Distance and size measuring system for powder explosion efficiency

Abstract

Laser-emitting medical devices and techniques implementable by laser-emitting medical devices are described to determine and display the powdering efficiency of laser therapy in which the distal end of an optical fiber is disposed in a liquid environment. These devices and techniques may determine powder bursting efficiency based on the average distance of the target from the distal end of the optical fiber and the "number of hit per second" calculated by the computing system.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,820, filed August 25, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a surgical laser system. In particular, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to a surgical laser system for lithotripsy. Background Technology

[0003] Medical lasers are used in a variety of surgical procedures. In several procedures, optical fibers are used as conduits to guide laser energy to the target. One method for renal calculi (e.g., kidney stones) is ureteroscopic lithotripsy. An endoscope probe with a camera or other sensors is inserted into the patient's urethra to locate and remove the stone. In endoscopic lithotripsy, the probe also includes an optical fiber that conducts the laser beam to break the stone upon detection.

[0004] Ideally, lithotripsy should be fast, precise, and thorough. Medical practitioners minimize endoscopic insertion time, direct all released laser energy to the target stone, and ensure no large stones or fragments remain. However, even with technological advancements, modern medical devices lack a method to determine when all stones (or fragments) are small enough without relying on manual scanning of the treatment area via an endoscopic camera. Furthermore, pop-dusting procedures generate stone dust, which reduces and / or completely obscures visibility in the treatment environment. Due to reduced visibility, physicians may be unable to effectively perform laser treatment. Therefore, this disclosure provides for determining and displaying to physicians efficiency measurements of pop-dusting procedures and instructions on when the procedure can be terminated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This summary is provided to present selected concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to require identification of key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] This disclosure provides an endoscopic lithotripsy apparatus for determining the efficiency of lithotripsy and for determining when the size of the stone fragments is small enough to terminate the procedure. Generally, this disclosure provides a lithotripsy apparatus configured to measure the distance between the distal tip of an optical fiber and a stone fragment. The lithotripsy apparatus is configured to determine a measurement of the fragmentation efficiency.

[0007] In some embodiments, this disclosure can be implemented as a computer-implemented method. The method may include: receiving at a processor a first electrical signal generated by a first optical sensor, the first electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the first optical sensor, wherein the light received at the first optical sensor corresponds to laser light generated by a laser source and emitted from the distal end of an optical fiber toward one or more targets; receiving at a processor a second electrical signal generated by a second optical sensor, the second electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the second optical sensor, wherein the light received at the second optical sensor corresponds to laser light reflected from at least one or more targets; determining at a processor, based on the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal, a plurality of distances, each distance corresponding to the distance between the distal end of the optical fiber and at least one of the one or more targets, over a period of time; and determining a powder-exploding efficiency at a processor based on the plurality of distances.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the optical fiber is coupled to a laser control console including a processor.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the laser console includes a laser system comprising: an optical sensor; a laser source arranged to generate laser light; and a beam splitter arranged to direct a portion of the laser light from the laser source to an optical fiber and to direct laser light reflected from one or more targets to the optical sensor.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the laser console includes a second optical sensor, and a beam splitter is further arranged to direct a portion of the laser from the laser source to the second optical sensor.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the laser source includes a holmium-based laser medium or a thulium-based laser medium.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the laser control console also includes an optical head comprising at least one lens arranged to couple a laser to an optical fiber.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the laser emitting system further includes a second laser source, and the method further includes: receiving at a processor a third electrical signal generated by a first optical sensor, the third electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the first optical sensor, the light corresponding to a laser generated by the second laser source and emitted from the distal end of an optical fiber toward one or more targets; receiving at a processor a fourth electrical signal generated by the second optical sensor, the fourth electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the second optical sensor, the light corresponding to a laser reflected from at least one of the one or more targets; and during the time period, determining a plurality of distances at the processor based on the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, the third electrical signal, and the fourth electrical signal.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes: identifying a reference corresponding to a distance in a lookup table by a processor, wherein the lookup table is stored in a memory coupled to the processor, and wherein the lookup table associates the distance of the target with a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal; and determining the distance between the target and the far end of the optical fiber based on the reference.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes: executing a machine learning (ML) model by a processor to generate an inference of the distance between a target and the far end of an optical fiber, wherein the machine learning model is executed with at least a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal as input.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the optical fiber is arranged to be inserted through the working channel of the ureteroscope.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes: determining the distance between the target and the far end of the optical fiber; identifying a reference corresponding to a predetermined distance threshold in a lookup table; comparing the distance of the target with the predetermined distance threshold; counting distances less than the threshold as hits; and updating the flyer efficiency based on the number of hits per second.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the powder explosion efficiency increases as the multiple distances decrease.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the powder explosion efficiency decreases as the multiple distances increase.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the laser control console includes user interface elements that can facilitate the display, execution, interaction, manipulation, or operation of program components using text or graphical tools.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the user interface element includes a powder explosion efficiency meter configured to display powder explosion efficiency.

