Medical systems, devices, and related methods

Abstract

According to one aspect, a method for controlling a laser delivery console is disclosed. The method may include receiving, at a console, electronically stored information from a radio frequency identification tag associated with a medical device. The method may also include converting, using at least one processor of the console, the electronically stored information to a plurality of operating parameter thresholds. The plurality of thresholds may include a maximum frequency value and a maximum energy value of laser energy provided by the laser delivery console to the medical device. The method may also include, in response to a command to adjust an energy or frequency of the laser energy applied to the medical device, blocking delivery of the laser energy at one or more of a frequency or energy value exceeding a threshold.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 202080049296.X, application date May 8, 2020, and name “Medical Systems, Devices, and Related Methods”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 846,195, filed on May 10, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems, devices, and methods for use in medical procedures. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for adjusting and storing operating parameters of medical devices, among other things. Background Art

[0005] Laser energy is used in a variety of medical procedures, including urology, neurology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, cardiology, and gynecology. Various procedures, and even different parts of the same procedure, often require different levels and intensities of laser energy, which are delivered to burn, ablate, decompose, or otherwise treat tissue or other materials in a patient's body. Typically, a user can control and / or modify settings of the laser energy output of a laser energy source by inputting or adjusting settings of a control module via buttons, dials, or a touch screen. The laser energy source can be operably coupled to the control module and can include laser energy sources operating at different wavelengths, infrared or visible light energy sources, holmium laser sources, carbon dioxide laser sources, neodymium laser sources, or other types of laser energy sources. Depending on the energy and frequency level of the laser energy source desired by the user, the user can select one or more accessories with operating parameters that allow the user to transmit the desired level and intensity of laser energy through the accessories. Accessories used to transmit laser energy, such as laser fibers, have different operating parameters within which the accessories can function properly without being damaged by the laser energy. Typically, a database on the control module can store operating parameters for the various accessories. When the user selects a specific attachment to be used in surgery, the user can then input the serial number associated with this specific attachment into the control module. Using this serial number, the control module can access the relevant operating parameters of this specific attachment from its internal database. Since new attachments often enter the market, this database on the control module needs to be frequently updated to include the relevant operating parameters of each new attachment that the user may need. The need to frequently update the control module of the laser source may complicate the procedure and / or extend the procedure. In addition, if the operating parameters of the attachment are not stored in the control module, the user may have the risk of damaging the attachment, improperly operating the attachment, reducing the efficiency of the attachment, and even exposing the patient to greater risks.

[0006] The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure may remedy some of the above-mentioned deficiencies, and / or address other aspects of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] Examples of the present disclosure relate to medical systems, devices, methods, etc. Each example disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in conjunction with any other disclosed example.

[0008] According to one aspect, a method for controlling a laser delivery console is disclosed. The method may include receiving electronically stored information at the console from a radio frequency identification tag associated with a medical device. The method may also include converting the electronically stored information into a plurality of operating parameter thresholds using at least one processor of the console. The plurality of thresholds may include a maximum frequency value and a maximum energy value of laser energy provided to the medical device by the laser delivery console. The method may also include, in response to a command to adjust the energy or frequency of the laser energy applied to the medical device, preventing the delivery of laser energy having a frequency or energy value exceeding one or more of the thresholds. The command may be generated by an action or a series of actions on a user interface operably coupled to the laser delivery console.

[0009] In other aspects of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a laser delivery console may include one or more of the following steps and / or features. A plurality of thresholds may form an operating parameter matrix for a medical device. The console may be configured to adjust the laser energy output to the medical device between a finite number of laser energy characteristics, the finite number of laser energy characteristics may include a finite number of discrete frequency values ​​and a finite number of discrete energy values. The maximum frequency value and the maximum energy value may include a maximum frequency value and a maximum energy value for each of the finite number of discrete frequency values ​​and the finite number of discrete energy values. The electronically stored information may be stored in 270 bytes or less of electronic storage space. The medical device may be a laser fiber. Converting the electronically stored information to a plurality of thresholds may include using the electronically stored information to create a plurality of cornerstone set point pairs defining an operating parameter matrix. At least one processor may include a first data set corresponding to a matrix, the matrix may include a finite number of discrete frequency values ​​along a horizontal axis of the matrix and a finite number of discrete energy values ​​along a vertical axis of the matrix, and the matrix may be used to convert the electronically stored information to operating parameters for the medical device. Converting the electronically stored information to a plurality of operating parameter thresholds may include defining an operating parameter matrix, the matrix including a maximum energy value for each of the finite number of discrete frequency values ​​and a maximum frequency value for each of the finite number of discrete energy values. The medical device may be a laser fiber and the radio frequency identification tag may be coupled to a proximal end of the laser fiber.

