Laser repair system and method for annulus fibrosus injury based on gradient spot and alternating pulse

Abstract

The application provides a kind of laser repair system and method for annulus fibrosus injury based on gradient light spot and alternate pulse, belong to biomedical laser technology field, including: gradient light spot generation module is configured to generate annular light spot with energy gradient;Alternate pulse module is configured to generate and output alternate short pulse laser and long pulse laser;Minimally invasive operation integrated unit, its inside integrated gradient light spot generation module and alternate pulse module, and be configured to adapt minimally invasive operation scene;Gradient light spot generation module and alternate pulse module cooperate to realize laser repair to annulus fibrosus injury.The application realizes the layered accurate repair of annulus fibrosus injury by the synergistic effect of gradient light spot generation module, alternate pulse module and minimally invasive operation integrated unit, avoids tissue thermal injury while improving repair effect, and adapts minimally invasive operation scene.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biomedical laser technology, and in particular to a laser repair system and method for annulus fibrosus damage based on gradient spot and alternating pulses. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of biomedical laser technology, lasers, with their precise energy control characteristics, have been gradually applied to soft tissue repair, especially in spinal surgery where minimally invasive intervention is required. Laser technology has provided new possibilities for the repair of annulus fibrosus injuries. The annulus fibrosus of the human intervertebral disc is a multi-layered concentric ring structure with significant directional differences in fiber arrangement. The peripheral fibers are more vertical, while the inclination increases towards the center. This unique structure places stringent requirements on the precise control of repair energy.

[0003] Currently, there are multiple technical approaches for repairing annulus fibrosus injuries: traditional laser medical devices (such as 1470nm ablation systems) are mainly designed around the "cutting-hemostasis" function, using a single spot and continuous or fixed pulse modes; mechanical suturing closes the injury physically, but requires puncture of the annulus fibrosus tissue; radiofrequency thermocoagulation relies on non-selective thermal diffusion to achieve tissue coagulation. These technologies all have some clinical applications, but a specific repair plan for the layered structure of the annulus fibrosus has not yet been developed.

[0004] However, existing technologies have significant drawbacks: First, the energy distribution of laser spot is mostly in a single mode, which cannot adapt to the repair needs of the multi-layered structure of the annulus fibrosus, easily leading to a contradiction between surface tissue carbonization and insufficient deep repair; Second, the pulse mode lacks synergistic design, and a single short pulse or long pulse cannot simultaneously achieve the dual repair goals of instantaneous melting and deep cross-linking, resulting in poor control of the heat-affected zone; Third, existing equipment has low integration, and the laser module is poorly compatible with the minimally invasive operation channel, making it difficult to meet the precise intervention requirements under spinal endoscopy. At the same time, problems such as secondary damage from mechanical suturing and non-selective thermal diffusion from radiofrequency thermocoagulation further limit the effectiveness of annulus fibrosus injury repair.

[0005] Therefore, developing a system capable of generating annular light spots with energy gradients, outputting alternating pulsed lasers, and integrating and adapting to minimally invasive procedures is of significant practical importance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a laser repair system and method for annulus fibrosus injury based on gradient spot and alternating pulse. Through the synergistic effect of the gradient spot generation module, the alternating pulse module and the minimally invasive operation integration unit, the layered and precise repair of annulus fibrosus injury is achieved, which improves the repair effect while avoiding tissue thermal damage and is suitable for minimally invasive operation scenarios.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0008] A laser repair system for annulus fibrosus damage based on gradient spot and alternating pulses includes:

[0009] The gradient spot generation module is configured to generate annular spots with energy gradients;

[0010] The alternating pulse module is configured to generate and output alternating short-pulse laser and long-pulse laser;

[0011] The minimally invasive operation integrated unit integrates the gradient spot generation module and the alternating pulse module, and is configured to adapt to minimally invasive operation scenarios; the gradient spot generation module and the alternating pulse module work together to achieve laser repair of annulus fibrosus damage.

[0012] Preferably, the gradient spot generation module includes a beam splitter, an optical element, and a focusing assembly. The beam splitter is used for beam splitting, the optical element is used for beam shaping, and the focusing assembly is used for adjusting the focal position of the spot.

[0013] Preferably, the beam splitter is a coaxial beam splitter, the optical element is a diffractive optical element (DOE), and the focusing assembly includes an electrically adjustable focusing lens group and a Z-axis linear module.

