EP1254386A2 - Guide d'onde a structure flexible - Google Patents

Guide d'onde a structure flexible

Info

Publication number
EP1254386A2
EP1254386A2 EP01904954A EP01904954A EP1254386A2 EP 1254386 A2 EP1254386 A2 EP 1254386A2 EP 01904954 A EP01904954 A EP 01904954A EP 01904954 A EP01904954 A EP 01904954A EP 1254386 A2 EP1254386 A2 EP 1254386A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
waveguide
sheath
electromagnetic radiation
receiving device
radiation source
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01904954A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Henrick K. Gille
Edward S. Schieferstein
William Wai-Chung Chow
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Clinicon Corp
Original Assignee
Clinicon Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Clinicon Corp filed Critical Clinicon Corp
Publication of EP1254386A2 publication Critical patent/EP1254386A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
    • G02B6/4296—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements coupling with sources of high radiant energy, e.g. high power lasers, high temperature light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4401—Optical cables
    • G02B6/4429—Means specially adapted for strengthening or protecting the cables
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00477—Coupling
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00831—Material properties
    • A61B2017/00867—Material properties shape memory effect
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B2018/2205—Characteristics of fibres
    • A61B2018/2222—Fibre material or composition
    • A61B2018/2227—Hollow fibres
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B2018/2244—Features of optical fibre cables, e.g. claddings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
    • G02B6/4296—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements coupling with sources of high radiant energy, e.g. high power lasers, high temperature light sources
    • G02B2006/4297—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements coupling with sources of high radiant energy, e.g. high power lasers, high temperature light sources having protection means, e.g. protecting humans against accidental exposure to harmful laser radiation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/02—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating
    • G02B6/032—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating with non solid core or cladding
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
    • G02B6/3813—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres for transmission of high energy beam

