Optical Assembly for Laser Generator

Abstract

A method and device for an optical assembly for a laser generator includes a laser source generating a first beam of light and an optical assembly. The optical assembly includes a prism. The prism has a base surface that receives the first beam at an incidence angle relative to a first surface normal and a hypotenuse surface that transmits a second beam having a second aspect ratio at an exit angle relative to a second surface normal. The optical assembly further includes a plano-convex lens that transmits the second beam to a coupler. The coupler includes a first coupling plane at a first distance from the plano-convex lens and a second coupling plane at a second distance from the plano-convex lens. The combination of the prism and the plano-convex lens modifies the beam divergence such that the first coupling plane has a third aspect ratio and the second coupling plane has a fourth aspect ratio.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to devices, methods and systems for laser generators, and more specifically to laser generators having an optical assembly that enables coupling of a fiber optic catheter to the laser generator while delivering a laser beam having consistent beam aspect ratio and beam divergence characteristics. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] When performing a laser atherectomy procedure in a patient's vasculature and utilizing a disposable fiber optic catheter, the catheter is typically coupled to a laser generator, such as the CVX-300™ Excimer Laser System manufactured by Spectranetics, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. Generally, various laser generators generate different laser beams with different aspect ratios and beam divergence characteristics. Thus, the laser beam generated by one laser generator may have significantly different size and divergence characteristics from another laser generator due to the electrode width and spacing in the laser cavity. The length of the cavity in the laser generator system and the radius of curvature of the laser cavity optics also affect the location of the waist and divergence of the laser beam. In order to accommodate multiple laser generator systems with a disposable fiber optic catheter, the beam characteristics of the laser generator systems must be optically tailored. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003]

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a device, method and / or laser generator system that includes an optical assembly device that has the ability to adjust the aspect ratio of the beam generated by one laser generator so that a disposable fiber optic catheter has the ability to couple to multiple laser generator systems. This disclosure discusses methods, devices and systems for laser generators that meet such a need. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A laser generator device according to the present disclosure includes a laser source generating a first beam of light having a first aspect ratio, and an optical assembly. The optical assembly includes a prism having a surface that receives the first beam at an incidence angle relative to a first surface normal and an additional surface that transmits a second beam having a second aspect ratio at an exit angle relative to a second surface normal, and a lens that transmits the second beam to a coupler. The coupler includes a first coupling plane at a first distance from the lens and a second coupling plane at a second distance from the plano-convex lens. The combination of the prism and the lens can change the beam divergence such that the first coupling plane includes a third aspect ratio and the second coupling plane includes a fourth aspect ratio.

[0005]

[0005] The device according to the preceding paragraph may further or alternatively include, wherein the prism is a wedge prism.

[0006]

[0006] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include, wherein the prism is a right angle wedge prism.

[0007]

[0007] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs further or alternatively, the optical assembly further includes a first sensor and a mirror positioned at an angle between the laser source and the prism, the mirror reflects the first beam to the prism, the mirror further transmits at least a portion of the first beam to the first sensor, the first sensor measures a first density of the first beam, and the mirror transmits approximately 1 percent of the first beam to the first sensor.

[0008]

[0008] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include that the optical assembly further includes a second sensor that measures a second energy of the second beam.

[0009]

[0009] A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include, wherein the hypotenuse surface of the prism includes a coating that reflects at least a portion of the second beam to the second sensor.

[0010]

[0010] A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include the coating reflecting approximately 2 percent of the second beam to the second sensor.

[0011]

[0011] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include a third sensor in which the optical assembly further includes a third sensor for calibrating the laser source for a selected catheter, the catheter being coupled to the optical assembly via a coupler.

[0012]

[0012] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs further or alternatively includes a microprocessor-enabled controller and a safety shutter, the safety shutter being positioned between the prism and the plano-convex lens, and the microprocessor-enabled controller closing the safety shutter upon receiving a fault signal.

[0013]

[0013] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include that the prism comprises fused silica.

[0014]

[0014] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include an optical assembly further including an attenuator disposed between the laser source and the prism, the attenuator adjusting the first energy of the first beam.

[0015]

[0015] A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs further or alternatively includes a microprocessor-executable controller coupled to the attenuator, the microprocessor-executable controller adjusting the first energy of the first beam using the attenuator based on the second energy of the second beam measured by the second sensor.

[0016]

[0016] The device described in any of the preceding paragraphs further or alternatively includes a microprocessor-executable controller adjusting, using an attenuator, the first energy of the first beam measured by the first sensor based on the second energy of the second beam measured by the second sensor.

[0017]

[0017] A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include an optical assembly further including a mirror that reflects the first beam to the prism, the mirror further including transmitting at least a portion of the first beam to the first sensor.

[0018]

[0018] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include a prism including a bottom entrance surface receiving a first beam having a first width and a first height at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees from a normal to the bottom entrance surface, a side surface connected to the bottom entrance surface by an edge at a 90 degree angle, and a hypotenuse exit surface connecting the bottom entrance surface and the side surface, the hypotenuse exit surface emitting a second beam having a second width and a second height at an angle of 50 to 70 degrees from a normal to the hypotenuse exit surface, the second width being smaller than the first width and the second height being the same as or equal to the first height.

