Handpiece for light treatment and treatment method using same

Abstract

The invention provides a handpiece for light therapy. In one embodiment, the handpiece for light therapy may include: a main body portion provided in a cylindrical shape to be gripped by a user; an ultrasonic wave generation unit which is provided at one end of the main body unit and which irradiates ultrasonic waves to the treatment site so as to increase the temperature of the treatment site to a set temperature; a laser irradiation unit which is provided inside the main body unit and irradiates laser light to the treatment site; and a housing coupled to the tip of the ultrasonic wave generating unit and housing therein a medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the treatment site, in which the ultrasonic wave generating unit may comprise: a frame coupled to the upper part of the housing and having a through-hole through which the laser beam passes; and an ultrasonic element coupled to the frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a handpiece for light therapy using ultrasound and laser and a treatment method using the handpiece, and in particular to a system for treating skin diseases using a handpiece equipped with ultrasound and laser. Background Art

[0002] Laser therapy is commonly used to treat skin lesions. Laser therapy is used to treat vascular lesions such as congenital pigmented nevi, vascular diseases, moles, and age spots, pigmented lesions such as melasma and melanin-induced pigmentation, and skin cancer. Laser treatment is selected based on the wavelength, pulse duration, and penetration depth that match the characteristics of the various pigment cells within the skin that absorb laser energy.

[0003] At this time, when using laser treatment, the laser energy scatters significantly in the skin tissue, so it cannot penetrate deeply into the skin, resulting in insufficient penetration depth. In addition, if the laser is irradiated from outside the epidermis, as in non-invasive surgery, the light energy is significantly attenuated in the epidermis. In the case of deep lesions, even if the laser is irradiated with a long wavelength, it will be difficult to achieve perfect treatment due to absorption and scattering in other parts of the body. Increasing the power of the irradiation light source or the irradiation time to solve this problem will risk damaging the epidermis.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to develop a method for treating lesions by allowing laser light to penetrate deep enough into the skin without affecting the surrounding areas of the lesion cells.

[0005] Furthermore, when diseased cells are distributed over a wide area, there is a problem of increasing the size of the treatment device in order to locate or treat the diseased cells. Research to address this issue is also very necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues The present invention aims to provide a phototherapy handpiece and a treatment method using the same, which can treat target lesions deep in the skin that cannot be treated with conventional laser therapy by increasing the temperature of the target lesion and surrounding skin to a suitable temperature without affecting normal tissue surrounding the lesion cells, or by minimizing the scattering of laser energy by generating bubbles from the air within the biological tissue, and then irradiating the skin with laser light.

[0007] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a light therapy handpiece and a treatment method using the same, which uses a treatment instrument in the form of a handpiece equipped with ultrasound and laser to increase the user's convenience.

[0008] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a light therapy handpiece for locating diseased cells distributed in a wide area or for treating diseased cells while minimizing the size of the treatment instrument, and a treatment method using the same.

[0009] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above. Ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0010] Technical Solution To address the aforementioned technical issues, the present invention provides a phototherapy handpiece. In one embodiment, the phototherapy handpiece may include: a main body configured in a cylindrical shape suitable for gripping by a user; an ultrasonic wave generator disposed at one end of the main body for irradiating a treatment area with ultrasonic waves; a laser irradiator disposed within the main body for irradiating a laser beam toward the treatment area; and a housing coupled to the front end of the ultrasonic wave generator and housing a medium for transmitting the ultrasonic waves to the treatment area. The ultrasonic wave generator includes a frame coupled to the upper portion of the housing and having a through-hole formed therein for the laser beam to pass through; and an ultrasonic element coupled to the frame.

[0011] In one embodiment, the laser irradiation part may include: a light source, which irradiates laser light to the treatment site through a through hole; a fixing part, which is combined with one end of the light source inside the main body; a movable part, which is arranged in a manner capable of moving along the inside of the main body and is placed on the fixing part; and a collimating lens, which is combined with a groove formed inside the fixing part and is placed at the front end of the light source.

[0012] In one embodiment, the laser irradiation part may include: a light source, which irradiates laser to the treatment site through the through hole; a combining part, which combines the light source and the ultrasonic generating part in such a manner that the light source corresponds to the through hole; and a collimating lens, which is combined with the shell at a position corresponding to the through hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the frame may include a recessed portion on a surface adjacent to the housing, the ultrasonic element is disposed in the recessed portion in a recessed shape corresponding to the recessed portion, and a through hole is formed at the center.

