Medical laser apparatus and system

Abstract

To provide a medical laser apparatus controlling a second energy source to output a first or second aiming beam on the basis of an illumination mode so as to illuminate a target tissue.SOLUTION: A medical laser apparatus comprises: an energy guide; a first energy source configured to generate energy for treating a target tissue through the energy guide; a second energy source configured to emit first and second aiming beams to the target tissue through the energy guide; a second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam; and a controller provided with hardware. The controller receives a signal indicating one illumination mode from at least two illumination modes used by an endoscope to illuminate the target tissue, and controls the second energy source to output the first or second aiming beam on the basis of the indicated illumination mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] Cross - Reference to Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 628,513, filed on Feb. 9, 2018, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to medical laser devices and systems, and more particularly to medical laser devices and systems for use with endoscopic systems having two or more irradiation modes.

Background Art

[0003] Medical lasers have been used in various treatment procedures, including, for example, various endoscopic surgeries. Generally, in these procedures, an accurately controlled supply of energy is required to properly complete the intended procedure.

[0004] Generally, surgical probes are used to deliver laser energy to a target tissue. Surgical probes generally include an energy guide, such as an optical fiber, coupled to an energy source, such as a laser, and the probe can be positioned such that the tip of the probe is adjacent to the target tissue. The laser energy is directed from the tip of the optical fiber to the desired portion of the target tissue. The laser optical fiber coupled to the laser source is required to be somewhat flexible so that the optical fiber can be manipulated. The laser system can include, for example, a thulium fiber laser, which is used to generate laser light for delivery to the target tissue via the optical fiber. The laser can be operated in various treatment modes.

[0005] Medical professionals performing a particular procedure manipulate the optical fiber in a position near the target tissue and set the laser output and mode for various treatments. This may require setting different outputs and modes depending on the treatment, such as a vaporization mode or a coagulation mode.

[0006] Laser beams used for treating tissues are usually invisible to the human eye or standard image sensors. Therefore, another irradiation source can be used to generate a visible aiming beam. When using an aiming beam, an aiming beam spot can appear in the image formed when displaying a target area using an endoscope.

[0007] In addition, an endoscope video imaging system has a function to assist in the early detection of minute lesions such as cancer and the accurate diagnosis of the affected area before surgery. In this system, in addition to normal light imaging, a specific light imaging function using a specific light spectrum is incorporated. The endoscope video imaging system can have at least two irradiation modes, namely white light (normal light) illumination and specific light irradiation mode. Further, the endoscope is provided with an irradiation mode switching function for switching from the white light mode to the specific light irradiation mode or from the specific light irradiation mode to the white light mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] An appropriate medical laser device is provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] A medical laser device includes an energy guide, a first energy source configured to generate energy for treating a target tissue through the energy guide, a second energy source configured to irradiate the target tissue with first and second aiming beams through the energy guide, a second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from that of the first aiming beam, and a controller including hardware. The controller receives a signal indicating one irradiation mode from at least two irradiation modes used by an endoscope for irradiating the target tissue, and controls the second energy source to output the first or second aiming beam based on the indicated irradiation mode.

[0011] When the white light irradiation mode is indicated, the controller can control the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 500 nm to 550 nm.

[0012] When the specific light irradiation mode is indicated, the controller can control the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 635 nm to 690 nm. The specific light mode can be any one of a narrow band imaging mode, an autofluorescence imaging mode, or an infrared imaging mode.

[0013] The controller can further be configured to receive a signal indicating whether a spot generated by the first or second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope. If the spot cannot be identified in the image, the controller can further be configured to switch one of the first or second aiming beams to the other of the first or second aiming beams. The controller can further be configured to receive a signal indicating whether a spot generated by the other of the first or second aiming beams can be identified in an image from the endoscope. If the spot from the other of the first or second aiming beams cannot be identified in the image, the controller can be configured to control the first energy source to prohibit generating energy such that the first energy source treats the target tissue.

[0014] At least one characteristic may be selected from the group consisting of wavelength, power level, and radiation pattern.

[0015] The energy guide may be a laser fiber.

[0016] The first energy source may be a therapeutic laser beam.

[0017] An endoscope controller with hardware is also provided, and the endoscope controller is for use with an endoscope. The endoscope controller is configured to output a first signal indicating the irradiation mode of the endoscope. In an image captured by an image sensor within the endoscope, it detects whether a spot from a aiming beam generated by an aiming beam energy source is visible and outputs a second signal based on the detection.