[0010] In other aspects of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a laser delivery console to deliver laser energy to a medical device is disclosed. The method may include accessing electronic information from an electronic storage device coupled to the medical device. The method may also include receiving the electronically stored information from the electronic storage at the console. The method may also include converting the electronically stored information into a series of operating parameters associated with the medical device using at least one processor of the console. The plurality of operating parameters may include a maximum frequency value and a maximum energy value of the laser energy provided by the laser source to the medical device. The method may also include automatically preventing the delivery of laser energy at a frequency or energy level exceeding one or more of the maximum frequency value and the maximum energy value.

[0011] In other aspects of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a laser delivery console to deliver laser energy to a medical device may include one or more of the following steps and / or features. At least one processor may include electronic information storing a uniform operating parameter matrix size, and the uniform operating parameter matrix size may include a matrix having a first axis including a finite number of discrete frequency values ​​and a second axis including a finite number of discrete energy values. The series of operating parameters may include a series of threshold set point pairs, the threshold set point pairs consisting of discrete frequency values ​​and discrete energy values; and each threshold set point pair may define a maximum frequency value and a maximum energy value. Converting the electronically stored information to the series of operating parameters may not include accessing a database. The electronically stored information may include a plurality of cornerstone set point pairs defining components of the operating parameter matrix of the medical device. Automatically preventing the delivery of laser energy at a frequency or energy level exceeding one or more of the maximum frequency value and the maximum energy value may include limiting the range of discrete frequency and / or energy level settings available in the console to adjust the output of laser energy from the laser source. The electronically stored information may include information defining positions within the uniform operating parameter matrix size, and the positions may be defined by a pair of values, the pair of values ​​may be composed of a discrete frequency value and a discrete energy value.

[0012] In other aspects of the present disclosure, a medical device may include a body including a proximal end and a distal end. The body may be configured to receive laser energy and transmit the laser energy to the distal end. The medical device may also include an electronic storage device including representative electronic data stored on the electronic storage device. The electronic storage device may be coupled to the body. The representative electronic data may include data related to operating parameters, including a maximum frequency and a maximum energy level of the laser energy to be received by the medical device.

[0013] In other aspects of the present disclosure, the medical device may include one or more of the following features. The electronic storage device may be a radio frequency identification device. The electronic data may include data configured to be converted by the console into an operating parameter matrix for the medical device. The operating parameters may include a maximum frequency and a maximum energy level of laser energy to be received by the medical device. The electronic data may consist of 5 bytes of data.

[0014] The foregoing general summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only and are not limitations on the claimed features. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "including," "having," "having," or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive content, such that a list of process, method, article, or device elements that includes the following includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, articles, or devices. In addition, the term "exemplary" is used herein in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal." As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," and "approximately" represent a range of values ​​within + / - 5% of a specified value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 A medical system according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 An exemplary graph illustrating operating parameters of a laser device according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method of adjusting and configuring a medical system according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method of adjusting and configuring a medical system according to further aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for applying operating parameters to a laser accessory device according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 is an exemplary operating parameter matrix according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Examples of the present disclosure include systems, devices, and methods that facilitate the efficacy, efficiency, and safety of laser energy delivery during medical procedures. For example, various aspects of the present disclosure may provide a user (e.g., a physician, medical technician, or other medical service provider) with the ability to more easily adjust and set operating parameters of laser energy to be delivered to a laser accessory (such as a laser fiber). Some aspects of the present disclosure may be used to perform endoscopic, hysteroscopic, or ureteroscopic procedures, such as lithotripsy, treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia ("BPH"), or treatment of cancerous tissue.

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the examples of the present disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0024] The terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the relative positions of components of an exemplary medical device or insertion device in this article. When used in this article, "proximal" refers to a position relatively closer to the outside of the body or closer to an operator using the medical device or insertion device. In contrast, "distal" refers to a position relatively far away from an operator using the medical device or insertion device, or a position closer to the inside of the body.

[0025] Figure 1 A medical system 100 is shown that includes a laser attachment device 112 and a laser console 102. The console 102 may include a graphical user interface or display 104, a control module 106, and a laser energy source 108. The console 102 may be wired, wirelessly, or otherwise coupled to a user interface 110. In some examples, the user interface 110 may be incorporated into the console 102. The medical system 100 may be configured to output laser energy from the laser energy source 108 to the laser attachment device 112 to emit a laser beam onto a target area.

