Shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source

Abstract

A shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source is disclosed. The treatment device may include a laser light source that generates a laser, a handpiece that outputs the laser or shock waves to the outside, and a cable that transmits the laser to the handpiece. The handpiece may include an optical system that adjusts the optical path of the laser for each predefined mode, and a shock wave generator that receives the laser from the optical system and generates shock waves. The handpiece can output a laser to the outside when the optical system is in a first mode, and output shock waves to the outside when the optical system is in a second mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technology for providing a shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source. More specifically, the present invention relates to a treatment device that can perform both High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) with a single device. [Background technology]

[0002] Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment that delivers powerful shock waves to the affected area. By promoting blood circulation and metabolism, it is known to have beneficial effects such as tendon / ligament / tissue repair, pain relief, and functional improvement. Extracorporeal shock waves are divided into focused and radial. Focused ESWT focuses shock waves on a specific area. Radial shock waves deliver shock waves to muscles, tissues, and joints. Common ESWT devices generate shock waves using electrohydraulic (EH), piezoelectric (Piezo), and electromagnetic (EM, Coil) methods. Electrohydraulic methods generate sparks using electrodes and collect the impinging waves through a reflector. Piezoelectric methods apply voltage to a parabolic array of piezoelectric elements to generate and collect shock waves. Electromagnetic or coil methods generate shock waves by applying high voltage to a coil to create a magnetic field.

[0003] On the other hand, high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is a treatment that uses high-intensity light (laser). The laser penetrates the body and transmits energy, which is known to have effects such as improving blood circulation, tissue repair, and muscle fiber repair. It is known that sequentially performing HILT using a laser and ESWT using shock waves can have a synergistic therapeutic effect, and in orthopedics and other settings, ESWT is performed after HILT.

[0004] For this reason, orthopedic surgeons and other medical institutions have traditionally used separate HILT and ESWT devices. This is because the high-intensity laser used in HILT and the shock waves used in ESWT are typically generated using different elements. While HILT devices focus on high-intensity laser output and optical elements, ESWT devices focus on shock wave output and piezoelectric elements or coils. Combining separate optical and piezoelectric elements or coils can result in excessive power consumption. Furthermore, both the laser light source that generates the high-intensity laser and the piezoelectric elements or coils that generate the shock waves are electromagnetic devices. They emit electric and magnetic fields during operation and can be affected by external electric and magnetic fields. Therefore, if the laser source and shock wave source are forcibly placed in a confined space without shielding, the sources may be affected by each other's electric and magnetic fields, resulting in slight variations in output. This can be a fatal flaw for medical devices where stability is crucial. Additionally, handpieces containing piezoelectric elements or coils are generally large and heavy, and the addition of optical components can make them unduly uncomfortable to use.

[0005] As background art related to the embodiments, Korean Patent Publication KR10-2377259B1 discloses a piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave and laser combined generator and a combined treatment device including the same. Specifically, the piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave and laser combined generator according to the prior document may include a handle, a head unit connected to one end of the handle and having a piezoelectric element disposed therein, a piezo applicator detachably attached to the front of the head unit, a laser module disposed in the handle, and an optical fiber disposed between the laser module and the head unit.

[0006] Korean Patent Publication KR10-0792513B1 discloses an extracorporeal shock wave therapy device. Specifically, the extracorporeal shock wave therapy device in the prior art document relates to an extracorporeal shock wave therapy device that can simultaneously perform extracorporeal shock wave therapy, light irradiation therapy, and low-frequency therapy. More specifically, a light emitting unit that emits light from a light source is attached to the outer edge of a housing, and an electrically conductive member that generates low-frequency waves by electrically contacting a pad attached to the affected area is attached to the front of a shock wave transmitter, thereby enabling light irradiation therapy and low-frequency therapy to be performed simultaneously with physical extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

[0007] However, the prior art documents do not disclose, suggest, or imply a device capable of generating shock waves using a laser light source. Furthermore, the prior art documents do not disclose, suggest, or imply a device capable of performing both laser therapy and shock wave therapy, and whose size and weight can be reduced by unifying the energy source for generating a high-intensity laser and shock waves into a laser light source. Furthermore, the prior art documents do not disclose, suggest, or imply a device that can perform laser therapy and shock wave therapy sequentially, rather than simultaneously, using only one device.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to realize a technology that solves the technical problems that are not disclosed, suggested, or implied in the above prior art documents. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Embodiments seek to provide a device capable of generating shock waves using a laser light source.

