JPH01148278A - Laser irradiator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To control laser dose properly based on informations on temperature by detecting distribution of temperature in a whole area irradiated with laser by scanning its surface. CONSTITUTION:From the area 25 being irradiated with laser, infrared light of intensity corresponding to its temperature is emitted. This infrared light enters a infrared light sending fiber 11 via a prism 13 and a light collecting lens 12. Since the prism 13 is oscillated with an oscillating mechanism 15 through an operational wire 14, 14, the part irradiated by infrared light which enters into the infrared light sending fiber 11 changes sequentially and the whole area is scanned to receive infrared light, which is entered in a light receiving area 21. By combining the informations on temperature obtained by infrared light detected by a light receiver 21 and scanning signals from a rotating detector 18 in a signal treating area 19, temperature distribution in the area irradiated with laser is acquired. The temperature of the irradiated area 25 is maintained at preset level by the output controlling apparatus 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a laser light irradiation device that irradiates laser light onto, for example, biological tissue within a body cavity.

[Prior Art] As an apparatus for irradiating a living tissue in a body cavity with a laser beam, there is a device that cauterizes the living tissue with a laser beam, as known from Japanese Patent Publication No. 8174/1983. In this method, a laser beam guided by a laser probe is irradiated onto one point of living tissue to intensively cauterize that area.

On the other hand, in recent years, hyperthermia, which treats cancer by heating the affected area to a constant temperature, has been used, but in this treatment method, it is particularly important to maintain the temperature of the entire affected area uniformly at a predetermined temperature.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] When performing treatment using this hyperthermia, it is conceivable to irradiate the affected area with a laser beam to heat the affected area. However, if the laser beam continues to be irradiated unilaterally, the temperature of the irradiated area will rise too much. Therefore, the operator must frequently perform an operation to stop the laser beam irradiation.

Furthermore, in order to accurately control this temperature, it is conceivable to insert a temperature sensor into the affected area to detect the temperature of the affected area, and adjust the laser beam irradiation based on this temperature information.

However, piercing the temperature sensor into the affected area may worsen the condition of the affected area or damage living tissue. Furthermore, it is only possible to detect the temperature at one point where the temperature sensor is pierced. In other words, the temperature is not detected in the entire affected area, but only in a partial area, and accurate temperature information cannot be obtained.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to detect the entire temperature of the area to be irradiated with laser light and use that information to accurately adjust the amount of laser light irradiation. An object of the present invention is to provide a laser beam irradiation device.

[Means and effects for solving the problems] In order to solve the above problems, the laser beam irradiation device of the present invention irradiates the irradiated area with a heating laser beam from a laser guide, and also uses a light receiving scanning means to changing the receiving direction of the infrared rays incident on an infrared detection means that receives infrared rays from the surface of the irradiated part and scanning the surface of the irradiated part emitted by the infrared rays to detect the temperature of the entire surface of the irradiated part; The irradiation output of the laser beam is controlled using this temperature information.

Therefore, it is possible to scan the surface of the irradiated region to which the laser beam is irradiated and detect the temperature distribution over the entire surface, and it is also possible to control the irradiation amount of the laser beam to an appropriate value based on this temperature information.

Embodiment FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment constitutes a laser beam irradiation device for hyperthermia, particularly for treating an affected area within a body cavity. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a laser guide for treatment, and this laser guide 1 is arranged side by side with a temperature detection probe 2. Although the laser guide probe 1 and the temperature detection probe 2 may be provided separately, they may also be incorporated into one probe body 3 as shown in FIG.

That is, in the one shown in FIG. 2, the probe body 3 has a hole 4 through which the therapeutic laser guide 1 is inserted and a temperature detection probe 2.
The probe body 3 can be inserted into a body cavity by being inserted into an insertion channel of an endoscope (not shown).

The entrance end of the therapeutic laser guide 1 is connected to a laser generator 6 and receives laser light from the laser generator 6.

Further, the output power of this laser generator 6 is adjusted by an output control device 7.

Further, the temperature detection probe 2 is constructed by inserting an infrared transmission fiber 11 into an inner sheath 9 which is inserted into an outer sheath 8, and a condensing lens 12 is provided at the tip of the inner sheath 9. . The condensing lens 12 converges the received infrared rays and makes them enter the input end face of the fiber 11.

Inside the tip of the outer sheath 8 is a flat glass or prism 1.
3 is pivotally supported so that it can rotate like a seesaw around a horizontal axis passing through its center. Further, operating wires 14.14 are connected to both rotating ends of the prism 13, and the proximal end of each operating wire 14.14 is connected to the outer sheath 8.
and the inner sheath 9, and is connected to the swing operation mechanism 15.

The swinging operation mechanism 15 swings the prism 13 by winding the proximal end of each operating wire 14.14 from the opposite side around a pulley 17 connected to a motor 16, and alternately pushing and pulling each operating wire 14.14. It is designed to be operated dynamically. In other words, by swinging the prism 13, it constitutes a light receiving and scanning means that scans the part where the incident infrared rays are emitted.

The swing operation mechanism 15 also includes a rotation detector 1 that detects the rotation of the motor 16 and detects the swing operation of the prism 13.
8 is provided. The detection signal of this rotation detector 18 is sent to a signal processing section 19.

