Luminescence probe for in vivo temperature measurement

Abstract

To allow various examples disclosed to relate to temperature monitoring of a medical probe.SOLUTION: The present disclosure includes a medical device including a medical probe and one or more luminescent marks. The medical probe can include a distal portion configured for at least partial insertion into a patient. The one or more luminescent marks can be located on the distal portion of the probe and have a luminescent characteristic correlative to temperature, when illuminated. The luminescent characteristic can provide an indication of the temperature at an internal site of the patient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 120,793, filed December 3, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to both surgical probes for treatment of various anatomical regions and endoscopes for imaging and / or providing passage of therapeutic devices to various anatomical portions, including the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., esophagus, stomach, duodenum, pancreatic bile duct, intestine, colon, etc.), the renal region (e.g., kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra) and other internal organs (e.g., reproductive system, sinus cavities, submucosal regions, airways, etc.), etc.

[0003] Monitoring such surgical probes and endoscopes during treatment may be desirable. In particular, the internal anatomical sites being treated may undergo temperature changes during treatment. It may be beneficial to monitor the temperature of these internal sites. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Discussed herein are methods and systems for monitoring and detecting temperature at the site of an endoscope or other internal procedure within a patient's body, such as by monitoring temperature-dependent luminescence at that location. The luminescence can be analyzed to determine temperature, for example, by detecting or monitoring parameters of the luminescence itself or by determining the chance of the monitored luminescence. The luminescence detection can be compared to stored information about luminescence related to temperature, such as to determine temperature or temperature change. The stored information about the relationship between luminescence and temperature can take various forms, such as a lookup table, an approximation function, or other data.

[0005] In a first aspect, the device may include a medical probe having one or more luminescent markings thereon for monitoring the temperature of the probe and the surrounding environment.

[0006] In a second aspect, a system can include a medical probe having one or more light-emitting marks thereon, the one or more light-emitting marks configured to monitor the temperature of the probe and the surrounding environment, a laser fiber providing a laser beam for medical treatment, a light source for providing light to the one or more light-emitting marks, a camera for detecting light emission response signals from the one or more light-emitting marks and providing a resultant electrical signal indicative of the detected light emission, and signal processing circuitry for analyzing the resultant electrical signal indicative of the detected light emission and generating a resultant indication of the temperature at the internal site being monitored.

[0007] In a third aspect, a system may include a medical probe having one or more light-emitting marks thereon, the one or more light-emitting marks configured to be monitored and indicate a temperature of the probe and the surrounding environment, a laser fiber providing a laser beam for medical treatment, a light source for providing light to the one or more light-emitting marks, a camera for detecting light emission response signals from the one or more light-emitting marks and providing a resultant electrical signal indicative of the detected light emission, and signal processing circuitry for analyzing the resultant electrical signal indicative of the detected light emission and generating a resultant indication of the temperature at the internal site being monitored, wherein the one or more light-emitting marks may be located on the laser fiber.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a system may include a medical probe having one or more light-emitting marks therein, the one or more light-emitting marks configured to monitor the temperature of the probe and the surrounding environment, a laser beam for medical treatment, a light source for providing light to the one or more light-emitting marks, a camera for detecting feedback from the one or more light-emitting marks, and a feedback analyzer, wherein the one or more light-emitting marks are located at the end of the probe.

[0009] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and like numerals in different figures may describe like components. Like numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of like components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present specification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1A-1B show examples of surgical probes. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical probe temperature measurement system including luminescent marks. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical probe temperature measurement system including luminescent marks. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a surgical probe temperature measurement system including luminescent marks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This disclosure describes, among other things, the use of one or more luminescent markings on a medical probe to enable monitoring and control of the temperature at or near the working area of the medical probe or endoscope.

[0012] Luminescence is the spontaneous emission of light by a material in response to excitation energy, as opposed to heating. Examples of luminescence include fluorescence and phosphorescence. Both organic and inorganic materials can exhibit luminescence. For example, phosphors convert energy into electromagnetic radiation in the visible light range, producing luminescence.