[0026] The laser attachment device 112 may include one or more optical fibers to deliver laser energy (as indicated by arrow L) from the laser energy source 108 to a distal end of the laser attachment device 112. As such, the laser attachment device 112 may be used to deliver laser energy from the laser energy source 108 to a lumen, tissue, or other material within a patient's body. In some examples, additional instruments or devices may be coupled to the console 102, such as an endoscope or other insertion device. In some examples, the laser attachment device 112 may have a proximal end configured to connect to the console 102 and a distal end configured to deliver laser energy (L) to patient tissue.

[0027] The user interface 110 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch screen display, or other electronic display. The user interface 110 may display a menu with various adjustable laser parameters, such as adjustable discrete frequencies and energy levels for the laser energy output of the laser energy source 108. The user interface 110 may include one or more actuators, such as buttons, knobs, foot pedals, or other actuation mechanisms configured to communicate with the console 102.

[0028] The console 102 may also include a laser access port (not shown) so that a laser accessory device 112, such as a laser fiber or other optical fiber, may be coupled to the console 102 to deliver laser energy to the laser accessory 112. In some examples, the console 102 may communicate with other accessory devices, such as an endoscope or a camera. The console may be configured to transmit laser energy through the laser accessory device 112 to deliver laser energy to a distal end of the laser accessory device 112. The console 102 may be connected to and / or communicate with a power source, such as a battery or any other conventional power source known in the art, or the power source may be incorporated into the console 102. An optical engine (not shown) may also be connected to and / or communicate with or incorporated into the console 102, and the optical engine, power source, and laser energy source 108 may provide energy to the laser fiber at a specific power level and frequency level.

[0029] The control module 106 within the console 102 may include hardware components, including memory, a central processing unit ("CPU"), and / or a user interface (in addition to the user interface 110). The memory may include any type of RAM or ROM presented in a physical storage medium, such as magnetic storage including a hard disk or tape; semiconductor storage such as a solid state drive (SSD) or flash memory; optical disk storage; or magneto-optical disk storage; or other types of electronic memory. The CPU may include one or more processors that process data according to instructions stored in the memory. The functions of the processor may be provided by a single dedicated processor, or by multiple processors. In addition, the processor may include, but is not limited to, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, or any other hardware capable of executing software. The user interface may include any type of input / output device or combination thereof, such as a display monitor, touch screen, keyboard, and / or mouse. The processor may be configured to access wireless digital data, telephone, and / or Internet access via any other wireless communication medium (e.g., local or wide area Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection). In some examples, the process may access a digital storage device or system, such as a cloud-based storage system, via wireless communication to access information.

[0030] The laser source 108 may output a solid-state laser, a continuous wave (CW) laser, a pulsed laser, or other types of laser energy for delivery to the laser accessory device 112. In some examples, the laser source 108 may include laser energy sources operating at different wavelengths, infrared or visible light energy sources, holmium laser sources, carbon dioxide laser sources, neodymium laser sources, or other types of laser energy sources. The console 106 may be configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the laser source 108. For example, the console 106 may be configured to adjust the frequency and / or energy level of the laser energy output from the laser source 108. In some examples, the console 106 may have a plurality of discrete frequencies (e.g., in hertz) and energy (e.g., in joules) levels stored in the control module 106, which may be selected by a user using the user interface 110 and / or the graphical user interface 104 to adjust the laser energy output from the laser source 108. The control module 106 may send instructions to the user interface 110 and / or the graphical user interface 104 to display a particular range of discrete frequencies and energy levels for display and allow the user to select. When the user selects the discrete frequency and energy level, the laser energy source 108 can output laser energy having the selected frequency and energy level. In some examples that can be used for pulsed laser energy output, the console 106 can provide a plurality of discrete set point settings for the laser energy output of the laser source 108, each set point setting consisting of a pair of discrete frequency values ​​and discrete energy values ​​for the laser energy output of the laser source 108.

[0031] The console 102 may control laser parameters provided to the laser accessory device 112. For example, the console 102 may include at least one processor that may receive input from the graphical user interface 104 and / or the user interface 110 and process the input within the control module 106. The console 102 may include a laser source 108, a user interface 110, a graphical user interface 104, and a control module 106, each of which may be operably coupled together and / or may receive and send electronic information from and to each of the other components. For example, a user may use the user interface 104 to input a command to output laser energy at a specific frequency and energy level selected by the user, and the electronic command may be received by the control module 106, processed within the control module 106, and then a corresponding electronic command may be sent to the laser source 108 to output laser energy at the specified frequency and energy level. In some examples, the user can selectively adjust at least one of the laser energy, frequency, pulse width, wavelength, etc. through a user interface (e.g., a foot pedal assembly, a keyboard, a mouse click, or a touch screen display), and the console 102 can output the laser energy with the selected parameters to the laser accessory device 112.