[0018] The second signal may be output only when a spot cannot be detected in the image.

[0019] The aiming beam may be a first aiming beam, and when a spot cannot be detected in the image, the second signal can instruct the laser device to change the first aiming beam to a second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam.

[0020] Further provided is a medical system including the following. Also, an energy guide, a first energy source configured to generate energy for treating a target tissue via the energy guide, a second energy source configured to emit first and second aiming beams to the target tissue through the energy guide, wherein the second aiming beam has at least one characteristic different from that of the first aiming beam, the second energy source, and a first controller including hardware, wherein the first controller is configured to receive a first signal indicating one irradiation mode from at least two irradiation modes used by an endoscope for illuminating the target tissue, and control the second energy source to output the first or second aiming beam based on the indicated irradiation mode, the first controller, and a second controller including hardware, wherein the second controller is for use with the endoscope, and the second controller is configured to output the first signal indicating one irradiation mode from at least two irradiation modes used by the endoscope to the first controller, and a medical laser device including the second controller is further provided.

[0021] When the white light irradiation mode is indicated, the first controller may control the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 500 nm to 550 nm.

[0022] When the specific light irradiation mode is indicated, the first controller may control the second energy source to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 635 nm to 690 nm. The specific light mode may be any one of a narrow band imaging mode, an autofluorescence imaging mode, or an infrared imaging mode.

[0023] The second controller may further be configured to output a second signal indicating whether a spot produced by the first or second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope. And the first controller may further be configured to receive the second signal and, if the spot cannot be identified in the image, switch one of the first or second aiming beams to the other of the first or second aiming beams.

[0024] The second controller may further be configured to output a second signal indicating whether a spot produced by the first or second aiming beam can be identified in an image from the endoscope. And the first controller may further be configured to receive the second signal and, if the spot from the other of the first or second aiming beams cannot be identified in the image, control the first energy source to prohibit the first energy source from generating energy for treating the target tissue.

[0025] At least one characteristic may be selected from the group consisting of wavelength, power level, and radiation pattern.

[0026] The energy guide may be a laser fiber.

[0027] The first energy source may be a therapeutic laser beam.

[0028] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a medical system 100 having an endoscope 102, an endoscope processor 103, a light source 104, a laser device 106, and a display 108. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 102 includes an insertion portion 110 that is inserted into a subject's body to image the subject's body and generate an image signal of the subject's body, an endoscope processor 103 that performs predetermined image processing on the captured image signal and controls at least a part of the medical system 100 by the endoscope 102, a light source 104 that generates irradiation light of the endoscope 102 having at least two irradiation modes, a first energy source for generating energy for treating a target tissue via an energy guide 112, and a laser device 106 having a second energy source configured to emit two or more aiming beams to the target tissue via the energy guide 112, and a display device 108 that displays an aiming beam and an image of an image signal that is an image processing target performed by the endoscope processor 103.

[0031] The endoscope 102 includes an insertion portion 110 that is inserted into a subject's body, an operation unit 107 that is grasped by an operator at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 110, and a flexible universal cord 114 that extends from the operation unit. Although FIG. 1 shows a gastrointestinal (GI) endoscope, the devices and systems disclosed herein are not limited to GI endoscopes and also have particular utility for use with other types of endoscopes such as ureteroscopes or cystoscopes or endoscopes used in other therapeutic procedures.

[0032] The insertion portion 110 is formed using a writing fiber (light guide), an electric cable, an optical fiber, or the like. The insertion part 110 includes a distal end portion 110a incorporating an imaging unit described later, a bendable curved portion 110b having a plurality of curved pieces, and a flexible flexible tube portion 110c provided at the proximal end portion of the curved portion 110b. The distal end portion 110a includes an illumination light guide 120 (see FIG. 2) for illuminating the inside of the subject through an illumination lens 122 (see FIG. 2), an observation unit including an imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS and an objective lens system 118 (see FIG. 2) for imaging the inside of the subject, an insertion port 107b communicating with a treatment tool channel 102a (see FIG. 2), and an air / water supply nozzle (not shown).

