Light source unit for treatment support and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a light source unit for treatment support capable of suppressing damage to a subject caused by a change in illumination intensity of a laser beam radiated from a light guide member during treatment, and suppressing an adverse effect on the treatment.SOLUTION: A light source unit 100 for treatment support includes: a light source unit 320 for outputting a laser beam; a light guide member 200 including a light guide unit 260 for guiding the laser beam output from the light source unit and a branch unit 210 for branching the laser beam into a first laser beam and a second laser beam; a branch light monitor unit 330 for monitoring the intensity of the first laser beam during treatment; a storage unit 350 for storing reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam; a surveillance unit 343 for comparing the intensity of the first laser beam monitored at the branch light monitor unit during the treatment to the reference intensity of the first laser beam stored in the storage unit; and an output unit 344 for outputting a control signal for causing a predetermined operation to be executed according to a result of the comparison by the surveillance unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source unit for treatment support and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, cancer treatment by photoimmunotherapy has attracted attention. In photoimmunotherapy, first, a drug containing a fluorescent substance that causes a photochemical reaction and an antibody that selectively binds to cancer cells is administered into the body of a cancer patient. The administered drug circulates in the body of the cancer patient and selectively binds to the antigen of cancer cells. Next, by irradiating light in a specific wavelength band corresponding to the fluorescent substance, the fluorescent substance of the drug bound to the cancer cells emits fluorescence and causes a photochemical reaction, changing the chemical structure of the fluorescent substance. This change in the chemical structure of the fluorescent substance causes a change in the three-dimensional structure of the antibody. Then, the change in the three-dimensional structure of the antibody bound to the cancer cells damages the cell membrane of the bound cancer cells, thereby destroying (killing) the cancer cells. As the light (treatment light) in a specific wavelength band corresponding to the fluorescent substance, for example, near-infrared laser light is irradiated. This laser light is guided from a treatment light source to an optical fiber with a diffuser attached to the tip, diffused by the diffuser, emitted, and irradiated onto the affected area.

[0003] Infrared rays have a long wavelength and the property of reaching far. Therefore, the near-infrared laser light irradiated as treatment light to a cancer patient penetrates deep into the body of the cancer patient. If such treatment light is excessively irradiated to a cancer patient, there is a risk of damaging the body of the cancer patient. To prevent damage to the cancer patient caused by excessive irradiation of the treatment light, the irradiation energy of the treatment light and the irradiation intensity of the treatment light emitted from the tip of the optical fiber are regulated. To prevent irradiation of the treatment light exceeding the regulated value, before the treatment is started, the irradiation intensity of the treatment light emitted from the optical fiber is measured. If the measured irradiation intensity is not within the range of the regulated value, the emission intensity of the laser light from the treatment light source is calibrated, and after it is confirmed that the irradiation intensity is within the range of the regulated value, the treatment is started.

[0004] Conventionally, before starting treatment by irradiating cancer cells with laser light, there is known a treatment apparatus that can detect the irradiation intensity of the laser light emitted from an optical fiber and calibrate the irradiation intensity (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a treatment apparatus used for cancer treatment, which includes a light source unit, a calibration unit, and an optical fiber. This treatment apparatus is configured such that one end of the optical fiber is connected to the light source unit, and the other end of the optical fiber on the laser light emission port side can be connected to the calibration unit. A sensor (for example, a photodiode) for detecting the light quantity is provided in the calibration unit, and the light quantity of the laser light emitted to the calibration unit is measured. Before starting treatment, this treatment apparatus connects the emission port of the optical fiber to the calibration unit to obtain the light quantity of the laser light, and the treatment apparatus calibrates the irradiation intensity of the laser light emitted from the light source unit by comparing the light quantity obtained by the calibration unit with the irradiation intensity of the desired laser light stored in advance. Thereby, after confirming that the irradiation intensity is within the range of the specified value, laser light is emitted from the emission port of the optical fiber and treatment is started.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the treatment devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, it is impossible to detect a change in the irradiation intensity of the treatment light irradiated from the optical fiber due to an abnormality in the optical fiber, the treatment light source, etc. that occurs during treatment. If treatment is performed with the increased irradiation intensity after the irradiation intensity of the treatment light irradiated from the optical fiber has increased, there is a risk of damaging the body of the cancer patient or having an adverse effect on the treatment by causing the treatment of the affected part to progress more than necessary. Also, if treatment is performed with the decreased irradiation intensity after the irradiation intensity of the treatment light irradiated from the optical fiber has decreased, there is a risk of having an adverse effect on the treatment because the treatment of the affected part does not progress along the treatment plan. Therefore, during treatment, it is desired to suppress damage to the cancer patient (subject) caused by a change in the irradiation intensity of the treatment light (laser light) irradiated from the optical fiber (light guiding member), and also to suppress adverse effects on the treatment.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a light source unit for treatment support and a control method thereof that can suppress damage to a subject caused by a change in the irradiation intensity of laser light irradiated from a light guiding member during treatment, and can also suppress adverse effects on the treatment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The light source unit for treatment support in the first aspect of the present invention includes a light source unit that outputs laser light, a light guiding unit that guides the laser light output from the light source unit, a light guiding member that includes a branching unit that branches the laser light into a first laser light and a second laser light, a branched light monitoring unit that monitors the intensity of the first laser light during treatment, a storage unit that stores the reference intensity of the first laser light, a monitoring unit that compares the intensity of the first laser light monitored during treatment by the branched light monitoring unit with the reference intensity of the first laser light stored in the storage unit, and an output unit that outputs a control signal for causing a predetermined operation to be performed according to the comparison result of the monitoring unit.

[0009] The control method of the light source unit for treatment support according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a light guiding unit that guides the laser light output from the light source unit, and a branching unit that branches the laser light into a first laser light and a second laser light. The method comprises the steps of: emitting laser light from the light guiding member including the light guiding unit and the branching unit; monitoring the intensity of the first laser light; comparing the monitored intensity of the first laser light with a reference intensity of the first laser light stored in advance; and outputting a control signal for causing a predetermined operation according to the comparison result.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] As described above, the light source unit for treatment support according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a monitoring unit that compares the intensity of the first laser light monitored during treatment by the branched light monitoring unit with the reference intensity of the first laser light, and an output unit that outputs a control signal for causing a predetermined operation according to the comparison result of the monitoring unit. By configuring to compare the intensity of the first laser light monitored during treatment by the branched light monitoring unit with the reference intensity of the first laser light, it is possible to detect a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guiding member during treatment. As a result, when a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light is detected, a predetermined operation can be performed on the light source unit. Consequently, during treatment, damage to the subject caused by a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guiding member can be suppressed, and an adverse effect on the treatment can be suppressed.