[0032] In some examples, an electronic database of information related to laser accessory devices and corresponding operating parameters may be electronically stored within the control module 106. For example, the electronic database in the control module 106 may include a product identification number, serial number, product code, or other form of identification number for identifying a particular laser accessory device 112, and stored in association with each identification number may be an operating parameter profile for each device. In some examples, the operating parameter profile for each laser accessory device may include discrete paired frequency and energy values ​​corresponding to discrete energy and frequency set point settings provided in the control module 106 to adjust the output of the laser energy source 108.

[0033] Depending on the type of console 102, control module 106, and laser energy source 108, a number of discrete frequency and energy output settings may be available to the console 102 to change the characteristics of the laser energy output by the laser energy source 108. In some examples, the console 102 may provide fifteen discrete frequency values ​​(in Hertz) that may be selected by the user. In some examples, the console 102 may also provide eighteen discrete energy values ​​(in Joules) that may be selected by the user. Each of these discrete frequency and energy settings, or discrete set point pairs of a frequency setting and an energy setting, may be described by a parameter matrix, such as Figure 2 The matrix 200 shown in .

[0034] In the exemplary matrix 200, fifteen discrete frequency settings (frequency set points) are defined as Fi (i=0-14), and eighteen discrete energy settings (energy set points) are defined as Ej (j=0-17). Each discrete set point pair may be described as an Fi, Ej position on the matrix 200 and may be represented as a box within the matrix 200. The frequency set points are shown along the horizontal axis 202 and the energy set points are shown along the vertical axis 204. Cross-hatched boxes, such as box 206, are designated as energy and frequency value set point pairs at which the laser accessory device 112 associated with the matrix 200 is operable, while white boxes or boxes without cross-hatching, such as white box 208, are designated as energy and frequency value set point pairs that are outside the operating parameters of the laser accessory device and may therefore damage the laser accessory device 112, rendering it inoperable, or inoperable to the specifications of the device. Thus, the matrix 200 may define the operating parameters of the laser accessory device 112.

[0035] Each cross-hatched box shown in the matrix 200 that borders at least one white box, such as the cross-hatched box 206, can be defined as a "cornerstone" set point pair. Each "cornerstone" set point pair defines: a threshold frequency value (one of F0-F14) for a discrete energy value (one of E0-E17) that defines the limit of the frequency operating range for that particular energy value; and a threshold energy value for the discrete frequency value that defines the limit of the energy operating range for that particular frequency. For example, the cornerstone set point pair 206 (F7, E16) in the matrix 200 defines a maximum discrete energy value E16 for the laser accessory device operating at a frequency of F7, and a maximum discrete frequency value F7 for the laser accessory device 112 operating at a discrete energy value E16. Using the matrix 200, the console 102 can define the operating parameters of the laser accessory device 112. In some examples, when operating a laser accessory device 112 associated with the matrix 200, the console 102 may prevent the selection and / or output of laser energy having a particular energy or frequency value that exceeds a threshold value defined by the matrix 200, thereby preventing a user from selecting a discrete set point pair that is outside of an operating range defined by each "cornerstone" set point pair. In this manner, the console 102 may use the matrix 200 to define operating parameters for a particular laser accessory device 112. For example, the operating parameter matrix 200 may be received by the control module 106 or retrieved from a database stored within the control module 106, and the control module 106 may impose restrictions on the user interface 110 and / or the graphical user interface 104 to prevent a user from selecting a discrete set point pair of frequency (Fi) and energy (Ei) levels that are outside of the operating parameters defined by the matrix 200. In some examples, the user interface 110 and / or the graphical user interface 104 may display and allow a user to select only discrete set point pairs of frequency (Fi) and energy (Ei) levels that are within the operating parameters defined by the operating parameter matrix 200.

[0036] Figure 3 A flow chart 300 is shown of a general method of applying operating parameters to a laser accessory device 112 using a console 102. At step 302, a user connects a laser accessory device 112 to the console 102. In some examples, a proximal end of the laser accessory device 112 may be coupled to the console 102, such as by plugging a proximal end of a laser fiber into an access port on the console 102. At step 304, a user may input an identification number (e.g., a serial number) or a product number associated with the connected laser accessory device 112 into the console 102 using the user interface 110. At step 306, the control module 106 of the console 102 may receive and process the identification number and retrieve an operating parameter matrix, such as the matrix 200, associated with the laser accessory device 112 stored in a database within the control module 106.