[0014] In one embodiment, the frame may include: a disc-shaped central portion having a through hole and coupled to the first ultrasonic element; and an annular peripheral portion rotatably disposed about the central portion and coupled to the second ultrasonic element.

[0015] In one embodiment, n second ultrasonic elements may be provided (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1), and may be arranged to have a central angle of 360 / n° with respect to a central point of the central portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first ultrasonic element may be configured as an ultrasonic element for imaging, and the second ultrasonic element may be configured as an ultrasonic element for heating.

[0017] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic element may include: a first ultrasonic element, which is formed with a through hole and is arranged in a ring shape; and a second ultrasonic element, which surrounds the first ultrasonic element and is arranged in a ring shape, wherein the first ultrasonic element can be arranged as a heating ultrasonic element, and the second ultrasonic element can be arranged as an imaging ultrasonic element.

[0018] In one embodiment, the frame may include a recessed portion on a surface adjacent to the housing, and the ultrasonic element may be attached to the inner side of the recessed portion with the through hole as the center.

[0019] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic element may include a first ultrasonic element and a second ultrasonic element. The first ultrasonic element and the second ultrasonic element may be provided as a single element or an array element.

[0020] The present invention provides a treatment method using a phototherapy handpiece. In one embodiment, after the lesion site is identified, the following modes can be selectively performed: a first mode in which ultrasound waves are used to generate bubbles between the skin surface and the lesion site in the laser's path, minimizing laser energy scattering and increasing laser penetration depth; the laser is then irradiated onto the lesion site, thereby treating the lesion; and a second mode in which ultrasound waves are used to increase the temperature of the lesion site in the laser's path, thereby increasing laser penetration depth; the laser is then irradiated onto the lesion site, thereby treating the lesion.

[0021] In one embodiment, in the first mode, ultrasonic waves of a first energy are generated during bubble generation, and ultrasonic waves of a second energy are generated during treatment of a lesion, wherein the second energy may be set to be smaller than the first energy.

[0022] In one embodiment, in the second mode, ultrasound waves of a third energy are generated during the temperature increase of the lesion site, and ultrasound waves of a fourth energy are generated during the treatment of the lesion site, wherein the fourth energy can be set to be similar to or less than the third energy.

[0023] Effects of the Invention According to one embodiment of the present invention, without affecting the normal tissue surrounding the diseased cells, the temperature of the target lesion and the surrounding skin is raised to a suitable temperature to increase the penetration depth of the laser and then irradiate the laser, thereby treating target lesions deep in the skin that cannot be treated with conventional laser treatments.

[0024] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the laser is irradiated after minimizing the scattering of laser energy by generating bubbles in the air within the biological tissue between the skin surface and the periphery of the diseased cells, thereby increasing the penetration depth of the laser. This makes it possible to treat target lesions deep within the skin that cannot be treated with conventional laser treatments.

[0025] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by adopting a treatment instrument in the form of a handpiece equipped with ultrasound and laser, the user's convenience is increased.

[0026] Furthermore, while minimizing the size of the treatment apparatus, it is possible to locate the position of diseased cells distributed in a wide area or to treat the diseased cells.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can clearly understand the effects not mentioned from this specification and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a light therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a handpiece for phototherapy according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 An example of a light therapy handpiece according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figures 4 and 5 This is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic wave generating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figures 6 to 9 The configurations of ultrasonic wave generating parts according to other embodiments of the present invention are respectively shown.

[0033] Figures 10 and 11 The figures sequentially illustrate a treatment method using a light therapy handpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The embodiments described in this specification can be modified into various other forms, and the technology according to one embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described below. Moreover, the embodiment of one embodiment is provided to more completely explain the present disclosure to those with average knowledge in the technical field.

[0035] Furthermore, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, singular forms used in the specification and claims may also include plural forms.

[0036] Furthermore, the numerical ranges used in this specification include the lower limit and the upper limit, all values ​​within the range, increments logically derived from the form and breadth of the defined range, all values ​​defined in double, and all possible combinations of the upper and lower limits of the numerical range defined in different forms. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specifically defined, values ​​outside the numerical range that may occur due to experimental errors or rounding of numerical values ​​are also included in the defined numerical range.