[0013] Light emission can be temperature sensitive, such as in phosphor thermometry, and optical methods can be utilized to measure temperature. In some cases, such light emission can be used to indirectly control and measure temperature, such as by measuring temperature-dependent light emission parameters of the luminescent material, including light intensity, the range and shape of the emission spectrum, rise and decay times, and other parameters. Light emission decay time or afterglow parameters can be used to measure temperature.

[0014] The emitted light can be useful for tracking the temperature of an internal treatment site within a patient's body, such as in the case of laser lithotripsy. In such cases, monitoring the temperature can help protect against necrosis and other problems that extreme temperatures or large temperature changes can cause. The methods and systems discussed herein can be useful for providing a "non-contact" way to check the ambient temperature at or near an internal target area where a medical procedure is being performed.

[0015] For example, temperature-dependent light emission can be monitored at an internal treatment site, such as when a distal working portion of a medical instrument approaches or contacts target tissue. The light emission can be used to indirectly measure temperature, such as by measuring one or more temperature-dependent optical emission parameters of the light emission. Examples of temperature-dependent optical emission parameters of the light emission include the light intensity of the light emission, the radiation spectral range or shape of the light emission, the rise time and decay time of the light emission, combinations thereof, and the like. Numerous organic and inorganic light-emitting materials exhibit changes in one or more light-emitting parameters that can be characterized in relation to temperature changes, including the range of temperature changes that can occur during laser lithotripsy or similar medical procedures.

[0016] In some cases, light emission can be used for temperature monitoring and control without requiring additional wiring along the probe to perform light emission-based temperature measurements. For example, one or more small (e.g., about 100 micrometers) light emitting marks can be incorporated into the distal portion of the probe. In some cases, the light emitting marks can be located at various locations along the probe, such as on the laser fiber, on the distal end of the scope portion of the probe, or in multiple locations.

[0017] 1A and 1B show an example of a system 100 with a probe 110 that can use light-emitting marks for temperature monitoring in the system 100. In one example, the system 100 can include the probe 110, a camera 112, a light source 114, and a laser fiber 116. In the system 100, the camera 112, the light source 114, and the laser fiber 116 can extend along the length of the probe 110. FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of the system 100, and FIG. 1B shows a side schematic view of the system 100.

[0018] The probe 110 can extend between a proximal end and a distal end. The probe 110 can be sized, shaped, or configured for partial insertion into a patient, such as during surgery, for imaging and / or to provide passage for one or more therapeutic or sampling devices. The probe 110 can be involved in a variety of clinical procedures, including, for example, illumination, imaging, detection and diagnosis of one or more disease states, providing fluid delivery (e.g., saline or other formulations via fluid channels) to an anatomical region, providing passage for one or more therapeutic devices (e.g., via a working channel) for sampling or treating an anatomical region, and providing an aspiration passage for fluid collection (e.g., saline or other formulations).

[0019] The probe 110 can be coupled to an imaging and control system, such as a camera 112, a light source 114, and a laser fiber 116. The camera 112, the light source 114, and the laser fiber 116 can be used to provide imaging data to a user. The camera 112 can be a surgical camera suitable for use with the probe 110. The camera 112 can be used, for example, to monitor an anatomical view during a procedure. In some cases, the camera 112 can be constructed similarly to the Olympus Endocapsule® endoscope system. In the system 100, in some cases, the camera 112 can detect visible or invisible emissions or light of specific wavelengths, as discussed in more detail below.

[0020] The light source 114 may be a light source capable of generating electromagnetic radiation in a desired wavelength range. The light source 114 may be used to illuminate an anatomical region using a desired spectrum of light (one or more of broadband white light, narrowband imaging using preferred electromagnetic wavelengths, etc.). The light source 114 may be configured to generate visible light (e.g., from about 380 nm to about 760 nm) within the probe 110 and surrounding anatomical region. In some cases, the light source 114 may be configured to generate light of a specific wavelength to induce luminescence in one or more luminescent marks, as discussed in more detail below. Additional optical components (lens assemblies and / or prisms) for illumination and / or image signal collection may be included in the light source 114. One or more optical fibers (e.g., fiber bundles) may optically couple the illumination optics to the light source 114.

