Detecting degradation of arc lamp elements

Abstract

In a surgical system, an arc lamp can generate arc lamp light. An endoscope can direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site. An optical fiber can extend from the distal end of the endoscope to receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site. An optical sensor, such as a spectrometer, can measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light. Processing circuitry can analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light. The processing circuitry can determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum, that at least one of the arc lamp or the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance, such as due to aging. The processing circuitry can generate an alert data signal, such as with instructions to replace the degraded element.

Description

DETECTING DEGRADATION OF ARC LAMP ELEMENTSCROSS-REF ’ERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 597,448, filed November 9, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 597,460, filed November 9, 2023, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This document relates generally to surgical systems, such as endoscopic systems.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] A practitioner, such as a physician, clinician, operator, or user, can use an endoscope to provide visual access to an internal location of a patient. The practitioner can insert an endoscope into a patient’s body. The endoscope can deliver light to a target being examined, such as a target anatomy or object. The endoscope can collect light that is reflected from the object. The reflected light can carry information about the target being examined.

[0004] An endoscope can include a working channel. In some examples, the practitioner can perform suction through the working channel. In some examples, the practitioner can pass instruments, such as brashes, biopsy needles or forceps, through the working channel. In some examples, the practitioner can perform minimally invasive surgery through the working channel, such as to remove unwanted tissue or foreign objects from the body of the patient.

[0005] An endoscope can use a laser or plasma system to perform laser therapy, such as ablation, coagulation, vaporization, fragmentation, lithotripsy, and others. In laser therapy, the practitioner can use the endoscope to deliver surgical laser energy to various target treatment areas, such as soft or hard tissue. In lithotripsy, the practitioner can use the endoscope to deliver surgical laser energy to break down calculi structures in the patient’s kidney, gallbladder, ureter, or other stone-forming regions, or to ablate large calculi into smaller fragments.SUMMARY

[0006] In an example, a surgical system for use with an arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light can comprise: an endoscope configured to direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; an optical sensor configured to measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry' configured to: analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp has a degraded performance; and generate an alert data signal in response to the determination that the arc lamp has the degraded performance.

[0007] In an example, a method for operating a surgical system can comprise: generating arc lamp light with an arc lamp; directing the arc lamp light from a distal end of an endoscope toward a target site; receiving, with a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; measuring, with an optical sensor, an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; analyzing, with processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determining, with the processing circuitry / , from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp has a degraded performance; and generating, with the processing circuitry, in response to the determination that the arc lamp has the degraded performance, an alert data signal.

[0008] In an example, a surgical system can comprise: a laser housing; a laser disposed in the laser housing and configured to generate therapeutic laser light; a laser light optical fiber configured to direct the therapeutic laser light away from the laser housing; a xenon arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light that is spectrally separated from the therapeutic laser light; an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to direct the arc lamp light, away from the xenon arc lamp; an endoscope coupled to the laser light optical fiber and the arc lamp light optical fiber, the endoscope being configured to receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally- extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to: receive the therapeutic laser light from the laser light optical fiber and direct the therapeutic laser light toward the target site; receive, as return therapeutic laser light, atleast some of the therapeutic laser light that is reflected from the target site; receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light to propagate along the laser light optical fiber to the laser housing; a dichroic beamsplitter disposed in the laser housing and configured to direct the return arc lamp light along a first optical path and direct the return therapeutic laser light along a second optical path; an optical sensor disposed in the laser housing and configured to receive the return arc lamp light along the first optical path and measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry configured to: form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes less light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum than a specified visible light amount; form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount; form a third determination, in response to at least one of the first determination and the second determination, that the xenon arc lamp has a degraded performance due to aging of the xenon arc lamp; and generate an alert data signal in response to the third determination.

[0009] In an example, a surgical system for use with an arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light can comprise: an arc lamp condenser lens configured to at least partially focus the arc lamp light, an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens at a proximal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; an endoscope configured to receive the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; an optical sensor configured to measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry' configured to: analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance; and generate an alert data signal in response to the determination that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance.

[0010] In an example, a method for operating a surgical system can comprise: generating arc lamp light with an arc lamp; at least partially focusing the arc lamp light with an arc lamp condenser lens; receiving the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens at a proximal end of an arc lamp light optical fiber; directing the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; receiving, with an endoscope, the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; directing the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site, receiving, with a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; measuring, with an optical sensor, an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; analyzing, with processing circuitry-, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determining, with the processing circuitry-’, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance; and generating, with the processing circuitry, in response to the determination that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance, an alert data signal.

[0011] In an example, a surgical system can comprise: a laser housing, a laser disposed in the laser housing and configured to generate therapeutic laser light; a therapeutic laser light optical fiber configured to direct the therapeutic laser light away from the laser housing; a xenon arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light that is spectrally separated from the therapeutic laser light; an arc lamp condenser lens configured to at least partially focus the arc lamp light from the xenon arc lamp, an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens at a proximal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; an endoscope configured to receive the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally- extending opti cal fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to: receive the therapeutic laser light from the therapeutic laser light optical fiber and direct the therapeutic laser light toward the target site; receive, as return therapeutic laser light, at least some of the therapeutic laser light that is reflected from the target site; receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light to propagate along the therapeutic laser light optical fiber to the laser housing; a dichroic beamsplitterdisposed in the laser housing and configured to direct the return arc lamp light along a first optical path and direct the return therapeutic laser light along a second optical path; an optical sensor disposed in the laser housing and configured to receive the return arclamp light along the first optical path and measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry disposed in the laser housing and configured to: form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is within a specified range of visible light amounts; form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount; form a third determination, in response to at least one of the first determination and the second determination, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance due to aging of the arc lamp condenser lens; and generate an alert data signal in response to the third determination.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Various embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures of the accompanying drawings. Such embodiments are demonstrative and not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a side-view schematic drawing of an example of a surgical system.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of an example of a method for operating a surgical system.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of an example of a method for operating a surgical system.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) that is configured to determine, from a spectral analysis, whether an arc lamp has a degraded performance.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In a laser therapy treatment, a practitioner can position a distal end of an endoscope close to a target, such as a kidney stone. The endoscope can include an optical fiber that can deliver therapeutic laser light to the target, such as via a distal endof the optical fiber. During the treatment, the endoscope can provide illumination to the target, can form an image of the illuminated target, such as by using a camera at a distal end of the endoscope, and can display the image to the practitioner, such as on a display or a headset.

[0018] In some examples, an arc lamp, such as a xenon arc lamp, can generate the illumination in the form of arc lamp light. Arc lamps are particularly well suited for illuminating the target, because the arc lamp light can have a largely continuous and uniform spectrum across most or all of the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In other words, the spectrum of the arc lamp light may be free or largely free from sharp peaks or valleys (such as caused by spectral lines), discontinuities, and nonuniformities.

[0019] To provide the arc lamp light to the target, an arc lamp condenser lens can at least partially focus the arc lamp light onto an end of an arc lamp light optical fiber. The arc lamp light optical fiber can direct the arc lamp light to the endoscope, which can direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward the target.

[0020] Over time, the arc lamp can have a degraded performance, such as due to aging. For example, over time, a plasma generated in the arc lamp can burn off part of a cathode in the arc lamp, which can increase a distance between the cathode and an anode in the arc lamp. The increased distance between the cathode and anode can decrease the luminance of the arc lamp by up to 40% or more. Other examples of degraded performance can include one or more of diminished light output, flickering, failure to illuminate, blackening of the arc lamp, deformation of the cathode and / or anode, discoloration of the anodes, and others. As a result, there exists a need to detect that the arc lamp has a degraded performance and, in response, alert the practitioner that the arc lamp has a degraded performance.