[0033] The operation portion 107 includes a bending knob 107a for bending the curved portion 110b in the vertical and horizontal directions, a treatment tool insertion port 107b through which treatment tools such as medical forceps and an energy guide 112 are inserted into the body cavity of the subject, and a plurality of switches 107c for operating peripheral devices such as an endoscope processor 103, a light source device 104, an air supply device, a water supply device, and a gas supply device. Treatment tools such as the energy guide 112 can be inserted through the treatment tool insertion port 107b and through the channel 102a, whereby their distal ends are distally exposed from the opening 102b (see FIG. 2) of the channel 102a at the distal end of the insertion portion 110.

[0034] The universal cord 114 includes a writing fiber, a cable, etc. The universal cord 114 branches at its proximal end. One end of the branched end is the connector 114a, and the other end of the branched end is the connector 114b. The connector 114a is detachable from the connector of the endoscope processor 103. The connector 114b is detachable from the light source 104. The universal cord 114 propagates the illumination light irradiated from the light source 104 to the distal end portion 110a (see FIG. 2) via the connector 114b and the light guide 120. Also, the universal cord 114 transmits the image signal captured by the image sensor 116 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, to the endoscope processor 103 via the signal line 124 (see FIG. 2) in the cable and the connector 114a.

[0035] The endoscope processor 103 executes predetermined image processing on the image signal output from the connector 114a and controls at least a part of the components constituting the medical system 100.

[0036] The light source 104 includes one or more light sources that emit light having one or more irradiation characteristics called irradiation modes, a condenser lens, etc. Such a light source can be, for example, a xenon lamp, an LED (light emitting diode), an LD (laser diode), or any combination thereof. The light source 104 irradiates light from its one or more light sources under the control of the endoscope processor 103 and supplies it as illumination light for the subject inside the body to be examined to the endoscope 102 and the light guide of the universal cord 114 connected via the connector 114b. The irradiation mode can be a white light irradiation mode, or a special light irradiation mode such as a narrow band imaging mode, an autofluorescence imaging mode, or an infrared imaging mode, which provides better visualization of the surface microvessels and the mucosal surface structure in order to emphasize the subtle contrast of the irregularities of the mucosa.

[0037] The display 108 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, and the like. The display 108 displays various information including an image subjected to predetermined image processing by the information processing device 103 via the video cable 108a. Thereby, the operator can observe and determine the behavior of a desired position inside the subject by operating the endoscope 102 while viewing the image (intrabody image) displayed on the display 108.

[0038] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the medical system 100 of FIG. 1 is schematically shown. The laser device 106 is for use with an energy guide 112 such as a laser fiber. The energy guide is disposed in the channel 102a through the treatment tool insertion port 107b, includes a distal end 112a extending distally from the opening 102b at the distal end of the channel 102a, and is configured to direct treatment energy toward the target tissue. The proximal end of the energy guide 112 is operably connected to the laser device 106.

[0039] The laser device 106 includes two or more energy sources for generating laser energy coupled to the proximal end of the energy guide 112. Such energy sources can be selected by the user by input such as a button 106a of the laser device 106 or a foot switch (not shown), via software or a user interface on the display 108, or by manual or automatic input known in the art. The first energy source 202 can be optically coupled to the energy guide 112 and configured to generate energy for treating the target tissue through the energy guide 112. For example, the first energy source 202 can be a thulium laser used to generate laser light. It operates in different treatment modes such as a cutting (resection) mode and a coagulation (hemostasis) mode to be delivered to the target tissue via the optical guide 112. Ho:YAG, Nd:YAG and CO 2Other energy sources or any other treatment modes known in the art for such tissue treatment, such as those known in the art and others, can also be used for the first energy source 202.

[0040] The two or more energy sources may also include a second energy source 204 optically coupled to the energy guide 112 and configured to emit at least two aiming beams through the energy guide 112 to the target tissue, wherein the first aiming beam has characteristics different from those of at least one second aiming beam. Such different characteristics can be wavelength, power level, and / or radiation pattern. For example, the first aiming beam may have a wavelength in the range of 500 nm to 550 nm, and the second aiming beam may have a wavelength in the range of 635 nm to 690 nm. The characteristics of the different aiming beams can be selected based on the visibility of the aiming beams in the image displayed on the display 108 under a specific irradiation mode provided by the endoscopic processor 103 and the light source 104.

[0041] The laser device 106 further includes a controller 206 having hardware such as a CPU that controls the operation of the laser device 106 including the first and second energy sources 202, 204. The laser device 106 may further include an operatively coupled sensor 208. The sensor 208 is configured to detect reflected light returning from the distal end 112a of the energy guide 112 through the energy guide 112 to the sensor 208, as is known in the art. Thereby, the sensor 208 can determine the irradiation mode output from the light source 104 to the light guide 120. That is, such a sensor 208 detects the irradiation mode used to irradiate the target tissue. Such reflected light detection can be similar to that described in Patent Document 1.