[0021] In some cases, the camera 112 and light source 114 can be mounted partially or completely within or on the probe 110, as needed. The camera 112 or light source 114 can be connected to a control system or computer, as needed. The camera 112 or light source 114 can interface with the probe 110 via a wired or wireless electrical connection. The light source 114, in conjunction with a controller or computer, can illuminate the anatomical region as appropriate, and the camera 112 can collect signals representative of the anatomical region. The controller can process the collected signals representative of the anatomical region and display an image representative of the anatomical region on a display. Such a controller can be connected to the probe 110 (e.g., via an endoscope connector) for signal transmission (e.g., light output from the light source, video signals from a distal imaging system, etc.).

[0022] Laser fiber 116 can include a single laser fiber or a bundle of laser fibers extending along probe 110, such as within the lumen of probe 110 or along the side of probe 110. Laser fiber 116 can be any suitable surgical laser, such as, for example, a carbon dioxide laser (e.g., having a wavelength of about 9,000 nm to about 11,000 nm), a diode laser (e.g., having a wavelength in the range of about 800 nm to about 1,100 nm), or an erbium laser (e.g., having a wavelength in the range of about 2,500 nm to about 3,000 nm). In some cases, laser fiber 116 can be used for surgical treatment.

[0023] System 100 can be used, for example, for surgical treatment of tissue, such as with a laser. During treatment, a surgeon (or other user) may want to monitor the temperature of the anatomical site being treated. Monitoring the temperature can help protect against necrosis and other problems that extreme temperatures or large temperature changes can cause. As described and discussed with reference to FIGS. 2-4, luminescent marks can be used with such endoscopes or probes to assist in monitoring the temperature during use.

[0024] In such systems, the optical response signal from the light-emitting probe can be collected via a surgical fiber or probe camera, and the resulting electrical signal can be analyzed by a signal processing circuit, which may include a calibrated response signal temperature analyzer. Figures 2-4 show examples of temperature measurement systems in the form of small light-emitting marks placed within the surgical probe or laser fiber. The light emission of the light-emitting marks shown in Figures 2-4 can be activated in different ways depending on the light-emitting type selected.

[0025] 2 and 3, examples of luminous marks on a laser fiber of a medical probe system are shown. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary surgical system 200. In one example, system 200 can include a probe 210, a camera 212, a light source 214, a laser fiber 216, luminous marks 220, and a feedback analyzer 230. The components of system 200 are similar to the corresponding components discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B above, unless otherwise specified, and can be connected in a similar manner.

[0026] In system 200, camera 212, light source 214, and laser fiber 216 can extend at least partially within probe 210. Light-emitting mark 220 can be located on laser fiber 216. In use, laser fiber 216 can receive energy from light source 214, and light-emitting mark 220 can receive energy from light source 214. Camera 212 can capture the generated light emission, which can be correlated with the temperature of system 200.

[0027] Similar to system 100 described above, light source 214 can be, for example, a visible light source that illuminates the tissue and enables a camera image in addition to activating luminescent mark 220. Camera 212 can capture the luminescent light and the visible image. The generated luminescent light can be processed by signal processing circuitry, such as by comparing it to a predetermined luminescent light versus temperature relationship to determine the temperature of the tissue. In some examples, light from the luminescent mark can be captured from the laser fiber itself.