[0014] The coaxial beam splitter divides the Gaussian beam output by the laser into a central beam and an outer ring beam. The diffractive optical element shapes the outer ring beam into at least two ring beams. The motorized focusing lens group and the Z-axis linear module work together to adjust the focal spot position.

[0015] Preferably, the annular light spot comprises a central light spot and at least two outer annular light spots, the diameter of the central light spot being 30-50 μm, and the diameters of the outer annular light spots being 70 μm and 100 μm, respectively; the power density of the central light spot is 80-100 W / cm². 2 The power density of the outer ring-shaped light spot decreases gradually from the inside to 10-20 W / cm². 2 This creates a temperature gradient from the inside out.

[0016] The focusing assembly adopts a negative defocus design, controlling the focal spot to be located 200μm below the surface of the fiber ring.

[0017] Preferably, the alternating pulse module includes a first modulation unit, a second modulation unit, and a coupling unit. The first modulation unit is used to generate short pulse lasers, the second modulation unit is used to generate long pulse lasers, and the coupling unit is used to couple the short pulse lasers and the long pulse lasers for output.

[0018] Preferably, the first modulation unit is a Q-switch of a semiconductor laser, the second modulation unit is an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) of a fiber laser, and the coupling unit is a fiber combiner and a transmission fiber.

[0019] The short-pulse laser has a pulse width of 10-50 ns and a peak power of 1-2 kW; the long-pulse laser has a pulse width of 1-5 ms and an average power of 10-30 W.

[0020] Preferably, the short-pulse laser and the long-pulse laser are output alternately in a 1:3 ratio, and the total period of the alternating pulses is no more than 10ms;

[0021] The alternating pulse module also includes a water-cooling channel with a flow rate of 1.5 L / min to suppress the expansion of the heat-affected zone.

[0022] Preferably, the minimally invasive operation integrated unit further includes a laser head housing, which is made of titanium alloy with a wall thickness of 0.8mm; the front end of the laser head housing is equipped with a quick-release fiber optic probe with a diameter of 3mm, which is locked to the spinal endoscope working channel by a magnetic attraction structure and is integrated with a sealing ring.

[0023] Preferably, the minimally invasive operation integrated unit further includes an infrared temperature sensor and a PID control module. The infrared temperature sensor is 1 mm away from the light spot and has a sampling rate of 1 kHz. The PID control module is configured to adjust the laser power output according to the monitoring data of the infrared temperature sensor to ensure that the tissue temperature does not exceed 60°C.

[0024] The minimally invasive operation integrated unit also includes an argon nozzle, which has a coaxial double-layer structure with an inner layer diameter of 0.2 mm and an outer layer diameter of 0.5 mm.

[0025] The present invention also provides a method for using the above-mentioned laser repair system for annulus fibrosus damage based on gradient spot and alternating pulses, comprising the following steps:

[0026] S1. Assemble, calibrate, and perform safety checks on the laser repair system for annulus fibrosus damage. Adapt and connect the minimally invasive operation integration unit to the minimally invasive interventional device, and ensure that the gradient spot generation module and the alternating pulse module are in a ready-to-start state.

[0027] S2. Guide the operating end of the adapted minimally invasive operation integrated unit to the annulus fibrosus injury site, activate the gradient spot generation module to generate an annular spot with energy gradient, and simultaneously activate the alternating pulse module to output alternating short pulse laser and long pulse laser, so that the annular spot and the alternating pulse laser work together to act on the injury area.

[0028] S3. During the repair process, the infrared temperature sensor of the minimally invasive operation integrated unit acquires the temperature parameters of the damaged area in real time. The PID control module adjusts the power density of the gradient light spot generation module and the pulse output parameters of the alternating pulse module according to the temperature parameters until the annulus fibrosus damage repair is completed.

[0029] According to specific embodiments provided by the present invention, the present invention discloses the following technical effects:

[0030] (1) The present invention generates an annular spot with energy gradient through a gradient spot generation module. The high power density in the central region enables instantaneous melting of the surface collagen fibers, while the gradually decreasing power density in the outer layer forms a temperature gradient. This effectively avoids tissue carbonization and deep thermal damage caused by local high temperature, adapts to the repair needs of the multi-layer collagen structure of the fiber ring, and achieves precise layered repair.