[0037] Once the appropriate operating parameter matrix is ​​retrieved, the control module 106 may set the operating parameter matrix 200 as the operating parameters of the laser accessory device 112. When the operating parameter matrix 200 is set, the control module 106 may prevent the laser energy source 108 from outputting laser energy having frequency and energy set point pairs outside of the cornerstone set point pairs in the matrix 200. For example, as shown in the matrix 200, the control module 106 will not allow the user to select an F9 frequency having an E15 energy level because the laser parameter setting pair exceeds the thresholds set by each cornerstone pair of the matrix 200. Depending on the type of laser accessory device 112, different threshold limits may be imposed on the laser energy source 108 by the control module 106 to limit the maximum frequency and energy level provided to the laser accessory device 112. Similarly, different ranges of frequency (Fi) and energy (Ei) levels may be included in the matrix 200 depending on the type of console 102, laser energy source 108, and / or laser accessory device 108. Because the control module 106 of the console 102 may have a limited amount of electronic memory to store an electronic database of laser accessory devices and associated operating parameter matrices, alternative methods of storing operating parameters may allow the control module 106 to operate a larger number of laser accessory devices and may avoid the need to update the database stored within the control module 106.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, operating parameters or data associated with operating parameters may be stored on the laser accessory device 112. For example, the laser accessory device 112 may include a radio frequency identification tag (RFID) 114 coupled to and / or embedded within the laser accessory device 112. The RFID 114 may contain electronically stored information associated with the laser accessory device 112, such as data associated with an operating parameter matrix for the laser accessory device 112. The RFID device 114 may be a low-power silicon device that may be powered and communicated via a radio frequency field. The RFID 114 may enable wireless communication of an embedded RFID 114 chip coupled to or embedded within the laser accessory device 112. The RFID device 114 may be a non-volatile memory element for storing electronic information. For example, the RFID device 114 may include a read-only memory (e.g., an EEPROM (typically 320 to 4096 bytes)) whose contents are erased and reprogrammed using a pulse voltage, and interface logic to handle communications. The RFID 114 may be manufactured as a small disk that may be embedded in the laser accessory device. In some examples, the laser accessory device 112 may generate a low power localized RF field that may power the RFID 114 when laser energy is provided to the laser accessory device 112. Other formats / methods of manufacturing the RFID device may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. In some examples, electronic data may be stored on the RFID 114 coupled to the laser accessory device 112, and the electronic data may include an operating parameter matrix 200 associated with the laser accessory device 112. In other examples, the laser accessory device 112 may include a memory device, such as a read-only memory, that is connected to the console 102 via a wired connection between the memory device and the console, such as a wired connection that connects the memory device of the laser accessory device 112 to the console 102 via a laser access port (not shown).

[0039] Figure 4 A flowchart 400 is shown of a method of applying operating parameters to a laser accessory device 112 using a console 102 without a database of laser accessory devices and associated operating parameters stored within the console 102. At step 402, a user may connect an accessory device 112 to the console 102. In the method of flowchart 400, the entire operating parameter matrix 200 is stored in electronic data form on an RFID 114 coupled to the laser accessory device 112.

[0040] At step 404, the user may scan the RFID 114 of the accessory device 112 using an RFID reader, uploading the electronic information stored on the RFID 114 to the RFID reader, which may then send the electronic information to the control module 106. In some examples, the RFID reader may be incorporated into the console 102. In other examples, the RFID reader may be electrically connected to the console 102. At step 406, the electronic information from the RFID 114 is received by the control module 106. Since the electronic information from the RFID 114 includes the entire operating parameter matrix 200, the control module 106 may then implement the operating parameter matrix 200 and proceed to step 408. When implementing the operating parameter matrix 200, the control module 106 may limit the frequency and energy level settings (Fi, Ei) available for selection by the user based on the operating parameter matrix 200. At step 408, the console 102 provides laser energy to the laser accessory 112 within the operating parameters of the accessory. In some cases, the amount of data required to store the entire operating parameter matrix 200 may exceed the storage space available on the RFID 114, which would make it difficult to implement the method of flowchart 400. In order to implement the method of flowchart 400, the RFID may need to have sufficient electronic storage space to store the data associated with the entire operating parameter matrix 200. In some cases, it may be beneficial to minimize the amount of data stored on the RFID to use an RFID tag with less electronic storage space.

[0041] In some examples, the RFID 114 of the laser accessory device 112 may store operating parameter matrix representation data, which, once received by the control module 106, may be converted to the operating parameter matrix 200 of the associated laser accessory device 112. For example, the control module 106 may include a conversion module 107 configured to convert the matrix representation data to the operating parameter matrix 200. When the representation data is stored in the RFID 114 of the laser accessory device 112, the control module 106 may request the conversion module 107 to convert the representation data to the operating parameter matrix 200 of the corresponding laser accessory 112, thereby avoiding the need to store a database of laser accessories 112 and their corresponding operating parameter matrices 200. In addition, by eliminating the need for an internal database of multiple laser accessory devices within the console 102, the user may avoid the task of updating the laser accessory device database in the console and still effectively use the console for new laser accessory devices 112, which may save time and increase procedural efficiency.

