Multi-Mode Fiber Laser for Coagulation and Tissue Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber lasers are limited in their ability to perform multiple surgical operations, requiring multiple lasers for tasks like blood vessel coagulation and tissue ablation, which complicates surgeries, especially endoscopic or laryngoscopic procedures, and leads to inefficiencies and waste due to the need for laser swaps.
Innovation Solution
A fiber laser system capable of operating in multiple modes, including pulsed-wave, quasi-pulsed-wave, continuous-wave, and quasi-continuous-wave modes, allowing a single laser to perform both coagulation and ablation tasks with selective wavelength and pulse duration adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple specialized fiber lasers are used for different surgical operations (coagulation, ablation, excision), then the precision and effectiveness of each specific operation is improved, but the device complexity and surgical procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber laser system is designed to perform multiple surgical functions including coagulation, ablation, and excision using a single laser device. The system achieves this by enabling wavelength tuning across different ranges and switching between continuous-wave and pulsed operating modes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized lasers while maintaining surgical effectiveness for each specific operation type
2Reliability
If multiple specialized fiber lasers are used for different surgical operations, then the precision of each operation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for laser swaps
Solution Approach 1:
The single fiber laser system is equipped with wavelength tuning capability and mode switching functionality that allows the surgeon to select different operating parameters (continuous-wave or pulsed modes at various wavelengths) directly at the surgical site, eliminating the need to physically swap between multiple specialized lasers and simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining operational precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fiber lasers are used for different surgical tasks, then the versatility of surgical capabilities is improved, but the loss of time increases due to laser swaps and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber laser system provides versatile surgical capabilities for coagulation, ablation, and excision through wavelength tuning and mode switching, all within a single device. This eliminates the time required for laser swaps and repositioning between multiple specialized lasers, significantly reducing overall procedure duration while maintaining the full range of surgical capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system dynamically switches between different operating modes (continuous-wave and pulsed) and adjusts wavelengths in real-time based on the surgical requirements, allowing the single device to adapt to different surgical tasks without physical replacement, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining versatility
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fiber lasers and optical waveguides are used for different surgical operations, then the adaptability to different surgical needs is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to single-use sterile waveguides
Solution Approach 1:
The single fiber laser system with wavelength tuning and mode switching capabilities can handle all surgical tasks (coagulation, ablation, excision) using one device. This reduces the number of single-use sterile optical waveguides required, as the same waveguide can be used across different surgical operations with the single multi-functional laser, thereby reducing waste while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system reduces the frequency of waveguide replacement and disposal by consolidating multiple surgical functions into a single laser device. The single-use sterile optical waveguide is utilized more efficiently across different surgical tasks before disposal, reducing the overall quantity of waste generated compared to using multiple specialized lasers each requiring their own waveguides
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 a single fiber laser to simplify surgeries by reducing the need for multiple lasers, expediting procedures, minimizing waste, and lowering costs while providing precise tissue treatment.
Implementation Method 1
A laser source is configured to receive the laser control signal and emit a laser beam responsive to receiving the laser control signal and in accordance with the laser control signal
Implementation Method 2
An optical waveguide is configured to emit the laser beam from a second end of the optical waveguide after receiving the laser beam at a first end of the optical waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laser device with multi-mode capabilities, enabling the performance of surgical procedures without the need to use multiple lasers. The laser device includes a signal generator configured to generate a laser control signal. The laser device also includes a laser source configured to receive the laser control signal and emit a laser beam responsive to receiving the laser control signal and in accordance with the laser control signal. Additionally, the laser device includes control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive a user request to operate in either a pulsed-wave mode, a quasi-pulsed-wave mode, a continuous-wave mode, or a quasi-continuous-wave mode. The control circuitry is also configured to cause the signal generator to generate the laser control signal in accordance with the requested mode, thereby causing the laser source to emit a pulsed-wave laser, a quasi-pulsed-wave laser, a continuous-wave laser, or a quasi-continuous-wave laser.