Shock wave and laser therapy devices using laser light sources

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technology for providing a shock wave and a laser treatment device using a laser light source. More specifically, it relates to a treatment device that can perform both high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with only one device.

Background Art

[0002] Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment method that applies a strong shock wave to the affected area. It is known to have effects such as promoting blood circulation and metabolism, tendon / ligament / tissue repair, pain relief, and function improvement. Extracorporeal shock waves are classified into focused and radial types. Focused extracorporeal shock wave is a treatment method that concentrates the shock wave on a specific site. Radial shock wave has the effect of transmitting the extracorporeal shock wave to muscles, tissues, joints, etc. as a whole. Also, as the shock wave generation methods of ordinary ESWT devices, there are electrohydraulic (EH), piezoelectric (Piezo), and electromagnetic (EM, Coil) types. The electrohydraulic type is a method of generating a spark with an electrode and collecting the shock wave through a reflector. The piezoelectric type is a method of applying a voltage to piezoelectric elements arranged in a parabolic shape to generate and collect the shock wave. The electromagnetic or coil type is a method of applying a high voltage to a coil to generate a magnetic field and generate a shock wave.

[0003] On the other hand, high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is a treatment method using high-intensity light (laser). It is known to have effects such as blood circulation, tissue repair, and muscle fiber repair by the laser penetrating into the body and transmitting energy. It is known that performing HILT using a laser and ESWT using a shock wave in sequence has a synergistic treatment effect, and in orthopedics and the like, treatment has been carried out by performing ESWT after HILT.

[0004] For this reason, orthopedic surgeons and other medical facilities typically equipped themselves with both HILT (High-Intensity Laser Therapy) and ESWT (Electrical Shock Wave Therapy) devices. This is because the high-intensity lasers used in HILT and the shock waves used in ESWT are generated using different elements. In HILT devices, the high-intensity laser output is central, and the core of the device is an optical element, while in ESWT devices, the shock wave output is central, and the core of the device is a piezoelectric element or coil. Combining optical elements and piezoelectric elements or coils, which are separate elements, can lead to excessive power consumption. Furthermore, both the laser light source that generates the high-intensity laser and the piezoelectric element or coil that generates the shock wave are electromagnetic devices. During operation, they emit electric and magnetic fields to the outside and can be affected by external electric and magnetic fields. Therefore, if the laser source and shock wave source are forcibly placed in a narrow space without shielding, each source will be affected by the other's electric and magnetic fields, which can cause subtle changes in output. This can be a fatal flaw for medical devices where stability is crucial. Furthermore, handpieces containing piezoelectric elements or coils are generally large and heavy, and adding optical components may make them excessively uncomfortable to use.

[0005] As background technology related to the embodiments, Korean Patent Publication KR10-2377259B1 discloses a piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave and laser combined generator, and a combined therapeutic apparatus including the same. Specifically, the piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave and laser combined generator according to the prior art may include a handle, a head portion coupled to one end of the handle and on which a piezoelectric element is arranged, a piezo applicator that is attached to and detached in front of the head portion, a laser module arranged on the handle, and an optical fiber arranged between the laser module and the head portion.

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

[0007] However, prior literature does not disclose, suggest, or imply a device capable of generating shock waves using a laser light source. Furthermore, prior literature does not disclose, suggest, or imply a device that can perform both laser therapy and shock wave therapy by unifying the energy source for generating high-intensity lasers and shock waves into a single laser light source, thereby reducing the size and weight of the device. Moreover, prior literature does not disclose, suggest, or imply a device that can perform laser therapy and shock wave therapy sequentially in different modes, rather than simultaneously, using only one device.

[0008] This necessitates the realization of technologies to solve technical problems not disclosed, suggested, or implied in the aforementioned prior art. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The embodiment aims to provide a device capable of generating shock waves using a laser light source.

[0010] The embodiment aims to provide a device that can perform both laser therapy and shock wave therapy by unifying the energy source for generating high-intensity lasers and shock waves into a single laser light source, thereby reducing the size and weight of the device.

[0011] The embodiment aims to provide a device that, while using only one device, can perform laser therapy and shock wave therapy sequentially in each mode, rather than simultaneously.

[0012] Furthermore, the embodiments aim to provide a shock wave and laser therapy apparatus using a laser light source to solve the problems described in the background art and the problems in the art revealed herein. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] According to one embodiment, the shock wave reflecting surface includes a hyperbolic surface having a first focal point and a second focal point, the first focal point being located within the medium and the second focal point being located inside the handpiece outside the medium.

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

[0021] The embodiment can provide a device capable of generating shock waves using a laser light source.

[0022] The embodiment provides a device that can perform both laser therapy and shock wave therapy by unifying the energy source for generating high-intensity lasers and shock waves into a single laser light source, thereby reducing the size and weight of the device.