[0028] The light-emitting mark 220 may be one or more pieces of light-emitting material on or around the probe 210. The light-emitting mark 220 may be a single mark or multiple marks. In the system 200, the light-emitting mark 220 shown may be located on the laser fiber 216. The light-emitting mark 220 may be located in any portion of the surgical system 200, such as, for example, the endoscope surface, the fiber core, the cladding, the buffer, or the jacket. In some cases, in the system 200, the light-emitting mark 220 may be located on the laser fiber 216, or may be located in the fiber core or cladding, on the end of the scope, near the entrance to the aspiration lumen, elsewhere in the probe 210, or a combination thereof. The placement of the light-emitting mark may be selected to enable better temperature distribution determination throughout the system 200. For example, the average temperature may be monitored throughout the system 200 where light-emitting marks are located on the laser fiber 216 and on the body of the probe 210. In some cases, the maximum temperature may be obtained from a collection of marks.

[0029] The luminescent marks can include one or more of the following, among other types and arrangements: crystalline phosphor ceramics, organic components, an arrangement of one or more quantum dots (e.g., in a binder), nanostructures. The luminescent marks can each be on the order of about 100 microns in diameter.

[0030] Depending on the particular material of the luminescent mark 220, various types of luminescence can be used to measure and control the temperature within the probe. For example, photoluminescence is the emission of light as a result of the absorption of photons, including fluorescence, which has a typical lifetime of nanoseconds and microseconds, and phosphorescence, where light is emitted over a period of milliseconds to hours.

[0031] In addition to photoluminescence, other types of luminescence can be used, such as thermoluminescence and thermoluminescence. Thermoluminescence can occur when a solid, such as a crystal, stores incident light energy and then glows in the visible spectrum when heated. That is, thermoluminescent materials can heat and cool depending on the temperature of the tissue. Thermoluminescent materials may also contain materials such as storage phosphors or electron trapping materials, where a pulse of infrared light can release the stored energy in the form of visible light, with the intensity of the light varying with temperature.

[0032] Thermoluminescence, also known as thermostimulated luminescence, refers to the process by which a solid, usually in crystalline form, emits light while being heated after excitation. When such a crystal is irradiated, some of the absorbed energy is stored within the lattice and can later be recovered in the form of visible light emission as the material heats up. The intensity of the emitted light generally consists of one or more glow peaks.

[0033] In one example, storage phosphors or electron trapping materials can be used as luminescent markers. Electron traps or photostimulable phosphors, also known as storage phosphors, are compounds that can absorb and store energy from visible light or X-rays. They can then be stimulated to release the energy in the form of visible light. The radiation intensity of storage phosphors is sensitive to environmental temperature. Optical stimulation can be performed on the probe by a visible light source or near-infrared signals.

[0034] In a further example, long-delay (e.g., persistent) phosphors such as SAO, CaS, SAO25, LAO, CAO, and YOS can be used. In this case, the decay time of the luminescent material can be monitored. For example, a short burst of light at a certain wavelength (e.g., blue light lasting approximately a few milliseconds) can be generated as excitation energy from a laser or visible light source. Therefore, the "certain wavelength" can be selected based on the material used as the luminescent mark. For example, blue light can be used to excite the photoluminescence of certain materials, such as crystals or quantum dots that respond to blue light wavelengths, resulting in luminescence. Based on how the luminescent mark is excited, the decaying emission can be monitored, and the temperature at that location can then be determined. In this way, the backreflection signal can indicate how the luminescence decays, thereby providing an indication of the temperature at the mark. The decay time of the luminescence can be useful for checking the temperature. The decay is temperature-dependent. Depending on various factors, the decay may only last a few milliseconds (if the pulse is several milliseconds long).

[0035] Based on the particular surgical instrument being used, the procedure being performed, or the anatomical area being treated, the surgeon may wish to monitor a particular temperature range while using the system 200. In this case, a luminescent mark can be used that produces an emission that correlates with this temperature range.

[0036] In one example, a luminescent mark can be used that is continuously excited with a visible light source, where the luminescent color and wavelength intensity may change based on ambient temperature.

[0037] In one example, depending on the material properties of the material used in the luminescent mark, phosphor thermometry can be used to measure temperatures over a wide range, such as from 0° C. up to 1400° C. Phosphor thermometry techniques can be particularly advantageous in applications where it is difficult to measure temperature using conventional techniques.

