Multi-Wavelength Laser Thermocoagulation Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser tissue welding and tissue bonding techniques face challenges in achieving uniform thermal coagulation and adhesion due to the high penetration depth of near-infrared laser radiation, leading to incomplete coagulation and insufficient adhesion, especially with the use of additional absorbers like indocyanine green which can cause cytotoxic effects.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing at least two laser beam sources with different central wavelengths, where the ratio of their powers is dynamically adjusted over time or based on process signals to adapt to changing tissue properties during thermocoagulation, ensuring uniform heating and effective optical penetration depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If near-infrared laser radiation is used for tissue welding, then penetration depth is increased allowing deep tissue layers to be treated, but thermal coagulation becomes insufficient and adhesion strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration depthVSAvoidadhesion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The laser source is segmented into multiple wavelength components (e.g., 805nm and 1064nm) that can be independently controlled. Each wavelength segment targets different tissue depths, with the control unit dynamically adjusting the power ratio between segments to achieve both deep penetration and sufficient coagulation strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static single-wavelength operation to dynamic multi-wavelength operation. The control unit continuously adjusts the power ratio between different laser wavelengths based on real-time feedback, enabling the penetration depth and coagulation strength to be dynamically optimized throughout the welding process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If additional absorbers like indocyanine green are added to enhance absorption, then coagulation efficiency is improved, but cytotoxic effects and inflammatory reactions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoagulation efficiencyVSAvoidcytotoxic effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful extrinsic absorber (indocyanine green) is extracted from the system and replaced with intrinsic multi-wavelength laser absorption. The control unit manages the power distribution between wavelengths to achieve effective coagulation without requiring cytotoxic additives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the optical parameters by using multiple laser wavelengths instead of relying on chemical absorbers. The control unit adjusts the power ratio between wavelengths to optimize absorption and coagulation efficiency without introducing harmful substances into the tissue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If single laser wavelength is used for thermocoagulation, then device complexity is reduced, but uniform heating across different tissue depths is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser source configurationVSAvoidtemperature uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple laser wavelengths are merged into a single controllable system. The control unit combines the power outputs of different wavelength sources and dynamically adjusts their ratio to achieve uniform heating across various tissue depths while maintaining manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach enables uniform thermal coagulation and enhanced adhesion by dynamically adjusting the laser power ratio to match changing tissue absorption and scattering properties, reducing the risk of incomplete coagulation and cytotoxic effects, while maintaining control over the coagulation depth and adhesion strength.

Implementation Method 1

LTW is based on the absorption of laser radiation and the heating of tissues

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption of laser radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

at least two laser beam sources with different central wavelengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser radiation: Laser

Implementation Method 3

adapting the optical penetration depth to the tissue layer thickness

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

tissue absorption and scattering properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 5

heating of tissues, which, above temperatures of 60°C, leads to thermal coagulation of proteins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal coagulation: Coagulation

Implementation Method 6

heating of tissues

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3024407B1Device for thermocoagulation by means of laser radiation
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3024407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3024407B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3024407B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for thermocoagulation by means of laser radiation, comprising at least two laser beam sources (2, 4) with different central wavelengths, an apparatus (6-8) for superposing the laser radiation from the laser radiation sources (2, 4) and a control apparatus (12) for controlling the laser power from the laser beam sources (2, 4). Here, the control apparatus (12) is embodied in such a way that, over time, it modifies the ratio of the laser powers from the laser beam sources (2, 4) in a treatment mode according to a predetermined course and/or depending on a process signal. Using the proposed device, the effective optical penetration depth during the treatment can be dynamically adapted to changing properties of the tissue and the wound dressing or the employed adhesive.