[0010] The embodiments aim to provide a device that can perform both laser treatment and shock wave treatment, while reducing the size and weight of the device, by unifying the energy source that generates the high-intensity laser and shock waves into a laser light source.

[0011] The embodiment aims to provide a device that can perform laser treatment and shock wave treatment in separate modes, rather than simultaneously, using only one device.

[0012] The embodiments also aim to provide a shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source to solve the problems described in the background art and the problems in the technical field clarified in this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source according to one embodiment includes a laser light source that generates a laser, a handpiece that outputs the laser or shock waves to the outside, and a cable that transmits the laser to the handpiece. The handpiece includes an optical system that adjusts the optical path of the laser according to predefined modes, and a shock wave generating unit that receives the laser from the optical system and generates shock waves. The handpiece can output a laser to the outside when the optical system is in a first mode, and output shock waves to the outside when the optical system is in a second mode.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the optical system includes a common optical path, a first optical path, a first mirror, a first lens, a second optical path, a second mirror, and a second lens, the common optical path and the first optical path being positioned coaxially, the first mirror being positioned between the common optical path and the first optical path, the first lens being positioned at one end of the first optical path, the second optical path being positioned parallel to the first optical path, the second mirror being positioned such that when the optical system is in a second mode, light reflected from the first mirror enters the second optical path, and the second lens may be positioned at one end of the second optical path.

[0015] According to one embodiment, when the optical system is in the first mode, the first mirror is positioned so that the laser from the common optical path enters the first optical path but does not enter the second mirror, and the laser may be output from the handpiece through the first lens.

[0016] According to one embodiment, when the optical system is in the second mode, the first mirror is positioned so that the laser from the common optical path is incident on the second mirror but does not enter the first optical path, and the laser may enter the shock wave generator via the second lens.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the shock wave generating unit includes a medium in which bubbles are generated by the transmission of laser energy and shock waves are generated when the bubbles are generated or burst, a shock wave reflecting surface made of a material that reflects shock waves, and a membrane made of a material that allows shock waves to pass through, and the shock wave reflecting surface and the membrane may form a closed space to confine the medium.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the shock wave reflecting surface may include an ellipsoid having a first focus and a second focus, the first focus being located within the medium and the second focus being located outside the handpiece.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the shock wave reflecting surface may include a hyperbolic surface having a first focus and a second focus, the first focus being located within the medium and the second focus being located inside the hand piece outside the medium.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the film may comprise a polarizing material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] Embodiments may provide a device capable of generating shock waves using a laser light source.

[0022] The embodiment can provide a device that can perform both laser treatment and shock wave treatment, but can reduce the size and weight by unifying the energy source that generates the high-intensity laser and shock waves into a laser light source.

[0023] The embodiment can provide a device that can perform laser treatment and shock wave treatment in sequence rather than simultaneously, while using only one device.

[0024] On the other hand, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to those listed above, and other effects not listed will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a treatment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a handpiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a handpiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a handpiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an optical system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is another diagram for explaining the optical system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a shock wave generating unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is another diagram for explaining the shock wave generating unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a membrane according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, since various modifications can be made to the embodiments, the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by such embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives to the embodiments are included in the scope of the patent application.

[0027] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and can be modified and implemented in various forms. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes any modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the technical spirit.

[0028] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, these terms should be construed only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be termed a second component, and similarly, a second component may be termed a first component.