[0038] During operation, light from the light source 214 can be directed at the luminescent mark 220 to generate a specific emission. The generated emission can be monitored to determine temperature changes during surgery. The wavelength of the emission can be adjusted based on the material used for the luminescent mark, so that specific temperature information can be gathered.

[0039] The light emitted from the luminescent mark (whether entering the laser fiber directly through the side or end, reflecting off tissue, or elsewhere) can be configured, based on the luminescent material, to not interfere with other light from the light source, such as that used for surgical viewing of tissue. In one example, light from the light source 214 reflected from the target tissue during surgery can be used to determine the presence of kidney stones or the composition of the tissue, or simply to view the surgical field. The light reflection from the target tissue, such as a kidney stone, can be a reflection of visible light from the light source with a wavelength of approximately 380 nm to 700 nm.

[0040] In this case, the luminescent mark can be made to emit or glow in a non-interfering range, such as about 800 nanometers (nm). Thus, light from the luminescent mark and any other reflected light from the medical procedure can both use the same conduit and return light without interfering. Thus, the camera 212 can pick up and distinguish between both types of light. In some examples, time-division multiplexing can be utilized to analyze the reflected light sequentially.

[0041] In some cases, the light from the luminescent mark may overlap in wavelength with other procedure-related light. In this case, the luminescent mark can be configured to have a desired wavelength range. For example, the emitted wavelength can cover a broad range, such as from about 750 nm to about 900 nm. In some cases, a narrow emission from the luminescent mark can be monitored to detect a peak at a specific wavelength relative to other visible light within that range.

[0042] In the case of a medical device, a desired temperature can be determined before or at the start of a procedure, and the wavelength from the luminescent markings can be read to determine the wavelength at a certain temperature. In one example, the temperature correlated with each luminescent marking at a given color or frequency can be empirically determined to create a table or database. Thus, later during a procedure, the wavelength or color of the received luminescent markings can be compared to the empirically determined table or database to determine the temperature at a timestamp during the procedure.

[0043] In some cases, a single crystal luminescent mark (or a single luminescent material or component) can be used. In some cases, a mixture of two or more luminescent materials can be used, where each material may have a different temperature dependency. In this case, a mixture of multiple luminescent materials can be used, each with a different temperature dependency. The change in emission color can be detected based on relative temperature quenching.

[0044] For example, a mixture of luminescent materials can be used. The materials have different temperature quenching of their emission, and the emission intensity of each individual component depends differently on the ambient temperature. The total emission spectrum of the mixture can include a combination of the specific spectra of each material present in the mixture. Due to the differences in the temperature quenching of the emission intensity of each material, the total emission spectrum and color of the mixture can depend on the ambient temperature. The change in the emission spectrum correlating with the ambient temperature can be measured with a spectrometer and analyzed with a spectrum analyzer based on pre-calibration data of the spectral shape versus temperature. This can be a multi-color implementation of the technique based on the intensity ratio of the emission from different distinct spectra.

[0045] An example of a temperature detection method based on the analysis of the intensity ratio of two or more separate emission spectra (emission lines) associated with different activators within one host material; a change in temperature is reflected in a change in the phosphorescence spectrum. For example, Ln 3+ Oxysulfide materials multi-doped with (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb) exhibit several distinct emission lines related to different activators, each with a different temperature dependence.

[0046] In another example, two luminescent marks, one for blue light and one for red light, can be used. This can be created using a mixture of two different materials, each dependent on ambient temperature differently. At a first temperature, such as 20°C, a first combination of intensities becomes detectable. At a second temperature, such as 50°C, a second combination of intensities becomes detectable. A change in emission color can be detected between the two temperatures based on temperature quenching (e.g., a decrease in emission). The intensity can be temperature dependent. Such a mixture can include two or more different crystallized materials, each with different emission wavelengths and colors.