[0011] As described above, the control method of the light source unit for treatment support according to the second aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: comparing the monitored intensity of the first laser light with the reference intensity of the first laser light stored in advance; and outputting a control signal for causing a predetermined operation according to the comparison result. Thus, similar to the first aspect, during treatment, damage to the subject caused by a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guiding member can be suppressed, and an adverse effect on the treatment can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [First Embodiment] (Configuration of the light source unit 100 for treatment support) With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the light source unit 100 for treatment support according to the first embodiment will be described. Note that FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the light source unit 100 for treatment support during calibration, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the light source unit 100 for treatment support during treatment, which will be described later.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source unit 100 for treatment support according to the first embodiment includes a light guide member 200, a light source device 300, and an irradiation light calibration device 400.

[0016] The light guide member 200 is configured to include at least one input end and at least two output ends. The light guide member 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes one input end 230a. Also, the light guide member 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes one monitor output end 240a and one treatment light output end 250a each. The light guide member 200 includes a branching portion 210. The light guide member 200 is configured to be connectable to a light source portion 320, which will be described later, of the light source device 300 at the input end 230a. The light guide member 200 is configured to be connectable to a branched light monitor portion 330, which will be described later, at the monitor output end 240a. The light guide member 200 is configured to be able to irradiate a second laser light, which will be described later, onto a subject as treatment light at the treatment light output end 250a. A diffuser 220 is provided at a laser light irradiation port formed at the treatment light output end 250a of the light guide member 200. The diffuser 220 may be configured to diffuse the second laser light forward, or may be configured to diffuse the second laser light radially in the radial direction.

[0017] The light guide member 200 includes a first light guide portion 230 including an input end 230a, a second light guide portion 240 including a monitor output end 240a, and a third light guide portion 250 including a treatment light output end 250a. The first light guide portion 230 guides laser light from the input end 230a to the branching portion 210. The second light guide portion 240 guides the first laser light, which will be described later, from the branching portion 210 to the monitor output end 240a. The third light guide portion 250 guides the second laser light from the branching portion 210 to the laser light irradiation port formed at the treatment light output end 250a. The first light guide portion 230 is configured to be longer than the third light guide portion 250. The first light guide portion 230, the second light guide portion 240, and the third light guide portion 250 are each a multi-core fiber. The branching portion 210 is, for example, a beam splitter.

[0018] The branching portion 210 branches the laser light guided by the first light guide portion 230 and guides it to the second light guide portion 240 and the third light guide portion 250 at a predetermined ratio. The branching portion 210 is configured to branch, for example, 10% of the laser light guided by the first light guide portion 230 as the first laser light to the second light guide portion 240 and 90% of the laser light guided by the first light guide portion 230 as the second laser light to the third light guide portion 250.

[0019] The light source device 300 is a device for generating laser light, which is treatment light for a subject, and guiding the generated laser light to the light guide member 200. The light source device 300 includes at least one housing 310. The light source device 300 includes, inside the housing 310, a plurality of light source units 320, a plurality of branched light monitor units 330, a control unit 340 (see FIG. 3), and a storage unit 350 (see FIG. 3). The light source device 300 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes four light source units 320 inside the housing 310. Also, the light source device 300 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes four branched light monitor units 330 inside the housing 310.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the light source unit 320 includes a laser unit 321 that emits laser light and a light source light monitor unit 322. The light source light monitor unit 322 includes an optical element 323, a light source light receiving unit 324, and a light source control unit 325. Note that FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of the light source unit 100 for treatment support during calibration. During treatment, the light source unit 100 for treatment support is not connected to the irradiation light calibration device 400 and the laser light irradiation port of the light guide member 200.

[0021] The laser unit 321 emits laser light. The laser light is, for example, a semiconductor laser. The laser light is used as treatment light for the subject. The laser unit 321 emits the laser light toward the optical element 323. As the laser light, light in a specific wavelength band corresponding to the fluorescent substance is irradiated.

[0022] The optical element 323 is provided between the laser unit 321 and the input end 230a of the light guide member 200 connected to the light source unit 320. The optical element 323 is, for example, a beam splitter. The optical element 323 is configured such that the laser light emitted by the laser unit 321 is incident thereon and the incident laser light is separated into transmitted light and reflected light. A part of the laser light passes through the optical element 323 and is incident on the input end 230a of the first light guide part 230 of the light guide member 200. The other part of the laser light is reflected by the optical element 323 and is incident on the light source light receiving unit 324.

[0023] The laser light reflected by the optical element 323 is incident on the light source light receiving unit 324. The light source light receiving unit 324 is, for example, a photodiode. The light source light receiving unit 324 outputs a detection value according to the intensity of the incident laser light. The detection value output by the light source light receiving unit 324 is acquired by the light source control unit 325.

[0024] The light source control unit 325 is configured to control the laser light emitted from the laser unit 321. The light source control unit 325 controls the laser light emitted from the laser unit 321 based on the output signal from the control unit 340 described later. Further, the light source control unit 325 acquires the detection value output from the light source light receiving unit 324. The detection value acquired by the light source control unit 325 is acquired by the control unit 340. The light source control unit 325 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0025] The branched light monitor unit 330 includes a branched light receiving unit 331.

[0026] The branched light receiving unit 331 receives the first laser light guided from the monitor output end 240a of the second light guide unit 240 branched from the branching unit 210 of the light guide member 200. In the example of the light source device 300 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, four branched light receiving units 331 are provided so as to correspond to each of the four light source units 320. The branched light receiving unit 331 is, for example, a photodiode. The branched light receiving unit 331 outputs a detection value according to the intensity of the incident first laser light. The detection value output by the branched light receiving unit 331 is acquired by the control unit 340.

[0027] The control unit 340 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and is configured to control the entire light source unit for treatment support. The control unit 340 acquires the detection value output from the branched light receiving unit 331. The acquired detection value is recorded in the storage unit 350.