[0021] In addition, over time, the arc lamp condenser lens can have a degraded performance, such as due to aging. For example, one or more coatings on a surface of the arc lamp condenser lens can degrade, due to prolonged exposure to the arc lamp light. The degraded coating can allow an increased amount of infrared light to pass through the arc lamp condenser lens and be directed toward the target. In general, non- therapeutic infrared light exposure inside a patient’s body should typically be avoided, to help prevent damage to tissue surrounding the target. As a result, there exists a need todetect that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance and, in response, alert the practitioner that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance.

[0022] In has been found that the spectrum of the light reflected from the target can indicate whether the arc lamp has a degraded performance. For example, the surgical system may determine that the infrared portion of the spectrum can include an increased amount of light, while the visible portion of the spectrum can include a decreased amount of light, and, in response, determine that the performance of the arc lamp is degraded. As another example, the surgical system may determine that an infrared portion of the spectrum has increased over an infrared light baseline value, while the visible portion of the spectrum has decreased below a visible light baseline value, and, in response, determine that the performance of the arc lamp is degraded. The surgical system can determine, from the spectrum, whether the arc lamp has a degraded performance. When the surgical system has determined that the performance is degraded, the surgical system can alert the practitioner to replace the arc lamp.

[0023] For example, an arc lamp can generate arc lamp light. An endoscope can direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site. A distally-extending optical fiber can extend from the distal end of the endoscope and can receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that, is reflected from the target site. An optical sensor can measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light. Processing circuitry can analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light. The processing circuitry' can determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp has a degraded performance. The processing circuitry' can generate an alert data signal in response to the determination that the arc lamp has the degraded performance.

[0024] Similarly, it has been found that the spectrum of the light reflected from the target can indicate whether the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance. For example, the surgical system may determine that the infrared portion of the spectrum can include an increased amount of light, while the visible portion of the spectrum may not exhibit such an increase in the amount of light, and, in response, determine that the performance of the arc lamp condenser lens is degraded. As another example, the surgical system may determine that an infrared portion of the spectrum has increased over a baseline value, while the visible portion of the spectrum remains unchanged, and, in response, determine that the performance of the arc lamp condenser lens is degraded.The surgical system can determine, from the spectrum, whether the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance. When the surgical system has determined that the performance is degraded, the surgical system can alert the practitioner to replace the arc lamp condenser lens.

[0025] For example, an optical fiber can extend from a distal end of the endoscope to receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site. An optical sensor, such as a spectrometer, can measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light. Processing circuitry can analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light. The processing circuitry can determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance, such as due to aging. The processing circuitry can generate an alert data signal, such as with instructions to replace the arc lamp condenser lens.

[0026] Various analysis techniques are described in detail below for analyzing the spectrum and determining whether an arc lamp element, such as the arc lamp or the arc lamp condenser lens, shows degraded performance. Similar techniques may also be applied to other light sources, such as one or more light-emitting diodes, to determine whether a light source shows degraded performance.

[0027] FIG, I shows a side-view schematic drawing of an example of a surgical system 100. The surgical system 100 can include an endoscope 102. The endoscope 102 can be grippable by the practitioner, who can position the endoscope 102 as needed to view and ablate one or more targets, such as kidney stones, in one or more internal locations of the patient. In some examples, the endoscope 102 can be rigid. In one or more examples, the endoscope 102 can be elongated along an elongation axis. The endoscope 102 can include one or more channels, passages, or apertures that extend through the endoscope 102 along the elongated axis. For example, the endoscope 102 can include a working channel. In some examples, the practitioner can perform suction through the working channel. In some examples, the practitioner can pass instruments, such as brushes, biopsy needles or forceps, through the working channel. In some examples, the practitioner can perform minimally invasive surgery through the working channel, such as to remove unwanted tissue or foreign objects from the body of the patient. As another example, the endoscope 102 can include an irrigation channel, which can supply irrigant to a. target site 104, such as to flush a.way pieces of the target. Other channels can also be used.

[0028] The surgical system 100 can include an illumination subsystem that can direct illumination from a distal end 106 of the endoscope 102 toward the target site 104. The illumination subsystem can include an arc lamp housing 108. The illumination subsystem can include an arc lamp 110, disposed in the arc lamp housing 108, that can generate arc lamp light 112. In some examples, the arc lamp 110 can be a xenon arc lamp. The illumination subsystem can include an arc lamp condenser lens 114, disposed in the arc lamp housing 108, that can at least partially focus the arc lamp light 112.

[0029] In some examples, the arc lamp 110 can include an anode spaced apart from a cathode, with the spacing increasing over time due to repeated exposure to a plasma in the arc lamp 110. The increase in spacing between the anode and the cathode can cause the arc lamp 110 to have the degraded performance, as described above.

[0030] In some examples, the arc lamp condenser lens 114 can include one or more glass or plastic optical elements, which can at least partially focus the arc lamp light 112 via refraction, diffraction, and / or total internal reflection. The surfaces of the optical element(s) can include coatings, such as spectrally filtering coatings, that may reduce losses caused by reflection, scattering, and the like. The coatings may degrade over time, such as due to prolonged exposure to high light intensity levels. The degradation of the coatings can cause the arc lamp condenser lens 114 to have the degraded performance, as described above.

[0031] The illumination subsystem can include an arc lamp light optical fiber 116 that can receive the arc lamp light 112 from the arc lamp condenser lens 114 at a proximal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber 116 and direct the arc lamp light 112 to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber 116. The arc lamp light optical fiber 116 can direct the arc lamp light 112 away from the arc lamp housing 108.

[0032] In some configurations, the arc lamp light, optical fiber 116 can have a distal end that can couple, via a coupler, to a proximal end of an endoscopic illumination fiber 118 that, extends along a length of the endoscope 102. In these configurations, the arc lamp light optical fiber 116 may remain with the arc lamp housing 108 for use in multiple surgical procedures. In these configurations, the endoscopic illumination fiber 118 may remain with the endoscope 102, and may optionally be cleaned with the endoscope 102 and reused for subsequent surgical procedures, hi these configurations, the endoscopic illumination fiber 118 can direct the arc lamp light 112 along a length of the endoscope 102 to a distal end of the endoscopic illumination fiber 118, located at thedistal end 106 of the endoscope 102. In these configurations, the arc lamp light 112 can emerge from the distal end of the endoscopic illumination fiber 118 to illuminate the target site 104.

[0033] In other configurations, the arc lamp light optical fiber 116 can couple, via a coupler at or near the arc lamp housing 108, to the arc lamp housing 108, and can extend along the endoscope 102 to the distal end 106 of the endoscope 102. In these configurations, the arc lamp light 112 can emerge from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber 116 to illuminate the target site 104.

[0034] In each of these configurations, the endoscope 102 can receive the arc lamp light 112 from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber 116 and can direct the arc lamp light 112 from a distal end 106 of the endoscope 102 toward the target site 104. Any or all of these fiber configurations can be used with any or all of the analysis techniques described in detail below.