[0037] Furthermore, throughout the specification, “comprising” a certain component means that other components are not excluded, and other components may be included unless otherwise stated.

[0038] Figure 1 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a light therapy device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a handpiece 100 for light therapy according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The light therapy device 1000 includes a light therapy handpiece 100, a signal and image processing unit 160, a display unit 170, and a control unit 300. Figure 2 In one embodiment, the light therapy handpiece 100 includes a main body 120 , an ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 , a housing 140 , a laser irradiating unit 150 , and a temperature sensor (not shown).

[0039] In one example, the main body 120 is configured in a cylindrical shape that can be gripped by a user. In the phototherapy handpiece 100 , the main body 120 is moved by the user so that a scan line corresponding to an imaging area and a heating area can be selected.

[0040] The signal and image processing unit 160 generates ultrasonic (US) and photoacoustic (PA) images of the treatment site. In this case, the signal and image processing unit 160 can use a video codec to generate dynamic, continuous images. Furthermore, the signal and image processing unit 160 can use the received ultrasonic and photoacoustic signals to execute an algorithm capable of predicting temperature changes in diseased tissue, and can transmit the results to the display unit 170. In this case, the signal and image processing unit 160 can apply various physical changes resulting from temperature changes in the treatment site (e.g., changes in the speckle pattern of an ultrasonic image, changes in ultrasonic velocity, or changes in photoacoustic signal intensity) to the algorithm to calculate the temperature change in the treatment site caused by the irradiation of high-intensity focused ultrasound.

[0041] The display unit 170 receives signals from the signal and image processing unit 160 and displays the generated ultrasound or photoacoustic images on a screen. The display unit 170 may be, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), or an organic light-emitting device (OLED). The user can view the ultrasound image on the display unit 170 while simultaneously checking the lesion site and moving the phototherapy handpiece 100.

[0042] The temperature sensor (not shown) measures temperature changes of the tissue of the treatment site or surface temperature changes of the ultrasonic wave generating section 130 and transmits the measurements to the control section or the display section.

[0043] To acquire an ultrasonic image of the treatment site, the control unit 300 can control the operation of the laser irradiation unit 150, the temperature sensor (not shown), the transmit beamformer (not shown), the ultrasonic wave generator 130, and the receive beamformer (not shown). Furthermore, the control unit 300 can automatically or through user input adjust the focus of the ultrasonic wave generator 130, as confirmed via the display unit 170. Furthermore, the control unit 300 can control the operation of the ultrasonic wave generator 130 to match the temperature of the treatment site to a set temperature.

[0044] The housing 140 is coupled to the front end of the ultrasound generating unit 130 and houses a medium for transmitting ultrasound waves to the treatment site. The housing 140 can be made of a transparent material and contain the ultrasound transmission medium. The laser transmission area of ​​the housing 140 can be configured as a hollow space. For example, the housing 140 can have a ring-shaped cross-section, allowing the laser to be transmitted to the lesion through a through hole in the center.

[0045] The medium contained within the housing can be a transmission material that exhibits minimal laser energy transmission loss. In one example, the medium can be a transparent substance such as water, gel, or a gel pad. The housing can be configured as a cylindrical structure with a portion open. In one example, the housing 140 can be configured with one side open to allow the medium to be filled within. The film 145 can be configured to open and close the open side of the housing 140.

[0046] In one example, the laser irradiation unit 150 includes a light source 155, a fixed portion 154, a movable portion 156, and a collimating lens 152. The light source 155 irradiates the treatment area with laser light through the through-hole 132. The light source 155 is positioned at a position corresponding to the through-hole 132. In one example, the light source 155 can be provided by an optical fiber, a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, or the like. The light source 155 is not limited thereto and can be configured in a variety of forms as long as it is sized to fit within the main body 120. The light source 155 is positioned a predetermined distance from the skin compared to the ultrasonic element to prevent direct contact of the laser with the skin and damage to the skin.

[0047] The fixing portion 154 is coupled to one end of the light source 155 inside the main body 120. The movable portion 156 is configured to be movable along the inside of the main body 120 and for the fixing portion 154 to be placed. As the movable portion 156 moves in the up-down direction along the inside of the main body 120, the light source 155 also moves in the up-down direction. Accordingly, the movable portion 156 can adjust the focal length of the light source 155. The collimating lens is coupled to a groove formed inside the fixing portion 154 and is placed at the front end of the light source 155. The collimating lens can cause the laser light irradiated from the light source 155 to travel evenly in a parallel direction. The collimating lens can cause the laser light irradiated from the light source 155 to travel evenly toward the treatment site through the through hole 132.