[0028] Further, the control unit 340 is configured to control the light source control unit 325 of the light source unit 320. Specifically, the control unit 340 controls the irradiation of the laser light from the light source unit 320 during treatment (see FIG. 2), and is configured to control the calibration process of the intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light source unit 320 before the start of treatment (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 340 includes an acquisition unit 341 that acquires the intensity of the laser light from the branched light receiving unit 331 (see FIG. 3) and the calibration light receiving unit 410 (see FIG. 3) of the irradiation light calibration device 400 (see FIG. 3) described later, a calibration unit 342 that calculates the difference between the intensity of the laser light acquired by the acquisition unit 341 from the calibration light receiving unit 410 and a set detection value (described later) acquired from the storage unit 350 during the calibration process before the start of treatment, a monitoring unit 343 that monitors and compares the intensity of the laser light acquired by the acquisition unit 341 from the branched light receiving unit 331 during treatment, and an output unit 344 that sets the difference calculated by the calibration unit 342 as an offset value in the light source control unit 325 of the light source unit 320 to calibrate the laser light, and causes the light source control unit 325 of the light source unit 320 to perform a predetermined operation according to the comparison result by the monitoring unit 343 during treatment. That is, the control unit 340 composed of a CPU or the like as hardware includes the acquisition unit 341, the calibration unit 342, the monitoring unit 343, and the output unit 344 as functional blocks of software (program). Details of the configuration of the control unit 340, the calibration process of the intensity of the laser light, and the control of the irradiation of the laser light from the light source unit 320 will be described later.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 350 is configured to be able to store the detection value output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 and the detection value output by the branched light receiving unit 331 at the time when the intensity of the laser light is calibrated, as the intensity of the laser light. Further, the storage unit is configured to be able to store the intensity of the laser light (laser light setting value) input to the input unit (not shown) of the light source device 300 at the start of the calibration process and the offset value described later. Further, the storage unit 350 is configured to store a table (not shown) associating the laser light setting value with the detection value (set detection value) that should be output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 with respect to the laser light setting value. Further, the storage unit 350 stores a program executed by the output unit 344 to cause the light source control unit 325 of the light source unit 320 to perform a predetermined operation, and necessary data for causing the predetermined operation to be performed, etc., according to the comparison result by the monitoring unit 343 (see FIG. 4). The storage unit 350 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0030] The irradiation light calibration device 400 includes a calibration light receiving unit 410. The irradiation light calibration device 400 includes one housing 420. The irradiation light calibration device 400 includes the calibration light receiving unit 410 inside one housing.

[0031] The second laser light irradiated from the treatment light output end 250a of the light guide member 200 enters the calibration light receiving unit 410. When the laser light irradiation port of the light guide member 200 is connected before the start of treatment, the second laser light irradiated from the treatment light output end 250a of the light guide member 200 enters the calibration light receiving unit 410 of the irradiation light calibration device 400. The calibration light receiving unit 410 is, for example, a photodiode. The calibration light receiving unit 410 outputs a detection value according to the intensity of the incident second laser light. The detection value of the calibration light receiving unit 410 is acquired by the control unit 340, and the detection value at the time when the intensity of the laser light is calibrated is stored in the storage unit 350.

[0032] (Configuration of the control unit 340) Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the control unit 340 will be described.

[0033] As described above, the control unit 340 includes an acquisition unit 341, a calibration unit 342, a monitoring unit 343, and an output unit 344.

[0034] The acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340) acquires the intensities (detection values) of the first and second laser beams from the branched light receiving unit 331 (see FIG. 3) and the calibration light receiving unit 410 (see FIG. 3). The acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340) acquires the intensities (detection values) of the first and second laser beams from the branched light receiving unit 331 (see FIG. 3) and the calibration light receiving unit 410 (see FIG. 3) in the calibration process before the start of treatment. Further, during treatment, the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340) acquires the intensity (detection value) of the first laser beam irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a from the branched light receiving unit 331 (see FIG. 3).

[0035] The calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) acquires, from the storage unit 350, the detection value (set detection value) to be output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 with respect to the laser beam set value in the calibration process performed before the start of treatment. The calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) acquires the intensity (detection value) of the second laser beam output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 from the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340). The calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) calculates the difference between the acquired set detection value and the intensity (detection value) of the second laser beam output by the acquired calibration light receiving unit 410.

[0036] The output unit 344 (control unit 340) obtains, in the calibration process performed before the start of treatment, the difference between the set detection value calculated by the calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) and the intensity (detection value) of the second laser light output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 (see FIG. 3). The output unit 344 (control unit 340) sets the obtained difference as an offset value in the light source control unit 325 of the light source unit 320. Further, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) causes the light source control unit 325 to calibrate the intensity of the second laser light irradiated from the treatment light output end 250a so that the laser light set value input to the input unit (not shown) of the light source device 300 and the set offset value are equal to the intensity (detection value) of the second laser light output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 (see FIG. 3). That is, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) is configured to cause the light source control unit 325 to calibrate the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, in the calibration process performed before the start of treatment, the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340) acquires the intensity (detection value) of the second laser light from the calibration light receiving unit 410. The calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) acquires, from the storage unit 350, the detection value (set detection value) to be output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 with respect to the laser light set value, and acquires the intensity (detection value) of the second laser light output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 from the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340). The calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) calculates the difference between the acquired set detection value and the intensity (detection value) of the second laser light output by the acquired calibration light receiving unit 410. The output unit 344 (control unit 340) acquires the difference calculated by the calibration unit 342 (control unit 340). The output unit 344 (control unit 340) sets the acquired difference as an offset value in the light source control unit 325 of the light source unit 320, and causes the light source control unit 325 to calibrate the intensity of the second laser light irradiated from the treatment light output end 250a based on the laser light set value input to the input unit (not shown) of the light source device 300 and the set offset value.

[0038] When the set detection value becomes equal to the intensity (detection value) of the second laser beam output by the calibration light receiving unit 410, the calibration of the intensity of the second laser beam irradiated from the treatment light output end 250a is completed. At the end of the calibration process, the laser beam set value and the offset value set in the light source control unit 325 are stored in the storage unit 350. Also, the intensity (detection value) of the laser beam in the branching light receiving unit 331 at the time when the intensity of the second laser beam is calibrated is stored in the storage unit 350 as the reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam irradiated from the monitor output end 240a branched by the branching unit 210. Also, the intensity (detection value) of the second laser beam in the calibration light receiving unit 410 at the time when the intensity of the laser beam is calibrated is also stored in the storage unit 350.

[0039] The monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) monitors and compares, during treatment, the intensity of the branched first laser beam monitored by the branching light monitor unit 330 and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam branched by the branching unit 210 and irradiated from the monitor output end 240a stored in the storage unit 350. In the first embodiment, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) compares (light quantity comparison) the intensity of the first laser beam irradiated from the monitor output end 240a branched by the branching unit 210 with the reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam branched by the branching unit 210 and irradiated from the monitor output end 240a acquired from the storage unit 350. That is, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) calculates the difference or ratio between the intensity of the first laser beam irradiated from the monitor output end 240a branched by the branching unit 210 and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam branched by the branching unit 210 and irradiated from the monitor output end 240a acquired from the storage unit 350. Also, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) compares (threshold comparison) the calculated difference or ratio with a preset difference or ratio threshold value stored in the storage unit 350. The monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) compares, during treatment, the intensity of the first laser beam irradiated from the monitor output end 240a branched by the branching unit 210 with the reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam irradiated from the monitor output end 240a branched by the branching unit 210 at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time intervals are, for example, every few seconds (every 2 seconds or every 3 seconds).

