Time-Structured Laser Pulses for Selective Tissue Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser technologies struggle to selectively target and treat heterogeneous biological tissues without affecting surrounding tissues due to their complex optical, thermal, and mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A laser device generating time-structured laser pulses with micropulses and macropulses, tailored to selectively target specific tissues by modulating pulse duration, energy, and spacing to differentiate between target and surrounding tissues based on their optical, thermal, and mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional continuous wave or long pulse lasers are used, then the laser can deliver sufficient energy to treat tissue, but the peak intensity remains constant and cannot be rapidly modulated to selectively target specific tissue structures without affecting surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs Q-switching to generate periodic pulse trains with high peak intensities followed by low intensity intervals. This periodic modulation allows the laser to deliver high energy during pulse peaks for effective tissue treatment while maintaining low intensity between pulses to spare surrounding healthy tissue, directly resolving the contradiction between power delivery and selective targeting capability
2Manufacturing precision
If Q-switched lasers with high peak power are used, then selective targeting of tissue structures is achieved, but the complexity of the laser system increases due to the need for rapid switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested pulse structures where micro-pulses are contained within macro-pulse envelopes. This hierarchical organization allows precise control of energy delivery at multiple temporal scales, achieving high selective targeting precision while managing system complexity through structured pulse formatting rather than requiring overly complex switching mechanisms
3Reliability
If high energy laser pulses are delivered to ensure effective treatment, then therapeutic effect is improved, but the risk of damaging surrounding healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total treatment energy into multiple discrete high-intensity pulses separated by low-intensity intervals. This segmentation allows the therapeutic effect to accumulate through repeated pulses while the low-intensity intervals provide thermal relaxation time for surrounding healthy tissue, preventing heat buildup and damage. The segmented pulse train achieves reliable treatment efficacy without compromising surrounding tissues
4Use of energy by moving object
If the laser pulse duration is extended to deliver sufficient energy, then treatment effectiveness improves, but the ability to differentiate between target and surrounding tissues based on thermal properties decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulse trains with carefully controlled pulse widths and inter-pulse intervals. The pulse duration is optimized to deliver sufficient energy per pulse for effective treatment, while the periodic repetition with appropriate spacing allows thermal diffusion to occur between pulses. This periodic structure enables energy accumulation in the target tissue over multiple pulses while maintaining thermal boundaries that preserve tissue differentiation capability
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
Achieves selective photothermal, photochemical, and photomechanical effects on targeted tissues while minimizing impact on adjacent tissues, effectively treating conditions like fungal infections and hair removal with reduced pain and side effects.
Implementation Method 1
selective photothermal, photochemical, and photomechanical effects
Implementation Method 2
selective photothermal, photochemical, and photomechanical effects
Implementation Method 3
selective photothermal, photochemical, and photomechanical effects
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the instant invention includes a laser device that includes: a laser generating module that produces a plurality of laser pulses having a time-stricture pulse format that includes at least: a plurality of micropulses, a macropulse time envelope, where the plurality of micropulses are within the macropulse time envelope; where the time-stricture pulse format is configured so that the laser device is capable of treating human tissue by selectively targeting or affecting at least one first tissue or at least one first disease organisms while not substantially affecting at least one first surrounding or adjacent tissue.