[0035] The surgical system 100 can include a camera 120, such as a video camera, disposed on the distal end 106 of the endoscope 102. In some examples, the camera 120 can include a lens, a sensor element located at a focal plane of the lens, and electronics that can convert an electrical signal produced by the sensor element into a digital signal. The camera elements can be located in a relatively small, sealed package at the distal end 106 of the endoscope 102. The camera 120 can capture, or generate, a real-time video image of the illuminated target site 104. In some examples, the camera 120 can be coupled to processing circuitry 144 (described below).

[0036] The surgical system 100 can include a display 122, such as a video display, that can display the video image of the illuminated target site 104. For example, the display 122 can be mounted on or in a rack of equipment, away from the endoscope 102, and separate from the arc lamp housing 108. The display 122 can provide, or display, a real-time video image of the target site 104, illuminated with the arc lamp light 112, to the practitioner. In some examples, the display 122 can be coupled to processing circuitry 144 (described below7). In some examples, when the processing circuitry 144 has determined that the arc lamp 110 has a degraded performance, the processing circuitry 144 can cause the display 122 to display an alert that instructs the practitioner to replace the arc lamp 110. In some examples, when the processing circuitry / 144 has determined that the arc lamp condenser lens 114 has a degraded performance, theprocessing circuitry 144 can cause the display 122 to display an alert that instructs the practitioner to replace the arc lamp condenser lens 114.

[0037] The surgical system 100 can include a laser 124 that can generate therapeutic laser light 126, such as in pulsed therapeutic laser light. The laser 124 can be located away from the endoscope 102, such that the endoscope 102 can be positionable by the practitioner, while the laser 124 can be disposed in a laser housing 128 that can remain in a fixed position, spaced apart from the endoscope 102, during a procedure. In some examples, the laser 124 can include a thulium fiber laser, which can produce light having one or more wavelengths between about 1920 nm and about 1960 nm. In some examples, the laser 124 can include a thulium:YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser, which can produce light at a wavelength of 2010 nm. In some examples, the laser 124 can include a holmium :YAG laser, which can produce light at a wavelength of 2120 nm. In some examples, the laser 124 can include an erbium:YAG laser, which can produce light at a wavelength of 2940 nm. In some examples, the therapeutic laser light 126 produced by the laser 124 can include a first wavelength, such as a wavelength between about 1908 nm and about 2940 nm, or between about 1920 nm and 1960 nm, between about 1900 nm and about 1940 nm, greater than about 1900 nm, greater than about 1800 nm, or others. For these (and other) therapeutic laser light sources, the therapeutic laser light 126 can have a wavelength or wavelengths in a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum at which water (a major component of tissue) has a relatively high absorption. During a procedure, the tissue can absorb the therapeutic laser light 126, can heat locally to a relatively high temperature, and can break apart due to local thermal strains within the tissue.

[0038] The surgical system 100 can include a distally-extending optical fiber 130 extending from the distal end 106 of the endoscope 102, In some examples, the distally- extending optical fiber 130 can be a multi-mode optical fiber. In some examples, the distally-extending optical fiber 130 can have a distal end that extends from a distal end 106 of the endoscope 102. In some examples, the distally-extending optical fiber 130 can direct light to and from the target site 104. The endoscope 102 can direct the therapeutic laser light 126 toward the target site 104 through the distally-extending optical fiber 130. The distally-extending optical fiber 130 can receive, as return arc lamp light 132, at least some of the arc lamp light 112 that is reflected from the target site 104. The distally-extending optical fiber 130 can also receive, as return therapeutic laser light134, at least some of the therapeutic laser light 126 that is reflected from the target site104.

[0039] The surgical system 100 can include a laser optical fiber 136 that extends from the laser housing 128. The laser optical fiber 136 can couple to the distally- extending optical fiber 130 to direct the therapeutic laser light 126 from the laser 124 to the endoscope 102 and direct the return therapeutic laser light 134 and the return arc lamp light 132 from the endoscope 102 to the laser housing 128. The therapeutic laser light 126 and the return therapeutic laser light 134 can both be spectrally separated from the arc lamp light 112. In other words, the therapeutic laser light 126 and the return therapeutic laser light 134 can have a first wavelength, and the arc lamp light 112 can have a spectrum that does not include the first wavelength. In some examples, the return therapeutic laser light 134 may be unwanted downstream. To filter the return therapeutic laser light 134 out of the detection path, the surgical system 100 can further include a dichroic beamsplitter 138 that can direct the return arc lamp light 132 toward an optical sensor 140 and direct the return therapeutic laser light 134 away from the optical sensor 140. In some examples, the dichroic beamsplitter 138 can be disposed in or on the laser housing 128.

[0040] The surgical system 100 can include an optical sensor 140 that can measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132. In some examples, the optical sensor 140 can be disposed in or on the laser housing 128. For example, in some configurations, the optical sensor 140 can include a spectrometer that can analyze light that returns proximally through the distally-extending optical fiber 130, including the return arc lamp light 132. In addition to analyzing the return arc lamp light 132 to determine whether either or both of the arc lamp 110 and the arc lamp condenser lens 114 has a degraded performance, such as due to aging, the spectrometer can also perform analysis of the target site 104. For example, the spectrometer and the processing circuitry' 144 (described below) can use the spectral profile of the target site 104 to determine a material composition of the target site 104, such as by matching the measured spectral profile of the target site 104 to one or more of a specified (finite) plurality of predetermined spectral profiles that correspond to known materials. These are but examples; other suitable analyses of the target site 104 can also be performed. The spectrometer can generate a sensor output signal 142 that includes data that represents light intensity (or amplitude, or other suitable photometric quantity) as afunction of wavelength. The processing circuitry 144 (described below) can receive and interpret the sensor output signal 142.

[0041] The surgical system 100 can include processing circuitry / 144 that can analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132. In some examples, the processing circuitry 144 may be referred to as a controller. In some examples, the processing circuitry 144 may be implemented purely in software. In some examples, the processing circuitry 144 may be implemented purely in hardware. In some examples, the processing circuitry' 144 may be implemented as a combination of software and hardware. In some examples, the processing circuitry 144 may be implemented on a single processor. In some examples, the processing circuitry 144 may be implemented on multiple processors. In some examples, the multiple processors may be housed in a common housing. In some examples, at least two of the multiple processors may be spaced apart in different housings. In some examples, the processing circuitry 144 can be disposed in or on the laser housing 128.

[0042] The processing circuitry 144 can determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132, that the arc lamp 110 has a degraded performance.

[0043] The processing circuitry' 144 can generate an alert data signal 146 in response to the determination that the arc lamp 110 has the degraded performance. In some examples, the display 122 can receive the alert data signal 146 and display a visual alert, to a user or practitioner, the visual alert instructing the user or practitioner to replace the arc lamp 110. In some examples, the processing circuitry' 144 can communicate the alert data signal 146 to a remote server 148, such as via a wired or wireless connection.

[0044] In some examples, the alert data signal 146 can be logged. For example, a log can record the instance that the arc lamp has the degraded performance, along with data corresponding to the lamp model, the lamp manufacturer, the manufacturing lot that included the particular arc lamp, and so forth. Such a log can be useful for determining how arc lamps w'ear out. Logging the degradation data can be of interest to the lamp manufacturer, to hospital administrators trying to manage service costs, and so forth.

[0045] Various analysis techniques are described in detail presently for analyzing the spectrum and determining whether the arc lamp 110 has a degraded performance.The analysis looks for an increase in light the infrared portion of the spectrum (compared to a baseline level) of the return arc lamp light 132, with a corresponding decrease in thevisible portion of the spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132. When the spectrum satisfies the condition of an increase in the infrared portion with a decrease in the visible portion, the surgical system can determine that the arc lamp 110 has the degraded performance.