[0040] The output unit 344 (control unit 340) also outputs a control signal to cause the light source unit 320 to perform a predetermined operation when the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) exceeds a preset threshold value of the difference or ratio in the comparison result by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340). The predetermined operation is, for example, the stop of the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, during treatment, the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340) acquires the intensity (detection value) of the first laser light irradiated from the branch light receiving unit 331 from the monitor output terminal 240a. The monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) acquires the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a branched by the branching unit 210 from the storage unit 350, and also acquires the intensity (detection value) of the first laser light output by the branch light receiving unit 331 from the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340). The monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) calculates the difference or ratio between the reference intensity V1 acquired from the storage unit 350 and the detection value acquired from the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340), and compares the calculated difference or ratio with a preset threshold value of the difference or ratio stored in the storage unit 350. Based on the comparison result by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340), the output unit 344 (control unit 340) outputs a control signal to cause the light source control unit 325 to perform a predetermined operation when the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) exceeds a preset threshold value of the difference or ratio.

[0042] (Calibration process of laser light intensity) Referring to FIG. 7, the calibration process of the laser light by the control unit 340 before the start of treatment according to the first embodiment will be described. The calibration process described below is executed by the control unit 340 composed of a CPU as hardware, including an acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340), a calibration unit 342 (control unit 340), and an output unit 344 (control unit 340) as software function blocks. Also, the calibration process described below starts in a state where the first light guide unit 230 of the light guide member 200 is connected to the light source unit 320, the second light guide unit 240 is connected to the branch light monitor unit 330, and the third light guide unit 250 is connected to the irradiation light calibration device 400 before the start of treatment.

[0043] In step S101, the calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) acquires, from the storage unit 350, the detection value (set detection value) to be output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 with respect to the input value (laser light setting value) of the laser intensity input to the input unit (not shown) of the light source device 300. If the set detection value for the laser light setting value is not stored in the storage unit 350, the set detection value for an approximate laser light setting value may be acquired. Then, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0044] In step S102, the control unit 340 causes the laser unit 321 to emit laser light by the light source control unit 325 based on the input value (laser light setting value) of the laser intensity input to the input unit (not shown) of the light source device 300. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0045] In step S103, the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340) acquires the detection value of the second laser light irradiated from the treatment light output end 250a of the light guide member 200 output by the calibration light receiving unit 410. Then, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0046] In step S104, the calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) acquires the intensity (detection value) of the second laser beam output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 from the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340), and calculates the difference between the acquired set detection value and the intensity (detection value) of the second laser beam output by the acquired calibration light receiving unit 410. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0047] In step S105, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) acquires the difference calculated by the calibration unit 342 (control unit 340), and sets the acquired difference as an offset value in the light source control unit 325 of the light source unit 320. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0048] In step S106, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) causes the light source control unit 325 to calibrate the intensity of the second laser beam irradiated from the treatment light output end 250a based on the laser beam set value and the set offset value. When the set detection value and the intensity (detection value) of the second laser beam output by the calibration light receiving unit 410 become equal, the calibration of the intensity of the second laser beam irradiated from the treatment light output end 250a ends. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0049] In step S107, the storage unit 350 stores the laser beam set value and the offset value set in the light source control unit 325. Further, the storage unit 350 stores the intensity (detection value) of the first laser beam in the branch light receiving unit 331 at the time when the intensity of the second laser beam is calibrated, as the reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam irradiated from the monitor output end 240a branched by the branching unit 210. Further, the storage unit 350 stores the intensity (detection value) of the second laser beam in the calibration light receiving unit 410 at the time when the intensity of the second laser beam is calibrated. Thereby, the calibration process of the laser beam before the start of treatment by the control unit 340 ends.

[0050] (Control of Laser Beam Irradiation During Treatment) Referring to FIG. 8, the control of the laser light irradiation from the light source unit 320 by the control unit 340 during treatment according to the first embodiment will be described. The control process of the laser light irradiation described below is executed by the control unit 340 composed of a CPU as hardware, including the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340), the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340), and the output unit 344 (control unit 340) as software function blocks. Also, the control process of the laser light irradiation from the light source unit 320 described below starts in a state where the calibration process of the laser light before the start of treatment by the control unit 340 described above is completed and the treatment is started.

[0051] In step S201, the control unit 340 causes the laser unit 321 to emit laser light by the light source control unit 325 based on the output value of the laser intensity calibrated by the above-described calibration process. Then, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0052] In step S202, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) acquires the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a branched by the branching unit 210 from the storage unit 350. Also, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) acquires from the storage unit 350 the threshold value of the difference or ratio between the intensity of the branched first laser light monitored during treatment by the branched light monitor unit 330 and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a branched by the branching unit 210. Then, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0053] In step S203, the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340) acquires the intensity (detection value) of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a branched by the branching unit 210 in the branched light receiving unit 331. Then, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0054] In step S204, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) acquires the intensity of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a from the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340), and calculates the difference or ratio between the acquired intensity of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a branched at the branching unit 210. Then, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0055] In step S205, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) compares the calculated difference or ratio with a preset difference or ratio threshold. Then, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0056] In step S206, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines, based on the comparison result by the monitoring unit 343, whether the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) exceeds a preset difference or ratio threshold. If the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) exceeds the preset difference or ratio threshold (Yes in step S206), the process proceeds to step S207. If the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) is equal to or less than the preset difference or ratio threshold (No in step S206), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0057] In step S207, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) outputs a control signal to cause the light source unit 320 to perform an operation to stop the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320. The light source control unit 325 of the light source unit 320 stops the output of the laser light from the laser unit 321. Thereby, the control process of irradiating the laser light from the light source unit 320 by the control unit 340 ends, and the treatment is aborted.

[0058] In step S208, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines whether the treatment has ended by acquiring a signal related to the end of treatment based on an operation by a user such as a doctor. When the treatment has ended (Yes in step S208), the control process of the laser light irradiation from the light source unit 320 by the control unit 340 ends. When the treatment has not ended (No in step S208), the process proceeds to step S203 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the comparison process of the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340).