[0022] According to some embodiments, this disclosure can be implemented as a system for a laser control console. The system may include a processor; and a memory device coupled to the processor, the memory device having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to: receive a first electrical signal generated by a first optical sensor, the first electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the first optical sensor, wherein the light received at the first optical sensor corresponds to laser light generated by a laser source and emitted from the distal end of an optical fiber toward one or more targets; receive a second electrical signal generated by a second optical sensor, the second electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the second optical sensor, wherein the light received at the second optical sensor corresponds to laser light reflected from at least one or more targets; determine, over a period of time, a plurality of distances based on the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal, each distance corresponding to the distance between the distal end of the optical fiber and at least one of the one or more targets; and determine a powder-exploding efficiency based on the plurality of distances.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the system, the optical fiber is coupled to the laser control console.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the system, when executed by the processor, the instructions also cause the system to identify a reference corresponding to the distance in a lookup table, wherein the lookup table is stored in a memory coupled to the processor, and wherein the lookup table associates the distance of the target with a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal; and to determine the distance between the target and the far end of the optical fiber based on the reference.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the system, the laser console includes: a laser system including an optical sensor; a laser source arranged to generate a laser; and a beam splitter arranged to direct a portion of the laser from the laser source to an optical fiber and to direct laser reflected from one or more targets to the optical sensor.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the system, the laser control console includes a second optical sensor, and a beam splitter is also arranged to direct a portion of the laser from the laser source to the second optical sensor.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the system, the laser source includes a holmium-based laser medium or a thulium-based laser medium.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the system, the laser control console also includes an optical head comprising at least one lens arranged to couple a laser to an optical fiber.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the system, the laser emitting system further includes a second laser source, and wherein, when executed by the processor, the instructions also cause the system to: receive a third electrical signal generated by a first optical sensor, the third electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the first optical sensor, the light corresponding to a laser generated by the second laser source and emitted from the distal end of an optical fiber toward one or more targets; receive a fourth electrical signal generated by the second optical sensor, the fourth electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the second optical sensor, the light corresponding to a laser reflected from at least one of the one or more targets; and during the time period, determine a plurality of distances at the processor based on the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, the third electrical signal, and the fourth electrical signal.

[0030] In other embodiments of the system, when executed by the processor, the instructions also cause the system to: execute a machine learning (ML) model to generate an inference of the distance between the target and the far end of the optical fiber, wherein the machine learning model is executed with at least a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal as input.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the system, the optical fiber is arranged to be inserted through the working channel of the ureteroscope.

[0032] In some embodiments, this disclosure may be implemented as a computer-readable storage device including a plurality of instructions which, when executed by a processor of a medical laser control console, cause the medical laser control console to: receive a first electrical signal generated by a first optical sensor, the first electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the first optical sensor, wherein the light received at the first optical sensor corresponds to laser light generated by a laser source and emitted from the distal end of an optical fiber toward one or more targets; receive a second electrical signal generated by a second optical sensor, the second electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the second optical sensor, wherein the light received at the second optical sensor corresponds to laser light reflected from at least one or more targets; determine a plurality of distances based on the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal over a period of time, each distance corresponding to the distance between the distal end of the optical fiber and at least one of the one or more targets; and determine a powder explosion efficiency based on the plurality of distances.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the computer-readable storage device, when executed by a processor, the instructions also cause the medical laser control console to: determine the distance between the target and the far end of the optical fiber; identify a reference corresponding to a predetermined distance threshold in a lookup table; compare the distance of the target with the predetermined distance threshold; count distances less than the threshold as hits; and update the burst efficiency based on the number of hits per second.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the computer-readable storage device, the powder explosion efficiency increases as the multiple distances decrease.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the computer-readable storage device, the powder explosion efficiency decreases as the multiple distances increase.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the computer-readable storage device, the medical laser console includes a display, and when executed by the processor, instructions further cause the medical laser console to generate one or more graphical information elements including an indication of powder bursting efficiency; and cause the display to display the graphical information elements as part of the user interface.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the computer-readable storage device, one or more graphic information elements include a powder explosion efficiency meter configured to display powder explosion efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To facilitate the identification of any element or action in the discussion, one or more of the most significant digits in the reference numerals refer to the figure numerals that first introduced the element.

[0039] Figure 1A A computer system communicating with a laser system is shown. The laser system emits laser light towards one or more targets via optical fiber and receives the reflected laser light.

[0040] Figure 1B An optical fiber is shown that emits a laser beam onto a target and receives the reflected light.

[0041] Figure 2 An example laser system is shown.

[0042] Figure 3A The optical fiber that emits laser light when no target is in range is shown.

[0043] Figure 3B The optical fiber that emits light when the target is within the low impact range is shown.

[0044] Figure 3C The optical fiber that emits laser light when the target is within the high impact range is shown.

[0045] Figure 3D This shows a situation where some of the fragments have broken down while larger fragments remain.

[0046] Figure 3E This shows the situation where all the fragments were broken down.

[0047] Figure 4 A method for determining powder explosion efficiency is shown.

[0048] Figure 5 Another method for determining powder explosion efficiency is shown.

[0049] Figure 6This demonstrates another method for determining the efficiency of powder explosion.

[0050] Figure 7A Example graphic information elements indicating powder bursting efficiency are shown.

[0051] Figure 7B Alternative details are shown Figure 7A Graphical information elements.

[0052] Figure 8 Computer-executable instructions according to one embodiment are shown.

[0053] Figure 9 A block diagram of the computing environment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The foregoing has provided a general overview of the features and technical advantages of this disclosure in order to better understand the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed embodiments can be readily used as the basis for modifications or the design of other structures to achieve the same objectives of this disclosure. The novel features of this disclosure in both its organization and manner of operation, as well as further objects and advantages, can be better understood from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that each drawing provided is for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be a definition of limitation of this disclosure.

