Endoscopic Laser Aiming Beam Control for Illumination Mode Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical laser systems used in endoscopic procedures face challenges in precisely delivering energy and visualizing invisible laser beams, particularly in switching between different illumination modes to effectively treat tissues and detect aiming beams within endoscopic images.
Innovation Solution
A medical laser apparatus with a controller that adjusts the aiming beam wavelength based on the endoscope's illumination mode, switching between 500 nm to 550 nm for white light and 635 nm to 690 nm for special light modes, and automatically adjusts the treatment energy source based on the visibility of the aiming beam in the endoscopic image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single aiming beam wavelength is used, then the device structure is simple, but the aiming beam may not be visible under all illumination modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the aiming beam source capable of emitting multiple wavelengths (green at 532nm and red at 635nm) to match different illumination modes (white light and narrow band imaging). This allows a single device to serve multiple functions - providing visible aiming beams for both illumination modes without requiring separate aiming beam sources for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing automatic switching between different aiming beam wavelengths based on the detected illumination mode. The system dynamically adjusts the aiming beam characteristics in real-time according to the operational conditions, ensuring optimal visibility and compatibility without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If laser energy is delivered without verifying aiming beam visibility, then the treatment process is continuous, but unnecessary energy application may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the visibility detection signal from the image processor to control the laser energy delivery. The system continuously monitors whether the aiming beam is visible in the endoscopic image and uses this feedback to automatically enable or disable laser energy delivery, ensuring that treatment only occurs when the aiming beam is properly visualized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by verifying aiming beam visibility before initiating laser energy delivery. The system checks whether the aiming beam is visible in the endoscopic image prior to allowing treatment, preventing unnecessary or misplaced energy application before it can occur.
3Measurement precision
If the aiming beam wavelength does not match the illumination mode, then the device is simple, but the aiming beam spot cannot be identified in the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching the aiming beam wavelength parameter according to the illumination mode. When narrow band imaging mode is detected, the system changes the aiming beam wavelength to 635nm (red) which is visible under the specific light spectrum. When white light mode is detected, it switches to 532nm (green). This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures accurate aiming beam spot identification for each illumination mode.
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
Enhances the precision of energy delivery and visualization during endoscopic procedures by ensuring the appropriate aiming beam is used for the selected illumination mode, preventing unnecessary energy application when the aiming beam is not visible, thus improving treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy source configured to generate energy for treating a target tissue through the energy guide
Implementation Method 2
a second energy source configured to emit first and second aiming beams to a target tissue through the energy guide
Data Source
AI summary
A medical laser apparatus, including: an energy guide; a first energy source configured to generate energy for treating a target tissue through the energy guide; a second energy source configured to emit first and second aiming beams to a target tissue through the energy guide, the second aiming beam having at least one characteristic different from the first aiming beam; and a controller comprising hardware, the controller being configured to: receive a signal indicating an illumination mode from at least two illumination modes used by an endoscope to illuminate the target tissue; and control the second energy source to output the first or second aiming beam based on the indicated illumination mode.