[0023] The embodiment provides a device that, while using only one device, can perform laser therapy and shock wave therapy sequentially in each mode, rather than simultaneously.

[0024] On the other hand, the effects of the embodiment are not limited to those listed above, and other effects not listed will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is a diagram for explaining a treatment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2a] This is a diagram for explaining a handpiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 2b] This is a diagram for explaining a handpiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 2c] This is a diagram for explaining a handpiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram for explaining an optical system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is another diagram for explaining an optical system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram for explaining a shock wave generation unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This is another diagram for explaining a shock wave generation unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram for explaining a membrane according to an embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0027] The specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed only for illustrative purposes and can be changed and implemented in various forms. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes changes, equivalents, or alternatives included in the technical idea.

[0028] Terms such as "first" or "second" can be used to describe various components, but these terms should only be interpreted to distinguish one component from another. For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0029] When one component is referred to as being "connected" to another, it should be understood that this may mean that it is directly linked or connected to the other component, but that other components may also exist between them.

[0030] Terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as intended to be limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “includes” or “has” indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0031] Spatially relative terms such as "below" (or "beneath"), "lower," "above," and "upper," as illustrated, can be used to easily describe the correlation between one component and another. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that include not only the illustrated direction but also the different directions of the components in use or operation. For example, if the illustrated components are flipped over, a component described as "below" (or "beneath") of another component can be placed "above" of that other component. Therefore, the illustrative term "below" can include both downward and upward directions. Components can also be oriented in other directions, and thus spatially relative terms can be interpreted by orientation.

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

[0033] Furthermore, when explaining with reference to the attached drawings, the same reference numerals will be used for identical components regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted. When describing embodiments, if it is determined that a specific explanation of related prior art would unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, such detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a treatment device according to one embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0045] The user can grasp the handpiece body 210 and irradiate the patient's affected area with a laser or shock wave. The handpiece body 210 may be smaller and lighter than the handpiece of a typical ESWT device. A typical ESWT device handpiece generates shock waves using an electrical or magnetic method and therefore includes piezoelectric elements, coils, etc. Consequently, a typical ESWT device handpiece is larger in volume and heavier than a typical HILT device handpiece that requires only optical elements. Therefore, ESWT devices are generally less user-friendly than HILT devices. However, in one embodiment, the handpiece 150 generates shock waves using a laser rather than an electrical or magnetic method, so the volume and weight of the handpiece body 210 may be comparable to that of a typical HILT device handpiece. Therefore, usability can be improved.

[0046] Switch 220 can change the mode of the optical system 240, as described later with reference to Figure 2c. The mode of the optical system 240 can be changed by the user operating switch 220. For example, switch 220 may be in the form of a button that can be pressed. When the user presses switch 220 once, the optical system 240 enters the first mode. The first mode may be HILT mode (high-intensity laser treatment mode). When the optical system 240 is in the first mode, the handpiece 150 can output the laser externally. When the user presses switch 220 again, the optical system 240 enters the second mode. The second mode may be ESWT mode (extracorporeal shock wave therapy mode). When the optical system 240 is in the second mode, the handpiece 150 can output shock waves externally. On the other hand, as long as switch 220 can change the mode of the optical system 240, there are no special restrictions on the position, shape, or operating method of switch 220.

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

[0048] Figure 2b is an illustrative diagram showing the use of a handpiece according to one embodiment.

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

[0050] Since the treatment device 100 uses only the laser light source 130 to generate lasers and shock waves, it can perform both HILT and ESWT with a single device. In addition, the handpiece 150 may be smaller and lighter than the handpiece of a typical ESWT device.

[0051] HILT is a treatment method that uses light (laser), and it is known that the laser penetrates the body and transmits energy, resulting in effects such as improved blood circulation, tissue repair, and muscle fiber repair. ESWT is known to have effects such as muscle / ligament / tissue repair, pain relief, and functional improvement by applying powerful shock waves to the affected area to promote blood circulation and metabolism. On the other hand, it is known that performing HILT using lasers and ESWT using shock waves in sequence has a synergistic therapeutic effect, and in orthopedics and other fields, treatment has been performed by performing ESWT after HILT.

[0052] For this reason, orthopedic surgeons and other medical facilities were equipped with both HILT and ESWT devices. HILT devices rely on high-intensity laser output, with the core of the device consisting of optical elements, while ESWT devices rely on shock wave output, with the core of the device consisting of piezoelectric elements or coils. Combining optical elements with piezoelectric elements or coils can lead to excessive power consumption. Furthermore, interference between the laser light source and the energy source of the piezoelectric element or coil can occur, potentially reducing operational stability and posing a safety risk. Additionally, handpieces containing piezoelectric elements or coils are typically large and heavy, and the addition of optical components can make them excessively uncomfortable to use.