[0047] Mixing luminescent materials can produce emissions of different wavelengths. The intensity of the emission depends on the mixture. In one example, one material can emit green light, while another emits red light. In some cases, the emission is narrow enough that the emission lines are separated. In other cases, the green emission can be strongly temperature-dependent. For example, a 10-degree drop in temperature can cause the green emission to decrease somewhat, about 10%. However, red light may not be as sensitive as green light; the same 10-degree drop might only decrease the red light by 1% or 2%. In this case, the red light is not decreasing as fast as the green light, resulting in a more red-dominated signal. In this way, mixing two or more materials can provide an indication of temperature.

[0048] In a mixture of luminescent marking materials, it may be useful to utilize one component that is more temperature sensitive (e.g., decays faster based on temperature) and one component that is relatively more stable. This allows for a distinct change in light color as temperature changes. The color can be compared to previously detected colors, and color-to-temperature dependency data can be collected. Empirical data can be collected to correlate color with actual temperature.

[0049] Illuminating marks such as luminescent mark 220 can be used in combination with signal processing devices such as spectrometers and feedback analyzers, as discussed below with reference to FIGS.

[0050] 3 shows a surgical system 300 that may include a probe 310, a camera 312, a light source 314, a laser fiber 316, a light-emitting mark 320, and a feedback analyzer 330. The components of system 300 may be similar to, and connected in a similar manner to, the corresponding components discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B above, unless otherwise specified.

[0051] In system 300, camera 312, light source 314, and laser fiber 316 can extend at least partially within probe 310. Light-emitting mark 320 can be located on laser fiber 316. In use, laser fiber 316 can receive energy from light source 314, and light-emitting mark 320 can receive energy from light source 314. Camera 312 can capture the generated light emissions, which can be correlated with the temperature of system 300 using feedback analyzer 330.

[0052] Similar to system 100 described above, light source 314 can be, for example, a visible light source that illuminates the tissue and enables a camera image in addition to activating luminescent marks 320. Camera 312 can capture the luminescent light and the visible image. The generated luminescent light can be processed by signal processing circuitry within feedback analyzer 330, such as by comparing it to a predetermined luminescent vs. temperature relationship to determine the temperature of the tissue. In some examples, light from the luminescent marks can be captured from the laser fiber itself.

[0053] The feedback analyzer 330 can be coupled to one or more components of the system 300 to receive signals indicative of luminous activity from the luminous mark 320. For example, the feedback analyzer 330 can be coupled to the camera 312, which can capture one or more optical signals of the luminescence and communicate them to the feedback analyzer. In some cases, the feedback analyzer 330 can be coupled to the laser fiber 316 to receive indications of the luminescence interacting with the laser fiber 316.

[0054] The feedback analyzer 330 may include a controller. Such a controller may be a programmable controller, such as a single-board or multi-board computer, a direct digital controller (DDC), a programmable logic controller (PLC), etc. In other examples, the controller may be any computing device, such as a handheld computer, e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop computer, or any other computing device that includes a processor, memory, and communication capabilities.

[0055] The feedback analyzer 330 may further include a user interface. The user interface may be any display and / or input device. For example, in one example, the user interface may be a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. In another example, the user interface may be a touchscreen display. In yet another example, the user interface may provide lights, buttons, and / or switches. The controller and user interface may include machine-readable media. The term “machine-readable medium” may include any medium that can store, encode, or carry instructions for execution by a device, causing the device to perform any one or more of the techniques of this disclosure, or any medium that can store, encode, or carry data structures used by or related to such instructions. Non-limiting examples of machine-readable media may include solid-state memory, optical media, and magnetic media. Specific examples of machine-readable media may include non-volatile memory such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0056] In system 300, the detected luminescence signal can be analyzed and processed by feedback analyzer 330 to determine temperature, for example, by detecting or monitoring a parameter of the luminescence itself or by determining the likelihood of the monitored luminescence. The detected luminescence can be compared to stored information relating luminescence to temperature, such as correlating luminescence with temperature. The stored information relating luminescence to temperature can take various forms, such as a lookup table, an approximation function, or other data.