[0019]

[0019] A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include a prism receiving the first beam along the optical path and affecting at least one of the beam size, beam divergence, beam major axis, and beam aspect ratio.

[0020]

[0020] A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include, wherein the prism includes a base surface and the surface is the base surface.

[0021]

[0021] A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include, wherein the prism includes a hypotenuse surface and the additional surface is the hypotenuse surface.

[0022]

[0022] A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include where the lens is a plano-convex lens.

[0023]

[0023] A system according to the present disclosure includes a laser generator and a catheter including a plurality of optical fibers, the catheter including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to a coupler of the laser generator. The laser generator includes a laser source generating a first beam of light and an optical assembly. The optical assembly includes a prism and a lens transmitting a second beam to the coupler. The prism has a surface that receives the first beam at an incidence angle relative to a first surface normal and an additional surface that transmits a second beam having a second aspect ratio at an exit angle relative to a second surface normal. The coupler includes a first coupling plane at a first distance from the lens and a second coupling plane at a second distance from the lens. The combination of the prism and the lens can change the second beam divergence, such that the first coupling plane includes a third aspect ratio and the second coupling plane includes a fourth aspect ratio.

[0024]

[0024] A method of using the laser generator device or system detailed above includes providing a catheter including a plurality of optical fibers having a proximal end and a distal end, coupling the proximal end of the catheter to a coupler of a laser generator, inserting the distal end of the catheter into a patient's vasculature, and activating the laser generator.

[0025]

[0025] The method includes the laser generator being activated by a foot switch.

[0026]

[0026] The method further or alternatively includes sensing a first energy of the first beam via a first sensor, sensing a second energy of the second beam via a second sensor, and calibrating the second energy to the provided catheter via a third sensor.

[0027]

[0027] The terms "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and / or C" means A only, B only, C only, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or both A, B, and C. Each of A, B, and C in the above expressions can be an element such as X, Y, and Z, or X1-X. n , Y1-Y m and Z1-Z o When referring to a class of elements such as X, Y, and Z, the phrase includes combinations of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X1 and X2) and combinations of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y1 and Z). o ) is intended to refer to

[0028]

[0028] The singular form of an entity refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are also used interchangeably.

[0029]

[0029] It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitation were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitation were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical range were expressly written herein.

[0030]

[0030] The above is a simplified summary of the present disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not a detailed or comprehensive summary of the present disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments and configurations. It is not intended to identify key or important elements of the present disclosure or to delineate the scope of the present disclosure, but rather to present selected concepts of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented below. As will be understood, other aspects, embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure are possible using one or more of the features described above or described in detail below, either alone or in combination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031]

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate some examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings merely illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the present disclosure can be achieved and used, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure to only the examples shown and described. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more detailed description of the various aspects, embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

[0032] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a laser generator of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B]

[0033] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a laser or fiber optic catheter of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]

[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an optical assembly of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0035] FIG. 3 is a side view of the optical assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 4A]

[0036] 4A is a perspective view of an attenuator of the optical assembly shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4B]

[0037] 4B is an enlarged side view of the attenuator of the optical assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 5A]

[0038] 5A is an enlarged side view of the prism and prism energy sensor of the optical assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 5B]

[0039] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the prism shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C]

[0040] FIG. 5C is a two-dimensional diagram of the light paths to, through and from the prism shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6]

[0041] 6 is an enlarged side view of the mirror and vascular energy sensor of the optical assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 7A]

[0042] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a rectangular fiber coupler of the optical assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 7B]

[0043] FIG. 7B is another perspective view of the laser beam path to the rectangular fiber coupler shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C]

[0044] FIG. 7C is a view of the channels of the rectangular fiber coupler of FIG. 7B toward the optical fiber ends. [Figure 7D]

[0045] FIG. 7D is an oblique side view of the coupler of FIG. 7B showing the coupling plane of the beam envelope at the catheter coupler. [Figure 7E]

[0046] FIG. 7E shows a schematic of a beam envelope with a coupling plane as shown in FIG. 7D. [Figure 7F]

[0047] FIG. 7F shows a cross-sectional view of the bonding plane as shown in FIG. 7D. [Figure 8]

[0048] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the system of the present disclosure.

[0033]

[0049] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details may be omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that obscure other details. Of course, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034]

[0050] Before describing any embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein means to include the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0035]

[0051] An embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a laser generator having an optical assembly that provides a beam with specific optical characteristics at the coupler to match the optical characteristics of beams generated by different laser generators or laser sources. FIG. 1A shows a laser generator 100 having a laser generator housing 102 and a catheter coupler 106. The laser generator 100 further includes a switch unit located remotely from the housing, such as a switch controller 108, e.g., a foot switch. In an embodiment, the switch controller 108 is wired or connected to the housing, e.g., via a tether, or alternatively, the switch controller 108 may be wireless. The laser generator 100 further includes a calibration sensor 137 for calibrating the laser according to the catheter selected.