[0029] When a component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may also be other components between them.

[0030] The terms used in the embodiments are used merely for the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting. The singular term includes the plural term unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be understood that in this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" can be used to easily describe the relationship of one component to another, as illustrated. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of components in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown. For example, if the components shown are turned over, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component can be placed "above" the other component. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of below and above. Components can be oriented in other directions, thereby allowing spatially relative terms to be interpreted in terms of orientation.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0033] In addition, when describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components regardless of the reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technology unnecessarily obscures the gist of the embodiments, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0035] The treatment device 100 may include a power supply unit 110, an input / output unit 120, a laser light source 130, a cable 140, a handpiece 150, etc. The treatment device 100 may also include components included in a typical extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) device or a high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) device. The treatment device 100 can be used in orthopedic surgery and the like to treat calcific or non-calcific tendonitis, lateral epicondylitis or medial epicondylitis of the elbow joint, patellar tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, proximal plantar fasciitis, and shoulder pain, elbow pain, knee pain, ankle pain, other joint pain, neuralgia, muscle pain, and the like, but is not limited to these.

[0036] The power supply unit 110 may be a power supply unit used in a typical extracorporeal shock wave therapy device or a high-intensity laser therapy device. The input / output unit 120 may be a typical touch screen or the like, and may include other input means such as buttons, switches, and speakers, and output means such as audio and an auxiliary monitor.

[0037] The laser light source 130 can generate a laser. To this end, the laser light source 130 may include a laser emitting element, a control unit, a pulse width adjustment unit, etc. The laser emitting element of the laser light source 130 emits a seed laser. The laser emitting element may be Nd:YAG (1064 nm), Ho:YAG (2100 nm), Er:YAG (2.9 μm), Ruby (694 nm), Alexandrite (755 nm), CO2 (10.6 μm), frequency-doubled YAG (532 nm), etc. (The numbers in parentheses indicate the center wavelength.) Alternatively, it may be an optical fiber laser such as an Er fiber laser (1.5 μm) or a Yb fiber laser (1.0 μm) (The numbers in parentheses indicate the center wavelength.) The laser emitting element of the laser light source 130 is not limited to the above examples, and a laser emitting element suitable for the purpose may be used depending on the embodiment.

[0038] The laser light source 130 can generate laser pulses. The laser light source 130 can generate laser pulses by a method using Q-switching, a method using on / off control, a method using optical interference, a method using an external modulator such as an AOM (acousti optic modulator) or an EOM (elasto optic modulator), a method using a pulse picker, or the like. The laser pulse generation method of the laser light source 130 is not limited to the above examples, and a laser pulse generation method suitable for the purpose can be adopted depending on the embodiment.

[0039] The pulses generated by the laser light source 130 can have a pulse width that can be varied from 100 picoseconds (ps) to several tens of milliseconds (ms). The width of the laser pulses generated by the laser light source 130 can be varied in real time by a pulse width adjusting unit in response to an input signal from a control unit. The laser light source 130 can generate a single or multiple laser pulses in the above manner. For example, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser generated by the laser light source 130 may have a wavelength of 1064 nm, an energy of 35 mJ, and a pulse duration of 10 ns. The configuration of the laser light source 130 is not limited to the above embodiment, and the detailed configuration of the laser light source 130 can vary depending on the intended use.

[0040] The cable 140 can transmit the laser generated from the laser light source 130 to the handpiece 150. For this purpose, the cable 140 may include an optical fiber. The cable 140 can also supply electricity from the power supply unit 110 to the handpiece 150. For this purpose, the cable 140 may include a conductive wire. The length of the cable 140 can be adjusted for ease of use. The cable 140 may be structured to be supported by a stand of the treatment device 100, but is not limited to this.

[0041] The handpiece 150 may receive a laser from the cable 140. The handpiece 150 can then output a laser or shock waves to the outside. A detailed description of the handpiece 150 will be provided later with reference to the drawings.