[0031] (2) Based on the synergistic effect of short and long pulses output by the alternating pulse module, the short pulses instantly melt the surface layer to close the wound, while the long pulses continuously promote deep collagen cross-linking to enhance the repair strength. At the same time, by controlling the pulse period and water cooling design, the heat-affected zone is strictly controlled within 50μm, which solves the problem of synergistic melting and cross-linking and the problem of heat accumulation, and improves the effectiveness and safety of repair.

[0032] (3) The minimally invasive operation integrated unit provided by the present invention integrates each module into a titanium alloy shell, and is compatible with a quick-release fiber optic probe and spinal endoscope. Combined with real-time infrared temperature measurement and PID control, it achieves dynamic temperature regulation while meeting the requirements of minimally invasive intervention, reducing the risk of postoperative recurrence, and providing an efficient, accurate and low-damage solution for annulus fibrosus injury repair. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a module of a laser repair system for annulus fibrosus damage based on gradient spot and alternating pulses according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gradient spot generation module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an alternating pulse module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the minimally invasive operation integrated unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage method of a laser repair system for annulus fibrosus damage based on gradient spot and alternating pulses according to the present invention.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 1. Gradient spot generation module; 11. Coaxial beam splitter; 12. Diffractive optical element (DOE); 13. Motorized focusing lens group; 14. Z-axis linear module; 2. Alternating pulse module; 21. First modulation unit; 22. Second modulation unit; 23. Coupling unit; 24. Water cooling channel; 3. Minimally invasive operation integrated unit; 31. Laser head housing; 32. Fiber optic probe; 33. Infrared temperature sensor; 34. PID control module; 35. Argon nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] Example

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a laser repair system for annulus fibrosus damage based on gradient spot and alternating pulses. The system consists of a gradient spot generation module 1, an alternating pulse module 2, and a minimally invasive operation integrated unit 3. The gradient spot generation module 1 and the alternating pulse module 2 are integrated inside the minimally invasive operation integrated unit 3, and achieve precise repair of annulus fibrosus damage through synergistic action. The specific structure and working principle of each module are as follows:

[0045] Reference Figure 2 The gradient spot generation module 1 includes a beam splitter, an optical element, and a focusing assembly. The beam splitter is used for beam splitting, the optical element is used for beam shaping, and the focusing assembly is used for adjusting the focal point position of the spot. Specifically, it includes a coaxial beam splitter 11, a diffractive optical element (DOE) 12, and a focusing assembly, which consists of an electrically adjustable focusing lens group 13 and a Z-axis linear module 14.

[0046] During operation, the Gaussian beam output from the laser is first collimated to a beam diameter of 4-6 mm by a collimator, and then enters the coaxial beam splitter 11, where it is split into a central beam and an outer ring beam. The outer ring beam enters the two-stage diffraction optical element DOE 12, and after shaping, forms two ring beams with diameters of 70 μm and 100 μm, which are coaxially superimposed with the central beam with a diameter of 30-50 μm to form a three-layer gradient ring spot. The electrically adjustable focusing lens group 13 works in conjunction with the Z-axis linear module 14 to control the focal spot at 200 μm below the surface of the fiber ring, achieving a negative defocus design. This design enhances the transmission efficiency of laser energy in deep tissues and avoids excessive energy concentration on the surface. Simultaneously, this module uses power density gradient control, i.e., 80-100 W / cm² at the center. 2 The outer layer gradually decreases to 10-20 W / cm. 2 This creates a temperature gradient from the inside out, with the center at 50-60℃ and the outer layer at 40-45℃. This ensures that the surface collagen fibers melt instantly to close the damaged gaps, while avoiding carbonization or nerve damage to the outer tissue caused by high temperatures, precisely meeting the repair needs of the multi-layered collagen structure of the annulus fibrosus.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the alternating pulse module 2 includes a first modulation unit 21, a second modulation unit 22, a coupling unit 23, and a water-cooling channel 24. The first modulation unit 21 uses a Q-switch of a semiconductor laser to generate short-pulse lasers with a pulse width of 10-50 ns and a peak power of 1-2 kW, which can instantaneously break the molecular bonds of surface collagen fibers, achieving rapid closure of the rupture. The second modulation unit 22 uses an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) of a fiber laser to generate long-pulse lasers with a pulse width of 1-5 ms and an average power of 10-30 W, which promotes the cross-linking reaction of deep collagen fibers through continuous thermal effects, enhancing the mechanical strength of the repaired area. The short and long pulses are coupled through the coupling unit 23 (fiber combiner and a 50 μm core diameter transmission fiber) and output alternately in a 1:3 ratio, with the total cycle controlled within 10 ms. This alternating mode can achieve synergistic repair of surface melting and deep cross-linking while avoiding heat accumulation. In addition, the water-cooling channel 24 with a flow rate of 1.5L / min built into the alternating pulse module 2 is connected to the laser head through a copper tube, which can control the operating temperature of the alternating pulse module 2 to below 60℃. Combined with the pulse cycle design, the heat-affected zone is strictly limited to within 50μm, effectively protecting the surrounding nerve tissue.