[0036]

[0052] 1B shows a non-limiting example of a laser catheter 104 suitable for coupling to the laser generator 100 at a catheter coupler 106. For example, the laser catheter 104 includes a proximal end 110 and a distal end 116. The catheter coupler 106 is disposed at the catheter proximal end 110. The catheter coupler 106 includes a plurality of optical fibers 112 that may be arranged in one or more sets of optical fibers 112. The optical fibers 112 are disposed throughout the length of the laser catheter 104, housed within the coupler 106, and exposed at a distal tip 118 of the distal end 116. The laser catheter 104 may also include a T- or Y-connector 115 having an entry port for a guidewire 114 to be inserted therein. The laser catheter 104 may further include a lumen extending from the connector 115 to the distal end 116 of the catheter 104 at the distal tip 118, thereby allowing a guidewire to be inserted into the catheter 104.

[0037]

[0053] As shown in perspective view in Figure 2 and side view in Figure 3, within a housing 102, the laser generator 100 includes an optical assembly 120 and a laser source 122. The optical assembly 120 is coupled to the catheter 104 via a coupler 106. The optical assembly 120 is also coupled to the laser source 122, thereby providing an optical path 126 from the laser source 122 to the coupler 106.

[0038]

[0054] 2 and 3, the optical assembly 120 may include a mirror 130, an energy sensor 132, an attenuator 134, a prism 150, a prism energy sensor 136, and a plano-convex focusing lens 140. The laser source 122, the mirror 130, and the sensor 132 are aligned in a first plane, such as a horizontal plane. The mirror 130, the attenuator 134, and the prism 150 are aligned in a second plane, such as a vertical plane. The prism 150, the plano-convex focusing lens 140, and the fiber coupler 142 of the catheter coupler 106 are aligned in another plane, such as a vertically offset plane. Furthermore, the first plane and the second plane may be offset from each other at an angle between 1 degree and 179 degrees, preferably between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, more preferably between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, and even more preferably at an angle of about 90 degrees. Furthermore, the second plane and the other planes may be offset from each other by an angle between 1 degree and 179 degrees (e.g., 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, ..., 10°, ..., 15°, ..., 30°, ..., 45°, ..., 60°, ..., 75°, ..., 90°, ..., 105°, ..., 120°, ..., 135°, ..., 150°, ..., 165°, ..., 170°, ..., 175°, ..., 178°).

[0039]

[0055] Generally, prism optical elements that refract, bend, deflect or compress the first beam in at least one axis are described herein, however, it is contemplated that any suitable optical element may be used to refract, bend, deflect or compress the first beam in at least one axis, such as, but not limited to, wedge shaped optical elements, circular optical elements and multi-faceted optical elements such as Fresnel prisms with segmented flat prism faces.

[0040]

[0056] The optical assembly 120 receives a laser beam 124 from a laser source 122 along an optical path 126 that extends from the laser source 122 to the coupler 106. The optical path 126 is illustrated by an arrow in FIG. 3, which indicates the direction of travel of the laser beam from the laser source to the catheter coupler. The optical path 126 begins at a laser 130, extends in a horizontal plane to a mirror 130, where it changes direction in a vertical plane to a prism 150, where it changes direction in a vertically offset plane to a fiber coupler 142.

[0041]

[0057] The laser beam 124 has a first beam aspect ratio. The aspect ratio can be calculated as the ratio of the beam width (w) to the beam height (h) and can be expressed as w:h. Alternatively, the aspect ratio can be calculated as the ratio of the beam height (h) to the beam width (w) and can be expressed as h:w. Thus, the first aspect ratio can be calculated as the ratio of the first beam width (w1) to the first beam height (h1) and can be written as w1:h1, or vice versa. In an embodiment, the laser beam 124 is rectangular in cross section and has a first beam width (w1) and a first beam height (h1).

[0042]

[0058] The laser beam 124 is directed from the laser source 122 to a mirror 130, which reflects the laser beam 124' towards an attenuator 134, which will be described in more detail below. The prime designation of the laser beam 124' indicates that the laser beam 124' has the same aspect ratio as the laser beam 124, but may differ in energy and / or direction of travel. Energy is generally measured in millijoules (mJ). Alternatively, power may be measured as for a continuous wave (CW) or pulsed laser, in accordance with the present disclosure. The mirror 130 is offset at an angle (θ) (e.g., 45 degrees) from the path from the laser source 122 to the mirror 130. The mirror 130 may be configured to allow at least a portion of the laser beam 124 (this portion is referred to as laser beam 128 in FIGS. 2 and 3) to transmit through the mirror 130. For example, the mirror 130 may transmit approximately 1 to 5 percent of the energy of the laser beam 124 to a sensor 132 that is in-line or along the same plane as the mirror 130 and the laser source 122, and the mirror 130 reflects approximately 95 to 99 percent of the energy of the laser beam towards the attenuator 134. When the mirror is so configured, the sensor 132 measures the energy of the laser beam exiting the laser source 122, and the sensor 132 transmits the energy measurement to a controller 520, which is described in more detail below. If the sensor 132 is omitted from the optical assembly 120, the mirror 130 reflects approximately all (i.e., 100 percent) of the energy of the laser beam 124' towards the attenuator 134.