[0042] Figure 5A flow chart 500 is shown of a method for applying operating parameters to a laser accessory device 112 using a console 102 without a database of laser accessory device identification numbers and associated operating parameters stored within the console 102. At step 502, a user may connect an accessory device 112 to the console 102. At step 504, the user may scan an RFID 114 of the accessory device 112 using an RFID reader, upload electronic information stored on the RFID 114 to the RFID reader, and the RFID reader may then send the electronic information to the control module 106. At step 506, the control module 106 in the console 102 receives the electronic information from the RFID 114. At step 508, the control module 106 may execute the conversion module 107 using the electronic data received from the RFID 114.

[0043] The conversion module 107 may include software for converting electronic data from the RFID 114 into an operating parameter matrix 200 associated with the laser accessory device 112. Once the conversion module 107 outputs the operating parameter matrix 200 at step 510, the control module 106 applies the necessary operating parameters to safely operate the laser accessory 112. Thus, once the control module 102 receives the operating parameter matrix 200 for the laser accessory device 112 from the conversion module 107 and applies it, the console 102 may provide laser energy to the laser accessory 112 within the operating parameters of the accessory. Storing representative electronic data that may be converted using the conversion module 107 of the control module 106 may allow the RFID 114 to store less electronic data than storing the entire operating parameter matrix 200. The method of applying operating parameters to the laser accessory device 112 using the console 102 shown in the flowchart 500 does not require access to a database, such as a database of laser accessory device identification numbers and associated operating parameters stored within the console 102.

[0044] Figure 6 Shows something like Figure 2 FIG. 6 is an exemplary operating parameter matrix 600 of the matrix 200 of FIG. 6. In the same manner as the matrix 200, fifteen discrete frequency set points (frequency set points) are defined as F0-F14 along the horizontal axis 602, and eighteen discrete energy set points (energy set points) are defined as E0-E17 along the vertical axis 604. Each discrete set point pair in the matrix 600 can be described as an Fi, Ej position on the matrix 600. The cross-hatched boxes in the matrix 600 specify energy and frequency value set point pairs that are operable for the laser accessory device associated with the matrix 600, while the white boxes specify energy and frequency value set point pairs that are outside the operating parameters of the laser accessory device.

[0045] In the operating parameter matrix 600, each of the cross-hatched boxes 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628 is adjacent to at least one white box and can be defined as a cornerstone set point pair. Each cornerstone set point pair defines a threshold frequency value that defines a limit of a frequency (Fi) operating range for a particular energy value (Ei) and a threshold energy value (Ei) that defines a limit of an energy operating range for a particular frequency (Fi). For example, the cornerstone set point pair 621 is shown at the matrix box (E16, F7), indicating that the maximum energy level at frequency F7 is E16, and the maximum frequency level at energy level E16 is F7.

[0046] When RFID 114 or other electronic storage medium is used to store all of the data associated with matrix 600, the data may include 270 data elements for each box within matrix 600, and 33 data elements for each discrete frequency set point F0-F14 along horizontal axis 602 and each discrete energy set point E0-E17 along vertical axis 604. As an alternative to storing data associated with each box of matrix 600, RFID 114 or other electronic storage medium may store representative data that is configured to be converted to an operating parameter matrix using conversion module 107 within console 102.

[0047] For example, representative data stored on the RFID 114 may include only the parameters of the horizontal axis 602 and the vertical axis 604 of the matrix 600, i.e., the discrete values ​​E0-E17 and F0-F14, and each cornerstone set point pair, i.e., the discrete set point pairs 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, for a total of 51 data elements, including 18 data elements for E0-E17, 15 data elements for F0-F14, and eighteen data elements for each of the nine cornerstone set point pairs 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628. Therefore, by storing only the data elements associated with the horizontal axis 602, the vertical axis 604, and each of the cornerstone set point pairs 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, a total of 51 data elements may be used to store the operating parameter matrix 600. By using a software algorithm within the conversion module 107 of the control module 106, 18 data elements for E0-E17, 15 data elements for F0-F14, and 18 data elements for each of the nine cornerstone set point pairs 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628 may be used to construct the complete operating parameter matrix 600 using the conversion module 107.