[0046] Specifically, the processing circuitry 144 can analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132 by at least one of: (a) forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132, a first determination that the return arc lamp light 132 includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is less than a specified visible light amount; or (b) forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132, a second determination that the return arc lamp light 132 includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount. In some examples, the specified visible light amount and / or the specified infrared light amount can be stored, such as in a lookup table. In some examples, the specified visible light amount and / or the specified infrared light amount can be specified by a manufacturer of the surgical system 100. In some examples, the specified visible light amount and / or the specified infrared light amount can be determined dynamically from historical measurements taken by the surgical system 100.

[0047] Any of the following determination techniques may be used in combination with one another. Any or all of the following determination techniques may be used with any of the fiber configurations described above.

[0048] In a first example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry 144 can determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132, that the arc lamp 110 has the degraded performance by: forming a third determination, in response to the at least one of the first determination or the second determination, that, the arc lamp 110 has the degraded performance due to aging of the arc lamp.

[0049] In a second example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry 144 can form the first determination by: (a) confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is less than a specified visible light level value for the wavelength; and (b) forming the first determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, the measuredlight level at the wavelength is less than the specified visible light level value for the wavelength.

[0050] In a third example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry 144 can form the first determination by: (a) fitting a curve to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, (b) confirming that the fitted curve is less than a specified light level curve; and (c) forming the first determination in response to confirming that, the fitted curve is less than the specified light level curve.

[0051] In a fourth example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry' 144 can form the first determination by: (a) averaging or otherwise aggregating measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; (b) confinning that the aggregate measured light level is less than a specified light level; and (c) forming the first determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is less than the specified light level.

[0052] In a fifth example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry 144 can form the second determination by: (a) confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is greater than a threshold visible light level value for the wavelength; and (b) forming the second determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is greater than the threshold visible light level value for the wavelength.

[0053] In a sixth example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry- 144 can form the second determination by: (a) performing a linear fit to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum; (b) determining a slope of the linear fit; (c) comparing the slope to a threshold slope value, (d) determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value; and (e) forming the second determination in response to determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value.

[0054] In a seventh example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry' 144 can form the second determination by: (a) averaging or otherwise aggregating measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion ofthe optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; (b) confirming that the aggregate measured light level is greater than a specified light level; and (c) forming the second determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is greater than the specified light level.

[0055] These seven examples are but mere example of determination techniques that can be used to determine that the spectrum satisfies the condition of an increase in the infrared portion with no increase in the visible portion. Other determination techniques can also be used.

[0056] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of an example of a method 200 for operating a surgical system, such as the surgical system 100 of FIG. 1 or other suitable surgical systems. The method 200 of FIG. 2 is but one example of a method for operating a surgical system. Other suitable methods can also be used.

[0057] At operation 202, arc lamp light, such as arc lamp light 112, generated by an arc lamp, such as arc lamp 110, can be received.

[0058] At operation 204, an endoscope, such as endoscope 102, can direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site, such as target site 104.

[0059] At operation 206, a distally-extending optical fiber, such as distally- extending optical fiber 130, extending from the distal end of the endoscope, can receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site.

[0060] At operation 208, an optical sensor, such as optical sensor 140, can measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light.

[0061] At operation 210, processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 144, can analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light.

[0062] At operation 212, the processing circuitry? can determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp has a degraded performance.

[0063] At operation 214, the processing circuitry7can generate, in response to the determination that the arc lamp has the degraded performance, an alert data signal, such as alert data signal 146. In some examples, the alert data signal 146 can be logged, as described above.

[0064] In some examples, analyzing, with the processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light can include comprises at least one of: (a) forming,from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is less than a specified visible light amount, or (b) forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount.

[0065] In some examples, the method 200 can further include receiving the alert data signal with a display, such as display 122; and displaying on the display, in response to receiving the alert data signal, a visual alert to a user instructing the user to replace the arc lamp.

[0066] In some examples, the method 200 can further include communicating, with the processing circuitry, the alert data signal to a remote server, such as remote server 148.

[0067] The processing circuitry' 144 can determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132, that the arc lamp condenser lens 114 has a degraded performance.

[0068] The processing circuitry 144 can generate an alert data signal 146 in response to the determination that, the arc lamp condenser lens 114 has the degraded performance. In some examples, the display 122 can receive the alert data signal 146 and display a visual alert to a user or practitioner, the visual alert instructing the user or practitioner to replace the arc lamp condenser lens 114. In some examples, the processing circuitry’ 144 can communicate the alert data signal 146 to a remote server 148, such as via a wired or wireless connection.

[0069] Various analysis techniques are described in detail presently for analyzing the spectrum and determining whether the arc lamp condenser lens 114 has a degraded performance. The analysis looks for an increase in light the infrared portion of the spectrum (compared to a baseline level) of the return arc lamp light 132, with no corresponding increase in the visible portion of the spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132. When the spectrum satisfies the condition of an increase in the infrared portion with no increase in the visible portion, the surgical system can determine that the arc lamp condenser lens 114 has the degraded performance.

[0070] Specifically, the processing circuitry' 144 can analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132 by at least one of: (a) forming, from the optical spectrumof the return arc lamp light 132, a first determination that the return arc lamp light 132 includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is within a specified range of visible light amounts; or (b) forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132, a second determination that the return arc lamp light 132 includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount. In some examples, the specified range of visible light amounts can be stored, such as in a lookup table. In some examples, the specified range of visible light amounts can be specified by a manufacturer of the surgical system 100. In some examples, the specified range of visible light amounts can be determined dynamically from historical measurements taken by the surgical system 100.

[0071] Any of the following determination techniques may be used in combination with one another. Any or all of the following determination techniques may be used with any of the fiber configurations described above.

[0072] In a first example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry 144 can determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light 132, that the arc lamp condenser lens 114 has the degraded performance by: forming a third determination, in response to the at least one of the first determination or the second determination, that the arc lamp condenser lens 114 has the degraded performance due to aging of the arc lamp condenser lens.

[0073] In a second example of a determination technique, the processing circuitiy 144 can form the first determination by: (a) confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is within a specified range of visible light level values for the wavelength; and (b) forming the first determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is within the specified range of visible light level values for the wavelength.

[0074] In a third example of a determination technique, the processing circuitiy' 144 can form the first determination by: (a) fitting a curve to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum; (b) confirming that the fitted curve is between a specified minimum light level curve and a specified maximum light level curve; and (c) forming the first determination in response toconfirming that the fitted curve is between the specified minimum light level curve and the specified maximum light level curve.

[0075] In a fourth example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry 144 can form the first determination by: (a) averaging measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; (b) confirming that the aggregate measured light level is between a specified minimum light level and a specified maximum light level; and (c) forming the first determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is between the specified minimum light level and the specified maximum light level.

[0076] In a fifth example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry 144 can form the second determination by: (a) confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is greater than a threshold visible light level value for the wavelength; and (b) forming the second determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is greater than the threshold visible light level value for the wavelength.

[0077] In a sixth example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry 144 can form the second determination by: (a) performing a linear fit to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum; (b) determining a slope of the linear fit; (c) comparing the slope to a threshold slope value; (d) determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value; and (e) forming the second determination in response to determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value.

[0078] In a seventh example of a determination technique, the processing circuitry 144 can form the second determination by: (a) averaging the measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured fight level; (b) confirming that the aggregate measured fight level is greater than a specified light level; and (c) forming the second determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is greater than the specified light level.