[0059] (Effect of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0060] In the first embodiment, as described above, the light source unit 100 for treatment support includes a monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) that compares the intensity of the first laser light monitored during treatment by the branched light monitoring unit 330 with the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light, and an output unit 344 (control unit 340) that outputs a control signal for causing a predetermined operation to be performed according to the comparison result of the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340). By configuring to compare the intensity of the branched first laser light monitored during treatment by the branched light monitoring unit 330 with the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched by the branching unit 210, it is possible to detect a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guiding member 200 during treatment. As a result, when a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light is detected, a predetermined operation can be performed on the light source unit 320. As a result, during treatment, damage to the subject caused by a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guiding member 200 can be suppressed, and an adverse effect on the treatment can be suppressed.

[0061] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) calculates the difference or ratio between the intensity of the first laser beam and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam, and compares the calculated difference or ratio with a preset difference or ratio threshold. The output unit 344 (control unit 340) is configured to output a control signal to cause the light source unit 320 to perform a predetermined operation when the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) exceeds the preset difference or ratio threshold in the comparison result by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340). Thereby, when the difference or ratio between the intensity of the branched first laser beam and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam branched by the branching unit 210 exceeds the preset difference or ratio threshold, the light source unit 320 can be caused to perform a predetermined operation. Therefore, during the treatment, damage to the subject caused by a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser beam irradiated from the light guiding member 200 can be appropriately suppressed, and an adverse effect on the treatment can be appropriately suppressed.

[0062] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the predetermined operation is to stop the output of the laser beam from the light source unit 320. Thereby, during the treatment, damage to the subject caused by a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser beam irradiated from the light guiding member 200 can be more appropriately suppressed, and an adverse effect on the treatment can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0063] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the reference intensity V1 of the first laser beam is the intensity of the branched first laser beam monitored by the branched light monitor unit 330 before the start of the treatment. Thereby, since the intensity of the branched first laser beam before the start of the treatment and the intensity of the branched first laser beam during the treatment can be appropriately compared, a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser beam irradiated from the light guiding member 200 during the treatment can be appropriately detected.

[0064] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) further calibrates the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 based on the intensity of the second laser light before the start of treatment emitted from the light guide member 200. The reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210 is the intensity of the laser light calibrated by the output unit 344 (control unit 340) and branched at the branching unit 210. The output unit 344 (control unit 340) calibrates the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 according to the intensity of the laser light before the start of treatment emitted from the light guide member 200, so that the intensity of the laser light input to the input unit (not shown) of the light source device 300 is equal to the intensity of the second laser light irradiated from the laser light irradiation port of the light guide member 200. By setting the intensity of the first laser light calibrated by the output unit 344 (control unit 340) before the start of treatment and branched at the branching unit 210 as the reference intensity V1, and comparing this reference intensity V1 with the intensity of the branched first laser light during treatment, it is possible to more accurately detect the change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guide member 200 during treatment.

[0065] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the light guide member 200 is configured to include a first light guide portion 230 that guides laser light from the light source unit 320 to the branching unit 210, and a second light guide portion 240 that guides the first laser light from the branching unit 210 to the branch light monitor unit 330. Thereby, the branch light monitor unit 330 can surely monitor the intensity of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210 during treatment, so that it is possible to appropriately detect the change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guide member 200 during treatment.

[0066] In the first embodiment, as described above, the light guide member 200 further includes a third light guide portion 250 that guides the second laser light from the branching portion 210 to the light exit of the light guide member 200. The branching portion 210 includes a beam splitter that branches the second light guide portion 240 and the third light guide portion 250. By using a beam splitter as the branching portion 210, without directly detecting the intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guide member 200 during treatment, based on the intensity of the laser light branched by the beam splitter, the intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guide member 200 can be accurately obtained. Thereby, during treatment, the change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guide member 200 can be appropriately detected.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the first light guide portion 230 is configured to be longer than the third light guide portion 250. The branched light receiving portion 331 is configured to receive the first laser light emitted from the light source portion 320, guided by the first light guide portion 230, branched by the branching portion 210, and guided to the second light guide portion 240. That is, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to detect the occurrence of abnormalities in the first light guide portion 230 and the second light guide portion 240. Since the first light guide portion 230 is configured to be longer than the third light guide portion 250, the portion of the first light guide portion 230 in the entire light guide member can be increased. Therefore, the portion capable of detecting abnormalities in the light guide member 200 can be increased. As a result, during treatment, damage to the subject caused by a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guide member 200 can be appropriately suppressed, and an adverse effect on the treatment can be appropriately suppressed.

[0068] (Effect of the control method of the light source unit 100 for treatment support according to the first embodiment) In the control method of the light source unit for treatment support according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0069] In the control method of the light source unit 100 for treatment support according to the first embodiment, as described above, it includes a step of comparing the monitored intensity of the first laser light with the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light stored in advance, and a step of outputting a control signal for causing a predetermined operation according to the comparison result. The monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) can be controlled to compare the monitored intensity of the first laser light with the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light stored in advance. Thereby, during the treatment, since the change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guide member 200 can be detected, when the change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light is detected, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) can be controlled to cause a predetermined operation to be performed on the light source unit 320. As a result, during the treatment, damage to the subject caused by the change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guide member 200 can be suppressed, and an adverse effect on the treatment can be suppressed.

[0070] [Second Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the light source unit 100 for treatment support according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, different from the first embodiment, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) calculates the difference or ratio between the intensity of the branched first laser light and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210, and the output unit 344 (control unit 340) is configured to output a control signal for increasing or decreasing the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320 to the light source unit 320 according to the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340). For the same configuration as in the first embodiment above, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

[0071] (Configuration of Control Unit 340) As shown in FIG. 4, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) compares, during treatment, the intensity of the branched first laser light monitored during treatment by the branched light monitor unit 330 (see FIG. 3) with the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210 (see FIG. 3) stored in the storage unit 350. The monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) calculates the difference or ratio between the intensity of the branched first laser light and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210 (see FIG. 3). The monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) calculates the difference or ratio between the intensity of the branched first laser light and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210 (see FIG. 3) at predetermined time intervals during treatment. The monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) calculates, for example, the difference or ratio between the intensity of the branched first laser light and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210 (see FIG. 3) at intervals of several seconds (every 2 seconds or every 3 seconds) during treatment.

[0072] The output unit 344 (control unit 340) outputs a control signal for causing the light source unit 320 (see FIG. 3) to perform a predetermined operation according to the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340). The predetermined operation is, for example, an increase or decrease in the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320 (see FIG. 3). The output unit 344 (control unit 340) performs feedback control to output a control signal for increasing or decreasing the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320 (see FIG. 3) so that the difference calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) approaches zero. Alternatively, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) performs feedback control to output a control signal for increasing or decreasing the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320 (see FIG. 3) so that the ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) approaches 1.