[0042] The light source 104 includes one or more light sources such as a first light source 210 and a second light source 212 under the control of the controller 214. The light sources 210, 212 can be selected by the user through inputs such as a button 104a of the light source 104 or a foot switch (not shown), via a software or a user interface on the display 108, or by manual or automatic inputs known in the art. The first and second light sources 210, 212 are optically coupled to the light guide 120 to provide different irradiation modes to the light guide 120 as described above. Although different light sources are shown for each irradiation mode, a single light source can be provided to generate irradiation modes with different characteristics using filters, lenses, etc.

[0043] The endoscope processor 103 further includes a controller 216 having hardware such as a CPU for controlling the endoscope 102, the display 108, the light source 104 and / or the laser device 106. As described above, the controller 216 receives a signal from the image sensor 116 via line 124 of the universal code 114, processes the signal, and thereby generates an image / video for viewing on the display 108. Such an image includes not only the target area of the tissue to be treated under light irradiation, but also the aiming beam generated by the laser device 106 when the first energy source 202 is operating and the energy guide 112 is being used to treat the target tissue. The endoscope processor 103 includes one or more inputs such as a button 103a on the endoscope processor 103 or a foot switch (not shown), via software or a user interface on the display 108, or includes manual or automatic inputs known in the art.

[0044] Regarding the use of the medical system 100 of FIG. 1, the following will be described with respect to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. After inserting the endoscope 102 into the target tissue site, the user views the target tissue on the display 108 at reference numeral 300. Such observation of the target tissue is performed in an irradiation mode set at reference numeral 302 and is output by one of the light sources 210, 212 of the light source 104. Such an irradiation mode can be set by user selection by any means known in the art or can be automatically provided by a decision made by either of the controllers 214, 216 based on a predetermined criterion.

[0045] At reference numeral 304, it is determined by the controller 206 whether the first energy source 202 is activated (on) and delivers treatment energy to the energy guide 112. If it is determined that the first energy source 202 does not deliver treatment energy to the energy guide 112, at reference numeral 304N, the controller 206 does not activate the second energy source 204 to generate a aiming beam. If it is determined that the first energy source 202 is delivering treatment energy to the energy guide 112, at reference numeral 304Y, the controller 206 activates the second energy source 204 to generate one of the first or second aiming beams at reference numeral 306.

[0046] With symbol 308, the controller 206 determines the irradiation mode from a plurality of irradiation modes for irradiating the target tissue used by the endoscope, such as receiving a signal indicating the type of irradiation mode being used. The irradiation mode signal provided to the controller 206 can be a manual input from the user at the input 104a of the light source 104, which instructs the light source controller 214 to output a signal to the controller 216 of the endoscope processor 103, and then the signal is output. Such a manual input can also be made from an input such as the button 103a of the endoscope processor 103. The light source controller 214 can also directly output a signal indicating the irradiation mode to the laser device controller 206. The input can also be sent to the controller 216 of the endoscope processor 103 through the signal line 107d via the button 107c of the endoscope, which is relayed to the controller 206 of the laser device. The controller 206 of the laser device 106 can also receive a signal indicating the irradiation mode used by the endoscope from the sensor 208, detect the irradiation being used by the reflected light through the energy guide 112, and the controller 206 processes and discriminates such detection. Further, the controller 216 of the endoscope processor 103 can analyze the image signal from the image sensor 116, discriminate the irradiation mode based on such an image signal, and output such discrimination to the controller 206 of the laser device 106. Other sensors (not shown) can be used, such as at the distal end of the endoscope 102 or within the endoscope processor 103, to determine the irradiation mode used by the endoscope.

[0047] With symbol 310, a determination is made as to whether the aiming beam is appropriate for the determined irradiation mode. Such a determination can be based on historical data reflected in a look-up table (LUT) operably connected to the controller 206, and the LUT correlates the irradiation mode with aiming beam characteristics. Such a LUT can store data on the irradiation mode (or the wavelength of the illumination light) and the corresponding wavelength of the aiming beam for use with such an irradiation mode or at such a wavelength of such an irradiation mode. If the aiming beam in use is determined to be suitable for use in the irradiation mode in use, there is no need to change the aiming beam in use, and the process continues with symbol 310Y to image the target tissue until the aiming beam in use is determined not to be suitable for use in the irradiation mode in use. Such a determination can be made at predetermined intervals or upon the occurrence of a predetermined event such as when the first energy source is turned off and then turned on again.