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to an apparatus for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, and more particularly, to a structurally flexible waveguide for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source to a receiving device.
  • Electromagnetic radiation emitted from a radiation source, such as a laser, is often used in medical and industrial applications.
  • the electromagnetic radiation can be delivered to an application site using a waveguide.
  • the waveguide is commonly bent in various directions to maneuver around the application site. The bending of the waveguide can cause the waveguide to be damaged or break. Consequently, the electromagnetic radiation will be released and thus lost.
  • the released electromagnetic radiation can cause damage to the surface of the application site or bystanders. For example, the electromagnetic radiation can burn or scar tissue during a medical procedure.
  • known waveguides use an armoring layer to strengthen the waveguide.
  • the armoring layer can also be used to provide a barrier against the egress of harmful levels of electromagnetic radiation, when the waveguide breaks.
  • the armoring layer increases the complexity, cost, and weight of the waveguide.
  • the armoring layer also increases the resistance to motion of the waveguide around the application site.
  • the invention is directed to an apparatus for transporting electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source to a receiving device.
  • the apparatus includes a waveguide and a sheath formed from superelastic alloys that have high tensile strength and superelasticity. The sheath thus provides easy maneuverability with little resistance to motion around an application site.
  • the invention is directed to an apparatus that includes a waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end.
  • a sheath formed from superelastic alloys surrounds an outer surface of the waveguide and extends substantially between the distal and proximal ends.
  • a housing surrounds the distal and proximal ends of the waveguide, and a connector is coupled to each housing.
  • the invention is directed to a system for delivering electromagnetic radiation to an application site that includes a sheath formed from superelastic alloys that surround a waveguide.
  • a radiation source is coupled to a proximal end of the waveguide, and a receiving device is coupled to the distal end of the waveguide.
  • the invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a device for transporting electromagnetic radiation that includes providing a waveguide.
  • the method also includes forming a sheath around the waveguide in which the sheath is made from superelastic alloys.
  • the invention is directed to a method for delivering electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source to an application site that includes forming a sheath around a waveguide in which the sheath is made from superelastic alloys. The method also includes transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the waveguide.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a waveguide with a sheath in one embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the waveguide and the sheath of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a radiation delivery system using the waveguide of FIG. 1.
  • the invention is directed to an apparatus for transporting electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source to a receiving device.
  • the apparatus includes a waveguide and a sheath formed around the outer surface of the waveguide.
  • the sheath is preferably made from superelastic alloys that have high tensile strength and superelasticity. The sheath provides easy maneuverability with little resistance to motion around an application site. The apparatus also minimizes stress and compressive forces on the waveguide.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a waveguide 1 having a sheath 5 formed around at least a portion of the outer surface of the waveguide 1 in an embodiment.
  • the sheath 5 covers the entire outer surface of the waveguide 1.
  • the waveguide 1 is preferably constructed for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source 16, such as a laser, to a receiving device 28. Suitable receiving devices include a freehand laser cutting hand piece, a skin resurfacing scanner, a diamond scalpel with laser cautery, or other suitable devices.
  • the waveguide 1 may be formed from hollow metal, a hollow silica-glass tube, a solid-core fiber, solid transparent glass, or solid transparent plastic.
  • the waveguide 1 may be designed to transport radiation with wavelengths between 100 nm and 20 ⁇ m or more.
  • the waveguide 1 may also include a polymer or halide and metallic layer deposited inside the waveguide 1.
  • a housing 15 is formed near or around the proximal end 19 of the waveguide 1 and the proximal end 29 of the sheath 5.
  • the housing 15 may be formed from steel, stainless steel, titanium, plastic extrusion tubing, braided metal tubing, corrugated or spiral wound metal flexible tubing.
  • the sheath 5 terminates inside the housing 15.
  • the housing 15 may be used to secure the waveguide 1 such that the proximal end 19 of the waveguide 1 is rigidly secured.
  • a bronze lock 48 may be used to further secure the waveguide 1 from lateral, axial, and rotational movement within the housing 15.
  • a connector 30 is coupled to the housing 15.
  • the connector 30 may include a FSMA connector and includes a ferrule 43.
  • the ferrule 43 may be formed from, for example, a metal, to join or bind the connector 30 to the radiation source 16.
  • a shield 12 such as a molybdenum or copper shield, may be mounted at the tip of the ferrule 43.
  • the shield 12 may include an opening (not shown) to allow focused radiation to enter into the waveguide.
  • the shield 12 is preferably formed from a metal with high reflectivity and sufficient heat conduction.
  • a grounding strap 50 may also be coupled to the housing 15.
  • the grounding strap 50 is a safety device that prevents the radiation from harming bystanders or the application site. In one configuration, the source 16 is prevented from being turned on, when the strap 50 is not properly installed. Moreover, the source 16 is configured to shut off, when the strap 50 is removed or broken.
  • a housing 35 may also be formed near or around the distal end 22 of the waveguide 1.
  • the distal end 36 of the sheath 5 may terminate in a portion of the housing 35.
  • the housing 35 may be formed from, for example, titanium or other suitable material.
  • a connector 38 may be coupled to the housing.
  • the connector 38 may include a FSMA connector.
  • the connector 38 may also include a ferrule 53 similar to the ferrule 43 described above.
  • the connector 38 is preferably adapted to connect to the receiving device 28. Similar to the housing 15, the housing 35 is preferably used to minimize the lateral movement of the waveguide 1.
  • FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the sheath 5 formed around the waveguide 1.