[0057] Alternatively, the processor may receive the luminescence data, generate a suitable curve or chart comparing luminescence to temperature, and compare the generated luminescence-temperature curve to the entire library of luminescence-temperature curves or a subset of luminescence-temperature curves. In some cases, a desired threshold of temperature change may be determined and compared to the generated luminescence.

[0058] In either case, the processor's decision is communicated to the user. In some cases, the temperature verification can be communicated through a user interface. In other cases, the verification can be communicated to the user via a small light, such as an LED light on the console. In other cases, the verification can be communicated to the user via a sound or tone.

[0059] 4 illustrates a surgical system 400 that may include a probe 410, a camera 412, a light source 414, a laser fiber 416, a light emitting mark 420, a spectrometer 425, and a feedback analyzer 430. The components of system 400 may be similar to, and connected in a similar manner to, the corresponding components discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B above, unless otherwise specified.

[0060] In system 400, camera 412, light source 414, and laser fiber 416 can extend at least partially within probe 410. Light-emitting markings 420 can be located on the end of probe 410. This arrangement allows for light and temperature detection.

[0061] In use, the laser fiber 416 can be energized by the light source 414, and the luminescent mark 420 can be energized by the light source 414. The camera 412 can capture the generated luminescence, which can be correlated with the temperature of the system 400 through the use of the feedback analyzer 430 and spectrometer 425.

[0062] Similar to system 100 described above, light source 414 can be, for example, a visible light source that illuminates the tissue and enables a camera image in addition to activating luminescent mark 420. Camera 412 can capture the luminescent light and the visible image. The optical signal from the generated luminescent light can be sent to spectrometer 425 and processed. This can be further processed by signal processing circuitry within feedback analyzer 430, such as by comparing it to a predetermined luminescent light versus temperature relationship to determine the temperature of the tissue. In some examples, light from the luminescent mark can be captured from the laser fiber itself.

[0063] The spectrometer 425 can be used to separate and measure the spectral components of the optical signal generated by the emission of the luminescent mark 420. The spectrometer can, for example, measure a continuous variable of the luminescence where the incoming spectral components are mixed. The spectrometer 425 can, for example, pick up and detect the wavelength of the luminescence that occurs over time. In some cases, this can be used to create a graph of luminescence versus time. Such data can be passed to the feedback analyzer 430 to determine changes in temperature.

[0064] <Various annotations and examples> Each of these non-limiting examples can exist alone or can be combined with one or more other examples in various permutations or combinations.

[0065] Example 1 is a medical device that includes a medical probe including a distal portion configured to be at least partially inserted into a patient, and one or more luminescent marks located on the distal portion of the probe and having luminescent properties that correlate to temperature when irradiated, providing an indication of temperature at an internal site of the patient.

[0066] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes a light source for providing light to one or more luminous marks.

[0067] In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally includes a sensor for detecting a luminescent response signal from one or more luminescent marks.

[0068] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 optionally includes wherein the sensor includes at least one of a camera or a spectrometer.

[0069] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 3-4 optionally includes a signal analyzer coupled to the sensor for analyzing the detected luminescent response and generating a resulting indication of temperature at the internal site based at least in part on the analysis and luminescent characteristics associated with the one or more luminescent marks.

[0070] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally includes a laser system having a controller and a laser fiber for treating a target at an internal site of a patient.

[0071] In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 optionally includes one or more luminescent marks located at a distal portion of the laser fiber.

[0072] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 6-7 optionally includes wherein the controller is configured to adjust at least one setting of the laser system based at least in part on the indication of temperature at the internal site.

[0073] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 6-8 optionally includes one or more luminescent marks located in an optical core, cladding layer, buffer layer, and / or jacket layer of the laser fiber.

[0074] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally includes one or more luminescent marks located on an end of the medical probe.