[0048] The laser irradiation unit 150 is provided in the main body 120 and irradiates the treatment site with laser light. In this case, the laser irradiation unit 150 generates and outputs laser light for heating or laser light for photoacoustic imaging.

[0049] The heating laser can be in the form of a continuous wave or a pulsed wave. The generated laser output can be irradiated to the focal point of the treatment area to remove the diseased tissue at the corresponding location. The photoacoustic imaging laser can be irradiated to the area where the image is to be acquired to generate a photoacoustic signal at the lesion at the corresponding location. In this case, the laser can be a laser of a specific wavelength so that the diseased tissue can absorb a higher irradiation energy than the surrounding normal tissue. The advantage is that when the lesion site is difficult to confirm with the naked eye, the photoacoustic signal generated at the lesion can be confirmed by irradiating the photoacoustic imaging laser, thereby confirming the lesion site.

[0050] Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows an example of a light therapy handpiece 100a according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 In one example, the laser irradiation unit 150 includes a coupling portion 133 and a collimating lens 144. The coupling portion 133 couples the light source 155 and the ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 so that the light source 155 aligns with the through-hole 132, thereby securing the light source 155 within the main body 120. The collimating lens 144 is coupled to the housing 140 at a position corresponding to the through-hole 132. In one example, the housing 140 can be configured as an open cylindrical shape, and the collimating lens 144 can function as a cover to seal the housing 140 and prevent the internal medium from escaping. In one example, a diverging lens can be used in place of the collimating lens 144. When the diverging lens is positioned in front of the light source 155, the emitted laser light can be dispersed over a wider area of ​​the lesion tissue. This minimizes the need to adjust the irradiation angle of the light source 155, allowing for effective treatment even when the lesion is extensive.

[0051] Figures 4 and 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6 to 9 The ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 of another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figures 4 to 8 The ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 of the present invention will be described.

[0052] Ultrasonic wave generator 130 transmits ultrasonic waves to the treatment area. Located at one end of main body 120, ultrasonic wave generator 130 irradiates the treatment area with ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic wave generator 1302 uses ultrasonic waves to raise the temperature of the treatment area to a set temperature or irradiates the biological tissue between the skin surface and the surrounding diseased cells to generate bubbles.

[0053] Reference Figure 4 In one example, the ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 includes a frame 137 coupled to an upper portion of the housing 140 and having a through hole 132 formed therein for laser light to pass through, and an ultrasonic wave element 138 coupled to the frame 137 . Figure 5 Show Figure 4 The shape of the ultrasonic element 138. Figure 5 (a) shows the state of the ultrasonic element 138 as viewed from below. Figure 5 (b) shows the ultrasonic element 138 as viewed from the side.

[0054] Reference Figure 5In one example, the ultrasonic element 138 is configured to have a concave shape. The center of the curvature of the ultrasonic element 138 corresponds to the focal point of the ultrasonic beam (BEAM FOCAL POINT). In this case, the frame 137 may include a concave portion on a surface adjacent to the shell 140, and the ultrasonic element 138 may be configured in the concave portion to have a concave shape corresponding to the concave portion. For example, the ultrasonic element 138 is configured to have a concave shape based on the direction in which the ultrasonic wave travels. A through hole 1381 is provided at the center of the ultrasonic element 138, and the laser is transmitted to the treatment site through the through hole 1381. The concave portion of the shell 140 and the concave shape of the ultrasonic element 138 serve to focus the ultrasonic wave on the treatment site. Multiple ultrasonic elements 138 are attached to the concave portion, making it easy to focus the ultrasonic wave and the laser.

[0055] Unlike the above, the ultrasonic element 138 can be composed of a single element or multiple elements in the form of linear, convex, or concave array elements. Furthermore, the ultrasonic element 138 can be configured to achieve geometric focusing of the laser light, or to achieve electrical focusing by applying electrical delays to each ultrasonic element 138, or to utilize both focusing methods simultaneously.

[0056] In one example, the ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 may include a plurality of ultrasonic elements 138. For example, the ultrasonic elements 138 may be composed of an imaging ultrasonic element for acquiring ultrasonic images and a heating ultrasonic element for generating heat. In one example, the imaging ultrasonic element and the heating ultrasonic element may be provided separately, or the same ultrasonic element may be used for both imaging and heating.