[0043]

[0059] Because the mirror 130 does not change the first aspect ratio generated by the laser source 122, the attenuator 134 receives the beam 124' with the same aspect ratio as the first aspect ratio of the beam 124, regardless of the percentage of energy of the laser beam reflected by the mirror 130. The attenuator attenuates, i.e. reduces, the energy of the beam 124' passing through the attenuator as needed. For example, the attenuator 134 can have multiple positions or settings to be adjustable and interact with input / output ports and / or components. The attenuator 134 can be fully open or fully closed. When the attenuator 134 is in a fully open position, the attenuator does not reduce the energy of the laser beam significantly. For example, when in the open position, the energy lost is 10% (, 5% or 3%). When the attenuator 134 is in a fully closed position, the attenuator 134 reduces all the energy of the laser beam. In an embodiment, the attenuator 134 may be partially open or partially closed to reduce the energy intensity of the beam 124' passing through the attenuator to provide the beam 124". The double prime designation of the laser beam 124" indicates that the laser beam 124" has the same aspect ratio as the laser beam 124' and the laser beam 124, but may differ in energy and / or direction of travel. That is, when the attenuator 134 is in a partially open or partially closed position, the attenuator 134 reduces a portion or percentage of the energy of the beam. Regardless of the position of the attenuator and regardless of whether the energy of the laser beam is not reduced or is partially reduced, the attenuator does not change the aspect ratio of the laser beam. The beam 124" has the same aspect ratio as the beam 124 and the beam 124'. Thus, the aspect ratio of the laser beam 124" exiting the attenuator 134 is the same as the first beam aspect ratio.

[0044]

[0060] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of one type of attenuator 134 that can be used with the optical assembly 120 shown in FIG. 3. The attenuator 134 includes louvers 135 oriented in the direction of the optical path 126 in a first or open position to allow the beam 124'' to pass at full beam density, the same as the beam 124'. The louvers 135 can be rotated to at least partially reduce the beam intensity without affecting the beam width w1. FIG. 4B shows an enlarged side view of the attenuator of the optical assembly shown in FIG. 3. The beam width w1 remains unchanged through the attenuator 134. The louvers can be controlled with a stepper motor with encoder software to precisely adjust the beam energy by rotating the louvers 135 aligned vertically in the first or open position to rotate partially or fully horizontally to another position or closed position. In the open position, the louvers have no effect on the beam energy as described. By at least partially closing the louvers, the beam energy is lowered without affecting the size, width or aspect ratio of the beam. For example, the beam energy of beam 124'' is lower than the beam energy of beam 124'. The stepper motor with encoder software can be controlled via a microprocessor-implemented controller (see controller 520 shown in FIG. 8).

[0045]

[0061] 5A-5C, beam 124'' traveling further along optical path 126 is incident on prism 150. As shown in the side view of FIG. 3, incident beam 124'' having a first aspect ratio enters prism 150 and passes through prism 150. Beam 124'' then exits the prism as beam 138 having a second aspect ratio. The first aspect ratio is different from the second aspect ratio. That is, rather than assigning a prime designation to laser beams 124, 124' and 124'', which all have the same aspect ratio, laser beam 138, which represents the laser beam exiting the prism, is designated with a new reference character 138. This is because laser beam 138 has a different aspect ratio than laser beam 124 (and 124' and 124''). In an embodiment, the second aspect ratio is less than the first aspect ratio. In an embodiment, beam 138 has a second width w2. The second width w2 is less than the first width w1. In the example shown in Figure 5A, beam 124" has width w1, enters prism 150, and then exits prism 150 as beam 138. Beam 138 has width w2, which is less than w1.

[0046]

[0062] Additionally, at least a portion of the laser beam 138 at the exit surface, shown as beam 129 in FIG. 5A, is reflected by a coating 162 applied to the exit or hypotenuse surface 158 of the prism 150. That is, the beam 129 is directed toward the side surface 154 of the prism 150 and through the side surface 154 to the energy sensor 136 where the prism energy, i.e., the second energy, is determined. The energy sensor 136 can send a corresponding signal via component 170B to the microprocessor executable controller. For example, the coating 162 is made of any material suitable for reflecting at least a portion of the beam 138 exiting the surface 158 of the prism 150. The coating is designed to reflect any desired energy and direct it to the sensor 136. In an embodiment, the coating 162 has a thickness designed to maintain maximum throughput while directing a desired percentage of the energy to the sensor 136. Coating 162 can reflect approximately 1 to 5 percent of the energy of beam 138 to sensor 136 in-line or along the same plane as prism 150, and prism 150 with coating 162 transmits approximately 95 to 99 percent of the beam's energy toward plano-convex focusing lens 140. When coating 162 is configured in this manner, sensor 136 measures the energy of laser beam 138 exiting prism 150, and sensor 136 transmits the energy measurement to controller 520, which is described in more detail below. If sensor 136 is omitted from optical assembly 120, prism 150 can transmit nearly all (i.e., 100 percent) of the energy of laser beam 138 toward plano-convex focusing lens 140.