[0055] As described above, this disclosure provides a lithotripsy device configured to provide feedback on pop-dusting efficiency and completion. When treating kidney stones with lithotripsy, stone fragments are typically “pulverized” or broken into increasingly smaller pieces. This is commonly referred to as “pop-dusting” or “pop-corning.” A challenge and common problem for physicians is determining when the fragments are “small enough” to be considered powder and subsequently removed naturally from the kidney via the urethra. The terms “pop-dusting” or “pop-corning” derive from the similarity to a popcorn-making process. This method involves locking a pile of stones at the angle of the renal calyx and then firing a laser treatment beam to create turbulence. The turbulence causes the stone fragments to be flipped or rolled into the “range” of the laser. While the fragments are within the line of sight of the fiber, they are impacted by the treatment beam. Thus, the fragments are continuously impacted or “hit” by the treatment beam, gradually breaking the stone into increasingly smaller pieces.

[0056] Currently, there is no known method to assess the efficiency of lithotripsy. For example, current laser consoles do not provide information on whether the particle size is small enough for the procedure to be considered complete. It should be understood that this lack of indication of procedure efficiency can lead to longer than necessary procedure times, and in extreme cases, can cause kidney overheating due to excessive energy being delivered to the kidneys without actually removing the stones. Furthermore, the lack of indication that the particle size is small enough can result in lower stone clearance rates, potentially leading to recurrence of kidney stones and the need for another lithotripsy, sometimes within months of the initial procedure.

[0057] Currently, physicians determine lithotripsy efficiency based on experience and the "blurriness" in endoscopic images captured during surgery, both of which are highly subjective observations. This disclosure provides objective measurements that can be measured by the lithotripsy system and provided to physicians to indicate lithotripsy efficiency and whether the stone particle size is below a threshold or desired level.

[0058] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exemplary lithotripsy system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated for determining the distance between the distal tip of an optical fiber and a target. This system can be used (as described more fully below) to determine the efficiency of the lithotripsy and to determine when the size of the stone fragments is small enough to terminate the procedure. In some embodiments, the exemplary lithotripsy system 100 includes a laser console 102 and an optical fiber 104 configured to emit a laser (e.g., emitted laser 118) toward one or more targets (e.g., targets 106a, 106b, and 106c). The laser console 102 may include a laser system 108 and a computing system 110.

[0059] In some embodiments, targets 106a, 106b, and 106c are stones or stone fragments to be pulverized. The stone fragments are typically located within the subject's urethra and will be treated via a pulverization procedure. In some embodiments, the subject may be a human or an animal. During the procedure, an optical fiber 104 is coupled to a laser console 102 and inserted into the target environment 122 (e.g., via a ureteroscope or the like) and positioned near targets 106a, 106b, and 106c, wherein laser energy can be generated by the laser console 102 and directed to targets 106a, 106b, and 106c via the optical fiber 104.

[0060] like Figure 1B As described more fully, optical fiber 104 includes a proximal end 112 and a distal end 114. The proximal end 112 is the end of optical fiber 104 coupled to the laser control console 102, through which the light beam enters, while the distal end 114 is the end of optical fiber 104 through which the light beam is emitted, and through which the light beam can be guided to the target 106a. For example, Figure 1BThe diagram depicts a laser 116 entering an optical fiber 104 at its proximal end 112 and propagating along the length of the fiber 104. A portion of the laser 116 exits the fiber 104 at its distal end 114 as emitted laser 118 and is directed toward one of the targets. In this example, the emitted laser 118 is incident on target 106a. Furthermore, when the emitted laser 118 is incident on a target (e.g., target 106a or the like), a portion of the emitted laser 118 is reflected from target 106a and propagates in the reverse direction along the fiber 104 as reflected laser 120. It should be understood that other portions of the laser 116 may be reflected upwards by the fiber 104 (e.g., due to the interface between the distal end 114 and the environment 122, and for similar reasons). This will be described in more detail below.

[0061] Laser 116 can be generated by laser system 108. Laser system 108 may include, but is not limited to, solid-state lasers, gas lasers, diode lasers, and fiber lasers. As an illustrative example, laser system 108 may be configured to generate laser 116 using a holmium-based laser medium or a thulium-based laser medium. Laser system 108 may include optical components, which may include, but are not limited to, laser medium, pump light, polarizers, beam splitters, beam combiners, photodetectors, wavelength division multiplexers, collimators, circulators, lenses, or other such optical components, arranged in various combinations to provide laser 116.

[0062] Figure 2 An example laser system 200 is shown, which can be implemented as Figure 1A The lithotripsy system 100 includes a laser system 108. The laser system 200 may include a laser source 202, a beam splitter 204, a reference detector 206, a signal detector 208, and optics 210. As described above, the laser source 202 may be arranged to generate laser 116 via several different laser mechanisms, such as, for example, using a holmium laser medium, a thulium laser medium, or a similar laser medium.

[0063] Laser 116 can be directed to beam splitter 204, which splits laser 116 into two parts, directing one part of laser 116 to optics 210 and the other part of laser 116 to reference detector 206. Beam splitter 204 may include any of a variety of optical components for splitting incident light into two separate beams at a specified ratio.

[0064] Optical device 210 may include any of a variety of optical components arranged to modulate and guide laser 116 from beam splitter 204 to fiber 104 and to guide direct reflected laser 120 from fiber 104 to beam splitter 204. Optical device 210 may include polarizers, beam combiners, collimators, circulators, lenses, etc.

