Depth Controlled Photoablation Laser Tissue Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-induced photoablation methods for cutting human or animal hard tissues face challenges in controlling cutting depth and beam intensity, leading to collateral damage such as carbonization, due to variations in tissue properties and difficulties in real-time monitoring, especially in heterogeneous tissues.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that adjust the intensity of a focused laser beam by defining a photoablation zone with a Raleigh zone, continuously increasing intensity until threshold is reached, and using acoustic or optical sensing to monitor and calibrate the process, ensuring precise control over the cutting depth and minimizing collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser beam intensity is increased to photoablate hard tissue, then cutting efficiency is improved, but collateral damage such as carbonization occurs due to excessive heating
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system dynamically adjusts beam intensity in real-time based on tissue type detection. The controller modifies laser parameters (power, pulse duration, repetition rate) according to the detected tissue properties, enabling efficient photoablation of hard tissue while preventing excessive heating and carbonization of surrounding soft tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple laser parameters simultaneously - wavelength selection, beam intensity, pulse duration, and repetition rate - to optimize the photoablation process for different tissue types. This multi-parameter adjustment allows precise control of energy delivery to achieve clean cuts without collateral thermal damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser beam intensity is increased to ensure adequate photoablation, then cutting depth is improved, but photoablation beyond targeted tissue depth occurs causing collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system segments the tissue interaction process by detecting different tissue types (hard vs. soft) at different depths and applying appropriate laser parameters for each segment. This allows precise control of photoablation depth, stopping exactly at the targeted boundary without penetrating into adjacent soft tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs real-time feedback through tissue type detection mechanisms that continuously monitor the interaction between laser beam and tissue. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts laser parameters to maintain precise depth control, preventing over-ablation and collateral damage to underlying or adjacent structures.
3Productivity
If laser parameters are standardized for efficient photoablation, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to different tissue properties is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both hard tissue (bone, nail) and soft tissue photoablation using the same platform. It incorporates multiple wavelength options, adjustable power ranges, and variable pulse durations, allowing a single system to adapt to different tissue types while maintaining high efficiency for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts laser parameters based on detected tissue properties rather than using fixed standardized settings. The controller automatically modifies power, pulse duration, and repetition rate in real-time according to tissue type, enabling both hard and soft tissue photoablation with optimal parameters for each tissue category.
4Measurement precision
If optical monitoring is used to control photoablation depth, then depth precision is improved, but measurement is impaired by debris, water, or blood
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary detection mechanism that is less susceptible to interference from surgical debris, blood, and irrigation fluids. Instead of relying solely on optical methods that are blocked by these materials, the system employs alternative or complementary sensing approaches that can penetrate or ignore these interfering substances to accurately determine tissue type and photoablation depth.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise and efficient photoablation with reduced collateral damage by tailoring the laser intensity to the specific properties of the tissue, enabling accurate control of cutting depth and preventing unnecessary heating or carbonization.
Implementation Method 1
photoablation using laser beams turned out to be a feasible alternative to known tools and methods
Implementation Method 2
The laser beam has a wavelength which corresponds to a strong absorption band of water
Implementation Method 3
Such collateral damage, e.g., carbonization, can occur due to heating caused by inappropriate laser beam intensities in tissue neighboring the osteotomic or cutting line
Data Source
AI summary
A photoablation device includes a laser source to propagate a focused laser beam with a beam waist, wherein a radius of the beam increases from the waist in a direction of propagation of the beam; an adjusting structure to adjust an intensity of the beam; a position detector to detect a position of the source in relation to the tissue; a positioning device to move the source in relation to the tissue; and a controller. The controller is to define a photoablation zone of the beam, wherein the zone ends in a cutting face located offset from the waist in the direction of propagation; adjust the intensity of the beam at the face of the zone using the adjusting structure; and move the beam towards the tissue by using the positioning device, wherein the position of the source detected by the position detector is evaluated.