[0079] These seven examples are but mere example of determination techniques that can be used to determine that the spectrum satisfies the condition of an increase inthe infrared portion with no increase in the visible portion. Other determination techniques can also be used.

[0080] FIG, 3 shows a flow chart of an example of a method 300 for operating a surgical system, such as the surgical system 100 of FIG. 1 or other suitable surgical systems. The method 300 of FIG. 3 is but one example of a method for operating a surgical system. Other suitable methods can also be used.

[0081] At operation 302, an arc lamp, such as arc lamp 110, can generate arc lamp light, such as arc lamp light 112.

[0082] At operation 304, an arc lamp condenser lens, such as arc lamp condenser lens 114, can at least partially focusing the arc lamp light.

[0083] At operation 306, a proximal end of an arc lamp light optical fiber, such as arc lamp light optical fiber 116, can receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens.

[0084] At operation 308, the arc lamp light optical fiber can direct the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber.

[0085] At operation 310, an endoscope, such as endoscope 102, can receive the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber.

[0086] At operation 312, the endoscope can direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site, such as target site 104.

[0087] At operation 314, a distally-extending optical fiber, such as distally- extending optical fiber 130, extending from the distal end of the endoscope, can receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site.

[0088] At operation 316, an optical sensor, such as optical sensor 140, can measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light.

[0089] At operation 318, processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 144, can analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light.

[0090] At operation 320, the processing circuitry7can determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance.

[0091] At operation 322, the processing circuitry' can generate, in response to the determination that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance, an alert data signal, such as alert data signal 146.

[0092] In some examples, analyzing, with the processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light can include comprises at least one of: forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is within a specified range of visible light amounts; or forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount.

[0093] In some examples, the method 300 can further include receiving the alert data signal with a display, such as display 122; and displaying on the display, in response to receiving the alert data signal, a visual alert to a user instructing the user to replace the arc lamp condenser lens.

[0094] In some examples, the method 300 can further include communicating, with the processing circuitry, the alert data signal to a remote server, such as remote server 148.

[0095] FIG. 4 show's a schematic diagram of an example of a computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) 400 that is configured to determine, from a spectral analysis, whether at least one of an arc lamp or an arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance. In various embodiments, the CDSS 400 includes an input interface 402 through which the optical property which is specific to a patient is provided as input features to an artificial intelligence (Al) model 404, a processor, such as processing circuitry 144, which performs an inference operation in which the measured spectrum is applied to the Al model to generate the spectral profile, and a user interface (UI) through which the spectral profile is communicated to a user, e.g., a practitioner.

[0096] In some embodiments, the input interface 402 may be a direct data link between the CDSS 400 and one or more medical devices, such as surgical system 100 or endoscope 102, which generate at least some of the input features. For example, the input interface 402 may transmit the optical property directly to the CDSS during a therapeutic and / or diagnostic medical procedure. Additionally, or alternatively, the input interface 402 may be a classical user interface that facilitates interaction between a user and the CDSS 400. For example, the input interface 402 may facilitate a user interface through which the user may manually enter the measured spectrum. Additionally, or alternatively, the input interface 402 may provide the CDSS 400 with access to anelectronic patient record from which one or more input features may be extracted. In any of these cases, the input interface 402 is configured to collect the optical property in association with a specific patient on or before a time at which the CDSS 400 is used to assess the medical condition addressed by the surgical system 100 or endoscope 102, such as a kidney stone.

[0097] Based on one or more of the above input features, the processor, such as processing circuitry' 144, performs an inference operation using the Al model to generate the spectral profile. For example, input interface 402 may deliver the measured spectrum into an input layer of the Al model which propagates this input feature through the Al model to an output layer. The Al model can provide a computer system the ability to perform tasks, without explicitly being programmed, by making inferences based on patterns found in the analy sis of data. Al model explores the study and construction of algorithms (e.g., machine-learning algorithms) that may learn from existing data and make predictions about new7data. Such algorithms operate by building an Al model from example training data in order to make data-driven predictions or decisions expressed as outputs or assessments.

[0098] There are two common modes for machine learning (ML): supervised ML and unsupervised ML. Supervised ML uses prior knowledge (e.g., examples that correlate inputs to outputs or outcomes) to learn the relationships between the inputs and the outputs. The goal of supervised ML is to leam a function that., given some training data, best approximates the relationship between the training inputs and outputs so that the ML model can implement the same relationships when given inputs to generate the corresponding outputs. Unsupervised ML is the training of an ML algorithm using information that is neither classified nor labeled and allowing the algorithm to act on that information without guidance. Unsupervised ML is useful in exploratory analysis because it can automatically identify structure in data.

[0099] Common tasks for supervised ML are classification problems and regression problems. Classification problems, also referred to as categorization problems, aim at classifying items into one of several category values (for example, is this object an apple or an orange?). Regression algorithms aim at quantifying some items (for example, by providing a score to the value of some input). Some examples of commonly used supervised-ML algorithms are Logistic Regression (LR), Naive-Bayes,Random Forest (RF), neural networks (NN), deep neural networks (DNN), matrix factorization, and Support Vector Machines (SVM).

[0100] Some common tasks for unsupervised ML include clustering, representation learning, and density estimation. Some examples of commonly used unsupervised-ML algorithms are K-means clustering, principal component analysis, and autoencoders.

[0101] Another type of ML is federated learning (also known as collaborative learning) that trains an algorithm across multiple decentralized devices holding local data, without exchanging the data. This approach stands in contrast to traditional centralized machine-learning techniques where all the local datasets are uploaded to one server, as well as to more classical decentralized approaches which often assume that local data samples are identically distributed. Federated learning enables multiple actors to build a common, robust machine learning model without sharing data, thus allowing to address critical issues such as data privacy, data security, data access rights and access to heterogeneous data.

[0102] In some examples, the Al model may be trained continuously or periodically prior to performance of the inference operation by the processor such as processing circuitry 144. Then, during the inference operation, the patient specific input features provided to the Al model may be propagated from an input layer, through one or more hidden layers, and ultimately to an output layer that corresponds to the spectral profile.

[0103] In some examples, the Al model can include a database, which can include data corresponding to a patient. The database can provide a patient record to the CDSS 400. In some examples, the Al model can receive a measured spectrum.

[0104] During and / or subsequent to the inference operation, the spectral profile may be communicated to the user via the user interface (UI), such as output interface 408, and / or automatically cause the processor or an alarm connected to the processor to perform a desired action. For example, the processor can cause the light source to produce light having the selected spectral profile. Alternatively, the processor can cause the alarm to alert the practitioner.

[0105] In some examples, the CDSS 400 can optionally be used to determine the action taken in response to the measured spectrum.

[0106] In the foregoing detaiied description, the method and apparatus of the present disclosure have been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The present specification and figures are accordingly to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0107] To further illustrate the device and related method disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of examples is provided below. Each of the following non limiting examples can stand on its own or can be combined in any permutation or combination with any one or more of the other examples.

[0108] In Example 1, a surgical system for use with an arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light can comprise: an endoscope configured to direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; an optical sensor configured to measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry' configured to: analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp has a degraded performance; and generate an alert data signal in response to the determination that the arc lamp has the degraded performance.

[0109] In Example 2, the surgical system of Example 1 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light by at least one of: forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is less than a specified visible light amount; or forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount.