[0047]

[0063] 5B and 5C show the prism 150 of FIG. 5A in detail. In an embodiment, the prism 150 is a wedge prism. A prism may be a transparent optical element capable of refracting light and may include one or more surfaces that may be polished or not. One type of prism is a wedge prism, which has two surfaces (which may be flat) and may be offset from each other. Additionally, the prism 150 may be a right-angle wedge prism. The prism 150 shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5B has a base surface 152 on which the beam 124'' may be incident. A side surface 154 is connected to the base surface by an edge 156. In an embodiment, the edge 156 connects the base surface 152 and the side surface 154 at a 90 degree angle with respect to each other. A hypotenuse surface 158 connects the base surface 152 and the side surface 154 (with a chamfered surface 160 as shown) or alternatively, an edge connects the side surface 154 and the hypotenuse surface 158. Chamfered surface 160 may be used, for example, to save space within the optical assembly cavity, and does not affect the beam characteristics since it is not in the optical path 126. Bottom surface 152 connects to hypotenuse surface 158 at an angle (Φ), which may be any number of degrees between 1 and 90 degrees, possibly between 15 and 75 degrees, possibly between 30 and 60 degrees, and potentially between 40 and 50 degrees and about 45 and 50 degrees.

[0048]

[0064] Prism 150 can be made of any suitable material with desired optical properties, such as refractive index, to refract laser beams having various wavelengths to accommodate multiple laser generator systems. The refractive index value (n) provides a quantitative representation of the optical density of a given medium. Materials of various refractive indexes increase or decrease the dispersion (the rate at which light is angularly deflected and / or compressed) for light of desired wavelengths. Suitable materials include silica or calcium fluoride. In an embodiment, prism 150 includes a material with a refractive index (n) of about 1.4 to about 1.5. In an embodiment, prism 150 includes fused silica, which has a refractive index (n) of 1.458 for a laser generator system generating a laser beam having a wavelength of 308 nm. Exemplary prism materials suitable for the present disclosure can be selected from Corning HPFS® 7980 (Corning, Inc., Corning, NY 14831, USA), Dynasil 1103 (Dynasil, Inc., Newton, MA 02458, USA), and Suprasil® 2 (Heraeus Quarzglas, Hanau 63450, Germany).

[0049]

[0065] Prism 150 has a refractive index (n) and is oriented within optical path 126 to refract the laser beam to achieve specific beam characteristics as well as modify optical path 126. Prism 150 is configured such that the entrance and exit faces (base face 152 and hypotenuse face 158) are angularly offset from one another and are not parallel to one another. As shown in FIG. 5C, base face 152 has an axis 152N perpendicular (90 degrees) and hypotenuse face 158 has an axis 158N perpendicular.

[0050]

[0066] The bottom surface 152 receives the beam 124'' at an angle (α) relative to the axis 152N and at an angle (α) of 90° minus the angle (α) relative to the bottom surface 152. The angle (α) may be 0 degrees, in which case the bottom surface receives the beam 124'' from a direction along the normal axis 152N. Alternatively, the beam 124'' may be directed at the bottom surface 152 at an angle (α) or angularly offset from the normal axis 152N. When beam 124'' is received at an angle (α) offset from normal 152N, the angle (α) may be between about 1 degree and about 89 degrees, potentially between about 5 degrees and about 75 degrees, possibly between about 10 degrees and about 60 degrees, possibly between about 15 degrees and about 45 degrees, even between about 20 degrees and about 30 degrees, even between about 20 degrees and about 25 degrees, and possibly about 21.404 degrees.

[0051]

[0067] Prism 150 can deflect beam 124'' within prism 150 at an angle (β) relative to axis 152N based on the refractive index (n) of the prism. Angle (β) can be the same as or different from angle (α). If angle (β) is the same as angle (α), prism 150 has no internal reflection, but if angle (β) is different from angle (α), prism 150 will internally reflect beam 124'' within prism 150. Thus, angle (β) can be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0052]

[0068] The beam 138 exits the prism 150 at the hypotenuse 158 at an angle (γ) relative to the normal axis 158N. The angle (γ) may be 0 degrees, in which case the beam 138 exits the hypotenuse 158 along the normal axis 158N. Alternatively, the beam 138 may exit at an angle (γ) offset from the normal axis 158N. The angle (γ) may be between about 1 degree and about 89 degrees, potentially between about 15 degrees and about 85 degrees, possibly between about 30 degrees and about 75 degrees, possibly between about 45 degrees and about 65 degrees, even between 55 degrees and about 65 degrees, even between about 60 degrees and about 65 degrees, possibly even about 60 degrees or about 59.416 degrees.

[0053]

[0069] The refraction of the beam passing through the prism 150 affects the beam characteristics including at least one of beam size, beam width, beam height, beam aspect ratio, beam major axis, and beam divergence. As previously described, the laser beam 124'' entering the prism 150 at the base face 152 has a first aspect ratio. It may be desirable for the laser beam 138 exiting the hypotenuse face 158 to have a second aspect ratio. The second aspect ratio is calculated as the ratio of the second beam width (w2) to the second beam height (h2) and may be written as w2:h2. The laser beam 138 may be rectangular in cross section and have a second beam width (w2) and a second beam height (h2).

[0054]

[0070] In an embodiment, the second width w2 may be less than, equal to, or greater than the first width w1. The second height h2 may be less than, equal to, or greater than the first height h1. The second aspect ratio may be less than, equal to, or greater than the first aspect ratio. The aspect ratio of the beam 138 is optically adjusted via the prism 150 to modify the beam characteristics of the laser generator system (i.e., the characteristics of the laser beam 124) to generate a beam 138 suitable for coupling into a disposable fiber optic catheter at the fiber coupler 142. For example, the first aspect ratio of the beam 124 (124', 124'') may be about 2.22:1.00 and the second aspect ratio of the beam 138 may be about 1.45:1.00. Prism variables that affect the output include the angle of incidence into the base surface 152, the angle of the prism (Φ), the refractive index of the prism material, and the wavelength of the laser input.