  • the sheath 5 preferably has a diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the waveguide 1. Further, the material of the sheath 5 is low friction. In this way, the waveguide 1 is able to move within the sheath 5, when the waveguide 1 is bent.
  • the sheath 5 can be made from superelastic alloys that have high tensile strength and superelasticity.
  • the superelastic alloys may include titanium, nickel, or other similar materials. Such alloys are commercially known as Nitinol TM . These superelastic alloys withstand high elastic strains, and thus, a smaller bend radius. This smaller bend radius means that the apparatus of the present invention provides an increased degree of radial movement. It has been found that these superelastic alloys can be heat treated to retain or memorize a shape, after the sheath 5 and the waveguide 1 are exposed to heat.
  • the waveguide 1, that is initially straight can be coiled or bent, and the sheath 5 will return the waveguide to its original straight shape.
  • the sheath 5 will not distort or experience a permanent change in shape.
  • the waveguide 1 does not return to its original straight shape, the optical properties of the waveguide 1 will degrade. Accordingly, using the preferred sheath 5, the waveguide can return to its original straight shape, and thus, will preserve the optical properties of the waveguide 1.
  • the sheath may be painted, plated, or finished with a surface treatment to enhance visibility, cleanability, or esthetics. Further, the sheath 5 and waveguide 1 may be between 0.01 meters to 5 meters long.
  • the housings 15, 35 may also include a layer of insulation 69 (FIG. 2) that surrounds the waveguide 1.
  • the insulation layer 69 may be formed from glass, plastic, paper, epoxy, or paint.
  • An example of a waveguide 1 in accordance with the present invention may conduct radiation at about 2 to 20 ⁇ m.
  • the waveguide 1 may have an outer diameter of about 0.0423 inches and may have an inner diameter of about 0.021 inches.
  • the inner diameter of the sheath 5 may be about 0.048 inches and the outer diameter of the sheath 5 may be about 0.060 inches.
  • the sheath 5 may be made from superelastic alloys including nominally 54.2% titanium, nominally 55.8% nickel, and trace amounts of chromium, oxygen, and carbon.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a delivery system using the preferred apparatus.
  • the receiving device may be a free-cutting handpiece 90.
  • the distal end 22 of the waveguide 1 passes through the housing 35 and terminates at the connector 38.
  • the sheath 5 terminates, at its distal end 36, in the housing 35.
  • the handpiece 90 may be coupled to the connector 38 using the ferrule 53.
  • the cutting handpiece 90 may also include an optical fiber 95 with a lens 96 disposed at one end for focusing the radiation through the opening 99 on to the application site.
  • electromagnetic radiation travels from the radiation source, such as a laser, and is transported through the waveguide to the optical fiber of the cutting handpiece.
  • the electromagnetic radiation received in the fiber is then collimated or focused by the lens.
  • the focused radiation then exits through the opening 99 on to the application site.
  • the preferred apparatus for transporting electromagnetic radiation preferably includes a hollow bore-coated silica-glass waveguide surrounded by a sheath formed from superelastic alloys.
  • the superelastic alloys are high in tensile strength and are superelastic. This means that the waveguide can be bent or moved without breaking. This is because the sheath prevents excessive stress and compressive forces from affecting the waveguide and potentially distorting its optical properties.
  • the sheath 5 is light weight as compared to known armoring. In this way, the preferred apparatus provides a light weight, reliable, and robust electromagnetic radiation transport system. Further, the preferred apparatus is versatile.
  • the preferred apparatus includes a connector at the distal and proximal ends of the waveguide that can be adapted to connect to known receiving devices, such as freehand lasers, skin resurfacing scanners, and diamond scalpels with laser cautery.
  • a strain relief may be coupled to one or both sides of the housings 15, 35 to provide a gradual transition between the superelastic sheath and the rigid housings 15, 35. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Laser Surgery Devices (AREA)
  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil robuste, bon marché et flexible, qui transporte un rayonnement électromagnétique vers un dispositif récepteur. Cet appareil comprend un guide d'onde doté d'une extrémité proximale ainsi que d'une extrémité distale. Une gaine, formée d'alliages extrêmement élastiques, est agencée autour du diamètre extérieur du guide d'onde. Un logement, formé à proximité des extrémités distale et proximale du guide d'onde sert de support structurel aux extrémités du guide d'onde. En outre, un connecteur est couplé à chaque logement, aux fins de connexion à une source de rayonnement ou à un dispositif récepteur. Ce connecteur peut être un connecteur FSMA et il est possible d'utiliser l'appareil de l'invention dans diverses applications médicales et industrielles.
EP01904954A 2000-01-28 2001-01-18 Guide d'onde a structure flexible Withdrawn EP1254386A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US546077 1990-06-29
US17881900P 2000-01-28 2000-01-28
US178819P 2000-01-28
US54607700A 2000-04-10 2000-04-10
PCT/US2001/001942 WO2001055757A2 (fr) 2000-01-28 2001-01-18 Guide d'onde a structure flexible

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1254386A2 true EP1254386A2 (fr) 2002-11-06

Family

ID=26874692

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01904954A Withdrawn EP1254386A2 (fr) 2000-01-28 2001-01-18 Guide d'onde a structure flexible

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1254386A2 (fr)
AU (1) AU2001232881A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001055757A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8894636B2 (en) * 2010-03-09 2014-11-25 Henrick K. Gille Minimally invasive surgical system for CO2 lasers

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0368512A3 (fr) * 1988-11-10 1990-08-08 Premier Laser Systems, Inc. Laser médical à longueurs d'ondes multiples
GB9014118D0 (en) * 1990-06-25 1990-08-15 British Telecomm Connection system
US5337388A (en) * 1993-08-03 1994-08-09 International Business Machines Corporation Matrix of pluggable connectors for connecting large numbers of clustered electrical and/or opticcal cables to a module
US5607435A (en) * 1994-05-23 1997-03-04 Memory Medical Systems, Inc. Instrument for endoscopic-type procedures

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0155757A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001055757A9 (fr) 2003-01-09
WO2001055757A3 (fr) 2002-04-18
AU2001232881A1 (en) 2001-08-07
WO2001055757A2 (fr) 2001-08-02

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