[0048] In some examples, a uniform operating parameter matrix size may be stored within the conversion module 107 of the console 102. For example, the uniform operating parameter matrix size may be a matrix having a horizontal axis 602 of 15 discrete data elements (F0-F14) and a vertical axis 604 of 18 discrete data elements (E0-E17) that may be stored within the conversion module 107 of the console 102. In some examples, the console 102 may be limited to a single set of discrete frequency settings (Fi) and a single set of discrete energy settings (Ei) that may be used by a user to adjust the output of the laser energy source 108, and a single operating parameter matrix size that may be used for that particular console 102 may be stored within the control module 106. By storing a uniform operating parameter matrix size in the control module 106, the RFID 114 may not need to store discrete values ​​F0-F14 associated with the horizontal axis 602 and discrete values ​​E0-E17 associated with the vertical axis 604 of the matrix 600 and may therefore only store information associated with each cornerstone set point pair 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628. Thus, when the uniform operating parameter matrix size is stored in the console 102, the data elements E0-E17 and F0-F14 are predefined in the console 102 and the RFID may only store eighteen data elements associated with each cornerstone set point pair 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628. In this example, conversion module 107 may construct operating parameter matrix 600 using the eighteen data elements received from RFID 114 in combination with a uniform operating parameter matrix size stored within conversion module 107 .

[0049] In another example where the uniform operating parameter matrix size is stored within the console 102, the representative data stored on the RFID 114 may consist of five bytes of electronic data (or 34 bits total). As is known in the art, a byte of data consists of eight binary digits. Figure 6 As shown as bytes 610, 612, 614, 616, 618 in FIG. 6, five bytes of data may be used to specify the uniform operation parameter matrix size of 15×18 (eg, Figure 6 ), each cornerstone sets where the point pair is located within the matrix 600. Note that bytes 610, 612, 614, 616, 618 are provided in additional columns and additional rows of the matrix 600, but the rows and columns containing bytes 610, 612, 614, 616, 618 are purely for illustration purposes and are not part of the operating parameter matrix 600. Figure 6, bytes 610, 612 specify each discrete frequency value (Fi) along horizontal axis 602 including a cornerstone set point pair having one (values ​​F6-F14) and each frequency value along horizontal axis 602 excluding a cornerstone set point pair having zero (values ​​F0-F5). Similarly, bytes 614, 616, 618 specify each discrete energy value (Ei) along vertical axis 604 including a cornerstone set point pair having one (values ​​E3, E5, E7, and E12-E17) and each energy value along vertical axis 604 excluding a cornerstone set point pair having zero (values ​​E0-E3, E4, E6, and E8-E11). Therefore, when console 102 stores a uniform operating parameter matrix size corresponding to operating parameter matrix 600, operating parameter matrix 600 may be represented by a bitmap having 16 bits and 20 bits or 5 bytes of data. In this example, the conversion module 107 may include software that converts the bytes 610, 612, 614, 616, 618 associated with the position of each cornerstone set point pair 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628 into the operating parameter matrix 600. Thus, for example, the laser attachment device 112 may store only the bytes 610, 612, 614, 616, 618 on the RFID 114.

[0050] For example, for purposes of illustration, assume that the console 102 includes a unified operating parameter matrix size of 15×18 (eg, Figure 6), where the horizontal axis represents frequency values ​​F0-F14 and the vertical axis represents energy values ​​E0-E17. Implementing the systems and methods disclosed herein, an exemplary laser attachment device 112 includes an RFID 114 on which five bytes of data are stored. Each byte of data corresponds to bytes 610, 612, 614, 616, 618. The first byte 610 reads "000000011" and corresponds to columns F0-F6, so each of the F5 and F6 columns includes a cornerstone set point pair. The second byte 612 reads "11111111" and corresponds to columns F7-F14, so each of the F7-F14 columns contains a cornerstone set point pair. The third byte 614 reads "11111100" and corresponds to rows E17 to E10, so each of the E17 to E12 columns includes a cornerstone set point pair. The fourth byte 616 reads "00101010" and corresponds to rows E9-E2, respectively, so each of columns E7, E5, and E3 includes a cornerstone set point pair. Finally, the fifth byte 618 reads "00000000", where only the first two digits are used to construct the matrix 600. Therefore, since the first two digits of the fifth byte 618 correspond to rows E1 and E0, "00" indicates that neither row E1 nor row E0 includes a cornerstone set point pair. Then, by matching each marked column in the first and second bytes with each marked row in the third, fourth, and fifth bytes in the order in which they appear, i.e., from F0 to F14 for the first and second bytes and from E17 to E0 for the third, fourth, and fifth bytes, a system, such as the control module 106 of the console 102, can construct the matrix 600 by marking each cornerstone set point pair within the unified operating parameter matrix size of 15 by 18.