[0042] 2a to 2c are diagrams illustrating a handpiece according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a handpiece according to one embodiment.

[0044] The handpiece 150 may include a handpiece body 210, a switch 220, an output section 230, and the like.

[0045] A user can grasp the handpiece body 210 and irradiate the patient's affected area with a laser or shock waves. The handpiece body 210 can be smaller and lighter than handpieces for conventional ESWT devices. Conventional ESWT handpieces generate shock waves using an electrical or magnetic system and include a piezoelectric element, coil, and other components. Therefore, conventional ESWT handpieces are larger and heavier than conventional HILT handpieces, which require only optical elements. Therefore, ESWT devices are generally less user-friendly than HILT devices. However, because the handpiece 150 according to one embodiment generates shock waves using a laser rather than an electrical or magnetic system, the volume and weight of the handpiece body 210 can be comparable to those of conventional HILT handpieces. This improves user-friendliness.

[0046] The switch 220 can change the mode of the optical system 240, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 2c. The mode of the optical system 240 can be changed by a user operating the switch 220. For example, the switch 220 may be in a form that can be pressed like a button. When the user presses the switch 220 once, the optical system 240 enters a first mode. The first mode may be a HILT mode (high intensity laser therapy mode). When the optical system 240 is in the first mode, the handpiece 150 can output a laser to the outside. When the user presses the switch 220 again, the optical system 240 enters a second mode. The second mode may be an ESWT mode (extracorporeal shock wave therapy mode). When the optical system 240 is in the second mode, the handpiece 150 can output shock waves to the outside. Meanwhile, as long as the switch 220 can change the mode of the optical system 240, there are no particular limitations on the position, shape, operation method, etc. of the switch 220.

[0047] The output unit 230 may include a first output unit 231 and a second output unit 232. The first output unit 231 may output a laser. The second output unit 232 may output a shock wave. The output unit 230 is not limited to the illustrated form and may have various configurations as long as the laser and the shock wave are output separately.

[0048] FIG. 2b is a view illustrating an example of use of a handpiece according to one embodiment.

[0049] The handpiece 150 may receive a laser beam via the cable 140. The handpiece 150 can then output a laser beam or shock waves to the outside. A user can hold the handpiece body 210 and irradiate the affected area 200 with the laser beam or shock waves. When the optical system 240 is in the first mode, a HILT treatment can be performed on the patient. When the optical system 240 is in the second mode, an ESWT treatment can be performed on the patient.

[0050] The treatment device 100 can perform both HILT and ESWT using a single device because it uses only the laser light source 130 to generate the laser and shock waves. Also, the handpiece 150 can be smaller and lighter than the handpiece of a typical ESWT device.

[0051] HILT is a treatment method using light (laser), which penetrates the body and transmits energy, known to have effects such as improving blood circulation, tissue repair, and muscle fiber repair. ESWT applies powerful shock waves to the affected area to promote blood circulation and metabolism, which is known to have effects such as muscle / ligament / tissue repair, pain relief, and functional improvement. Sequentially performing HILT using laser and ESWT using shock waves is known to have a synergistic therapeutic effect, and in orthopedics and other settings, ESWT is performed after HILT.

[0052] For this reason, orthopedic surgeons and other departments have traditionally equipped themselves with both HILT and ESWT devices. While HILT devices are focused on high-intensity laser output and their core components are comprised of optical elements, ESWT devices are focused on shock wave output and their core components are comprised of piezoelectric elements or coils. Combining optical elements with piezoelectric elements or coils can result in excessive power consumption. Furthermore, interference between the laser light source and the energy source of the piezoelectric elements or coils can occur, reducing operational stability and even posing a risk. Furthermore, handpieces containing piezoelectric elements or coils are typically large and heavy, and adding an optical component can make them excessively uncomfortable to use.