[0048] like Figure 4As shown, the laser head housing 31 of the minimally invasive operation integrated unit 3 is made of titanium alloy with a wall thickness of 0.8mm, which meets the strength requirements while achieving a lightweight design. Internally, it sequentially integrates the optical path components of the gradient spot generation module 1, namely the coaxial beam splitter 11, the diffractive optical element DOE 12, the electrically adjustable focusing lens group 13, the coupling unit 23 of the alternating pulse module 2, the infrared temperature sensor 33, and the argon nozzle 35. The front end of the laser head housing 31 is equipped with a 3mm diameter quick-release fiber optic probe 32, which is locked to the spinal endoscope working channel via a magnetic structure. Combined with a 0.3MPa pressure-resistant sealing ring, it prevents fluid infiltration and ensures the stability of the minimally invasive intervention. The infrared temperature sensor 33 is installed 1mm away from the light spot, monitoring tissue temperature in real time at a sampling rate of 1kHz, and transmitting the data to the PID control module 34, whose proportional coefficient... K p =0.8, integration time T i =0.1s. When the detected tissue temperature approaches 60℃, the PID control module 34 automatically reduces the laser power by 10-20%, achieving closed-loop temperature control. The argon nozzle 35 adopts a coaxial double-layer structure, with an inner layer diameter of 0.2mm and an outer layer diameter of 0.5mm. The inner layer sprays argon gas around the laser spot at a flow rate of 0.5L / min, isolating air to inhibit tissue oxidation; the outer layer forms a negative pressure zone to absorb residual plasma, improving the oxidation inhibition efficiency by 40% and further ensuring the quality of repair.

[0049] Based on the above description, the usage method of the above system is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0050] S1. Assemble, calibrate, and perform safety checks on the laser repair system for annulus fibrosus damage. Adapt and connect the minimally invasive operation integration unit to the minimally invasive interventional device, and ensure that the gradient spot generation module and the alternating pulse module are in a ready-to-start state.

[0051] S2. Guide the operating end of the adapted minimally invasive operation integrated unit to the annulus fibrosus injury site, activate the gradient spot generation module to generate an annular spot with energy gradient, and simultaneously activate the alternating pulse module to output alternating short pulse laser and long pulse laser, so that the annular spot and the alternating pulse laser work together to act on the injury area.

[0052] S3. During the repair process, the infrared temperature sensor of the minimally invasive operation integrated unit acquires the temperature parameters of the damaged area in real time. The PID control module adjusts the power density of the gradient light spot generation module and the pulse output parameters of the alternating pulse module according to the temperature parameters until the annulus fibrosus damage repair is completed.

[0053] The above-mentioned process for repairing annulus fibrosus injury is as follows: Before the operation, the operator assembles and calibrates the system, generates a three-layer annular light spot through the gradient light spot generation module 1, sets the pulse parameters of the alternating pulse module 2, that is, sets short pulses to 10-50ns, long pulses to 1-5ms, and an alternation ratio of 1:3, and adapts the fiber optic probe 32 to the spinal endoscope. At the same time, the flow rate of the argon gas nozzle 35 and the status of the water cooling channel 24 are checked to ensure that the equipment is in a ready-to-start state. During the operation, the fiber optic probe 32 is guided to the site of annulus fibrosus injury through the endoscope. The gradient light spot generation module 1 and the alternating pulse module 2 are activated, so that the three-layer gradient light spot and alternating pulse work together on the damaged area—the short pulse instantly melts the surface collagen fibers to close the tear, and the long pulse promotes the cross-linking of deep collagen to enhance the repair strength. During this process, the infrared temperature sensor 33 monitors the temperature in real time, and the PID control module 34 dynamically adjusts the power. During the repair process, according to the layered structure of the fiber ring (water content 60-70%), the focal position is finely adjusted by the Z-axis linear module 14 to ensure the stability of deep heat conduction until the damaged area is completely closed.