[0110] In Example 3, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-2 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry' is further configured to determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp has the degraded performance by: forming a third determination, in response tothe at least one of the first determination or the second determination, that the arc lamp has the degraded performance due to aging of the arc lamp.

[0111] In Example 4, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1 -3 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry' is further configured to form the first determination by: confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is less than a specified visible light level value for the wavelength; and forming the first determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is less than the specified visible light level value for the wavelength.

[0112] In Example 5, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-4 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry / is further configured to form the first determination by: fitting a curve to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, confirming that the fitted curve is less than a specified light level curve; and forming the first determination in response to confirming that the fitted curve is less than the specified light level curve.

[0113] In Example 6, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-5 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to form the first determination by: averaging measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; confirming that the aggregate measured light level is less than a specified light level; and forming the first determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is less than the specified light level.

[0114] In Example 7, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-6 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to form the second determination by: confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is greater than a threshold visible light level value for the wavelength; and forming the second determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is greater than the threshold visible light level value for the wavelength.

[0115] In Example 8, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-7 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry / is further configured to form the second determination by: performing a linear fit to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum; determining a slope of the linear fit; comparing the slope to a threshold slope value; determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value; and forming the second determination in response to determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value.

[0116] In Example 9, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-8 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry' is further configured to form the second determination by: averaging measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; confirming that the aggregate measured light level is greater than a specified light level; and forming the second determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is greater than the specified light level.

[0117] In Example 10, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-9 can optionally be configured such that: the endoscope is configured to direct therapeutic laser light toward the target site through the distally-extending optical fiber, the therapeutic laser light being spectrally separated from the arc lamp light; the distally-extending optical fiber is further configured to receive, as return therapeutic laser light, at least some of the therapeutic laser light that is reflected from the target site; and the surgi cal system further comprises a dichroic beamsplitter configured to direct the return arc lamp light toward the optical sensor and direct the return therapeutic laser light away from the optical sensor.

[0118] In Example 11, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-10 can optionally further comprise: a laser configured to generate the therapeutic laser light, a laser housing configured to surround the laser, the optical sensor, the dichroic beamsplitter, and the processing circuitry'; and a laser optical fiber extending from the laser housing and configured to couple to the distally-extending optical fiber to direct the therapeutic laser light from the laser to the endoscope and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light from the endoscope to the laser housing.

[0119] In Example 12, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-11 can optionally be configured such that the arc lamp is a xenon arc lamp.

[0120] In Example 13, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-12 can optionally further comprise: an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to direct the arc lamp light from the arc lamp to the endoscope; and an arc lamp condenser lens configured to at least partially focus the arc lamp light from the arc lamp to the arc lamp light optical fiber,

[0121] In Example 14, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-13 can optionally further comprise a display configured to receive the alert data signal and display a visual alert to a user, the visual alert instructing the user to replace the arc lamp.

[0122] In Example 15, the surgical system of any one of Examples 1-14 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is configured to communicate the alert data signal to a remote server.

[0123] In Example 16, a method for operating a surgical system can comprise: generating arc lamp light with an arc lamp; directing the arc lamp light from a distal end of an endoscope toward a target site; receiving, with a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; measuring, with an optical sensor, an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; analyzing, with processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determining, with the processing circuitry / , from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp has a degraded performance; and generating, with the processing circuitry, in response to the determination that the arc lamp has the degraded performance, an alert data signal.

[0124] In Example 17, the method of Example 16 can optionally be configured such that analyzing, with the processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light comprises at least one of: forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that, the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is less than a specified visible light amount, or forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount.

[0125] In Example 18, the method of any one of Examples 16-17 can optionally further comprise: receiving the alert data signal with a display; and displaying on the display, in response to receiving the alert data signal, a visual alert to a user instructing the user to replace the arc lamp.

[0126] In Example 19, the method of any one of Examples 16-18 can optionally further comprise: communicating, with the processing circuitry', the alert data signal to a remote server.

[0127] In Example 20, a surgical system can comprise: a laser housing; a laser disposed in the laser housing and configured to generate therapeutic laser light; a laser light optical fiber configured to direct the therapeutic laser light away from the laser housing; a xenon arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light that is spectrally separated from the therapeutic laser light; an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to direct the arc lamp light away from the xenon arc lamp; an endoscope coupled to the laser light optical fiber and the arc lamp light optical fiber, the endoscope being configured to receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally- extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to: receive the therapeutic laser light from the laser light optical fiber and direct the therapeutic laser light toward the target site; receive, as return therapeutic laser light, at least some of the therapeutic laser light that is reflected from the target site; receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light, to propagate along the laser light optical fiber to the laser housing; a dichroic beamsplitter disposed in the laser housing and configured to direct the return arc lamp light along a first optical path and direct the return therapeutic laser light along a second optical path; an optical sensor disposed in the laser housing and configured to receive the return arc lamp light along the first optical path and measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry; optionally disposed in the laser housing, and configured to: form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes less light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum than a specified visible light amount; form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more fight in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount; form a third determination, in response to at least one of the first determination and the second determination, that the xenon arc lamp has a degraded performance due to aging of the xenon arc lamp; and generate an alert data signal in response to the third determination.

[0128] In Example 21 , a surgical system for use with an arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light can comprise: an arc lamp condenser lens configured to at least partially focus the arc lamp light, an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens at a proximal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; an endoscope configured to receive the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; an optical sensor configured to measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry configured to: analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determine, from the analy sis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance; and generate an alert data signal in response to the determination that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance.

[0129] In Example 22, the surgical system of Example 21 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light by at least one of: forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is within a specified range of visible light amounts; or forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount.

[0130] In Example 23, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-22 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry? is further configured to determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance by: forming a third determination, in response to the at least one of the first determination or the second determination, that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance due to aging of the arc lamp condenser lens.

[0131] In Example 24, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-23 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to form the first determination by: confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths withinthe visible portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is within a specified range of visible light level values for the wavelength; and forming the first determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is within the specified range of visible light level values for the wavelength.

[0132] In Example 25, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-24 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry' is further configured to form the first determination by: fitting a curve to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, confirming that the fitted curve is between a specified minimum light level curve and a specified maximum light level curve; and forming the first determination in response to confirming that the fitted curve is between the specified minimum light level curve and the specified maximum light level curve.

[0133] In Example 26, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-25 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to form the first determination by: averaging measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; confirming that the aggregate measured light level is between a specified minimum light level and a specified maximum light level; and forming the first determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is between the specified minimum light level and the specified maximum light level.

[0134] In Example 27, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-26 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry / is further configured to form the second determination by: confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is greater than a threshold visible light level value for the wavelength; and forming the second determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is greater than the threshold visible light level value for the wavelength.

[0135] In Example 28, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-27 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry / is further configured to formthe second determination by: performing a linear fit to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum; determining a slope of the linear fit; comparing the slope to a threshold slope value; determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value; and forming the second determination in response to determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value.

[0136] In Example 29, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-28 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to form the second determination by: averaging measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; confirming that the aggregate measured light level is greater than a specified light level; and forming the second determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is greater than the specified light level.

[0137] In Example 30, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-29 can optionally be configured such that: the endoscope is configured to direct therapeutic laser light toward the target site through the distally-extending optical fiber, the therapeutic laser light being spectrally separated from the arc lamp light, the distally-extending optical fiber is further configured to receive, as return therapeutic laser light, at least some of the therapeutic laser light that is reflected from the target site, and the surgical system further comprises a dichroic beamsplitter configured to direct the return arc lamp light toward the optical sensor and direct the return therapeutic laser light away from the optical sensor.