[0055]

[0071] As further shown in FIG. 5A, the optical assembly 120 includes a safety shutter 144. The shutter 144 can be located anywhere along the optical path 126 between the laser source 122 and the coupler 142 to provide a means to block the laser beam and prevent it from being delivered to the coupler 142. For example, the shutter 144 can be located between the prism 150 and the plano-convex lens 140 as shown in FIG. 5A. In normal operation of the laser generator 100, the safety shutter 144 is open, allowing the beam 138 to pass unimpeded from the prism 150 to the plano-convex lens 140. The laser generator 100 with the optional shutter 144 provides a fail-safe mechanism to limit the laser beam delivery to the patient if desired. The safety shutter 144 can be closed via a microprocessor-enabled controller upon receiving a fault signal. The fault signal is generated when at least one of the first energy measured for beam 128 and / or the second energy measured for beam 129 is determined to be outside of an acceptable energy for delivery to the patient.

[0056]

[0072] The memory 540 and instructions 550 to the controller 520 can be programmed or set according to the safety and needs of the patient. The laser generator 100 may include sensors as described above. In addition to the sensor 136 in FIG. 5A, FIG. 6 shows an enlarged side view of the vascular energy sensor 132 of the optical assembly 120 shown in FIG. 3. The vascular energy sensor 132 determines a first energy measured on the beam 128 transmitted through the side view of the mirror, as shown in FIG. 6. The prism energy sensor 136 determines a second energy measured on the beam 129 reflected from the coating 162, as shown in FIG. 5A. Referring to FIG. 6, the mirror 130 is oriented at an angle (θ) with respect to the optical path 126. The angle (θ) may be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, including any increment therebetween. In an embodiment, the angle (θ) is about 45 degrees. Sensors 132 and 136 measure the first and second energy densities, respectively, and provide the information to a microprocessor enabled controller, for example, via components 170A and 170B.

[0057]

[0073] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a laser beam 138 directed to a rectangular fiber coupler 142 of the optical assembly 120 shown in FIG. 3. The rectangular fiber coupler 142 is coupled to the catheter coupler 106. FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of a laser beam 138 directed to the rectangular fiber coupler 142 shown in FIG. 7A. The rectangular fiber coupler 142 is disposed distally relative to the convergence point or focal point 172. The rectangular fiber coupler 142 may include a slide mount having a channel 146 for receiving an optical fiber (not shown). The channel extends from a point at or adjacent to the proximal end 148 of the slide mount to a distal end of the slide mount. The proximal end of the slide mount is sized to receive the laser beam 138, and the distal end of the slide mount, seen distally recessed in FIG. 7B, is sized to transmit light to the optical fiber. The coupler may also include a claim 149 attached to the slide mount adjacent its proximal end. Channel 146 is rectangular in the plane containing fiber optic end 170, as shown in Figure 7C, to match the size and aspect ratio of beam 138, which has a different aspect ratio than beam 124, as well as w2 and h2. Figure 7C shows channel 146 viewed from the direction of optical path 126.

[0058]

[0074] FIG. 7D shows an oblique side view of an optical assembly with coupler 142 to show the beam envelope 225 in a catheter coupler, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7E. The coupler includes multiple coupling planes to accommodate different sizes of fibers. For example, the coupler includes two coupling planes, a first coupling plane 230 at a first distance from the plano-convex lens and a second coupling plane 235 at a second distance from the plano-convex lens 140. Referring to FIG. 7B, the plano-convex lens 140 is a distance from the focal point 172. The coupling planes 230 and 235 extend a first distance and a second distance, respectively, farther from the focal point 172 relative to the lens 140. The combination of the prism 150 and the plano-convex lens 140 changes the beam 138, affecting the aspect ratio as well as the beam divergence. That is, optical assembly 120 including lens 140 and prism 150 modifies beam 138 such that at coupling plane 230, beam (138A) has a third aspect ratio and at coupling plane 235, beam (138B) has a fourth aspect ratio. Thus, the first coupling plane includes the third aspect ratio and the second coupling plane includes the fourth aspect ratio. Figure 7F shows coupling planes 230 and 235 in cross section.

[0059]

[0075] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary system 500 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. As shown, the laser generator system 500 includes a laser source 122 and an optical assembly 120 as described herein. In an embodiment, the system 500 may be, be similar to, include, or be included in the device 100 (and / or any of its components) shown in FIG. 1A and / or the device 104 (and / or any of its components) shown in FIG. 1B. In an embodiment, the assembly 120 may be, be similar to, include, or be included in the device and / or assembly 120 (and / or any of its components) shown in FIGS. 2-7C. The system 500 further includes a microprocessor executable controller 520 that obtains feedback from optical assembly components such as components 170A and 170B coupled to sensors 132 and 136, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3. The system 500 also includes an input / output port and / or component 510 and a power supply 530 for the laser source 122.

