Laser Ablation Depth Control via Backscattered Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser devices for ablating biological tissue struggle to reliably and efficiently detect different tissue layers below the skin surface, particularly the transition from the stratum corneum to the epidermis or dermis, which is crucial for precise tissue ablation and minimizing damage.
Innovation Solution
A laser device that emits a laser beam and uses backscattered light to detect tissue properties, specifically the water content of different skin layers, by comparing consecutive sensor signals to generate a tissue control signal when intensity changes, allowing for precise control of the ablation depth without damaging deeper layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser porator with feedback mechanism is used to create micropores in biological tissue, then pore creation capability is improved, but the feedback mechanism is not reliable enough to easily and quickly distinguish different properties of tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical feedback mechanisms with optical detection methods. By using the backscattered light from the laser beam itself to detect tissue properties, the system eliminates the need for separate mechanical sensors and feedback systems, achieving reliable tissue differentiation through optical properties alone
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the micropores through ablation and also provides the light source for detecting tissue properties through backscattered light analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
2Measurement precision
If a treatment beam handpiece with probe beam is used to differentiate between normal skin tissue and lesion, then surface tissue differentiation is improved, but the device is not able to analyze a characteristic of inside the pore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-only analysis to depth-resolved analysis by measuring backscattered light at multiple depths within the pore. The laser beam penetrates into the tissue and the backscattered light carries information from different depths, enabling analysis of subsurface tissue layers and pore interior characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The backscattered light acts as an intermediary that carries information from deep within the tissue and pore back to the detector. By analyzing the properties of this backscattered light, the system can indirectly measure characteristics of tissue layers and pore interior without direct mechanical contact or separate probing
3Productivity
If laser ablation is used to remove stratum corneum, then pore creation is improved, but it is difficult to detect the transition to deeper skin layers to prevent pain and bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the backscattered light from the laser beam during ablation and uses this real-time feedback to detect changes in tissue properties. When the laser transitions from ablating stratum corneum to reaching deeper layers like epidermis or dermis, the backscattered light characteristics change, providing immediate feedback to stop or adjust the ablation process
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam itself serves as both the ablation tool and the detection probe. The same beam that removes tissue also provides the light for detecting tissue layer transitions through its backscattered light, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and enabling real-time monitoring during the ablation process
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
Enables reliable and efficient detection of tissue layers, ensuring complete removal of the stratum corneum while minimizing impact on the epidermis or dermis, and can be applied universally across different skin types, making it suitable for various biological tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (19) which is configured to receive back scattered light from the biological tissue (1)
Implementation Method 2
a laser source (7) which is configured to emit a laser beam (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A laser device (10) for ablating a biological tissue (1), comprising: a) a laser source (7) that is configured to emit a laser beam (4); b) optics (8a, 8b, 8x) configured to modify the laser beam (4) such as to direct the laser beam (4) on the biological tissue (1); d) a controller (11) that is configured to control the laser source (7) to emit the laser beam (4) to create an ablation in biological tissue (1), whereby e) a sensor (19) being configured to receive back scattered light from the biological tissue (1); f) a tissue controller (18) that is operationally coupled to the sensor (19) to receive a sensor signal (Ri) of the sensor (19); and g) the tissue controller (18) being configured to compare a series of at least two consecutive sensor signals (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) and being configured to generate a tissue control signal (TCS) when the value of the series of consecutive sensor signals (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) decreases in a predetermined amount.