[0065] The reflected laser 120 is guided from optics 210 to beam splitter 204, which reflects the reflected laser 120 to signal detector 208. Reference detector 206 and signal detector 208 can be any of a variety of photodetectors. Generally, such photodetectors may include devices that detect and / or measure characteristics of a light beam and encode the detected and / or measured characteristics into electrical signals. For example, a photodetector may detect a specific type of light beam (such as pre-configured) and convert the light energy associated with the detected beam into electrical signals. These electrical signals may be transmitted to a computing device (e.g., computing system 110 or similar device) to determine the power of the emitted laser 118, as described herein. Generally, computing system 110 may include circuitry arranged to determine the size and distance of a target and the number of hits per second. This will be described in more detail below, for example, reference detector 206 and signal detector 208. Figure 9 The example computing environment shown is 900.

[0066] As described above, during the powder-exploding procedure, a pile or group of stones is locked in a corner, and a laser (e.g., an emitted laser 118) is directed towards the pile, causing the stones to move within it. As the stones move within the pile, the specific stone guided by the optical fiber 104 will change, and the distance between the distal end 114 of the optical fiber 104 and the guided stone will also change. For example, Figure 3A An optical fiber 104 is depicted, with its distal end 114 positioned in an environment 122 and directed to a pile of rock fragments 302. During operation, a laser 116 (not shown) propagates downward along the optical fiber 104, a portion of which is emitted into the environment 122 as emitted laser 118. When the emitted laser 118 is incident on one of the rock fragment piles within the rock fragment pile 302, a portion of the emitted laser 118 is reflected back along the optical fiber as reflected laser 120. The amplitude or energy level of the reflected laser 120 will depend on the distance between the distal end 114 and the rock fragments. Figure 3A A pile of stone fragments 302, including stone fragments 304, 306, 308, and 310, is shown. Figure 3A In the example shown, the emitted laser 118 is incident on the stone fragment 308, causing the reflected laser 120 to propagate upward along the optical fiber 104.

[0067] The distance 312 between the distal end 114 and the stone fragment 308 (e.g., the stone fragment or similar object to which the emitted laser 118 is incident) can be determined based on the intensity of the laser 116 and the reflected laser 120 (e.g., as described above regarding...). Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 (as described).

[0068] As described above, since the emitted laser 118 is directed onto the pile of stone fragments 302, the stone fragments within the pile will tumble or move around. Therefore, the stones within the "line of sight" of the fiber optic cable 104 will change. For example, Figure 3B The image shows stone fragment 306 within the line of sight of fiber optic cable 104. Therefore, the emitted laser 118 is incident on stone fragment 306. Furthermore, reflected laser 120 is reflected by stone fragment 306, a portion of which is transmitted back to fiber optic cable 104, as described herein. The distance 314 between the distal end 114 and stone fragment 306 can again be determined based on the intensity of the emitted laser 118 and the reflected laser 120.

[0069] When the target approaches the far end 114 of the optical fiber 104, the interface between the far end 114 and the environment 122 changes.

[0070] Furthermore, as the stone fragments within the stone fragment pile 302 move around, the distance between a specific stone fragment (e.g., stone fragment 306 or the like) and the distal end 114 of the optical fiber 104 will change. For example, Figure 3C The emitted laser 118 is shown again, incident on stone fragments 306 of the stone fragment pile 302. However, the distance 316 between the distal end 114 and the stone fragments 306 is... Figure 3B The examples shown are different.

[0071] Different distances and durations can indicate the efficiency of laser emission or powdering. For example, a distance of 312 may be too large for the emitted laser 118 to generate enough energy to reach the stone fragments, and therefore, the stone fragments may not be significantly ablated or pulverized. Conversely, a distance of 314 may be close enough for the stone fragments to be ablated or pulverized, but perhaps not as significantly as when the stone fragments are as close as at a distance of 316.

[0072] During operation, the number of stone fragments within the "range" (e.g., less than a threshold distance from the distal end 114 of fiber optic 104, etc.) that are agitated or tumbled within the stone fragment pile 302 can be calculated. This is referred to herein as a "hit". It should be understood that as the emitted laser 118 ablates or pulverizes the stone fragments, the size of the stone fragments will decrease, and the number of stone fragments may increase. Furthermore, if the duration between two hits increases, it can indicate that the stone fragments in the stone fragment pile are being slowly agitated or tumbled. This slow movement means that the stone fragments may not be ablated or pulverized effectively. Once the stone fragments shrink to a certain size or below a threshold size, the stone fragments will be transparent to the laser system 200, and the distance between the stone fragments will not be measured. Therefore, even if the distal end 114 is directed toward the stone fragments, the hit will not be counted.

[0073] Figure 3D An example is shown where stone fragments 304 and 306 are pulverized into smaller stone fragments 304a, 304b, 306a, and 306b. However, these stone fragments may be small enough that the laser system 200 may not measure the distance between the distal end 114 of the fiber 104 and these smaller stone fragments, but instead only measure the distance 318 between the distal end 114 of the fiber 104 and stone fragment 308, even if the stone fragment is within the line of sight of the fiber 104. Therefore, the number of hits counted within a given time metric (e.g., 1 second or similar) will decrease as the size of the stone fragment decreases.

