Endoscopic Laser Aiming Beam Switching for Illumination Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical laser systems used in endoscopic procedures face challenges in precisely delivering energy and ensuring the visibility of aiming beams, particularly in different illumination modes, which can affect the accuracy of treatments and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A medical laser apparatus with a controller that adjusts the aiming beams based on the illumination mode used by an endoscope, switching between different wavelengths and power levels to ensure the aiming beam is visible in the image, thereby controlling the energy delivery to the target tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single aiming beam wavelength is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visibility of the aiming beam spot in images varies across different illumination modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different aiming beam wavelengths (e.g., green 532nm and red 635nm) based on the detected illumination mode. The controller adjusts the aiming beam characteristics in real-time to match the illumination conditions, ensuring optimal visibility without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the aiming beam based on the illumination mode. When white light illumination is detected, one wavelength is used; when specific light illumination (e.g., NBI, AFI, IRI) is detected, a different wavelength is selected to maximize contrast and visibility of the aiming beam spot in the resulting images.
2Manufacturing precision
If the aiming beam wavelength is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of energy delivery may be compromised in certain illumination modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback from the illumination mode detection to automatically adjust the aiming beam wavelength. This closed-loop control ensures that the aiming beam remains visible and accurate across different illumination modes, improving precision without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The aiming beam system is designed to be universal across multiple illumination modes by implementing multi-wavelength capability. A single device can adapt to various endoscopic imaging modes (white light, NBI, AFI, IRI) by selecting the appropriate wavelength, eliminating the need for mode-specific devices.
3Measurement precision
If different aiming beam wavelengths are used for different illumination modes, then the visibility and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple aiming beam wavelengths into a single integrated system. Rather than requiring separate devices or complex mechanical switching mechanisms, the system combines multiple wavelength sources and uses a unified controller to select and switch between them based on the illumination mode, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining multi-wavelength capability.
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 solution enhances the precision of energy delivery and visibility of aiming beams across various illumination modes, improving the accuracy of treatments and diagnostics during endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
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
Data Source
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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.