[0138] In Example 31, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-30 can optionally further comprise: a laser configured to generate the therapeutic laser light; a laser housing configured to surround the laser, the optical sensor, and the dichroic beamsplitter; and a laser optical fiber extending from the laser housing and configured to couple to the distally-extending optical fiber to direct the therapeutic laser light from the laser to the endoscope and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light from the endoscope to the laser housing.

[0139] In Example 32, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-31 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry' is disposed in the laser housing.

[0140] In Example 33, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-32 can optionally be configured such that the arc lamp is a xenon arc lamp.

[0141] In Example 34, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-33 can optionally further comprise a display configured to receive the alert data signal and display a visual alert to a user, the visual alert instructing the user to replace the arc lamp condenser lens.

[0142] In Example 35, the surgical system of any one of Examples 21-34 can optionally be configured such that the processing circuitry is configured to communicate the alert data signal to a remote server.

[0143] In Example 36, a method for operating a surgical system can comprise: generating arc lamp light with an arc lamp; at least partially focusing the arc lamp light with an arc lamp condenser lens; receiving the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens at a proximal end of an arc lamp light optical fiber; directing the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; receiving, with an endoscope, the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; directing the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; receiving, with a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site, measuring, with an optical sensor, an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; analyzing, with processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determining, with the processing circuitry, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance; and generating, with the processing circuitry, in response to the determination that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance, an alert data signal.

[0144] In Example 37, the method of Example 36 can optionally be configured such that analyzing, with the processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light comprises at least one of forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is within a specified range of visible light amounts; or forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared fight amount.

[0145] In Example 38, the method of any one of Examples 36-37 can optionally further comprise: receiving the alert data signal with a display; and displaying on thedisplay, in response to receiving the alert data signal, a visual alert to a user instructing the user to replace the arc lamp condenser lens.

[0146] In Example 39, the method of any one of Examples 36-38 can optionally further comprise: communicating, with the processing circuitry / , the alert data signal to a remote server.

[0147] In Example 40, a surgical system can comprise: a laser housing; a laser disposed in the laser housing and configured to generate therapeutic laser light; a therapeutic laser light optical fiber configured to direct the therapeutic laser light away from the laser housing; a xenon arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light that is spectrally separated from the therapeutic laser light; an arc lamp condenser lens configured to at least partially focus the arc lamp light from the xenon arc lamp; an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens at a proximal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; an endoscope configured to receive the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally- extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to: receive the therapeutic laser light from the therapeutic laser light optical fiber and direct the therapeutic laser light toward the target site; receive, as return therapeutic laser light, at least some of the therapeutic laser light that is reflected from the target site; receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light to propagate along the therapeutic laser light optical fiber to the laser housing; a dichroic beamsplitter disposed in the laser housing and configured to direct the return arc lamp light along a first optical path and direct the return therapeutic laser light along a second optical path; an optical sensor disposed in the laser housing and configured to receive the return arc lamp light along the first optical path and measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry disposed in the laser housing and configured to: form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is within a specified range of visible light amounts; form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specifiedinfrared light amount; form a third determination, in response to at least one of the first determination and the second determination, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance due to aging of the arc lamp condenser lens; and generate an alert data signal in response to the third determination.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A surgical system for use with an arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light, the surgical system comprising: an endoscope confi gured to direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally-extending opti cal fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; an optical sensor configured to measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry configured to: analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp has a degraded performance; and generate an alert data signal in response to the determination that the arc lamp has the degraded performance.

2. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, by at least one of: forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is less than a specified visible light amount, or forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount.

3. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry' is further configured to determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp has the degraded performance by: forming a third determination, in response to the at least one of the first determination or the second determination, that the arc lamp has the degraded performance due to aging of the arc lamp.

4. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry’ is further configured to form the first determination by: confirming that, for a plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is less than a specified visible light level value for the wavelength; and forming the first determination in response to confirming that, for the plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is less than the specified visible light level value for the wavelength.

5. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry’ is further configured to form the first determination by: fitting a curve to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum; determining whether the fitted curve is less than a specified light level curve; and forming the first determination in response to determining that the fitted curve is less than the specified light level curve.

6. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to form the first determination by : averaging or otherwise aggregating measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; determining whether the aggregate measured light level is less than a specified light level; and forming the first determination in response to determining that the aggregate measured light level is less than the specified light level.

7. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry’ is further configured to form the second determination by: determining whether, for a plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is greater than a threshold visible light level value for the wavelength; andforming the second determination in response to determining that, for the plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is greater than the threshold visible light level value for the wavelength.

8. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry' is further configured to form the second determination by: performing a linear fit to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum; determining a slope of the linear fit; comparing the slope to a threshold slope value; determining whether the slope exceeds the threshold slope value; and forming the second determination in response to determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value.

9. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to form the second determination by: averaging or otherwise aggregating measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; determining whether the aggregate measured light level is greater than a specified light level; and forming the second determination in response to determining that the aggregate measured light level is greater than the specified light level.

10. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein: the endoscope is configured to direct therapeutic laser light toward the target site through the distally-extending optical fiber, the therapeutic laser light being spectrally separated from the arc lamp light; the distally-extending optical fiber is further configured to receive, as return therapeutic laser light, at least some of the therapeutic laser light that is reflected from the target site; andthe surgical system further comprises a dichroic beamsplitter configured to direct the return arc lamp light toward the optical sensor and direct the return therapeutic laser light away from the optical sensor.1 1. The surgical system of claim 10, further comprising: a laser configured to generate the therapeutic laser light; a laser housing configured to surround the laser, the optical sensor, the dichroic beamsplitter, and the processing circuitry; and a laser optical fiber extending from the laser housing and configured to couple to the distally-extending optical fiber to direct the therapeutic laser light from the laser to the endoscope and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light from the endoscope to the laser housing.

12. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein the arc lamp is a xenon arc lamp.

13. The surgical system of claim 1, further comprising: an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to direct the arc lamp light from the arc lamp to the endoscope; and an arc lamp condenser lens configured to at least partially focus the arc lamp light from the arc lamp to the arc lamp light optical fiber.

14. The surgical system of claim 1, further comprising a display configured to receive the alert data signal and display a visual alert to a user, the visual alert instructing the user to replace the arc lamp.

15. The surgical system of claim I, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to communicate the alert data signal to a remote server.

16. A method for operating a surgical system, the method comprising: receiving arc lamp light generated with an arc lamp; directing the arc lamp light from a distal end of an endoscope toward a target site;receiving, with a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; measuring, with an optical sensor, an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; analyzing, with processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determining, with the processing circuitry, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, whether the arc lamp has a degraded performance; and generating, with the processing circuitry / , in response to determining that the arc lamp has the degraded performance, an alert data signal.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein analyzing, with the processing circuitry', the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light comprises at least one of: forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light., a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is less than a specified visible light, amount, or forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving the alert data signal with a display; and displaying on the display, in response to receiving the alert data signal, a visual alert to a user instructing the user to replace the arc lamp.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: communicating, with the processing circuitry', the alert data signal to a remote server.