[0074] The number of hits per unit time will continue to decrease until all stone fragments are broken down to a sufficiently small size. As mentioned above, stone fragments smaller than a certain size will not be recognized by the computing system 110 because they will not reflect a significant portion of the emitted laser 118. Figure 3E An example is shown where all the stone fragments in the stone fragment pile 302 are broken down (or pulverized) to a size smaller than a threshold. As shown, all the stone fragments are broken down into smaller stone fragments (e.g., stone fragments 304a, 304b, 306a, 306b, 308a, 308b, 310a, and 310b). Because these stone fragments are all smaller than the threshold size, although the emitted laser 118 is directed into the stone fragment pile 302, the reflected laser 120 is not depicted.

[0075] Figure 4A method 400 for determining powder-exploding efficiency according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Method 400 can be implemented by a computing device of a lithotripsy system, such as, for example, the computing system 110 of lithotripsy system 100. Furthermore, for clarity, method 400 will be described with reference to lithotripsy system 100, laser system 200, and computing environment 900. However, it should be understood that method 400 can be implemented by systems different from those described herein. Method 400 may begin at block 402. At block 402, “receiving at a processor a first electrical signal generated by a first optical sensor, the first electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the first optical sensor, wherein the light received at the first optical sensor corresponds to a laser generated by a laser source and emitted from the distal end of an optical fiber toward one or more targets,” the first electrical signal from the optical sensor indicating the power of the laser emitted toward one or more targets can be received. For example, computing system 110 may receive an electrical signal including an indication of the intensity of laser 116 from reference detector 206. As another example, processor 904 can execute application instructions 924 stored in memory storage device 906, which, when executed, can cause processor 904 to receive an electrical signal from reference detector 206, wherein the electrical signal indicates the intensity of laser 116.

[0076] Continuing with box 404, "Receiving at the processor a second electrical signal generated by a second light sensor, the second electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the second light sensor, wherein the light received at the second light sensor corresponds to laser light reflected from at least one of one or more targets," it is possible to receive a second electrical signal from the light sensor indicating the power of laser light reflected from one of one or more targets. For example, computing system 110 can receive an electrical signal including an indication of the intensity of reflected laser light 120 from signal detector 208. As another example, processor 904 can execute application instruction 924, which, when executed, causes processor 904 to receive an electrical signal from signal detector 208, wherein the electrical signal indicates the intensity of reflected laser light 120.

[0077] In some embodiments, the laser system may include two laser sources, for example, which may operate sequentially. Two sensors, as described above, can measure the intensity of light emitted by the two laser sources. For example, sensor one (e.g., reference detector 206) and sensor two (e.g., signal detector 208) can measure the intensity of emitted light from the first laser source and the intensity of reflections generated in response to that emitted light (e.g., at blocks 402 and 404), and subsequently, sensor one and sensor two measure the intensity of emitted light from the second laser source and the intensity of reflections generated in response to that emitted light. It should be noted that in embodiments providing multiple laser sources, one of the two laser sources may be a low-power source arranged to emit a reference signal, while the other laser source may be a high-power source arranged to emit a therapeutic signal. In other embodiments, multiple laser sources may be provided, each arranged to emit a therapeutic light signal (e.g., light with sufficient energy to ablate or pulverize stone or the like).

[0078] Continuing to box 406, “During a period of time, multiple distances are determined at the processor based on a second electrical signal and a first electrical signal, each distance corresponding to the distance between the far end of the optical fiber and at least one of one or more targets,” multiple distances between one or more targets and the far end of the optical fiber can be determined. For example, computing system 110 can determine distances (e.g., distances 312, 314, 316, 318, etc.) based on electrical signals received at boxes 402 and 404. As another example, processor 904 can execute application instruction 924, which, when executed, causes processor 904 to determine distances based on electrical signals received at boxes 402 and 404.

[0079] Continuing to box 408, "In box 408, method 400 determines fan-explosion efficiency at the processor based on multiple distances," the efficiency of the fan-explosion operation can be determined based on multiple distances. For example, computing system 110 can determine the efficiency of the fan-explosion operation based on the distances determined at box 406. As another example, processor 904 can execute application instruction 924, which, when executed, allows processor 904 to determine the efficiency of the fan-explosion operation based on the distances determined at box 406. As a specific example, efficiency can be determined based on the number of distances less than a threshold distance determined within a specified time period. In such an example, the more distances less than a threshold distance determined at box 406 within that time period, the higher the efficiency of the fan-explosion operation.

[0080] Figure 5A method 500 for determining powder bursting efficiency according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 500 can be implemented by a processor of a laser-emitting medical device (such as, for example, the processor of a lithotripsy system 100). For clarity, method 500 will be described with reference to the lithotripsy system 100, as well as the laser system 200 and the computing environment 900. However, it should be noted that method 500 can also be implemented by a laser-emitting medical device other than the lithotripsy system 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0081] Method 500 may begin at block 502. At block 502, “Receiving a first electrical signal including an indication of the power of a laser beam to be guided to an optical fiber, wherein the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in a liquid environment,” an electrical signal may be received, wherein the electrical signal includes an indication of the power of the laser to be guided to the optical fiber disposed in the liquid environment. For example, processor 904 may execute application instructions 924 to receive an electrical signal including an indication of the power of laser 116 from reference detector 206.

[0082] Continuing to block 504, “receiving a second electrical signal including an indication of the power of a reflective portion of the light beam reflected from a target within the liquid environment,” an electrical signal may be received, wherein the electrical signal includes an indication of the power of the laser reflected from the target within the liquid environment. For example, processor 904 may execute application instruction 924 to receive the electrical signal from signal detector 208, wherein the electrical signal indicates the power of the reflected laser 120. As described above, the reflected laser 120 is reflected from a target within the liquid environment (e.g., a stone fragment 304 or the like), and wherein optical fiber 104 is disposed in environment 122, i.e., the liquid environment.

