakened bacteria, even though such emission is not in and of itself capable of killing normal bacterial. Furthermore, the effects of low level laser therapy with one laser source in bio-stimulation applications can be increased with another laser source that generates pressure waves within the tissue. Pain reduction is also possible, in which the first laser source penetrates tissue and stuns nerve endings while the second laser source ablates tissue, thus eliminating pain signals that would otherwise result from treatment with the second laser source. A control system that selectively governs the emissions from the first and second laser sources can accomplish the aforementioned functions.

[0029]In some embodiments of the invention, the first laser emission is applied to the target tissue site in pulses, and the second laser emission is applied to the target tissue site for a duration longer than the pulses of the first laser emission. In some embodiments, the first treatment effect comprises a pressure wave that weakens any bacteria on the target tissue site that includes a biofilm, where the bacteria are weakened by disruption of biofilm and bacterial membranes in response to the pressure wave. Further, the second treatment effect is induced by application infrared or ultraviolet radiation at the levels below the bacteria vitality threshold level for the applied radiation. Further, the synergistic treatment effect is at least one of neutralization, killing of the weakened bacteria, and reduction of inflammatory tissue conditions.

[0033]In some embodiments of the method, the second treatment effect is at least one of surgical cutting, removal of diseased tissue, and reduction of bacteria at the treatment site. Further, some embodiments of the method include a synergistic treatment effect that is at least one of a reduction of inflammatory effect, wound healing and tissue re-generation.

Problems solved by technology

Due to the high power requirements and attendant safety concerns, the laser energy source is oftentimes located away from the operator and the patient.

Further, the intensity of the emission, along with the duration of the pulse, must be set to ensure that the tissue does not boil or vaporize (which can lead to greater injury and hemorrhaging).

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