Laser Control via Reflected Intensity Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser lithotripsy systems face challenges in accurately targeting urinary stones due to limited feedback from cameras, which can lead to inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and increased risk of collateral damage to healthy tissue, especially when the camera's field of view is obstructed or its electronics malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A surgical laser system that uses a computing device with photodetectors to detect light intensity in multiple wavelength bands, generating optical data to identify targets based on calibration and differentiate between stones and tissue, allowing for precise control of the laser treatment and real-time feedback to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based visual feedback is used to identify stone targets during laser lithotripsy, then the practitioner can locate the target, but inaccuracies and inefficiencies occur due to camera obstructions, electronic malfunctions, and surgeon reaction time variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system that uses photodetectors to sense light reflected from or emitted by the target tissue. This intermediary sensor system mediates between the laser treatment and the control system, providing reliable target identification without depending on camera visibility. The photodetector acts as a mediator that converts optical signals into electrical signals for processing, bypassing the limitations of direct visual observation through the endoscope camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the intensity of light detected by photodetectors is continuously monitored and used to adjust laser treatment parameters in real-time. The system provides feedback signals that indicate whether the laser is correctly positioned on the target, allowing automatic adjustment of laser power and pulse duration. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for continuous surgeon visual monitoring and reaction, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability.
2Productivity
If laser energy is delivered to treat urinary stones, then stone fragmentation is achieved, but collateral damage to healthy tissue may occur due to imprecise targeting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using photodetectors positioned at specific locations to detect light signals only from the immediate treatment zone. Each photodetector monitors a localized area, providing spatially-resolved information about target presence. This allows the system to deliver laser energy with high spatial precision, concentrating treatment effects on the stone while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unaffected. The local optical detection creates a localized feedback loop that ensures energy is applied only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by using photodetectors to detect and confirm target presence before laser energy delivery begins. The system performs preliminary optical scanning and verification, ensuring the laser is correctly positioned on the stone before activating high-power treatment. This preliminary detection phase allows the system to prepare appropriate laser parameters and confirm target identity, preventing accidental irradiation of healthy tissue while maintaining efficient stone treatment once targeting is confirmed.
3Ease of operation
If only camera-based visual feedback is used during lithotripsy, then the surgical field can be visualized, but treatment time is prolonged due to surgeon reaction time and potential camera obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual observation system (camera and surgeon's visual processing) with an automated optical detection system using photodetectors. Instead of relying on the mechanical chain of light capture by camera sensor, image processing, and surgeon visual reaction, the system uses photodetectors that directly convert optical signals from the treatment field into electrical signals for immediate processing. This substitution eliminates the time delays associated with human visual processing and reaction, significantly reducing treatment time while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
4Loss of information
If traditional camera-based monitoring is used, then the surgical field is visible, but inaccuracies and errors occur due to camera obstructions and electronic malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an optical detection system using photodetectors that can function under various surgical conditions and with different types of targets. The photodetector-based system is not limited by line-of-sight requirements or electronic camera components, making it universally applicable whether the surgical field is clear or obstructed. The system can detect light signals from stones, tissue, or other targets regardless of camera status, providing reliable target detection information that is independent of visual field conditions and camera functionality.
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 system enhances the accuracy and efficiency of laser lithotripsy by enabling precise targeting of urinary stones, reducing the risk of collateral damage to healthy tissue and improving treatment outcomes by providing real-time feedback and adaptive control of laser parameters.
Implementation Method 1
providing a computing device configured to couple with at least two photodetectors, each photodetector configured to detect an intensity of reflected light from the target in a different selected wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a surgical laser system that includes providing a surgical fiber configured to receive light reflected from a target in a surgical treatment area, and providing a computing device configured to couple with at least two photodetectors, each photodetector configured to detect an intensity of reflected light from the target in a different selected wavelength band, the computing device further configured to: receive the reflected light intensity in at least two selected wavelength bands, generate optical data corresponding to the reflected light intensity, and identify the target as a treatment target or a non-treatment target based at least in part on the optical data and a predetermined calibration based on at least two known targets.