[0053] However, the treatment device 100 according to one embodiment can generate both a high-intensity laser and extracorporeal shock waves from the laser light source 130. Therefore, a means for performing HILT and ESWT can be configured in a single device. The treatment device 100 can be switched from HILT mode to ESWT mode (or vice versa) by simply operating the switch 220. Since sequential treatments of HILT and ESWT can be performed with a single device, the convenience of users of the treatment device 100 can be improved. Furthermore, while orthopedics and other departments previously had to purchase separate HILT and ESWT devices, the treatment device 100 can perform both HILT and ESWT by purchasing a single device, thereby improving the economic benefits for hospitals.

[0054] FIG. 2c is a conceptual diagram of the internal appearance of a handpiece according to one embodiment.

[0055] The handpiece 150 may include an optical system 240 and a shock wave generator 250. The laser may enter the handpiece 150 via the cable 140 and then be output to the outside via the optical system 240, or may be input to the shock wave generator 250 via the optical system 240.

[0056] The optical system 240 can adjust the optical path of the laser according to a predefined mode. When the optical system 240 is in the first mode, the handpiece 150 can output the laser to the outside. The laser may be output to the outside via the first output unit 231.

[0057] Furthermore, when the optical system 240 is in the second mode, the handpiece 150 can output shock waves to the outside. The shock wave generating unit 250 can receive a laser beam from the optical system 240 and generate shock waves. The shock waves may be output to the outside via the second output unit 232.

[0058] The optical system 240 and the shock wave generating unit 250 will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an optical system according to an embodiment.

[0060] The optical system 240 may include a common optical path 310, a first optical path 311, a first mirror 312, a first lens 313, a second optical path 321, a second mirror 322, and a second lens 323. In addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 3, the optical system 240 may have any configuration in which the path of the laser 300 is changed according to the mode, so that the laser 300 is output to the outside in a first mode, which is the HILT mode, and the laser 300 is input to the shock wave generating unit 250 in a second mode, which is the ESWT mode.

[0061] The common optical path 310 may be a path through which the laser 300 passes in common regardless of the mode of the optical system 240. The first optical path 311 may be a path through which the laser 300 passes when the optical system 240 is in the first mode. The common optical path 310 and the first optical path 311 may be located coaxially. The first mirror 312 may be located between the common optical path 310 and the first optical path 311. The first lens 313 may be located at one end of the first optical path 311. The first lens 313 may abut the first output unit 231 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. The laser 300 that passes through the first lens 313 may be output to the outside. The first lens 313 may be a convex lens and may be adopted in different ways depending on the embodiment.

[0062] The second optical path 321 may be positioned parallel to the first optical path 311. The second mirror 322 may be positioned such that the laser 300 reflected from the first mirror 312 enters the second optical path 321 when the optical system 240 is in the second mode. The second lens 323 may be positioned at one end of the second optical path 321. The second lens 323 may be in contact with the shock wave generating unit 250. The laser 300 that passes through the second lens 323 may enter the shock wave generating unit 250. The second lens 323 may be a convex lens and may be adopted in different ways depending on the embodiment.

[0063] The optical system 240 may include a mode changer 314 for changing from the first mode to the second mode. The mode change of the optical system can be realized by a mechanical method, a method using an optical switch such as an MEMS, fiber-based, or phase-modulating-based optical switch, or a method using polarization rotation. The mode changer 314 is not limited to the above example, and a mode changer suitable for the purpose can be adopted depending on the embodiment.

[0064] 3 and 4, for convenience of explanation, a case where the optical system 240 is provided with a mechanical mode change means 314 will be described as a representative example. Even if the optical system 240 is provided with a mode change means 314 that uses an optical switch or a polarization rotation, it will perform essentially the same function as will be described later.

[0065] 3 and 4 representatively show the case where the optical system 240 is equipped with a mechanical mode change means 314. When the optical system 240 is equipped with a mechanical mode change means 314 and the mode is changed, the mode change means 314 may be a rotating shaft, an electronic rotating device, a mechanical hinge, or the like. The mode change means 314 may be provided at one end of the first mirror 312 and may tilt the angle of the first mirror 312. The mode change means 314 can be controlled by operating the switch 220 described with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2c.