[0053] However, in one embodiment, the treatment device 100 can generate both a high-intensity laser and extracorporeal shock waves from the laser light source 130. Therefore, the means for performing HILT and ESWT can be configured in a single device. The treatment device 100 can be switched from HILT mode to ESWT mode (or vice versa) by simple operation of the switch 220. Since sequential HILT and ESWT treatments can be performed with a single device, the convenience for users of the treatment device 100 can be improved. Furthermore, conventionally, in orthopedics and other fields, it was necessary to purchase separate HILT and ESWT devices, but with the treatment device 100, both HILT and ESWT can be performed by purchasing only one device, thus improving the economic benefits for hospitals.

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

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

[0056] The optical system 240 can adjust the laser's optical path according to a predefined mode. The handpiece 150 can output the laser externally when the optical system 240 is in the first mode. The laser may also be output externally via the first output unit 231.

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

[0058] A detailed explanation of the optical system 240 and the shock wave generating unit 250 will be provided later with reference to the drawings.

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

[0060] The optical system 240 may include a common optical path 310, a first optical path 311, a first mirror 312, a first lens 313, a second optical path 321, a second mirror 322, and a second lens 323. In addition to the configuration shown in Figure 3, the optical system 240 may be configured in any way that changes the path of the laser 300 depending on the mode, such that in the first mode, which is the HILT mode, the laser 300 is output externally, and in the second mode, which is the ESWT mode, the laser 300 enters the shock wave generating unit 250.

[0061] The common optical path 310 may be a path through which the laser 300 passes in common, regardless of the mode of the optical system 240. The first optical path 311 may be a path through which the laser 300 passes when the optical system 240 is in the first mode. The common optical path 310 and the first optical path 311 may be located coaxially. The first mirror 312 may be located between the common optical path 310 and the first optical path 311. The first lens 313 may be located at one end of the first optical path 311. The first lens 313 may be in contact with the first output unit 231 shown in Figures 2a to 2c. The laser 300 that has passed through the first lens 313 may be output externally. The first lens 313 may be a convex lens and may be employed differently depending on the embodiment.

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

[0063] The optical system 240 may include a mode-changing means 314 for changing from the first mode to the second mode. Mode changes in the optical system can be implemented by mechanical means, by using optical switches such as MEMS, fiber bases, or phase-alteration bases, or by using polarization rotation. The mode-changing means 314 is not limited to the above example, and a mode-changing means suitable for the purpose can be adopted depending on the embodiment.

[0064] Figures 3 and 4 show a representative example where the optical system 240 is equipped with a mechanical mode-changing means 314, for the sake of explanation. Even when the optical system 240 is equipped with a mode-changing means 314 using an optical switch or polarization rotation, it performs essentially the same function as described later.

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

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

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

[0068] Figure 4 is another diagram illustrating the optical system according to one embodiment.

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

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

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

[0072] The shock wave may travel in a straight line and reflect within the shock wave generating unit 250 and be output to the outside. If the shock wave reflection surface is elliptical, the shock wave path 410 can converge at an external focus. The shock wave wavefront 420 may be formed perpendicular to the shock wave path 410. The shock wave wavefront 420 can deliver a shock wave to the affected area 421 located at the external focus.

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

[0074] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a shock wave generating unit according to one embodiment.

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

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

[0077] Specifically, the laser may be focused to the first focus 531 via the optical system 250 described with reference to Figure 4. The focused laser causes local vaporization or plasma formation in the medium 510, which may result in the instantaneous generation and subsequent bursting of bubbles. A shock wave is generated first in the medium 510 when the bubbles are instantaneously generated, and a shock wave may also be generated first in the medium 510 when the bubbles 410 burst. Thus, the first focus 531 can become a diverging source of shock waves.

[0078] The energy flux density of the shock wave generated in this way is 0.004 to 0.6 mJ / mm². 2 The range may also be as follows. The focal length of the shock wave may be 10 to 50 mm. However, the physical quantities of the shock wave are not limited to the above values ​​and may be selected differently depending on the embodiment.

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

[0080] Figure 6 is another diagram illustrating a shock wave generating unit according to one embodiment.

[0081] The shock wave generating unit 250 may include a medium 610 for the laser 400, a film 620, a shock wave reflecting surface 630, etc. The materials of the medium 610, film 620, and shock wave reflecting surface 630 may be the same as those shown in Figure 5.

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

[0083] Specifically, the laser can be focused to the first focus 631 via the optical system 250 described with reference to Figure 4. The focused laser causes local vaporization or plasma formation in the medium 610, which may result in the instantaneous generation and subsequent rupture of bubbles. A shock wave is generated first in the medium 610 when the bubbles are instantaneously generated, and a shock wave may also be generated first in the medium 610 when the bubbles 410 rupture. Thus, the first focus 631 can become a diverging source of shock waves.