[0051] 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628 to construct the matrix 600. The control module 106 can then use the constructed matrix 600 to set the appropriate frequency and energy thresholds for that particular laser attachment device 112.

[0052] Although the above discussion relates to a specific method for storing an operating parameter matrix associated with a laser delivery device, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, matrices 200 and 600 are merely exemplary, and the above method can be applied to operating parameter matrices of any size. In some examples, the operating parameters stored on the laser accessory device 112 may include a power output value that indicates an operable range or value of power to be provided to the laser accessory device 112.

[0053] Although the principles of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrative examples of specific applications, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art who can obtain the teachings provided herein will recognize that additional modifications, applications, embodiments, and replacements of equivalents all fall within the scope of the features described herein. Therefore, the features claimed should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A laser delivery console, comprising: a laser accessory device coupler configured to couple to the laser accessory device; a memory including a unified operating parameter matrix including a plurality of frequency values ​​and a plurality of energy setting values; and A control module comprising a processing circuit, wherein the control module is configured to: receiving a plurality of cornerstone set point pairs from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the laser accessory device, wherein the plurality of cornerstone set point pairs define a maximum frequency among a plurality of frequency values ​​for each of the plurality of energy setting values; converting the unified operating parameter matrix into an operating parameter matrix based on the plurality of cornerstone set point pairs, wherein the operating parameter matrix includes a subset of the plurality of frequency values ​​and a subset of the plurality of energy set values; and Responsive to a command to adjust the amount of energy or frequency of laser energy applied to the laser accessory device, preventing laser energy from being delivered at a combination of frequency and energy values ​​exceeding one of a subset of the plurality of frequency values ​​and / or one of a subset of the plurality of energy setting values, wherein the command is generated by an action or series of actions on a user interface operably coupled to the laser delivery console.

2. The laser delivery console of claim 1, the control module further configured to adjust laser energy output to the laser accessory device between a finite number of combinations of frequencies and energy values, wherein the finite number of frequencies and energy values ​​are identified based on the operating parameter matrix.

3. The laser delivery console of claim 1, wherein the laser delivery console is configured to output laser energy having each of a finite number of combinations of frequency and energy values, wherein the finite number of frequencies and energy values ​​are identified based on the operating parameter matrix.

4. The laser delivery console of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cornerstone setpoint pairs are stored in 5 bytes or less of electronic storage space.

5. The laser delivery console of claim 1, wherein the laser attachment device comprises an optical fiber.

6. The laser delivery console of claim 1, comprising the laser accessory device.

7. The laser delivery console of claim 1, wherein the RFID tag is embedded in the laser accessory device.

8. The laser delivery console of claim 1, wherein the unified operating parameter matrix comprises a plurality of rows and columns, wherein the plurality of cornerstone set point pairs comprises a set point pair for each column of the matrix.

9. A physical storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions which, in response to being executed by a processor of a laser delivery console, cause the laser delivery console to: receiving a plurality of cornerstone set point pairs from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedded in a laser accessory device coupled to the laser delivery console, wherein the plurality of cornerstone set point pairs define a maximum frequency among a plurality of frequency values ​​for each of a plurality of energy setting values; generating an operating parameter matrix from a unified operating parameter matrix and the plurality of cornerstone set point pairs, wherein the operating parameter matrix includes a subset of the plurality of frequency values ​​and a subset of the plurality of energy set points; and Responsive to a command to adjust the amount of energy or frequency of laser energy applied to the laser accessory device, preventing laser energy from being delivered at a combination of frequency and energy values ​​exceeding one of a subset of the plurality of frequency values ​​and / or one of a subset of the plurality of energy setting values, wherein the command is generated by an action or series of actions on a user interface operably coupled to the laser delivery console.

10. The physical storage medium of claim 9, comprising instructions that when executed by the processor further cause the laser delivery console to adjust laser energy output to the laser accessory device between a finite number of combinations of frequencies and energy values, wherein the finite number of frequencies and energy values ​​are identified based on the operating parameter matrix.

11. The physical storage medium of claim 9, comprising instructions that when executed by the processor further cause the laser delivery console to output laser energy having each of a finite number of combinations of frequency and energy values, wherein the finite number of frequencies and energy values ​​are identified based on the operating parameter matrix.

12. The physical storage medium of claim 9, wherein the plurality of cornerstone setpoint pairs are stored in 5 bytes or less of electronic storage space.

13. The physical storage medium of claim 9, wherein the laser attachment device comprises an optical fiber.

14. The physical storage medium of claim 9, wherein the unified operating parameter matrix comprises a plurality of rows and columns, wherein the plurality of cornerstone set point pairs comprises a set point pair for each column of the matrix.

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