[0057] The imaging ultrasound element radiates ultrasound waves toward the treatment site for acquiring ultrasound images. In one example, a transmit beamformer (not shown) is used to compensate for focus, directing the ultrasound waves from the ultrasound element toward the treatment site. A receive beamformer (not shown) receives ultrasound waves reflected from the treatment site and photoacoustic signals generated at the treatment site, performing dynamic receive beamforming to acquire high-resolution ultrasound and photoacoustic images.

[0058] When the ultrasound generating unit 130 is used to generate heat, it emits heat-generating ultrasound waves to raise the temperature of the treatment area. For example, a portion of the energy from the high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) generated by the heat-generating ultrasound element of the ultrasound generating unit 130 is transferred to the target area as heat. This transferred heat energy raises the temperature of the treatment area in the focal region to above a predetermined temperature.

[0059] Alternatively, when the ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 is configured to generate bubbles, the ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 transmits ultrasonic wave for bubble generation. When the ultrasonic wave generates bubbles in the path of incident light, it can reduce scattering of the incident light and the resulting defocusing, thereby increasing light penetration. In one example, the intensity of the ultrasonic wave for bubble generation is set sufficiently low to avoid damaging skin tissue.

[0060] In one example, the ultrasonic element may be made of a piezoelectric material having good transmission characteristics, and the imaging ultrasonic element may be made of a material having good transmission / reception characteristics.

[0061] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic element 138 a according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 (a) shows the state of the ultrasonic element 138a viewed from below. Figure 6 (b) shows the ultrasonic element 138a when viewed from the side. Figure 6 The ultrasonic element 138a includes a first ultrasonic element 1382 having a through hole 132 and arranged in a ring shape, and a second ultrasonic element 1384 surrounding the first ultrasonic element 1382 and arranged in a ring shape. In one example, the first ultrasonic element 1382 can be configured as an imaging ultrasonic element, and the second ultrasonic element 1384 can be configured as a heating ultrasonic element. The heating ultrasonic element has a larger area than the imaging ultrasonic element. Furthermore, the heating ultrasonic element surrounds the imaging ultrasonic element. This provides the advantage of facilitating the use of the heating ultrasonic element to increase the temperature of a desired lesion or generate bubbles.

[0062] Figure 7 FIG is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic element according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7The frame 137 may include a disk-shaped central portion 1371 having a through-hole 132 and coupled to a first ultrasonic element 1382, and an annular peripheral portion 1372 rotatably disposed about the central portion 1371 and coupled to a second ultrasonic element 1384. In one example, the frame 137 may be formed into a concave portion by combining the central portion 1371 and the peripheral portion 1372. In another example, the frame 137 may be flat. When the frame 137 is flat, ultrasonic images can be acquired over a relatively wider area, and ultrasonic waves can be provided.

[0063] In one example, the first ultrasonic element 1382 can be configured as a heating ultrasonic element, and the second ultrasonic element 1384 can be configured as an imaging ultrasonic element. Thus, the heating ultrasonic element raises the temperature of the treatment site at the center of the laser-irradiated through-hole 132, while the imaging ultrasonic element can rotate near the treatment site and capture images of the treatment site. The movable imaging ultrasonic element facilitates finding the treatment site. Furthermore, the heating ultrasonic element generates bubbles between the skin surface and the lesion at the center of the laser-irradiated through-hole 132, and the imaging ultrasonic element can capture the presence of bubbles and an image of the treatment site.

[0064] In one example, n second ultrasonic elements 1384 may be provided (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1), and may be arranged to have a central angle of 360 / n° with respect to the center point of the central portion 1371. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the first ultrasonic element 1382a and the second ultrasonic element 1384a can be provided as one each. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7 As shown in (b), the first ultrasonic element 1382b can be provided as one, and the second ultrasonic element 1384b can be provided as two. In this case, the second ultrasonic elements 1384b can be provided with a central angle of 180 degrees to each other. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7 As shown in (c), the number of the first ultrasonic element 1382c may be one, and the number of the second ultrasonic element 1384c may be more than two. Figure 7 The peripheral portion 1372 of (c) may be provided in a rotatable or fixed manner.