[0048] However, with symbol 310N, if the aiming beam in use is determined not to be suitable for use in the irradiation mode in use, the second energy source 204 is controlled to change the aiming beam with symbol 312 based on the indicated irradiation mode. For example, if a white light irradiation mode is determined, the controller 206 can control the second energy source 204 to emit a first aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 500 nm to 550 nm. Alternatively, if a specific light irradiation mode is determined, the controller 206 can control the second energy source 204 to emit a second aiming beam having a wavelength in the range of 635 nm to 690 nm. As described above, the specific light mode can be, for example, one of a narrow band imaging mode, an autofluorescence imaging mode, or an infrared imaging mode.

[0049] Next, another use of the medical system 100 of FIG. 1 will be described with respect to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, reference numerals 300, 302, 304, and 306 are substantially as described above. When one of the aiming beams, such as the first or second aiming beam, is activated by the laser device 106, at reference numeral 314, a determination is made as to whether the spot produced by the first or second aiming beam can be identified in the image from the endoscope 102. That is, the controller 216 analyzes the image signal from the image sensor 116 to determine whether the aiming beam spot being used is visible in the image of the target tissue. Such determination of the spot in the image data is known in the art, such as pixel comparison that determines the parallax (discontinuity) of the pixel data in the region of the image corresponding to the expected size and / or shape of the spot. Further, such determination may consider that if the spot is detected but the parallax is below a predetermined threshold such that the user would have difficulty clearly identifying the spot from the image, the spot may be considered not visible.

[0050] If the spot is detected or substantially detected in the image, until such determination changes or the laser device stops activating the first energy source 202, at reference numeral 314Y, imaging, irradiation, and display of the image and the spot continue. If the spot cannot be detected or substantially detected in the image at reference numeral 314N, the controller 216 outputs a signal at reference numeral 316 to the controller 206 of the laser device to switch to a different one of the first or second aiming beams.

[0051] A similar determination is made by the controller 216 at reference numeral 318 as to whether a spot produced by a different one of the first or second aiming beams can be identified in the image from the endoscope 102. Imaging, irradiation, and the display of the image and the spot at reference numeral 318Y continue until such a determination changes or the laser device ceases to operate the first energy source 202 any longer. If the spot cannot be detected or is substantially undetectable in the image at reference numeral 318N, as a safety measure, the controller may output a signal to the laser device controller 206 to control the first energy source to prohibit the first energy source from generating energy for treating the target tissue at reference numeral 320.

[0052] Although described with respect to a flexible endoscope, the above-described apparatus and method are also useful for rigid endoscopes. Further, although the laser device 106 is described as a separate device, its functions may be incorporated into one or both of the light source and the endoscope processor, and a common controller may be used to make the determinations and controls shown herein.

[0053] Although what is considered to be the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail can readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the exact forms shown and described, but be constructed to cover all changes that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0054] 100 Medical system 102 Endoscope 103 Endoscope processor 104 Light source 106 Laser device 107 Operation part, operation unit 108 Display device 110 Insertion part 112 Energy guide 114 Universal Code 116 Image Sensor 118 Objective Lens System 120 Light Guide 122 Irradiation Lens 124 Signal Line 202 First Energy Source 204 Second Energy Source 206 Controller 208 Sensor 210 First Light Source 212 Second Light Source 214 Light Source Controller 216 Controller

Claims

1. A medical system for administering treatment to a target site of a patient, wherein the medical system comprises: A laser device comprising a first energy source configured to generate therapeutic energy at the target site, A light source is placed outside the laser device and configured to visualize the target area, A control circuit configured to control the operation of the laser device based at least partially on the operation of the light source, A medical system characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The medical system according to claim 1, further comprising a second energy source configured to provide a targeting beam to the target site, wherein the laser device further comprises a second energy source configured to provide a targeting beam to the target site.