[0066] For example, when the user presses the switch 220 once, the mode change unit 314 can tilt the first mirror 312 to a preset first angle. The first angle may be an angle at which the first mirror 312 does not interfere with the laser 300 entering the first optical path 311 from the common optical path 310. This allows the optical system 240 to be in the first mode.

[0067] 3, when the optical system 240 is in the first mode, the first mirror 312 may be positioned so that the laser 300 from the common optical path 310 enters the first optical path 311 but does not enter the second mirror 322. The laser 300 may enter the first lens 313 from the common optical path 310 via the first optical path 311. The laser 300 that has passed through the first lens 313 may be output to the outside via the first output unit 231 shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c.

[0068] FIG. 4 is another diagram for explaining the optical system according to the embodiment.

[0069] Compared to Fig. 3, Fig. 4 shows the optical system 240 in the second mode. When the user presses the switch 220 again while the optical system 240 is in the first mode, the mode change unit 314 can tilt the first mirror 312 to a preset second angle. The second angle may be an angle at which the first mirror 312 reflects the laser 400 from the common optical path 310 to the second mirror 322. This allows the optical system 240 to enter the second mode.

[0070] When the optical system 240 is in the second mode, the first mirror 312 may be positioned so that the laser 400 from the common optical path 310 is incident on the second mirror 322 but does not enter the first optical path 311. The laser 400 may be incident on the first mirror 312 via the common optical path 310, and then reflected from the first mirror 312 to enter the second mirror 322. The laser 400 reflected from the second mirror 322 may enter the second lens 323 via the second optical path 321. The laser 400 passing through the second lens 323 may enter the shock wave generator 250.

[0071] The second lens 323 can focus the laser 400 to one focal point inside the shock wave generating unit 250. The focused laser 400 causes local vaporization or plasma generation in the medium inside the shock wave generating unit 250, which may result in the instantaneous generation of a bubble 410 and subsequent burst. When the bubble 410 is instantaneously generated, a shock wave may be temporarily generated inside the shock wave generating unit 250, and when the bubble 410 bursts, a shock wave may also be temporarily generated inside the shock wave generating unit 250.

[0072] The shock waves may travel straight and be reflected inside the shock wave generating unit 250 before being output to the outside. If the shock wave reflecting surface is elliptical, the shock wave path 410 may converge at an external focus. The shock wave front 420 may be formed perpendicular to the shock wave path 410. The shock wave front 420 may apply the shock waves to an affected area 421 located at the external focus.

[0073] Meanwhile, the laser 400 allows for easy adjustment of the light intensity (power), shock wave generation position (focusing point), and wavefront (can be focused to a point or line), and the state of the generated shock waves (strength, shape, duration, etc.) to be easily adjusted. Another advantage is that the power consumption of the laser 400 used to generate shock waves is not as high as that of a typical ESWT device that generates shock waves using a piezoelectric element or coil.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a shock wave generating unit according to one embodiment.

[0075] The shock wave generating unit 250 may include a medium 510, a membrane 520, a shock wave reflecting surface 530, etc. The medium 510 may generate bubbles 410 when energy is transmitted from a laser, and shock waves may be generated when the bubbles 410 are generated or burst. The membrane 520 may be made of a material that allows shock waves to pass through. The shock wave reflecting surface 530 may be made of a material that reflects shock waves. The shock wave reflecting surface 530 and the membrane 520 may form a closed space to confine the medium 510. Materials used in conventional electrohydraulic ESWT devices may be used for the medium 510, the membrane 520, and the shock wave reflecting surface 530.

[0076] The embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 can be used for focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Focused extracorporeal shock waves are a treatment method that concentrates shock waves at a specific location. To output focused extracorporeal shock waves, the shock wave reflecting surface 530 may be formed of a portion of an ellipsoid. The ellipsoid may have a first focus 531 and a second focus 532. The first focus 531 may be located within the medium. The second focus may be located outside the handpiece 150.

