Tunable Laser Diode for Versatile Surgical Ablation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser devices for material processing and medical applications are bulky, power-intensive, and expensive, requiring multiple lasers with fixed wavelengths, which limits their versatility and efficiency in achieving precise surgical effects with minimal side effects.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional laser device with a controllable power supply and control device that rapidly changes the wavelength and pulse duration of laser diodes to adapt to different applications, utilizing the absorption properties of materials for efficient ablation with low power consumption and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lasers with fixed wavelengths are used to achieve different surgical effects, then the versatility and precision of the device is improved, but the device size, power consumption, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single laser device capable of operating at multiple wavelengths (1800-2100 nm range) to perform both lithotripsy and soft tissue surgery. The laser system can be rapidly tuned between different wavelengths to match absorption peaks of different materials, replacing the need for multiple separate fixed-wavelength lasers. This universal approach maintains surgical precision while significantly reducing device size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic wavelength tuning capability where the laser wavelength can be rapidly changed during operation to adapt to different surgical requirements. The control system adjusts the laser wavelength in real-time based on the intended application (stone fragmentation vs. soft tissue cutting), enabling a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate static laser systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lasers with fixed wavelengths are used to achieve different surgical effects, then the precision of surgical effects is improved, but the power consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprecisionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single laser device capable of operating at multiple wavelengths (1800-2100 nm range) to perform both lithotripsy and soft tissue surgery. The laser system can be rapidly tuned between different wavelengths to match absorption peaks of different materials, replacing the need for multiple separate fixed-wavelength lasers. This universal approach maintains surgical precision while significantly reducing device size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the laser wavelength within the 1800-2100 nm range to optimize absorption for different materials. By tuning the wavelength to match absorption peaks (e.g., water absorption at different wavelengths), the system achieves precise surgical effects with a single laser source, eliminating the need for multiple high-power lasers and reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If holmium lasers with high pulse energies are used for lithotripsy, then the fragmentation rate is improved, but the thermal damage to surrounding tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefragmentation rateVSAvoidthermal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the laser wavelength within the 1800-2100 nm range to optimize absorption for different materials. By tuning the wavelength to match absorption peaks (e.g., water absorption at different wavelengths), the system achieves precise surgical effects with a single laser source, eliminating the need for multiple high-power lasers and reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic pulsed operation with carefully controlled pulse durations and repetition rates. By using short pulses with appropriate intervals, the system accumulates fragmentation effect over multiple pulses while allowing thermal diffusion between pulses, thereby achieving high productivity without excessive thermal damage to surrounding tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Manufacturing precision

If continuous wave lasers are used for tissue vaporization, then the cutting precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed operation with carefully controlled pulse durations and repetition rates. By using short pulses with appropriate intervals, the system accumulates fragmentation effect over multiple pulses while allowing thermal diffusion between pulses, thereby achieving high productivity without excessive thermal damage to surrounding tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 wide range of applications with improved precision and efficiency in cutting and removing tissues and stones, reducing power requirements and device size, while maintaining effective ablation rates and minimizing thermal damage.

Implementation Method 1

at least one laser diode (1) fed from a controllable power supply (20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser emission: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the wavelength of at least one region with a significant change in the absorption coefficient (absorption peak, sharp increase or decrease in absorption) of the material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a cooling element (4) having a controllable cooling capacity, wherein the laser diode (1) is in thermally conductive connection to the cooling element (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2334464B1Multifunctional laser device

Publication Date: 2012.10.10 STARMEDTEC

AI summary

The invention relates to a multifunctional laser device for treating material, especially biological material (30) the absorption properties of which over the operating wavelength range are considerably modified. Said laser device comprises at least one laser diode (1) which is supplied by a controllable power supply unit (10, 20), the power supply unit having a control device (10) for controlling the laser diode (1) with variable current and/or variable pulse duration and/or pulse repetition frequency. The laser light wavelength of the laser device can be quickly modified. The control device (10) for controlling the current supplied to the at least one laser diode (10) is designed in such a manner that the wavelength over an operating wavelength range is quickly modified, which wavelength includes the wavelength of at least one section the absorption coefficient of the material of which is considerably modified.