[0054] Therefore, the above-mentioned laser repair system and method for annulus fibrosus injury based on gradient spot and alternating pulse, through the synergistic effect of gradient spot generation module, alternating pulse module and minimally invasive operation integrated unit, achieves layered and precise repair of annulus fibrosus injury, improves repair effect while avoiding tissue thermal damage, and is suitable for minimally invasive operation scenarios.

[0055] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A laser repair system for annulus fibrosus damage based on gradient spot and alternating pulses, characterized in that, include: The gradient spot generation module is configured to generate annular spots with energy gradients; The gradient spot generation module includes a beam splitter, an optical element, and a focusing assembly. The beam splitter is used for beam splitting, the optical element is used for beam shaping, and the focusing assembly is used for adjusting the focal point position of the spot. The beam splitter is a coaxial beam splitter, the optical element is a diffractive optical element (DOE), and the focusing assembly includes an electrically adjustable focusing lens group and a Z-axis linear module. The coaxial beam splitter divides the Gaussian beam output by the laser into a central beam and an outer ring beam. The diffractive optical element shapes the outer ring beam into at least two ring beams. The motorized focusing lens group and the Z-axis linear module work together to adjust the focal spot position. The annular light spot includes a central light spot and at least two outer annular light spots. The diameter of the central light spot is 30-50 μm, and the diameters of the outer annular light spots are 70 μm and 100 μm, respectively. The power density of the central light spot is 80-100 W / cm². 2 The power density of the outer ring-shaped light spot decreases gradually from the inside to 10-20 W / cm². 2 This creates a temperature gradient from the inside out. The focusing component adopts a negative defocusing design, which controls the focal spot to be located 200μm below the surface of the fiber ring. The alternating pulse module is configured to generate and output alternating short-pulse laser and long-pulse laser; The minimally invasive operation integrated unit integrates the gradient spot generation module and the alternating pulse module, and is configured to adapt to minimally invasive operation scenarios; the gradient spot generation module and the alternating pulse module work together to achieve laser repair of annulus fibrosus damage.

2. The fiber ring damage laser repair system based on gradient spot and alternating pulses according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alternating pulse module includes a first modulation unit, a second modulation unit, and a coupling unit. The first modulation unit is used to generate short pulse lasers, the second modulation unit is used to generate long pulse lasers, and the coupling unit is used to couple the short pulse lasers and long pulse lasers for output.

3. The fiber ring damage laser repair system based on gradient spot and alternating pulses according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first modulation unit is a Q switch of a semiconductor laser, the second modulation unit is an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) of a fiber laser, and the coupling unit is a fiber combiner and a transmission fiber. The short-pulse laser has a pulse width of 10-50 ns and a peak power of 1-2 kW; the long-pulse laser has a pulse width of 1-5 ms and an average power of 10-30 W.

4. The laser repair system for annulus fibrosus damage based on gradient spot and alternating pulses according to claim 3, characterized in that, The short-pulse laser and the long-pulse laser are output alternately in a 1:3 ratio, and the total period of the alternating pulses is no more than 10ms. The alternating pulse module also includes a water-cooling channel with a flow rate of 1.5 L / min to suppress the expansion of the heat-affected zone.

5. The fiber ring damage laser repair system based on gradient spot and alternating pulses according to claim 1, characterized in that, The minimally invasive operation integrated unit also includes a laser head shell, which is made of titanium alloy with a wall thickness of 0.8mm. The front end of the laser head shell is equipped with a quick-release fiber optic probe with a diameter of 3mm. The fiber optic probe is locked to the spinal endoscope working channel by a magnetic structure and is integrated with a sealing ring.

6. The fiber ring damage laser repair system based on gradient spot and alternating pulses according to claim 5, characterized in that, The minimally invasive operation integrated unit also includes an infrared temperature sensor and a PID control module. The infrared temperature sensor is 1 mm away from the light spot and has a sampling rate of 1 kHz. The PID control module is configured to adjust the laser power output according to the monitoring data of the infrared temperature sensor to ensure that the tissue temperature does not exceed 60°C. The minimally invasive operation integrated unit also includes an argon nozzle, which has a coaxial double-layer structure with an inner layer diameter of 0.2 mm and an outer layer diameter of 0.5 mm.

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