[0065] Figures 8 and 9Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the configuration of an ultrasonic element 138 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In one example, the frame 137 may include a recessed portion on a surface adjacent to the housing 140, and the ultrasonic element may be attached to the inner side of the recessed portion with the through-hole 132 as the center. In one example, the ultrasonic element may include a first ultrasonic element 1382 and a second ultrasonic element 1384, and the first ultrasonic element 1382 and the second ultrasonic element 1384 may be configured as a single element or an array element. The first ultrasonic element 1382 and the second ultrasonic element 1384 may each be provided as a single element, or may be provided as a plurality.

[0066] Figure 8 (a) shows the state of the ultrasonic element 138 as viewed from below. Figure 8 (b) shows the ultrasonic element 138 as viewed from the side. In one example, the ultrasonic element 138 can be arranged so that, when viewed from below, it has a central angle of 360 / n° relative to the center of the through-hole 132. In one example, the first ultrasonic element 1382d can be an imaging ultrasonic element, and the second ultrasonic element 1384d can be a heating ultrasonic element. Alternatively, both the first ultrasonic element 1382d and the second ultrasonic element 1384d can be heating ultrasonic elements.

[0067] Figure 9 (a) shows the state of the ultrasonic element 138 as viewed from below. Figure 9 (b) shows the side view of the ultrasonic element 138. One of the first ultrasonic element 1382e and the second ultrasonic element 1384e can be configured as a single element, and the other can be configured as an array element. In one example, the first ultrasonic element 1382e can be configured as an array element, and the second ultrasonic element 1384e can be configured as a single element. In one example, the first ultrasonic element 1382e can be an imaging ultrasonic element, and the second ultrasonic element 1384e can be a heating ultrasonic element. Alternatively, both the first ultrasonic element 1382e and the second ultrasonic element 1384e can be heating ultrasonic elements.

[0068] Below, refer to Figures 10 and 11 The following describes a treatment method using the phototherapy handpiece 100 of the present invention. The control unit 300 controls the operation of the ultrasonic wave generating unit 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention described below.

[0069] The ultrasound generator 130 radiates HIFU from the heat-generating ultrasound element toward the treatment site, locally raising the temperature to a level that does not affect normal tissue surrounding the lesion. The light source 155 then irradiates the lesion with laser light of an appropriate wavelength, thereby destroying the lesion and providing treatment. The elevated temperature of the treatment site caused by the ultrasound radiation increases the penetration depth of the irradiated laser light due to the heat generated by the treatment site, enabling efficient and rapid lesion treatment.

[0070] Furthermore, the ultrasonic wave generator 130 radiates HIFU from the heat-generating ultrasonic element toward the treatment site, creating bubbles within the biological tissue between the skin surface and the periphery of the lesioned cells to minimize scattering of laser energy. The light source 155 then irradiates the lesioned tissue with laser light of an appropriate wavelength, destroying the lesion and providing treatment. Because scattering of laser energy is minimized within the generated bubbles, deep lesions can be effectively treated in a short time.

[0071] Reference Figures 10 and 11 The treatment method using the light therapy handpiece 100 according to the present invention may include the following steps: confirming the lesion site (S10), selecting a mode (S20), generating bubbles (S31), increasing the temperature (S32), and treating (S41, S42).

[0072] In the lesion site confirmation step ( S10 ), the lesion site to be treated can be confirmed visually, or the area predicted to be the lesion site can be irradiated with laser light or ultrasound to confirm the lesion site using photoacoustic signals or images. In the case of visual confirmation, the lesion site is confirmed visually, and the user positions the phototherapy handpiece 100 so that the laser light irradiated through the through-hole 132 of the phototherapy handpiece 100 contacts the lesion site. Alternatively, in cases where visual confirmation of the lesion site is difficult, an ultrasound image or a photoacoustic image can be displayed on a screen, either alone or simultaneously, to confirm the lesion site.

[0073] In the mode selection step ( S20 ), the user selects whether to execute the bubble generation step ( S31 ) or the temperature increase step ( S32 ). In one example, to facilitate user selection of the desired mode, a button may be provided on the handpiece 100 , or a device capable of inputting a mode may be provided on the display 170 , etc.

[0074] If the user selects to execute the bubble generation step (S31) (first mode), the bubble generation step (S31) and the treatment step (S41) are sequentially executed. During the bubble generation step (S31), the ultrasonic element irradiates the lesion with ultrasonic waves of the first energy level. While the ultrasonic element irradiates the lesion with ultrasonic waves of the first energy level, laser light is emitted from light source 155.