[0077] Specifically, the laser may be focused at the first focal point 531 via the optical system 250 described with reference to FIG. 4. The focused laser may cause local vaporization or plasma generation in the medium 510, which may result in bubbles being instantaneously generated and then bursting. When a bubble is instantaneously generated, a shock wave may be generated temporarily in the medium 510, and when the bubble 410 bursts, a shock wave may also be generated temporarily in the medium 510. As a result, the first focal point 531 may become a source from which the shock wave diverges.

[0078] The energy flux density of the shock wave generated in this way is 0.004 to 0.6 mJ / mm 2 The focal length of the shock wave may be in the range of 10 to 50 mm. However, the physical quantity of the shock wave is not limited to the above values ​​and may be selected differently depending on the embodiment.

[0079] When a wave diverging from a first focus 531 of an ellipsoid is reflected by the ellipsoid, the reflected wave has the property of converging at a second focus 532. Therefore, a shock wave 540 diverging from the first focus 531 can be reflected by a shock wave reflecting surface 530 made of an ellipsoid and then converge at a second focus 532. That is, when the shock wave reflecting surface 520 has an ellipsoidal shape, the shock wave path 540 can converge at the second focus 532. A shock wave front 541 may be formed perpendicular to the shock wave path 540. The shock wave front 540 can apply a focused extracorporeal shock wave to a localized affected area 550 located at the second focus 532.

[0080] FIG. 6 is another view for explaining the shock wave generating unit according to one embodiment.

[0081] The shock wave generating unit 250 may include a medium 610, a film 620, a shock wave reflecting surface 630, etc. of the laser 400. The materials of the medium 610, the film 620, and the shock wave reflecting surface 630 may be the same as those in FIG.

[0082] The embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6 can be used for radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Radial extracorporeal shock waves have the effect of transmitting extracorporeal shock waves throughout muscles, tissues, joints, etc. To output radial extracorporeal shock waves, the shock wave reflecting surface 630 may be a part of a hyperboloid. The hyperboloid may have a first focus 631 and a second focus 632. The first focus 631 may be located within the medium. The second focus 632 may be located in the opposite direction to the direction in which the shock waves are output to the outside. That is, the second focus 632 may be located inside the handpiece 150 outside the medium.

[0083] Specifically, the laser can be focused at a first focal point 631 via the optical system 250 described with reference to FIG. 4. The focused laser can cause local vaporization or plasma generation in the medium 610, which can result in bubbles being instantaneously generated and then bursting. When a bubble is instantaneously generated, a shock wave is generated temporarily in the medium 610, and when the bubble 410 bursts, a shock wave can also be generated temporarily in the medium 610. As a result, the first focal point 631 can be a source from which the shock wave diverges.

[0084] When a wave diverging from a first focal point 631 of a hyperboloid is reflected by the hyperboloid, the reflected wave has the property of traveling as if it were diverging from a second focal point 632. Therefore, after being reflected by a shock wave reflecting surface 630 made of a hyperboloid, the shock wave 540 diverging from the first focal point 631 can spread as if it were diverging from a second focal point 632. In other words, when the shock wave reflecting surface 620 has a hyperboloid shape, the shock wave path 640 can travel as if it were diverging from the second focal point 632. The shock wave front 641 may be formed perpendicular to the shock wave path 540. The shock wave front 540 can apply radial extracorporeal shock waves to a wide range of affected areas 650.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a membrane according to an embodiment.

[0086] The films 520 and 620 of the shock wave generating unit 250 may include a polarizing material. Specifically, the films 520 and 620 may include two polarizing plates 711 and 712 whose polarization directions are perpendicular to each other. Alternatively, the films 520 and 620 may include a pad 720 on the outer side of the two polarizing plates 711 and 712. The pad 720 may be a typical gel pad used in the handpiece output section of an ESWT device, and the thickness may vary depending on the embodiment, such as 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, or 40 mm.