[0073] (Control of Irradiation of Laser Light from Light Source Unit 320) Referring to FIG. 9, the control of the laser light irradiation from the light source unit 320 by the control unit 340 during treatment according to the second embodiment will be described. The control process of the laser light irradiation described below is executed by a control unit 340 composed of a CPU as hardware, including an acquisition unit 341, a monitoring unit 343, and an output unit 344 as software function blocks. In addition, the control process of the laser light irradiation from the light source unit 320 described below is started in a state where the calibration process of the laser light before the start of treatment by the control unit 340 described above is completed and the treatment is started.

[0074] In step S301, the control unit 340 causes the laser unit 321 to irradiate laser light by the light source control unit 325 based on the output value of the laser intensity calibrated by the calibration process. Then, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0075] In step S302, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) acquires the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a branched by the branching unit 210 from the storage unit 350. Then, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0076] In step S303, the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340) acquires the intensity (detection value) of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a branched by the branching unit 210 in the branching light receiving unit 331. Then, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0077] In step S304, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) acquires the intensity of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a from the acquisition unit 341 (control unit 340), and calculates the difference or ratio between the acquired intensity of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light irradiated from the monitor output terminal 240a branched by the branching unit 210. Then, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0078] In step S305, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) outputs a control signal to the light source unit 320 to increase or decrease the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320 according to the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0079] In step S306, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines whether the treatment has ended by acquiring a signal regarding the end of the treatment based on an operation by a user such as a doctor. If the treatment has ended (Yes in step S306), the control process of irradiating the laser light from the light source unit 320 by the control unit 340 ends. If the treatment has not ended (No in step S306), the process proceeds to step S303 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the comparison process of the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340).

[0080] Other configurations of the second embodiment, and the calibration process of the laser light by the calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) and the output unit 344 (control unit 340) before the start of the treatment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0081] (Effect of the Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, as described above, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) calculates the difference or ratio between the intensity of the first laser light and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light, and the output unit 344 (control unit 340) outputs a control signal to increase or decrease the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320 as a predetermined operation to the light source unit 320 according to the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340). Thereby, feedback control can be performed to increase or decrease the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320 according to the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340). Therefore, even when the irradiation intensity of the laser light irradiated from the light guide member 200 changes during the treatment, the output of the laser light from the light source unit 320 can be appropriately controlled, and as a result, the treatment can be continued.

[0082] In addition, other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0083] [Third Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the light source unit 100 for treatment support according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the light source light monitor unit 322 monitors the intensity of the laser light emitted from the laser unit 321 during treatment. Further, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) further compares the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 with the reference intensity V2 of the laser light output from the light source unit 320. Further, according to the combination of the first comparison result between the intensity of the branched first laser light by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210, and the second comparison result between the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 and the reference intensity V2 of the laser light output from the light source unit 320, the output unit 344 is configured to output different control signals from each other. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0084] (Configuration of Control Unit 340) Similar to the first embodiment, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) compares the intensity of the branched first laser light monitored by the branched light monitor unit 330 during treatment with the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210 during treatment (first comparison).

[0085] In the third embodiment, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines, based on the first comparison, whether the intensity of the branched first laser light is maintained, increasing, or decreasing, in three ways. Specifically, when the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) is within the range of a preset difference or ratio threshold, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines that the intensity of the branched first laser light is maintained. Also, when the intensity of the branched first laser light monitored by the branched light monitor unit 330 during treatment is greater than the reference intensity V1 of the branched first laser light, and the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) exceeds the range of the preset difference or ratio threshold, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines that the intensity of the branched first laser light is increasing. Further, when the intensity of the branched first laser light monitored by the branched light monitor unit 330 during treatment is less than the reference intensity V1 of the branched first laser light, and the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) exceeds the range of the preset difference or ratio threshold, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines that the intensity of the branched first laser light is decreasing.

[0086] Also, in the third embodiment, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) further compares the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 monitored by the light source light monitor unit 322 during treatment with the reference intensity V2 of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 (second comparison). Note that the comparison process by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) between the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 and the reference intensity V2 of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 is the same as the comparison process in the first embodiment between the intensity of the first laser light branched by the branching unit 210 and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched by the branching unit 210, so the description is omitted. Also, the reference intensity V2 of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 is stored in the storage unit 350.

[0087] In the third embodiment, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines, based on the second comparison, whether the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 is maintained, increasing, or decreasing, in three ways. Specifically, when the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) is within the range of a preset difference or ratio threshold, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines that the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 is maintained. Further, when the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 monitored by the light source light monitor unit 322 during treatment is greater than the reference intensity V2 of the laser light output from the light source unit 320, and the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) exceeds the range of the preset difference or ratio threshold, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines that the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 is increasing. Also, when the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 monitored by the light source light monitor unit 322 during treatment is less than the reference intensity V2 of the laser light output from the light source unit 320, and the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) exceeds the range of the preset difference or ratio threshold, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines that the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 is decreasing.

[0088] As described above, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) determines the intensity of the branched first laser light in three ways based on the first comparison, and determines the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 in three ways based on the second comparison. That is, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) obtains any one of nine determination results as a combination of the first comparison result and the second comparison result. The output unit 344 (control unit 340) outputs different control signals to the light source unit 320 according to any one of the nine obtained determination results.

[0089] Table 1 below shows the different control signals corresponding to any one of the nine obtained determination results by the output unit 344 (control unit 340).

[0090]

Table 1

[0091] For the other configurations of the third embodiment and the calibration process of the laser light by the calibration unit 342 (control unit 340) and the output unit 344 (control unit) before the start of treatment, they are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0092] (Effect of the Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, as described above, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) further compares the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 monitored by the light source light monitor unit 322 with the reference intensity V2 of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 stored in the storage unit 350. According to the combination of the comparison result between the intensity of the branched first laser light by the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched at the branching unit 210, and the comparison result between the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit 320 and the reference intensity V2 of the laser light output from the light source unit 320, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) is configured to output different control signals. The output unit 344 (control unit 340) can determine that the change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light is due to an abnormality occurring in either or both of the light guide member 200 and the light source unit 320 by combining the first comparison result and the second comparison result. Therefore, the occurrence of abnormalities in the light guide member 200 and the light source unit 320 can be appropriately detected. Also, the output unit 344 (control unit 340) obtains any one of the nine determination results and outputs different control signals to the light source unit 320 according to the obtained determination result. Therefore, even when an abnormality occurs in the light guide member 200 and the light source unit 320, the monitoring unit 343 (control unit 340) and the output unit 344 (control unit 340) can control the irradiation of the laser light to the light source unit 320 without performing complex control.