[0083] Continuing to box 506, “During a period of time, a plurality of distances are determined at the processor based on a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal, wherein each distance corresponds to the distance between the distal end of the optical fiber and at least one of a plurality of targets,” the distance between a target and the distal end 114 of the optical fiber 104 can be determined based on the electrical signal received at box 502 and the signal received at box 504. For example, memory storage device 906 may include a lookup table that correlates the ratio of reflected light with the distance to the target (e.g., see…). Figure 8 The processor 904 can execute application instructions 924 to determine the distance to the target from a lookup table based on the determined ratio of emitted to reflected light. In another example, the memory storage device 906 may include (e.g., see...) Figure 8A trained machine learning (ML) model (e.g., a trained neural network or the like) is configured to receive the ratio of emitted to reflected light as input and infer the distance to a target. In such an example, processor 904 can be configured to execute application instructions 924 to execute the ML model, thereby inferring the distance to the target based on the determined ratio of emitted to reflected light.

[0084] Continuing to box 508, “Determining Powder Explosion Efficiency Based on Multiple Distances,” the efficiency of the powder explosion procedure can be determined based on multiple distances. For example, memory storage device 906 may include a lookup table that correlates the ratio of reflected light to the distance to the target (e.g., see…). Figure 8 The processor 904 can execute application instructions 924 to determine the distance to the target from a lookup table based on the determined ratio of emitted to reflected light. In another example, the memory storage device 906 may include (e.g., see...) Figure 8 A trained machine learning (ML) model (e.g., a trained neural network or similar) is configured to receive the ratio of light as input and infer the distance to the target. In such an example, processor 904 can be configured to execute application instructions 924. For example, it should be understood that the ratio of emitted to reflected light can vary as the distance between the target and the far end of the fiber optic cable changes. Therefore, the efficiency of the procedure can vary. As the target gets closer to the far end of the fiber optic cable, the laser power incident on the target is greater, and more light is reflected to the far end of the fiber optic cable. Furthermore, as the laser power incident on the target is stronger, the efficiency of the powder-exploding procedure can be improved. Therefore, the efficiency of the powder-exploding procedure can be quantified based on the distance determined at box 506.

[0085] Figure 6 A method 600 for determining powder bursting efficiency according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 600 can be implemented by a processor of a laser-emitting medical device (such as, for example, the processor of a lithotripsy system 100). For clarity, method 600 will be described with reference to lithotripsy system 100, laser system 200, and computing environment 900. However, it should be noted that method 600 can also be implemented by a laser-emitting medical device other than lithotripsy system 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] Method 600 can begin at box 602. At box 602, “Start,” the process for determining the powder explosion efficiency of method 600 can begin. Continue to box 604, “Measure the distance from the distal tip of the fiber to the target,” where the distance from the distal tip of the fiber to the target can be measured. For example, processor 904 can execute application instruction 924 to cause laser system 200 to measure the distance (e.g., distances 312, 314, 316, etc.) between the distal end 114 of fiber 104 and the target (e.g., stone fragments 304, 306, 308, etc.).

[0087] Continuing to decision box 606 "Distance < Threshold Distance?", a decision can be made regarding whether the distance is less than a threshold distance. For example, processor 904 can execute application instruction 924 to cause laser system 200 to determine whether the distance measured at box 604 is less than a threshold distance. In some embodiments, the threshold distance can be 2 mm. Method 600 can continue from decision box 606 to box 608 or box 610. Method 600 can continue from decision box 606 to box 608 based on determining that the distance at decision box 606 is less than the threshold, while method 600 can continue from decision box 606 to box 610 based on determining that the distance at decision box 606 is not less than the threshold.

[0088] At box 608, “Incrementing the Hit Counter,” the hit counter can be incremented. For example, processor 904 can execute application instruction 924 to increment the hit counter or a memory location, data structure, or register value that changes over time. At box 610, “Determining the Number of Hit Counts Over a Period,” the number of hits over a period can be determined based on the hit counter. For example, processor 904 can execute application instruction 924 to determine the number of hits that occurred over a period of time (e.g., 0.3 seconds, 0.5 seconds, 0.7 seconds, or similar). In some embodiments, the number of hits within a time period (e.g., the number of hits in the last second or similar) can be determined for a backtracking period.

[0089] Continuing to box 612, “Based on the hit count determined within the time period, generate information elements including an indication of the efficiency of the hit surge.” For example, processor 904 may execute application instruction 924 to generate graphical information elements (e.g., graphical user interface (GUI) elements or similar elements) indicating the efficiency of the hit surge operation based on the hit count determined within a time period. Figure 7A and Figure 7B Example graphic information elements are provided. Furthermore, processor 904 can execute application instructions 924 to display the generated graphic information elements on a display (e.g., the display of laser console 102 or the like).