[0075] In one example, the first energy can be ultrasonic energy at a level that does not affect biological tissue. In the bubble generation step (S31), relatively low-energy ultrasonic waves are used to generate bubbles within the ultrasound focal area. When bubbles are generated within the lesion, the light energy collides with the bubbles, causing Mie scattering in a direction equivalent to the forward direction, thereby increasing the penetration depth of the laser into the lesion. Furthermore, even when ultrasonic energy is irradiated into biological tissue, it is emitted at a level that does not affect the tissue, thus preventing damage to the tissue.

[0076] If the bubbles have been generated to the desired size and number, the treatment step (S41) is performed. In one example, the generation of the bubbles to the desired size and number can be confirmed using ultrasound images or photoacoustic images, or ultrasound or photoacoustic signals. Alternatively, the generation of the bubbles to the desired size and number can be determined by whether the laser penetration depth reaches the desired level. Then, in the treatment step (S41), a laser of a wavelength appropriate for the characteristics of the lesion tissue is selected and irradiated to the lesion. The ultrasound and photoacoustic images can be used, either individually or simultaneously, to monitor the progress of the treatment or the effectiveness of the treatment of the lesion in real time. In one example, in the treatment step (S41), treatment can be performed to maintain the bubbles generated in the bubble generation step (S31). For example, in the treatment step (S41), ultrasound of a second energy level can be irradiated to the lesion simultaneously with the laser irradiation. In one example, the second energy level can be set to be lower than the first energy level. For example, the energy level for bubble generation can be set to be higher than the energy level for bubble maintenance.

[0077] If the user selects to execute the temperature increase step (S32), the temperature increase step (S32) and the treatment step (S43) are sequentially executed. In the temperature increase step (S32), the ultrasonic element transmits a third energy to the lesion site and its surrounding tissue to increase the surrounding temperature. The temperature of the lesion site, where the ultrasound is focused, is monitored to determine whether it has reached a suitable temperature. In this step, ultrasound is used to locally raise the temperature to a suitable temperature that does not affect the normal tissue surrounding the lesion cells. To this end, the third energy level can be set to a level that does not affect the normal tissue surrounding the lesion cells. In the temperature increase step (S32), ultrasound or a separate temperature sensor (not shown) is used to monitor the temperature of the lesion tissue. Depending on the situation, in addition to monitoring the temperature of the lesion tissue, changes in the state of the lesion tissue based on temperature changes can also be monitored. This temperature change at the treatment site can be determined by applying a specific algorithm to various physical changes caused by temperature changes (e.g., changes in the speckle pattern of an ultrasound image, changes in ultrasound velocity, or changes in the intensity of a photoacoustic signal).

[0078] If the tissue temperature rises above the appropriate temperature and obtains sufficient thermal capacity (thermal dose), a predetermined ultrasonic wave is emitted to keep the tissue temperature constant while the treatment step (S42) is performed. In the treatment step (S42), a laser of a wavelength band (wavelength) suitable for the characteristics of the diseased tissue is selected and irradiated to the lesion. At this time, ultrasonic images and photoacoustic images can be used separately or simultaneously to monitor the treatment process or treatment effect of the lesion in real time. In one example, in the treatment step (S42), ultrasonic waves of a fourth energy can be irradiated to the lesion at the same time as the laser is irradiated to the lesion. In one example, the fourth energy can be set to an energy lower than the third energy. For example, the energy used to increase the temperature can be set to be greater than the energy used to maintain the temperature.

[0079] As described above, according to the present invention, there is an advantage that the user can treat a diseased area while moving the phototherapy handpiece 100 in a grippable form.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the skin to be treated can be heated by generating bubbles or raising the skin temperature to a suitable level, thereby increasing the penetration depth of the laser and enabling treatment at lower energy without damaging surrounding tissues.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the ultrasonic element is configured to rotate near the treatment site and acquire an image of the treatment site. In other words, the present invention provides a movable ultrasonic imaging element, which has the advantages of easily finding the treatment site and being applicable to a wide range of lesions.

[0082] As described above, in this specification, the present disclosure is described through specific matters and limited embodiments, but this is only provided to help a more comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present disclosure belongs can make various modifications and variations from such descriptions.

