Surgical Scope Reflected Signal Analysis for Laser Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser procedures face challenges due to stray laser energy affecting non-target tissue, particularly when using highly reflective medical devices, which can lead to unintended tissue effects and increased costs for specialized laser fibers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a surgical scope with a laser light emitter and a visible light emitter, coupled with an optical sensor and controller circuitry, analyzes reflected signals to detect and adjust laser emission based on intensity and spectral signatures, preventing stray energy from impacting non-target tissue and enabling safer procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If highly reflective medical devices are used during laser procedures, then device functionality and ease of operation are improved, but stray laser energy is reflected off the devices and affects healthy non-target tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of reflective objects using visible light before activating the laser. The optical sensor scans the treatment area and identifies highly reflective surfaces (such as medical devices) in advance, allowing the system to prepare appropriate safety responses before laser energy is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the treatment area using optical sensors that detect reflected visible light from highly reflective objects. This feedback loop allows real-time identification of reflective surfaces and triggers automatic laser shutdown or warning signals when reflective objects are detected in the laser path.
2Reliability
If specialized side-fire laser fibers are used to prevent stray energy reflection, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary detection layer (optical sensor with visible light source) between the laser source and the target tissue. This intermediary detects the presence of highly reflective objects that could cause dangerous reflections, providing an additional safety mechanism without requiring specialized laser fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for specialized mechanical laser fiber designs (side-fire fibers) with an optical detection and control system. Instead of modifying the laser delivery mechanism itself, the system uses optical sensing and electronic control to prevent unsafe reflections, simplifying the laser fiber requirements.
3Reliability
If optical sensors and analysis systems are added to detect reflected signals, then safety and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for visualization, detects highly reflective objects through visible light reflection analysis, and monitors the treatment area for safety. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated safety devices, offsetting the added complexity with consolidated utility.
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 reduces unintended tissue effects, allows for safer medical procedures, and potentially lowers costs by enabling the use of non-side-fire laser fibers, with automatic adjustments or warnings to prevent damage to healthy tissue.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configurable to detect and analyze a signal returned from a surface of an object
Implementation Method 2
analyze an absolute or relative spectral signature of a signal returned from a surface of an object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing a reflected signal during a laser procedure can include a surgical scope. A first light source emitter can be configurable to emit a first signal having a first (e.g., a non-visible) spectrum. A second light source emitter can be configurable to emit a second signal having a second spectrum (e.g., a visible or infrared (IR) spectrum). Each of the first or the second light source emitters can be coupled to or included within the surgical scope. The system can include an optical sensor configurable to detect and analyze a third signal returned from the surface of an object in response to the emitted second signal. The returned third signal can be analyzed to determine whether a reflected absolute or relative intensity or an absolute or relative spectral signature meets at least one criterion, thereby triggering at least one of: warning a user or adjusting the first signal.