[0090] Therefore, method 600 provides a comparison of the determined distance with a predetermined distance threshold to derive a "hit-per-second" score. The hit-per-second score can be used to determine the efficiency of a hit-per-second operation. For example, refer to... Figures 3A to 3D Among them, the larger stone fragments (e.g., 304) will have a higher hit rate per second, which may mean that the powder explosion operation is being carried out efficiently. As the stone fragments are broken down and pulverized (e.g., Figure 3D , Figure 3E (or similar to the attached diagram), the number of hits will decrease within a set time period. Specifically, as the stone fragments (e.g., stone fragment 304a, etc.) become small enough, a portion of the laser 116 will be reflected so small that the distance cannot be measured and / or the distance will be measured as greater than a threshold, and the number of hits within a given time period will decrease. This can indicate that the powder-exploding operation has been completed (e.g., hits per second are below the lower efficiency threshold) or is decreasing (hits per second are between the lower and upper thresholds).

[0091] Figure 7A A preferred embodiment of the graphical information element 700 is illustrated, wherein an efficiency meter 702 is configured to dynamically display the powder-bursting efficiency in real time. The efficiency meter 702 may include a color bar (or other graphical indicator, such as patterned or similar), which dynamically adjusts based on the determined powder-bursting efficiency to indicate to the user the average efficiency of the treatment. In some embodiments, one end of the efficiency meter may indicate a higher efficiency 706, while the other end may indicate a lower efficiency 704.

[0092] Figure 7B Illustration 700 shows an efficiency meter 702 that is adjusted (e.g., dynamically adjusted during surgery) to indicate the currently determined powder-bursting efficiency. For example, the efficiency meter 702 is depicted as partially filled (e.g., with color, pattern, etc.) to indicate the current efficiency of the treatment to the user. It should be understood that when the efficiency meter 702 is fully colored, engraved, or patterned, the graphic information element 700 indicates high efficiency, while where the efficiency meter 702 is uncolored, engraved, or patterned, the graphic information element 700 indicates low efficiency. Furthermore, when the efficiency meter 702 is partially colored, engraved, or patterned, it indicates some efficiency between high and low.

[0093] Figure 8A computer-readable storage medium 800 is illustrated. The computer-readable storage medium 800 may include any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or machine-readable storage medium, such as optical, magnetic, or semiconductor storage media. In various embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 800 may include articles of manufacture. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 800 may store computer-executable instructions 802 that are executable by circuitry (e.g., computing system 110, processor 904, or the like). For example, the computer-executable instructions 802 may include instructions for performing operations described with respect to method 400, method 500, or method 600. Furthermore, the computer-executable instructions 802 may store data structures or other information, such as, for example, lookup table 804, ML model 806, or graphical information element 700. Examples of computer-readable storage medium 800 or machine-readable storage media may include any tangible medium capable of storing electronic data, including volatile or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, and writable or rewritable memory, etc. Examples of computer-readable instructions 802 may include code of any suitable type, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, object-oriented code, visual code, and similar code.

[0094] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of a computing environment 900 including a computer system 902 for implementing embodiments consistent with this disclosure. In some embodiments, the computing environment 900 or a portion thereof (e.g., the computer system 902) may include or be included in a laser system (e.g., the computing system 110 of the lithotripsy system 100 may be embodied as part of the computing environment 900). Thus, in various embodiments, the computer system 902 can determine the efficiency of the powder-exploding surgery as described above.

[0095] Computer system 902 may include a central processing unit (“CPU” or “processor”) 904. Processor 904 may include at least one data processor for executing instructions and / or program components to perform user- or system-generated processes. A user may include a person, a person using a device such as those included in this disclosure, or another device. Processor 904 may include dedicated processing units such as an integrated system (bus) controller, a memory management control unit, a floating-point unit, a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit, a digital signal processing unit, etc. Processor 904 may be configured to communicate with input devices 914 and output devices 916 via I / O interface 912. The I / O interface 912 can employ communication protocols / methods such as, but not limited to, audio, analog, digital, stereo, IEEE-1394, serial bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), infrared, PS / 2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, digital video interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), radio frequency (RF) antenna, S-Video, video graphics array (VGA), IEEE 802.n / b / g / n / x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), WiMAX, or the like).

[0096] Using I / O interface 912, computer system 902 can communicate with input device 914 and output device 916. In some embodiments, processor 904 can be configured to communicate with communication network 920 via network interface 910. In various embodiments, communication network 920 can be used to communicate with remote memory storage device 906, such as for accessing lookup tables, performing updates, or utilizing external resources. Network interface 910 can communicate with communication network 920. Network interface 910 can employ connectivity protocols, including but not limited to direct connection, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000 Base T), Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Token Ring, IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / x, etc.

[0097] Communication network 920 can be implemented as one of different types of networks, such as an intranet or local area network (LAN), a closed area network (CAN), etc. Communication network 826 can be a private network or a shared network, representing an association of different types of networks that communicate with each other using various protocols (e.g., Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), CAN protocol, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc.). Furthermore, communication network 920 can include various network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, etc. In some embodiments, processor 904 can be configured to communicate with memory storage device 906 via storage interface 908. Storage interface 908 can be connected to memory storage device 906, including but not limited to memory drives, removable disk drives, etc., using connection protocols such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Fibre Channel, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), etc. Memory drives can also include magnetic drums, disk drives, magneto-optical drives, optical disc drives, redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID), solid-state storage devices, solid-state drives, etc.

[0098] Furthermore, memory storage device 906 may include one or more computer-readable storage media used in embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Generally, a computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory where information or data readable by a processor can be stored. Therefore, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions executable by one or more processors, including instructions for causing one or more processors to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term "computer-readable medium" should be understood to include tangible articles and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., non-transient signals. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard disk drives, optical disc (CD) ROMs, digital video discs (DVDs), flash drives, magnetic disks, and any other known physical storage media.