20. A surgical system, comprising: a laser housing;a laser disposed in the laser housing and configured to generate therapeutic laser light; a laser light optical fiber configured to direct the therapeutic laser light away from the laser housing; a xenon arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light that is spectrally separated from the therapeutic laser light; an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to direct the arc lamp light away from the xenon arc lamp; an endoscope coupled to the laser light optical fiber and the arc lamp light optical fiber, the endoscope being configured to receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to: receive the therapeutic laser light from the laser light optical fiber and direct the therapeutic laser light toward the target site, receive, as return therapeutic laser light, at least some of the therapeutic laser light that is reflected from the target site; receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light to propagate along the laser light optical fiber to the laser housing; a dichroic beamsplitter disposed in the laser housing and configured to direct the return arc lamp light along a first optical path and direct the return therapeutic laser light along a second optical path; an optical sensor disposed in the laser housing and configured to receive the return arc lamp light along the first optical path and measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry configured to: form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes less light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum than a specified visible light amount;form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount; form a third determination, in response to at least one of the first determination and the second determination, that the xenon arc lamp has a degraded performance due to aging of the xenon arc lamp; and generate an alert data signal in response to the third determination.

21. A surgical system for use with an arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light, the system comprising: an arc lamp condenser lens configured to at least partially focus the arc lamp light; an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens at a proximal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; an endoscope configured to receive the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; an optical sensor configured to measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry configured to: analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance; and generate an alert data signal in response to the determination that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance.

22. The surgical system of claim 21, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to analyze the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light by at least one of: forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is within a specified range of visible light amounts, or forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount.

23. The surgical system of claim 22, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to determine, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance by: forming a third determination, in response to the at least one of the first determination or the second determination, that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance due to aging of the arc lamp condenser lens.

24. The surgical system of claim 22, wherein the processing circuitry? is further configured to form the first determination by: confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is within a specified range of visible light level values for the wavelength; and forming the first determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the visible portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is within the specified range of visible light level values for the wavelength.

25. The surgical system of claim 22, wherein the processing circuitry' is further configured to form the first determination by: fitting a curve to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum; confirming that the fitted curve is between a specified minimum light level curve and a specified maximum light level curve; andforming the first determination in response to confirming that the fitted curve is between the specified minimum light level curve and the specified maximum light level curve.

26. The surgical system of claim 22, wherein the processing circuitry? is further configured to form the first determination by: averaging measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the visible portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; confirming that the aggregate measured light level is between a specified minimum light level and a specified maximum light level; and forming the first determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is between the specified minimum light level and the specified maximum light level.

27. The surgical system of claim 22, wherein the processing circuitry' is further configured to form the second determination by: confirming that, for each of a plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, a measured light level at the wavelength is greater than a threshold visible light level value for the wavelength; and forming the second determination in response to confirming that, for each of the plurality of wavelengths within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum, the measured light level at the wavelength is greater than the threshold visible light level value for the wavelength.

28. The surgical system of claim 22, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to form the second determination by: performing a linear fit to measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum; determining a slope of the linear fit; comparing the slope to a threshold slope value; determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value; and forming the second determination in response to determining that the slope exceeds the threshold slope value.

29. The surgical system of claim 22, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to form the second determination by: averaging measured light levels of the optical spectrum within the infrared portion of the optical spectrum to form an aggregate measured light level; confirming that the aggregate measured light level is greater than a specified light level; and forming the second determination in response to confirming that the aggregate measured light level is greater than the specified light level.

30. The surgical system of claim 21, wherein: the endoscope is configured to direct therapeutic laser light toward the target site through the distally-extending optical fiber, the therapeutic laser light being spectrally separated from the arc lamp light; the distally-extending optical fiber is further configured to receive, as return therapeutic laser light, at least some of the therapeutic laser light that, is reflected from the target site; and the surgical system further comprises a dichroic beamsplitter configured to direct the return arc lamp light toward the optical sensor and direct the return therapeutic laser light away from the optical sensor.

31. The surgical system of claim 30, further comprising: a laser configured to generate the therapeutic laser light; a laser housing configured to surround the laser, the optical sensor, and the dichroic beamsplitter; and a laser optical fiber extending from the laser housing and configured to couple to the distally-extending optical fiber to direct the therapeutic laser light from the laser to the endoscope and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light from the endoscope to the laser housing.

32. The surgical system of claim 31, wherein the processing circuitry' is disposed in the laser housing.

33. The surgical system of claim 21, wherein the arc lamp is a xenon arc lamp.

34. The surgical system of claim 21 , further comprising a display configured to receive the alert data signal and display a visual alert to a user, the visual alert instracting the user to replace the arc lamp condenser lens.

35. The surgical system of claim 21 , wherein the processing circuitry is configured to communicate the alert data signal to a remote server.

36. A method for operating a surgical system, the method comprising: generating arc lamp light with an arc lamp; at least partially focusing the arc lamp light with an arc lamp condenser lens; receiving the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens at a proximal end of an arc lamp light optical fiber; directing the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; receiving, with an endoscope, the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber; directing the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; receiving, with a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; measuring, with an optical sensor, an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; analyzing, with processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; determining, with the processing circuitry, from the analysis of the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance; and generating, with the processing circuitry', in response to the determination that the arc lamp condenser lens has the degraded performance, an alert data signal.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein analyzing, with the processing circuitry, the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light comprises at least one of: forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is within a specified range of visible light amounts, or forming, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising: receiving the alert data signal with a display; and displaying on the display, in response to receiving the alert data signal, a visual alert to a user instructing the user to replace the arc lamp condenser lens.

39. The method of claim 37, further comprising: communicating, with the processing circuitry7, the alert data signal to a remote server.

40. A surgical system, comprising: a laser housing; a laser disposed in the laser housing and configured to generate therapeutic laser light; a therapeutic laser light optical fiber configured to direct the therapeutic laser light away from the laser housing; a xenon arc lamp configured to generate arc lamp light that is spectrally separated from the therapeutic laser light; an arc lamp condenser lens configured to at least partially focus the arc lamp light from the xenon arc lamp; an arc lamp light optical fiber configured to receive the arc lamp light from the arc lamp condenser lens at a proximal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light to a distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber;an endoscope configured to receive the arc lamp light from the distal end of the arc lamp light optical fiber and direct the arc lamp light from a distal end of the endoscope toward a target site; a distally-extending optical fiber extending from the distal end of the endoscope and configured to: receive the therapeutic laser light from the therapeutic laser light optical fiber and direct the therapeutic laser light toward the target site, receive, as return therapeutic laser light, at least some of the therapeutic laser light that is reflected from the target site; receive, as return arc lamp light, at least some of the arc lamp light that is reflected from the target site; and direct the return therapeutic laser light and the return arc lamp light to propagate along the therapeutic laser light optical fiber to the laser housing; a dichroic beamsplitter disposed in the laser housing and configured to direct the return arc lamp light along a first optical path and direct the return therapeutic laser light along a second optical path; an optical sensor disposed in the laser housing and configured to receive the return arc lamp light along the first optical path and measure an optical spectrum of the return arc lamp light; and processing circuitry disposed in the laser housing and configured to: form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp, a first determination that the return arc lamp light includes an amount of light in a visible portion of the optical spectrum that is within a specified range of visible light amounts; form, from the optical spectrum of the return arc lamp, a second determination that the return arc lamp light includes more light in an infrared portion of the optical spectrum than a specified infrared light amount; form a third determination, in response to at least one of the first determination and the second determination, that the arc lamp condenser lens has a degraded performance due to aging of the arc lamp condenser lens; andgenerate an alert data signal in response to the third determination.

Images