3. The light source further comprises an image sensor, the light source has at least two selectable irradiation modes for irradiating the target area, and the control circuit is The system receives an instruction for one of the at least two selectable irradiation modes currently irradiating the target area; The second energy source is controlled to output either a first or second aiming beam to the target area, at least partially based on an indicated irradiation mode, wherein the second aiming beam has at least one different characteristic from the first aiming beam; The first or second aiming beam is received when it is irradiated onto the target area, and the image generated by the image sensor is received; From the received image, determine whether the spot created by the first or second aiming beam can be identified; and The first energy source is controlled to supply the therapeutic energy to the target site. The medical system according to claim 2, further characterized by being configured in such a way.

4. The medical system according to claim 3, further comprising an endoscope which includes the image sensor and is operably connected to the light source and the control circuit.

5. The control circuit is Controlling the second energy source to output the first aiming beam to the target area; and If the spot created by the first aiming beam cannot be identified from the image generated by the first aiming beam irradiated onto the target area, the second energy source is controlled to switch from the first aiming beam to the second aiming beam and irradiate the target area with it; The medical system according to claim 3, characterized in that it is configured in such a way.

6. The medical system according to claim 5, wherein the control circuit is further configured to control the first energy source to stop the generation of the therapeutic energy or irradiation to the target site if the spot generated by the second aiming beam cannot be identified from the image generated when the second aiming beam is irradiated to the target site.

7. The medical system according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one characteristic includes at least one of wavelength, output level, and emission pattern.

8. The medical system according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the second energy source to output the first targeting beam when a white light irradiation mode is instructed, and to control the second energy source to output the second targeting beam when a special light irradiation mode is instructed, and the first targeting beam has a shorter wavelength than the second targeting beam.

9. The medical system according to claim 8, characterized in that the special light irradiation mode includes at least one of a narrowband imaging mode, an autofluorescence imaging mode, and an infrared imaging mode.

10. The medical system according to claim 3, characterized in that the control circuit is configured to determine whether a spot generated by a first or second aiming beam can be identified from the received image based on differences in image pixel data of at least a portion of the received image.

11. The medical system according to claim 10, characterized in that the control circuit is configured to determine that, if the difference is below a threshold, the spot generated by the first or second aiming beam cannot be identified from the received image.

12. The medical system according to claim 2, comprising an optical fiber operably coupled to at least one of (i) the first energy source for irradiating the target site with the therapeutic energy, or (ii) the second energy source for irradiating the target site with a targeting beam.

13. A method for administering treatment to a target site within a patient's body, wherein the method is: A step of activating a laser device containing a first energy source and irradiating the target site with therapeutic energy; A step of irradiating the target area with an external light source from the laser device, thereby making the target area visible; and A step of controlling the operation of the laser device based at least in part on the operation of the light source; A method characterized by including the following.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of activating a second energy source in the laser device to irradiate the targeting beam onto the target area.

15. A step of receiving, via a control circuit, an instruction for the irradiation mode currently being used by the light source to irradiate the target area; A step of controlling the second energy source via the control circuit and outputting either a first aiming beam or a second aiming beam to the target area, at least partially based on the indicated irradiation mode, wherein the second aiming beam has at least one different characteristic from the first aiming beam; A step of receiving an image of the target area via an image sensor when the first or second aiming beam is irradiated onto the target area; A step of determining whether a spot generated by the first or second aiming beam can be identified from the received image via the control circuit; and The first energy source is controlled via the control circuit, and therapeutic energy is supplied to the target site: The method according to 14, further comprising:

16. The step of controlling the second energy source and outputting either the first or second aiming beam to the target area is: The steps include controlling the second energy source to output the first aiming beam to the target area, If the spot created by the first aiming beam cannot be identified from the image generated when the first aiming beam is irradiated onto the target area, the second energy source is controlled to switch from the first aiming beam to the second aiming beam and irradiate the target area with it. The method according to 15, characterized by including the following:

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of controlling the first energy source to stop the generation of the therapeutic energy or the irradiation of the therapeutic energy to the target site if the spot created by the second aiming beam cannot be identified from the image generated when the second aiming beam is irradiated onto the target site.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one characteristic includes at least one of wavelength, output level, and emission pattern.

19. The method according to claim 15, comprising controlling the second energy source via the control circuit to output the first targeting beam when a white light irradiation mode is instructed, and outputting the second targeting beam when a special light irradiation mode including at least one of a narrowband imaging mode, an autofluorescence imaging mode, and an infrared imaging mode is instructed, wherein the wavelength of the first targeting beam is shorter than that of the second targeting beam.

20. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the step of determining whether a spot generated by the first or second aiming beam can be identified from the received image is based on differences in image pixel data of at least a portion of the received image.

Images