[0099] The memory storage device 906 may store a collection of program or database components, including but not limited to an operating system 922, application instructions 924, and user interface elements 926. In various embodiments, the operating system 922 may facilitate resource management and operation of the computer system 902. Examples of operating systems include, but are not limited to, Apple. ® MACINTOSH ® OS X ® UNIX ®UNIX-like system distributions (e.g., BERKELEY SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION) ® (BSD), FreeBSD ® NETBSD ® (such as OpenBSD) LINUX ® Disinfection (e.g., RED HAT) ® UBUNTU ® KUBUNTU ® etc.), IBM ® OS / 2 ® MICROSOFT ® WINDOWS ® (XP) ® VISTA ® )7 / 8, 10, etc.), APPLE ® iOS ® Google TM ANDROID TM BLACKBERRY ® OS or similar operating system.

[0100] Application instructions 924 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 904, cause processor 904 to perform one or more techniques, steps, procedures and / or methods described herein, such as determining the distance to a target positioned in a liquid environment (e.g., environment 122) based on multiple optical signals formed by a laser (e.g., signal detector 208 and / or reference detector 206).

[0101] User interface element 926 can facilitate the display, execution, interaction, manipulation, or operation of program components using text or graphical tools. For example, the user interface can provide computer interaction interface elements, such as cursors, icons, checkboxes, menus, scroll bars, windows, widgets, etc., on a display system operatively connected to computer system 902. User interface element 926 can be employed by application instructions 924 and / or operating system 922 to provide, for example, a user interface that allows a user to interact with computer system 902. In some embodiments, user interface element 926 can be displayed on a monitor.

[0102] The terms used in this document shall have their common meaning in the relevant field, or the meaning indicated by the context in which they are used, unless otherwise specified.

[0103] References to “one embodiment” or “embodiment” herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may be identical. Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words “comprising,” “including,” and similar terms should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Use of singular or plural terms also includes both singular and plural, unless explicitly limited to one or more. Furthermore, the terms “this article,” “above,” “below,” and similar terms as used herein refer to the entire application and not any part thereof. When the word “or” is used in a claim to refer to a list of two or more items, the word covers all of the following interpretations: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list, unless explicitly limited to one or the other. Any term not explicitly defined herein has one or more conventional meanings as commonly understood by one or more people skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, the method comprising: The processor receives a first electrical signal generated by a first optical sensor, the first electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the first optical sensor, wherein the light received at the first optical sensor corresponds to a laser generated by a laser source and emitted from the distal end of an optical fiber toward one or more targets; the processor also receives a second electrical signal generated by a second optical sensor, the second electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the second optical sensor, wherein the light received at the second optical sensor corresponds to a laser reflected from at least one or more targets; during a period of time, the processor determines a plurality of distances based on the second electrical signal and the first electrical signal, each distance corresponding to the distance between the distal end of the optical fiber and at least one of the one or more targets; and the processor determines a powder explosion efficiency based on the plurality of distances.

2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein, The optical fiber is coupled to a laser control console that includes the processor.

3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The laser console includes a laser system comprising: an optical sensor; a laser source arranged to generate laser light; and a beam splitter arranged to direct a portion of the laser light from the laser source to the optical fiber and to direct laser light reflected from the one or more targets to the optical sensor.

4. The computer-implemented method according to claim 3, wherein, The laser control console includes the second optical sensor, and the beam splitter is further arranged to direct a portion of the laser from the laser source to the second optical sensor.

5. The computer-implemented method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The laser source includes a holmium-based laser medium or a thulium-based laser medium.

6. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The laser control console also includes an optical head, which includes at least one lens arranged to couple the laser to the optical fiber.

7. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The laser system further includes a second laser source, and the method includes: receiving at a processor a third electrical signal generated by a first optical sensor, the third electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the first optical sensor, the light corresponding to laser light generated by the second laser source and emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber toward the one or more targets; receiving at the processor a fourth electrical signal generated by the second optical sensor, the fourth electrical signal including an indication of the power of light received at the second optical sensor, the light corresponding to laser light reflected from at least one of the one or more targets; and during the time period, determining the plurality of distances at the processor based on the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, the third electrical signal, and the fourth electrical signal.

8. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: The processor identifies a reference corresponding to the distance in a lookup table, wherein the lookup table is stored in a memory coupled to the processor, and wherein the lookup table associates the distance of the target with the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal; and determines the distance between the target and the far end of the optical fiber based on the reference.

9. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising: The processor executes a machine learning (ML) model to generate an inference of the distance between the target and the far end of the optical fiber, wherein the machine learning model is executed with at least the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal as input.

10. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The optical fiber is arranged to be inserted through the working channel of the ureteroscope.

11. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: Determine the distance between the target and the far end of the optical fiber; Identify the reference corresponding to the predetermined distance threshold in the lookup table; The distance to the target is compared with the predetermined distance threshold; Distances less than the threshold are counted as hits; And update the fan-exploding efficiency based on the number of hits per second.

12. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, As the multiple distances decrease, the powder explosion efficiency increases.

13. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, As the multiple distances increase, the powder explosion efficiency decreases.

14. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The laser control console includes user interface elements that facilitate the display, execution, interaction, manipulation, or operation of program components through text or graphical means.

15. The computer-implemented method according to claim 14, wherein, The user interface element includes a follower growth efficiency meter, which is configured to display the follower growth efficiency.

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