[0075] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally includes at least one of the one or more luminescent marks comprising a crystalline piece, a crystalline material, a polycrystalline material, an organic component, an array of quantum dots, or a combination thereof.

[0076] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-11 optionally includes at least one of the one or more luminescent marks comprising a crystalline phosphor ceramic, an organic component, a quantum dot, a nanostructure, or a combination thereof.

[0077] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 3-12 optionally includes wherein the detected luminescent response signal includes photoluminescence, thermoluminescence, thermoluminescence, or a combination thereof.

[0078] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-13 optionally includes nm or less.

[0079] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-14 optionally includes a feedback analyzer coupled to the sensor, the feedback analyzer including signal processing circuitry.

[0080] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 optionally includes a controller configured to interpret the luminescence signal.

[0081] Example 17 is a method for monitoring temperature near a target, comprising inducing emission of light in one or more luminescent marks located near the target, the luminescent marks having luminescent characteristics correlated to temperature; detecting the induced emission; and determining the temperature of the target based at least in part on the detected emission and the luminescent characteristics associated with the one or more luminescent marks.

[0082] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 optionally includes wherein determining the temperature of the target includes correlating the detected luminescence with temperature based on a lookup table.

[0083] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 17-18 optionally includes wherein the luminescence detected includes photoluminescence, thermoluminescence, thermoluminescence, or a combination thereof.

[0084] In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 17-19 optionally includes adjusting at least one setting associated with the treatment device based at least in part on the determined temperature.

[0085] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Furthermore, the inventors also contemplate examples that use any combination or permutation of the shown or described elements (or one or more aspects thereof) with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein, or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof).

[0086] In the event of a conflict in usage between this document and any other document incorporated by reference, the usage in this document shall prevail.

[0087] In this document, as is common in patent documents, the terms "a" or "an" are used to include one or more than one, independent of other instances or uses of "at least one" or "one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a non-exclusive "or," such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, i.e., systems, apparatus, articles, compositions, formulations, or processes that include elements in addition to the elements recited after such terms in a claim are still deemed to be within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0088] The example methods described herein can be at least partially machine- or computer-implemented. Some examples include a computer-readable or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform the methods described in the examples above. Such method implementations can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, high-level language code, etc. Such code can include computer-readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form part of a computer program product. Furthermore, in one example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc.

[0089] The above description is illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may also be utilized by those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be construed as intending that any unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. a medical probe including a distal portion configured for at least partial insertion into a patient; and one or more luminescent markings located on a distal portion of said probe, said markings having luminescent properties that correlate to temperature when irradiated to provide an indication of temperature at an internal site of a patient.

2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a light source for providing light to the one or more luminous marks.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sensor for detecting a luminescent response signal from the one or more luminescent marks.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a camera or a spectrometer.

5. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a signal analyzer coupled to the sensor for analyzing the detected luminescent response and generating a resulting indication of temperature at the internal site based at least in part on the analysis and luminescent characteristics associated with the one or more luminescent marks.

6. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a laser system having a controller and a laser fiber for treating a target at an internal site of the patient.

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the one or more luminescent marks are located at a distal portion of the laser fiber.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust at least one setting of the laser system based at least in part on an indication of temperature at the internal site.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the one or more luminescent marks are located in an optical core, cladding, buffer and / or jacket layer of the laser fiber.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more luminescent marks are located on an end of the medical probe.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more luminescent marks comprises a crystalline piece, a crystalline material, a polycrystalline material, an organic component, an array of quantum dots, or a combination thereof.

12. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more luminescent marks comprises a crystalline phosphor ceramic, an organic component, a quantum dot, a nanostructure, or a combination thereof.

13. The instrument of claim 3 , wherein the luminescent response signal detected comprises photoluminescence, thermoluminescence, thermoluminescence, or a combination thereof.

14. The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more luminescent marks has a diameter of about 100 nm or less.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a feedback analyzer coupled to the sensor, the feedback analyzer comprising signal processing circuitry.

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