[0083] Therefore, the concepts described in this specification are not limited to the described embodiments, and all contents equivalent to or having equivalent modifications to the claims fall within the scope of the concepts described in this specification.

Claims

1. A handpiece for light therapy, comprising: The main body is configured to be cylindrical in shape so as to be gripped by a user; an ultrasonic wave generating portion, provided at one end of the main body portion, for irradiating ultrasonic waves toward a treatment site; a laser irradiation unit, disposed in the main body and configured to irradiate the treatment site with laser light; and The housing is coupled to the front end of the ultrasonic wave generating portion and contains a medium for transmitting the ultrasonic wave to the treatment site. Wherein, the ultrasonic wave generating unit includes: a frame, coupled to the upper portion of the housing and having a through hole formed therein for the laser to pass through; and The ultrasonic element is combined with the frame.

2. The light therapy handpiece according to claim 1, wherein: The laser irradiation unit includes: a light source, irradiating laser light toward the treatment site through the through hole; a fixing portion, coupled to one end of the light source inside the main body; a movable portion, arranged to be movable along the interior of the main body portion and on which the fixed portion is placed; and The collimating lens is coupled to a groove formed inside the fixing portion and is placed at the front end of the light source.

3. The light therapy handpiece according to claim 1, wherein: The laser irradiation unit includes: a light source, irradiating laser light toward the treatment site through the through hole; a combining portion for combining the light source and the ultrasonic wave generating portion in such a manner that the light source corresponds to the through hole; and A collimating lens is coupled to the housing at a position corresponding to the through hole.

4. The light therapy handpiece according to claim 1, wherein: The frame includes a recessed portion, which is recessed in a concave manner on a side adjacent to the housing. The ultrasonic element is provided in the recessed portion in a recessed shape corresponding to the recessed portion, and has a through hole formed at the center.

5. The light therapy handpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The framework includes: The central portion of the disc shape is formed with the through hole and is combined with the first ultrasonic element; and The annular peripheral portion is rotatably provided around the central portion and is coupled to the second ultrasonic element.

6. The light therapy handpiece according to claim 5, wherein: There are n second ultrasonic elements provided and arranged to have a central angle of 360 / n° with respect to the central point of the central portion, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

7. The light therapy handpiece according to claim 5, wherein: The first ultrasonic element is provided as an imaging ultrasonic element, and the second ultrasonic element is provided as a heating ultrasonic element.

8. The light therapy handpiece according to claim 4, wherein: The ultrasonic element comprises: a first ultrasonic element having the through hole formed therein and arranged in a ring shape; and a second ultrasonic element surrounding the first ultrasonic element and arranged in a ring shape; The first ultrasonic element is configured as a heating ultrasonic element, and the second ultrasonic element is configured as an imaging ultrasonic element.

9. The light therapy handpiece according to claim 1, wherein: The frame includes a recessed portion, which is recessed in a concave manner on a side adjacent to the housing. The ultrasonic element is attached to the inner side of the recessed portion with the through hole as the center.

10. The light therapy handpiece according to claim 9, wherein: The ultrasonic element includes a first ultrasonic element and a second ultrasonic element, The first ultrasonic element and the second ultrasonic element are provided as a single element or an array element.

11. A treatment method using a light therapy handpiece, wherein the following modes are selectively performed after the lesion site is identified in the treatment method using the light therapy handpiece according to claim 1: In the first mode, ultrasound is used to generate bubbles between the skin surface and the lesion in the laser's travel area to minimize scattering of laser energy and increase the laser's penetration depth, and then the laser is irradiated onto the lesion to treat the lesion; and In the second mode, ultrasound is used in the laser's traveling area to increase the temperature of the lesion to increase the laser's penetration depth, and then the laser is irradiated onto the lesion to treat the lesion.

12. The method of treatment using a light therapy handpiece according to claim 11, wherein: In the first mode, ultrasonic waves of a first energy are generated during the generation of the bubbles, and ultrasonic waves of a second energy are generated during the treatment of the lesion. The second energy is set to be smaller than the first energy.

13. The method of treatment using a light therapy handpiece according to claim 11, wherein: In the second mode, ultrasonic waves of a third energy are generated while the temperature of the lesion is increased. generating ultrasound waves of a fourth energy during treatment of the lesion, The fourth energy is set to be similar to or smaller than the third energy.

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