[0060]

[0076] In general, the controller 520 includes one or more processors 560, a memory 540, and one or more modules that include logic or instructions 550 stored in the memory 540 for controlling the operation of the system 500. For example, when a clinician activates the foot switch 108, the foot switch 108 generates a signal to the controller 520, which in turn activates the laser generator that enables current flow from the power supply 530 to the laser source 122 and sends a laser beam along an optical path in the optical assembly 120, which in turn provides the laser beam to the catheter 106. The controller 520 may include any type of computing device suitable for implementing aspects of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Examples of computing devices include special purpose or general purpose computing devices such as "workstations," "servers," "laptops," "desktops," "tablet computers," "handheld devices," "smartphones," "general purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs)," and the like, all of which are considered to be within the scope of FIG. 8.

[0061]

[0077] In an embodiment, the controller 520 includes a bus (not shown) that directly and / or indirectly couples the following devices: input / output (I / O) ports and / or components 510, a power supply 530, a processor 560, and a memory 540 containing instructions 550. Any number of additional components, different components, and / or combinations of components may also be included in the controller 520 or the system 500. Feedback, e.g., in the form of signals, provided to the controller 520 from the foot switch 108, the sensor 132, and / or the sensor 136 is utilized by the processor 560, having instructions 550 stored in the memory 540, to activate the laser source 122, the attenuator 134, and / or the shutter 144 as needed. For example, the sensor 132 measures the energy of the laser beam exiting the laser source 122, and the sensor 136 measures the energy of the laser beam entering and / or exiting the prism 150 before the laser beam enters the plano-convex focusing lens. It may then be desirable for the controller 520 to adjust the power supply 530 (or laser source 122) and / or the attenuator 134 to vary the energy of the laser beam leaving the laser source 122 as well as the energy of the laser beam entering and / or exiting the prism 150.

[0062]

[0078] The input / output ports and / or components 510 of the system 500 provide an interactive means for a clinician to select appropriate settings for operation of the system 500 with the controller 520. One setting that the clinician may select includes an appropriate setting for the beam density (or fluence) to be delivered to the patient based on the patient's medical procedure. The system 500 includes components 510 such as density (or fluence) buttons or selectors that allow the clinician to adjust the output energy of the system 500. The fluence value (mJ / mm 2) is increased or decreased by pressing an appropriate button selector switch. For example, an energy (or fluence) button or selector may allow the clinician to adjust and set the output energy of the system 500 to one or more of a number of settings. Similarly, the system 500 includes a separate component in the form of a pulse rate button or selector that allows the clinician to adjust the pulse rate (pulses per second) of the laser beam emitted by the laser source 122. When the controller 520 (including the processor 560) receives an activation signal ("on" signal) from the foot switch 108, the laser source 122 and the system 500 generate a laser beam that travels through the optical assembly 120 and is emitted by the laser catheter 106. Similarly, when the controller 520 (including the processor 560) stops receiving an activation signal ("on" signal) from the foot switch 108 or when the controller 520 (including the processor 560) receives a deactivation signal ("off" signal) from the foot switch 108, the laser source 122 and the system 500 stop generating the laser beam.

[0063]

[0079] The choice of catheter is made by the clinician depending on the procedure / treatment to be delivered. Depending on the catheter selected, the laser has a predefined target energy (fluence) and pulse rate as well as a range within which these parameters can be changed. Alternatively, the clinician can adjust the output energy of the system 500 by selecting the corresponding position of the density (or fluence) button or selector. The beam energy can then be determined by the sensors 132 and / or 136, and the value is communicated to the controller 520 via components 170A and 170B, etc. Depending on the initial selection of the clinician, the controller 520 sends signals to the power supply 530 and the laser source 122 to generate the corresponding amount of power and laser energy. The sensor 132 determines the energy generated and emitted in the form of a beam from the laser source 122, and the sensor 136 determines the energy of the beam after it has been refracted by the prism 150 and transmitted to the coupler. Based on commands, selector switch positions or setting signals, and energy measurements from sensors 132 and 136, the controller can send signals to attenuator 134, causing attenuator 134 to rotate the louvers of attenuator 134 to affect the beam density. Depending on the commands and input signals, attenuator 134 can increase the beam intensity, decrease the beam intensity, or keep the beam intensity the same.

[0064]

[0080] Calibration of the laser depends on the catheter selected and also utilizes sensor 137. The calibration process determines the ratio of sensor 136 to sensor 137 over an energy range defined according to the catheter (selected by the clinician). This is done so that once the catheter is in vivo and its energy output is no longer measured directly, the energy at sensor 136 can be used to infer the energy being directed out the distal end of the catheter.

[0065]

[0081] Selection of the desired catheter energy is accomplished by pressing the appropriate button selector switch 510. Once the desired energy is selected, the controller 520 determines the appropriate laser source 122 energy and attenuator 134 to achieve the desired energy optimized such that the minimum energy of the laser source 122 is utilized.

[0066]

[0082] Delivery of the selected energy is activated by activating the foot switch 108, causing the laser source 122 and the system 500 to generate a pulsed laser beam. The energy at the sensor 136 is monitored at the occurrence of each pulse and processed by the controller 520 according to a servo control algorithm so that the energy is maintained at a predetermined level. If necessary, the controller 520 adjusts the laser energy source 122 to obtain the desired energy. If a coarser adjustment is required, the attenuator 134 can also be adjusted. In this manner, the controller 520 continuously monitors and adjusts the laser energy source 122 and the attenuator 134 so that a minimum energy of the laser source 122 is maintained.