[0093] Also, the other effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0094] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the light source unit 100 for treatment support according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, it further includes a display unit 530 for displaying information related to treatment, and the control signal is configured to further include a first control signal for causing the display unit 530 to display an abnormality of the light guide member 200. Further, the control signal is configured to further include a second control signal for causing the display unit 530 to display an abnormality of the light source unit 320. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0095] In the treatment by photoimmunotherapy, together with the light source unit 100 for treatment support, a treatment support device 500 including an imaging device 510 for imaging a subject shown in FIG. 10, a main body unit 520 incorporating a control unit for controlling the imaging device 510, and a display unit 530 is used. The display unit 530 is configured to display an image of the affected part of the subject captured from the treatment support device 500. The display unit 530 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 530 is connected to the light source unit 100 for treatment support by a video interface such as HDMI (registered trademark).

[0096] The control signal is configured to further include a first control signal for causing the display unit 530 to display an abnormality of the light guide member 200. As shown in FIG. 11, the output unit 344 can, for example, display information 531 regarding the occurrence of an abnormality in the light guide member at the left end of the upper portion of the image 30 of the affected part 20 of the subject 10 displayed on the display unit 530. Further, the control signal is configured to further include a second control signal for causing the display unit 530 to display an abnormality of the light source unit 320. As shown in FIG. 12, the output unit 344 can, for example, display information 532 regarding the occurrence of an abnormality in the light source unit 320 at the left end of the upper portion of the image 30 of the affected part 20 of the subject 10 displayed on the display unit 530. Also, although not shown, the output unit 344 can, for example, display both the information 531 regarding the occurrence of an abnormality in the light guide member and the information 532 regarding the occurrence of an abnormality in the light source unit 320 at the left end of the upper portion of the image 30 of the affected part 20 of the subject 10 displayed on the display unit 530.

[0097] Other configurations of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0098] (Effect of the Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, as described above, the display unit 530 for displaying information regarding treatment is further provided, and the control signal is configured to further include a first control signal for causing the display unit 530 to display an abnormality of the light guide member 200. Thereby, a user such as a doctor can visually recognize the abnormality of the light guide member 200. Therefore, a user such as a doctor can appropriately take measures necessary for continuing or terminating the treatment against a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light caused by the occurrence of an abnormality in the light guide member 200.

[0099] Also, in the fourth embodiment, as described above, the control signal is configured to further include a second control signal for causing the display unit 530 to display an abnormality of the light source unit 320. As a result, a user such as a doctor can visually recognize the abnormality of the light source unit 320. Therefore, a user such as a doctor can appropriately take measures necessary for continuing or stopping the treatment in response to a change in the irradiation intensity of the laser light caused by the occurrence of an abnormality in the light source unit 320.

[0100] [Modification Example] It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiments, and further includes all changes (modification examples) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

[0101] For example, in the above embodiment, the first light guide unit 230, the second light guide unit 240, and the third light guide unit 250 are each a multi-core fiber, and an example is shown in which the laser light guided by the first light guide unit 230 is branched into the second light guide unit 240 and the third light guide unit 250 by a beam splitter. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The light guide member 200 may be at least one bundle fiber in which a plurality of optical fibers are bundled. As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D, for example, the light guide member 200 may be one bundle fiber in which 10 optical fibers are bundled. In this case, the first light guide unit 230 is one bundle fiber in which 10 optical fibers are bundled, and the first light guide unit 230 branches into a second light guide unit 240 composed of one optical fiber and a third light guide unit 250 in which 9 optical fibers are bundled starting from the branching unit 210. In this case, a beam splitter is not used as the branching unit 210.

[0102] Here, in a single bundle fiber in which ten optical fibers are bundled, it is unlikely that only one optical fiber branched as the second light guiding portion 240 has an abnormality such as a disconnection. Therefore, as in the case where the branching portion 210 is a beam splitter, also in a single bundle fiber in which a plurality of optical fibers are bundled, the laser light emitted from the light source portion 320 can be appropriately branched by the branching portion 210. Further, as described above, it is unlikely that only the optical fiber branched as the second light guiding portion 240 has an abnormality such as a disconnection. Therefore, according to the configuration in which a single bundle fiber in which a plurality of optical fibers are bundled is branched, by monitoring the intensity of the laser light branched by the branching portion 210 during treatment, it can be considered that the occurrence of an abnormality in the entire light guiding member 200 can be detected.

[0103] Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the light source device 300 and the irradiation light correction device 400 are housed in separate housings is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The light source device 300 and the irradiation light correction device 400 may be housed in the same housing.

[0104] Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the monitoring unit 343 is configured to calculate the difference or ratio between the intensity of the branched first laser light and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched by the branching portion 210 at predetermined time intervals during treatment is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The monitoring unit 343 may be configured to calculate the difference or ratio between the intensity of the branched first laser light and the reference intensity V1 of the first laser light branched by the branching portion 210 at a predetermined number of times or based on an instruction from a user such as a doctor during treatment.

[0105] [Aspect] (First Aspect) Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-exemplified embodiment is a specific example of the following first aspect.

[0106] (Item 1) A light source unit that outputs laser light, and A light guide member including a light guide portion that guides the laser light output from the light source portion, and a branching portion that branches the laser light into a first laser light and a second laser light, A branch light monitor portion that monitors the intensity of the first laser light during treatment, A storage portion that stores the reference intensity of the first laser light, A monitoring portion that compares the intensity of the first laser light monitored during treatment by the branch light monitor portion with the reference intensity of the first laser light stored in the storage portion, An output portion that outputs a control signal for causing a predetermined operation to be performed according to the comparison result of the monitoring portion, and a light source unit for treatment support.

[0107] (Item 2) The monitoring portion is configured to calculate a difference or a ratio between the intensity of the first laser light and the reference intensity of the first laser light, and to compare the calculated difference or ratio with a threshold value of the difference or ratio set in advance, In the comparison result by the monitoring portion, when the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring portion exceeds the threshold value of the difference or ratio set in advance, the output portion outputs a control signal for causing the predetermined operation to be performed on the light source portion, The light source unit for treatment support according to Item 1.

[0108] (Item 3) The predetermined operation is to stop the output of the laser light from the light source portion, and the light source unit for treatment support according to Item 2.

[0109] (Item 4) The monitoring portion calculates a difference or a ratio between the intensity of the first laser light and the reference intensity of the first laser light, The output portion is configured to output a control signal for increasing or decreasing the output of the laser light from the light source portion as the predetermined operation to the light source portion according to the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring portion, The light source unit for treatment support according to Item 1.

[0110] (Item 5) The reference intensity of the first laser light is the intensity of the first laser light monitored by the branched light monitor unit before the start of treatment, and the light source unit for treatment support according to any one of Items 1 to 4.

