Fiber-Optic Surgical Laser Illumination With Pulse Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems lack synchronization of pulses between surgical lasers and illumination sources, leading to poor visibility and ineffective visualization during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A laser system that synchronizes pulses between a surgical laser and an illumination source to create a stroboscopic effect, enhancing visibility and visualization through fiber-optic cables, which transmit both electromagnetic radiation and illuminating visible light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a surgical laser system is used for cutting and coagulation, then precision and control of the surgical procedure is improved, but the working area becomes darker and visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent LED light sources positioned at different locations around the surgical field. This allows selective illumination of specific areas without interfering with the laser beam path, maintaining both surgical precision and adequate lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
LED light sources serve as an intermediary illumination medium that does not interfere with the laser's cutting and coagulation functions. The LEDs provide supplemental lighting while the laser maintains its precision for tissue manipulation.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting is added to the surgical laser system, then illumination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED illumination system is designed to be integrated with the existing laser system architecture, allowing the same platform to perform both laser surgery and illumination functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate conventional lighting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable LED parameters (intensity, color temperature, direction) to optimize illumination for different surgical conditions without requiring physical reconfiguration of the entire system, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving lighting quality.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used for illumination, then visibility is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light sources are designed with adjustable parameters including intensity, color temperature, and directionality. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt illumination to different surgical scenarios without requiring multiple fixed lighting configurations, reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different LED sources can be selectively activated or adjusted to provide localized illumination quality suited to specific surgical tasks. This allows multiple light sources to serve different functional purposes while maintaining manageable system complexity through selective operation.
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
Improves surgical precision by providing high-resolution visualization and monitoring capabilities, allowing operators to better understand the surgical process and avoid tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
A laser beam is often used to cut and/or coagulate tissue
Implementation Method 2
The laser beam is converted to thermal energy in the tissue, causing cutting and coagulation
Implementation Method 3
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a solid state lamp that converts electrical energy directly to light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for a surgical laser system with illumination. In some embodiments, a laser system comprises a surgical laser and an illumination source having their outputs combined into a fiber-optic cable and directed by the fiber-optic cable to a target surface. The illuminating visible light may be continuous and/or in pulses. Surgical laser pulses and illumination pulses may be synchronized for a stroboscopic effect. The laser system may also monitor laser electromagnetic radiation that is returned back through the fiber-optic cable.