This invention introduces an apparatus for precisely steering a laser beam through an endoscope, specifically designed for laser surgery within the kidney. Its most significant advantage lies in its ability to apply adaptive optics to deliver a highly focused laser beam to a selected target location, enhancing surgical precision and efficacy.
Description
The core of this technology is an apparatus featuring a spatial light modulator (SLM) that receives an input optical beam. An SLM controller adjusts the SLM to apply a phase modulation to the input beam, producing an "adapted optical beam." This adapted beam is then directed into a fiber bundle, emerging from its distal end as a focused beam aimed at a target. The system also includes a detector that receives portions of the laser beam reflected back from the target. Crucially, the phase modulation applied by the SLM is iteratively determined based on the amplitude of the received reflected light, ensuring precise focusing and direction of the laser beam. This adaptive process allows for accurate targeting, even in complex environments like within a kidney. The apparatus may also include a channel adjacent to the fiber bundle for fluid delivery to the target, and a laser system to produce the input optical beam.
Applications
- Minimally invasive urological laser surgeries.
- Precision laser ablation in various medical fields.
- Endoscopic surgical procedures requiring accurate laser delivery.
- Development of advanced medical devices for targeted therapies.
- Research and development in adaptive optics for biomedical applications.
Advantages
- Precise laser beam focusing and steering to a selected target.
- Enhanced surgical accuracy in confined spaces (e.g., kidney).
- Adaptive optics system for continuous optimization of the laser beam.
- Potential for improved outcomes in delicate laser surgeries.
- Integration with endoscope technology for minimally invasive procedures.
Invention Readiness
This technology represents a foundational advancement in adaptive laser beam delivery, demonstrating a sophisticated method for precise targeting within an endoscopic environment. While the current information outlines the core apparatus and its operational principles for iterative beam optimization, further studies would focus on validating performance in relevant ex vivo and in vivo models
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US10595712B2