[0087] When the optical system 240 is used in the second mode, ESWT mode, the laser 730 and shock waves 740 coexist inside the shock wave generation unit 250. However, to perform appropriate extracorporeal shock wave therapy, only shock waves 740 must be output from the second output unit 232. Therefore, the membranes 520 and 620 must be configured to block the laser 730 while allowing the shock waves 740 to pass through.

[0088] Specifically, the films 520 and 620 may include two polarizing plates 711 and 712 that are perpendicular to each other. Each polarizing plate 711 and 712 can block laser 730 components polarized in opposite directions. The first polarizing plate 711 may block light polarized in the y direction of the laser 730. After the laser 730 passes through the first polarizing plate 711, only light polarized in the x direction remains, reducing the intensity by half. The second polarizing plate 712 may then block light polarized in the x direction. Because the light polarized in the x direction is also blocked, the intensity of the laser 730 after the second polarizing plate 712 is negligible. On the other hand, the polarizing plates 711 and 712 do not block the shock wave 740, so the intensity of the shock wave 740 is not reduced, or if reduced, is negligible.

[0089] Through the above configuration, the films 520 and 620, which are made up of the first polarizer 711, the second polarizer 712, and the pad 720, block the output of the laser 730 but do not necessarily block the output of the shock waves 740. Therefore, when the handpiece 150 is used in the ESWT mode, the laser 740 is not output, and only the shock waves 730 are output. This allows the user to perform complete ESWT treatment on the patient without laser interference.

[0090] As described above, although the embodiments have been described using limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations thereto. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, or may be substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents, and still achieve suitable results.

[0091] Therefore, other embodiments, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are also within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. a laser light source that generates a laser; a handpiece that outputs the laser or shock wave to the outside; a cable transmitting the laser to the handpiece; Equipped with The handpiece comprises: an optical system for adjusting the optical path of the laser for each predefined mode; a shock wave generating unit that receives the laser beam from the optical system and generates a shock wave; Equipped with The handpiece comprises: When the optical system is in a first mode, the laser is output to the outside; When the optical system is in a second mode, the shock wave is output to the outside; The shock wave generating unit is a medium to which bubbles are generated by the laser energy being transmitted, and the shock wave is generated when the bubbles are generated or burst; a shock wave reflecting surface made of a material that reflects the shock wave; a membrane made of a material that allows the shock waves to pass through; Equipped with the shock wave reflecting surface and the membrane form a closed space to confine the medium; the shock wave reflecting surface includes an ellipsoid having a first focus and a second focus; the first focus is located within the medium; the second focal point is located outside the handpiece; Shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source.

2. a laser light source that generates a laser; a handpiece that outputs the laser or shock wave to the outside; a cable transmitting the laser to the handpiece; Equipped with The handpiece comprises: an optical system for adjusting the optical path of the laser for each predefined mode; a shock wave generating unit that receives the laser beam from the optical system and generates a shock wave; Equipped with The handpiece comprises: When the optical system is in a first mode, the laser is output to the outside; When the optical system is in a second mode, the shock wave is output to the outside; The shock wave generating unit is a medium to which bubbles are generated by the laser energy being transmitted, and the shock wave is generated when the bubbles are generated or burst; a shock wave reflecting surface made of a material that reflects the shock wave; a membrane made of a material that allows the shock waves to pass through; Equipped with the shock wave reflecting surface and the membrane form a closed space to confine the medium; the shock wave reflecting surface includes a hyperbolic surface having a first focus and a second focus; the first focus is located within the medium; the second focal point is located inside the handpiece outside the medium; Shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source.

3. the film comprises a polarizing material; A shock wave and laser treatment device using the laser light source according to claim 1.

4. the film comprises a polarizing material; A shock wave and laser treatment device using the laser light source according to claim 2.

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