[0067]

[0083] The shutter 144 is initialized to a closed position upon power-up of the system 500. The shutter 144 opens when the controller 520 begins to process a ready-to-fire transition (i.e., when the footswitch 108 is activated). Based on instructions 550, a fault signal may be generated that instructs the controller to provide a signal to the shutter 144 to close the shutter 144 and prevent the beam from reaching the optical fiber. The fault signal may be generated (i) when the controller 520 begins to process a ready-to-fire transition (i.e., when the footswitch 108 is deactivated), (ii) when the energy read at the sensor 136 after a pulse is generated exceeds the desired pulse energy by a safety margin, and (iii) when the controller 520 determines that an exception has occurred that may jeopardize the ability of the system 500 to control the pulsed laser energy.

[0068]

[0084] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, in the foregoing summary, various features of the present disclosure have been grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Features of the aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations of the present disclosure can be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations other than those described above. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and / or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069]

[0085] Further, while the description includes a description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations, as well as specific variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., by being within the skill and knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art after appreciating the present disclosure. The right to include alternative aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps are disclosed herein, and without any intention to dedicate any patentable subject matter to the public, is intended to be acquired.

Claims

1. a laser source generating a first beam of light having a first aspect ratio; An optical assembly; 1. A laser generator comprising: The optical assembly includes: a prism having a surface that receives the first beam at an incidence angle relative to a first surface normal and an additional surface that transmits a second beam having a second aspect ratio at an exit angle relative to a second surface normal; a coupler to which a catheter including a plurality of optical fibers is coupled; a lens that transmits the second beam to the coupler; Including, the coupler having channels for receiving ends of the optical fibers of the coupled catheters; the combination of the prism and the lens modifies the second beam such that the second beam converges at a predetermined convergence point and then diverges into the channel; the second beam changes in the channel to have a third aspect ratio at a first distance from the lens and a fourth aspect ratio at a second distance from the lens that is greater than the first distance; the third aspect ratio and the fourth aspect ratio are different aspect ratios; The ends of the plurality of optical fibers are received in the channels of the coupler at the first distance or the second distance from the lens.

2. 2. The laser generator of claim 1, wherein the prism is a wedge prism.

3. the optical assembly further includes a first sensor and a mirror disposed at an angle between the laser source and the prism; the mirror reflects the first beam into the prism; the mirror further transmits a portion of the first beam to the first sensor, the first sensor measuring a first energy of the first beam; 2. The laser generator of claim 1, wherein the mirror transmits between 1 and 5 percent of the energy of the first beam to the first sensor.

4. 4. The laser generator of claim 3, further comprising a second sensor for measuring a second energy of the second beam.

5. 5. The laser generator of claim 4, wherein the additional surface of the prism includes a coating that reflects a portion of the second beam to the second sensor.

6. the coating reflects between 1 and 5 percent of the energy of the second beam to the second sensor; 6. The laser generator of claim 5, further comprising a third sensor for calibrating the laser source for a selected catheter, the catheter being capable of being coupled to the optical assembly via the coupler.

7. a microprocessor enabled controller and a safety shutter; the safety shutter is disposed between the prism and the lens; 10. The laser generator of claim 1, wherein said microprocessor executable controller closes said safety shutter upon receiving a fault signal.

8. the prism comprises fused silica; the prism includes a base surface, the surface being the base surface; and / or 2. The laser generator of claim 1, wherein the prism includes a hypotenuse surface and the additional surface is the hypotenuse surface.

9. the optical assembly further comprising an attenuator disposed between the laser source and the prism; The laser generator of claim 1 , wherein the attenuator adjusts a first energy of the first beam.

10. a microprocessor enabled controller coupled to the attenuator; 10. The laser generator of claim 9, wherein the microprocessor executable controller adjusts, using the attenuator, the first energy of the first beam measured by a first sensor based on a second energy of the second beam measured by a second sensor.

11. the microprocessor executable controller adjusts, using the attenuator, the first energy of the first beam based on the second energy of the second beam measured by the second sensor and the first energy of the first beam measured by the first sensor; 11. The laser generator of claim 10, wherein the optical assembly further comprises a mirror that reflects the first beam back to the prism, the mirror further transmitting a portion of the first beam to the first sensor.

12. The laser generator of claim 1 , wherein the lens is a plano-convex lens.

13. The prism is a bottom entry surface receiving the first beam at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees from a normal to the bottom entry surface, the first beam having a first width and a first height; a side surface connected to the bottom entrance surface by an edge at a 90 degree angle; and a hypotenuse exit surface connecting the bottom entrance surface and the side surface; Including, the hypotenuse exit surface emits the second beam having a second width and a second height at an angle of 50 to 70 degrees from a normal to the hypotenuse exit surface; the second width is smaller than the first width; The laser generator of claim 1 , wherein the second height is the same as or equal to the first height.

14. the prism receives the first beam along an optical path; The laser generator of claim 1 , affecting at least one of a beam size and a beam aspect ratio.

15. A laser generator according to any one of claims 1 to 14; The catheter; A system comprising: the catheter includes a proximal end and a distal end; The proximal end is coupled to the coupler of the laser generator.

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