[0084] When a wave diverging from the first focus 631 of a hyperbolic surface is reflected by the hyperbolic surface, the reflected wave has the property of propagating as if it had diverged from the second focus 632. Therefore, the shock wave 540 diverging from the first focus 631 can spread out as if it had diverged from the second focus 632 after being reflected by the shock wave reflecting surface 630, which is made of a hyperbolic surface. That is, if the shock wave reflecting surface 620 has a hyperbolic shape, the shock wave path 640 can propagate as if it had spread out from the second focus 632. The shock wave wavefront 641 may be formed perpendicular to the shock wave path 540. The shock wave wavefront 540 can apply a radial extracorporeal shock wave to a wide area of ​​the affected area 650.

[0085] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a film according to one embodiment.

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

[0087] When the optical system 240 is used in the second mode, ESWT mode, the inside of the shock wave generator 250 is a state where the laser 730 and the shock wave 740 coexist. However, in order to perform appropriate extracorporeal shock wave therapy, only the shock wave 740 must be output from the second output unit 232. Therefore, the membranes 520 and 620 need to have a configuration that blocks the laser 730 while allowing the shock wave 740 to pass through.

[0088] Specifically, films 520 and 620 may include two polarizers 711 and 712 perpendicular to each other. Each polarizer 711 and 712 can block laser 730 components with opposite polarization directions. The first polarizer 711 may block the light of the laser 730 polarized in the y direction. After passing through the first polarizer 711, only the light polarized in the x direction remains, and its intensity is halved. Next, the second polarizer 712 may block the light polarized in the x direction. Since the light polarized in the x direction is also blocked, the intensity of the laser 730 after the second polarizer 712 is negligible. On the other hand, polarizers 711 and 712 do not block the shock wave 740, so the intensity of the shock wave 740 does not decrease, or if it does decrease, it is negligible.

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

[0090] As described above, embodiments have been illustrated with limited drawings, but a person with ordinary skill in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations thereto. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or assembled in a different manner than described, or substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents, and still the appropriate results may be achieved.

[0091] Therefore, other examples, other embodiments, and those equivalent to the claims described below also fall under the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A laser light source that generates a laser, A handpiece that outputs the aforementioned laser or shock wave to the outside, A cable for transmitting the laser to the handpiece, Equipped with, The aforementioned handpiece is An optical system that adjusts the optical path of the laser according to a predefined mode, A shock wave generating unit receives the laser from the optical system and generates a shock wave, Equipped with, The aforementioned handpiece is When the optical system is in the first mode, the laser is output to the outside, When the optical system is in the second mode, the shock wave is output to the outside. A shock wave and laser therapy device using a laser light source.

2. The optical system includes a common optical path, a first optical path, a first mirror, a first lens, a second optical path, a second mirror, and a second lens. The common optical path and the first optical path are located coaxially. The first mirror is located between the common optical path and the first optical path. The first lens is located at one end of the first optical path, The second optical path is located parallel to the first optical path, The second mirror is positioned such that, when the optical system is in the second mode, light reflected from the first mirror enters the second optical path. The second lens is located at one end of the second optical path, A shock wave and laser therapy apparatus using a laser light source as described in claim 1.

3. When the optical system is in the first mode, The first mirror is positioned so that the laser from the common optical path enters the first optical path but does not enter the second mirror. The laser is output from the handpiece after passing through the first lens. A shock wave and laser therapy apparatus using a laser light source as described in claim 2.

4. When the optical system is in the second mode, The first mirror is positioned such that the laser from the common optical path enters the second mirror but does not enter the first optical path. The laser enters the shock wave generating section after passing through the second lens. A shock wave and laser therapy apparatus using a laser light source as described in claim 2.

5. The aforementioned shock wave generating unit is A medium to which the energy of the laser is transmitted to generate bubbles, and to which the shock wave is generated when the bubbles are generated or burst, A shock wave reflecting surface made of the material that reflects the aforementioned shock wave, A membrane made of a material that allows the aforementioned shock wave to pass through, Includes, The shock wave reflecting surface and the film form a closed space to confine the medium. A shock wave and laser therapy apparatus using a laser light source as described in claim 1.

6. The shock wave reflecting surface includes an ellipsoid having a first focus and a second focus, The first focal point is located within the medium, The second focal point is located outside the handpiece, A shock wave and laser therapy apparatus using a laser light source as described in claim 5.

7. The shock wave reflecting surface includes a hyperbolic surface having a first focus and a second focus, The first focal point is located within the medium, The second focal point is located inside the handpiece outside the medium, A shock wave and laser therapy apparatus using a laser light source as described in claim 5.

8. The aforementioned film includes a polarizing material, A shock wave and laser therapy apparatus using a laser light source as described in claim 5.

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