ENCLOSED LASER MEDICAL DEVICE/SYSTEM

Abstract

A fiber optic medical device/system is presented, comprising means to connect and enclose a laser source to ensure sterility and safe operation. Device includes a low cost, single use system enclosed and sterilized including laser source and with the fiber attached in a sterile tube. Another embodiment comprises hermetically sealed laser unit with simple connection system to a properly shaped fiber optic, after joining, unit comprises a hand piece and fiber for direct insertion to treat target tissue. Laser handle is aseptically packaged. In other embodiments, fiber is proximally terminated in solid funnel-shaped end to provide unique directional keyed junction with laser module. In another embodiment, unit includes fiber proximally joined to it, where a laser module can be added away from the fiber end, so that laser does not need to be sterilized but entire unit is safe for medical use in sterile fields. Enclosure also serves as a grip for pulling and/or manipulating device. In another preferred embodiment, laser unit is attached to a rigid delivery system for laparoscopic procedures.

Claims

1. A fiber optic medical treatment device/system comprising: a laser energy source; an enclosure; an optical fiber; and means to connect and enclose a laser source to ensure sterility and provide safe operation

2. The fiber optic medical treatment system according to claim 1, wherein said device is disposable, i.e. a single use device.

3. The fiber optic medical treatment system according to claim 1, wherein said laser source is hermetically sealed in said enclosure.

4. The fiber optic medical treatment device/system according to claim 1, further comprising a stereo-specific connection system to said optical fiber.

5. The medical treatment device/system according to claim 4, wherein said optical fiber comprises a funnel-shaped proximal end for a directional keyed junction with said laser energy source unit.

6. The medical treatment device/system according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure serves as a handgrip for manipulating said device.

7. The medical treatment device/system according to claim 1, wherein said laser energy source unit is battery-powered.

8. The medical treatment device/system according to claim 1, further comprising RFID technology to identify laser/fiber package.

9. The medical treatment device/system according to claim 1, further comprising RFID technology to control radiation parameters.

10. A medical treatment device/system comprising: a laser energy source connected to a rigid laser conveying means enclosed to ensure sterility and provide safe operation.

11. The medical treatment system according to claim 10, wherein said device is disposable, a single use device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of present invention describing main components of the system disclosed.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows different preferred connection systems between laser device and conveying means.

[0018] FIG. 3 depicts a sketch of a preferred embodiment of present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows another preferred embodiment with a complete disposable unit with rigid delivery end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention addresses prior art disadvantages by providing a portable, cable-less, disposable laser device for carrying out a number of different medical treatments while assuring sterility.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, depicted in FIG. 1, system comprises a fiber optic medical treatment device 102 attached to source 104, which is kept within sterile enclosure 108. Optical fiber's firing end 106 emits radiation at target tissue by means of a variety of possible radiation patterns according to firing end including but not limited to off-axis firing end, a side-firing distal end, a radial emitting end or a direct emitting end. When laser radiation is used to apply energy to the vessel, different wavelengths can be chosen. Laser wavelength is chosen, in the present case, according to the desired penetration depth in tissue and desired effect in tissue. Radiofrequency, microwave, thermal and other energy sources may be used to reliably and controllably perform the task and the method described, provided suitable enhancers and/or imaging means as described are used.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, system comprises hermetically sealed laser unit with simple hook up system to an optical fiber. Hook up systems, as shown in FIG. 2 include but are not limited to plug-socket (male-female), 210, screw-on 212, or snap-on 214 connectors. Such hook up systems can be stereo-specific to provide a specific orientation of the fiber distal tip relative to hand piece. Once fiber optic is connected, unit commands a hand piece and fiber for direct insertion into target tissue. Laser handle is aseptically packaged. In preferred embodiments, fiber is proximally terminated in solid funnel-shaped end to provide unique directional keyed junction with laser module. In another preferred embodiment, unit includes fiber proximally joined to it, where a laser module can be added away from the fiber end. This way laser does not need to be sterilized and entire unit is safe for medical use in sterile fields. In another embodiment, outer contour of laser module has a grooved pattern to permit easy grip. This way, enclosure also serves as a grip for making maneuvers with device/system for example a pull-back movement during insufficient vein treatments; twisting motion for urologic treatments or back-and-forth movements in liposuction techniques.

[0023] An example of a preferred embodiment is a small-sized device with an ergonomic handgrip for portable handheld applications. FIG. 3 shows a sketch of preferred embodiment. Energy source 304 is a 5 Watt 1470 nm battery driven diode laser that conveys energy through a 30-40 cm long optical fiber 302. Alternatively, for higher energy applications, energy source 304 is an electrically driven 20-Watt diode laser. Enclosure 308 also plays the role of a handgrip. System includes an RFID technology system 316 to identify the laser/fiber package and/or permit activation for specific parameters such as power level, energy and density. This eliminates the need for cables that make handling medical devices difficult, uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, a complete disposable unit 400 includes a laser source 404 enclosed within ergonomic handgrip 408 attached to a rigid conveying means 418 and delivery end 420 for more complex surgical procedures such as laparoscopic procedures. In another embodiment, such unit is handled via remote control for complex for robotic surgeries.

[0025] Embodiments in this invention present several advantages. One advantage is its potentially small size. Another advantage is its versatility for several different application configurations. It is thus, a useful tool for health care settings that carry out various different laser treatments. This possibility allows the health care center to be more efficient and to reduce costs. Additionally, because it can be commanded by RFID technology and system is battery operated, cables are not needed. This contributes also to its versatility feature. Finally, disclosed invention is low in cost and is therefore feasible for consideration as a practical, compact, low cost, disposable device in many health care settings, such as in different hospital care units and specific independent treatment offices.

[0026] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.