[0111] (Item 6) The output unit further calibrates the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit based on the intensity of the second laser light before the start of treatment emitted from the light guide member. The reference intensity of the first laser light is the intensity of the first laser light obtained by branching the laser light calibrated by the output unit at the branching unit, and the light source unit for treatment support according to Item 5.

[0112] (Item 7) The light guide member is configured to include a first light guide unit that guides the laser light from the light source unit to the branching unit, and a second light guide unit that guides the first laser light from the branching unit to the branched light monitor unit, and the light source unit for treatment support according to any one of Items 1 to 6.

[0113] (Item 8) The light guide member further includes a third light guide unit that guides the second laser light from the branching unit to the emission port of the light guide member. The branching unit includes a beam splitter that branches the second light guide unit and the third light guide unit, and the light source unit for treatment support according to Item 7.

[0114] (Item 9) The first light guide unit is configured to be longer than the third light guide unit, and the light source unit for treatment support according to Item 8.

[0115] (Item 10) The light source unit further includes a light source light monitor unit that monitors the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit and transmitted to the light guide member during treatment. The storage unit further stores the reference intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit. The monitoring unit further compares the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit monitored by the light source light monitoring unit with the reference intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit stored in the storage unit. The output unit is configured to output different control signals according to the combination of the comparison result between the intensity of the first laser light and the reference intensity of the first laser light by the monitoring unit, and the comparison result between the intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit and the reference intensity of the laser light output from the light source unit. The light source unit for treatment support according to any one of items 1 to 9.

[0116] (Item 11) The light source unit for treatment support further includes a display unit for displaying information related to treatment. The control signal is further configured to include a first control signal for causing the display unit to display an abnormality of the light guiding member. The light source unit for treatment support according to item 10.

[0117] (Item 12) The control signal is further configured to include a second control signal for causing the display unit to display an abnormality of the light source unit. The light source unit for treatment support according to item 11.

[0118] (Item 13) A step of emitting the laser light from a light guiding member including a light guiding unit that guides the laser light output from the light source unit and a branching unit that branches the laser light into a first laser light and a second laser light; A step of monitoring the intensity of the first laser light; A step of comparing the monitored intensity of the first laser light with the reference intensity of the first laser light stored in advance; A step of outputting a control signal for causing a predetermined operation according to the comparison result. A control method for a light source unit for treatment support.

Explanation of Signs

[0119] 100 Light source unit for treatment support 200 Light guiding member 210 Branch portion 230 First light guide portion 240 Second light guide portion 250 Third light guide portion 260 Light guide portion 300 Light source device 320 Light source portion 322 Light source light monitor portion 330 Branch light monitor portion 340 Control portion 341 Acquisition portion 342 Calibration portion 343 Comparison portion 344 Output portion 350 Memory portion 530 Display portion V1 Reference intensity of the first branched laser light V2 Reference intensity of the laser light output from the light source portion

Claims

1. A light source unit that outputs a laser beam, A light guide member including a light guide unit that guides the laser beam output from the light source unit, and a branching unit that branches the laser beam into a first laser beam and a second laser beam, A branched light monitor unit that monitors the intensity of the first laser beam during treatment, A storage unit that stores the reference intensity of the first laser beam, A monitoring unit that compares the intensity of the first laser beam monitored during treatment by the branched light monitor unit with the reference intensity of the first laser beam stored in the storage unit, An output unit that outputs a control signal for causing a predetermined operation according to the comparison result of the monitoring unit, a light source unit for treatment support.

2. The monitoring unit is configured to calculate a difference or ratio between the intensity of the first laser beam and the reference intensity of the first laser beam, and compare the calculated difference or ratio with a preset threshold of the difference or ratio, The output unit is configured to output a control signal for causing the predetermined operation to the light source unit when the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit exceeds a preset threshold of the difference or ratio in the comparison result by the monitoring unit. The light source unit for treatment support according to Claim 1.

3. The predetermined operation is to stop the output of the laser beam from the light source unit. The light source unit for treatment support according to Claim 2.

4. The monitoring unit calculates a difference or ratio between the intensity of the first laser beam and the reference intensity of the first laser beam, The output unit is configured to output a control signal for increasing or decreasing the output of the laser beam from the light source unit as the predetermined operation to the light source unit according to the difference or ratio calculated by the monitoring unit. The light source unit for treatment support according to Claim 1.

5. The reference intensity of the first laser beam is the intensity of the first laser beam monitored by the branched light monitor unit before the start of treatment. The light source unit for treatment support according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The output unit further corrects the intensity of the laser beam output from the light source unit based on the intensity of the second laser beam before the start of treatment emitted from the light guide member, The reference intensity of the first laser beam is the intensity of the first laser beam branched by the branching unit from the laser beam corrected by the output unit. The light source unit for treatment support according to Claim 5.

7. The light guide member includes a first light guide portion that guides the laser light from the light source portion to the branching portion, and a second light guide portion that guides the first laser light from the branching portion to the branch light monitor portion, and is configured as described above. The light source unit for treatment support according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The light guide member further includes a third light guide portion that guides the second laser light from the branching portion to the emission port of the light guide member. The branching portion includes a beam splitter that branches the second light guide portion and the third light guide portion. The light source unit for treatment support according to claim 7.

9. The first light guide portion is configured to be longer than the third light guide portion. The light source unit for treatment support according to claim 8.

10. The light source unit further includes a light source light monitor portion that monitors the intensity of the laser light output from the light source portion and transmitted to the light guide member during treatment. The storage unit further stores a reference intensity of the laser light output from the light source portion. The monitoring unit further compares the intensity of the laser light output from the light source portion monitored by the light source light monitor portion with the reference intensity of the laser light output from the light source portion stored in the storage unit. According to the combination of the comparison result between the intensity of the first laser light and the reference intensity of the first laser light by the monitoring unit, and the comparison result between the intensity of the laser light output from the light source portion and the reference intensity of the laser light output from the light source portion, the output unit is configured to output different control signals. The light source unit for treatment support according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The light source unit further includes a display unit that displays information related to treatment. The control signal is further configured to include a first control signal that causes the display unit to display an abnormality of the light guide member. The light source unit for treatment support according to claim 10.

12. The control signal is further configured to include a second control signal that causes the display unit to display an abnormality of the light source portion. The light source unit for treatment support according to claim 11.

13. A step of emitting the laser light from a light guide member including a light guide portion that guides the laser light output from the light source portion, and a branching portion that branches the laser light into a first laser light and a second laser light. A step of monitoring the intensity of the first laser light. A step of comparing the intensity of the monitored first laser light with the reference intensity of the first laser light memorized in advance; A step of outputting a control signal for causing a predetermined operation according to the result of the comparison, a control method of a light source unit for treatment support.

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