Further, a light receiving section 21 for receiving infrared rays emitted from the outgoing end on the base end side of the infrared transmission fiber 11 is provided, thereby forming an infrared detecting means for sequentially detecting the infrared rays. The value of the amount of infrared light detected by the light receiving section 21 is sent to the signal processing section 19.

The signal processing section 19 that has obtained the signal from the light receiving section 21 combines this signal with the scanning signal obtained from the rotation detector 18 to calculate the temperature distribution of the irradiated region. Further, information on the temperature distribution of the irradiated area is sent to the output control device 7,
The output control device 7 is adapted to adjust the output power of the laser generator 6 according to the information.

Further, information on the temperature distribution is sent to the temperature distribution display processing circuit 22, and the temperature distribution display processing circuit 22 displays the information on the monitor 23.
is converted into a signal that can be displayed in

Next, the operation of the laser beam irradiation device having the above configuration will be explained.

First, the probe main body 3 of this device is introduced as shown in FIG. 2 through the insertion channel of an endoscope (not shown) that has been introduced into the body cavity in advance.

Then, it is directed toward the affected area 25 where cancer is occurring.

Note that this positioning is performed, for example, by emitting guide light through the laser guide 1 and observing the position of the irradiation spot. Once the position is determined, laser light is emitted from the laser generator 6. This laser light passes through the laser guide 1 and is irradiated from its emission tip to the affected area 25. As a result, the portion 25 is heated.

On the other hand, the portion 25 heated by laser beam irradiation emits infrared rays with an intensity corresponding to the temperature. This infrared rays enter the infrared transmission fiber 11 through the prism 13 and the condensing lens 12. At this time, the prism 13 is swung by the swiveling operation mechanism 15 via the operating wire 14.14, so the infrared transmission fiber 11
The position of the irradiated area from which the infrared rays incident on the area emerge changes sequentially.

In other words, the entire surface of the region 25 is scanned instead of just a part of it to receive infrared rays from each region, and the infrared rays are made to enter the light receiving section 21 . The temperature information from the infrared rays detected by the light receiving section 21 and the scanning signal from the rotation detector 18 are combined in the signal processing section 19 to obtain the temperature distribution of the irradiated region irradiated with the laser beam. Information on the temperature distribution of the irradiated area is sent to the output control device 7. In this output control device 7, when the temperature exceeds a preset temperature (for example, 42 to 43° C.), the output of the laser generator 6 is stopped or the output is reduced.

Furthermore, when the temperature drops below a preset temperature, the laser generator 6 starts emitting light or increases its output. This maintains the temperature of the irradiated region 25 at the set temperature. In this way, the temperature is automatically adjusted to a predetermined value,
Even in the case of hyperthermia, where the treatment time usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, there is no burden on the operator, and accurate heating treatment can be safely performed.

Further, the temperature distribution of the region 25 to be heated is displayed on the monitor 23 by the temperature distribution display processing circuit 22, and can be observed as an image. Here, if the endoscope inserted into the body cavity to be treated is a so-called electronic endoscope using a solid-state imaging cord, the monitor 23 may also be used as a monitor for observing the visual field. Further, the temperature distribution may be displayed superimposed on the screen of the endoscope monitor.

In this embodiment, the device is configured separately from the endoscope, but it may be configured to be integrated into the endoscope.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a mirror 31 is used in place of the prism 13 in the configuration shown in FIG. The mirror 31 is rotated by push and pull operations by the swing operation mechanism 15. In this embodiment, by changing the angle of the mirror 31, the part where the infrared rays are incident on the infrared transmission fiber 11 is scanned. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the input side end 35 of the infrared transmission fiber 11 inserted into the hole 5 of the probe body 3 is bent obliquely forward, so that the input end surface 36 thereof faces diagonally forward. The proximal end portion of this infrared transmission fiber 11 is configured to be rotationally driven by a rotational drive device 37, as shown in FIG.

The rotary drive device 37 is a rotary drive source, for example, a motor 3.
8, which rotates the infrared transmission fiber 11 via the rotation operation mechanism 39. Rotation operation mechanism 39
A rotary plate 41 is rotatably attached to the outer periphery of a rotary frame 40 that fixes the base end of the infrared transmission fiber 11, and this rotary plate 41 is rotationally driven by a motor 38.

Further, the input end surface of the lead-out fiber 42 is connected to the output end surface of the fiber 11 supported by the rotation operation mechanism 39 via a condenser lens 43 . This deriving fiber 42 is connected to the light receiving section 21 as described above.

When the motor 38 of the rotation drive device 37 is activated and the infrared transmission fiber 11 is rotated via the rotation operation mechanism 39, the input end 35 thereof is rotated as shown in FIG. As a result, the entrance tip surface 36 rotates while facing diagonally forward.

Therefore, the part from which the incident infrared rays emerge can be changed and scanned.

Note that FIG. 6 shows a modification of the rotary drive device 37. This modification example is based on the rotation frame 40 of the rotation operation mechanism 39.
is directly rotationally driven by an ultrasonic motor 45. In this case, the rotating frame 40 is driven by an ultrasonic motor 45.
constitutes the rotor of According to this configuration, the rotary drive device 37 can be made more compact.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the incident end face 36 of the infrared transmission fiber 11 is formed obliquely. In this way, the laser beam can be emitted diagonally forward without bending the input side end 35 of the fiber 11. If this fiber 11 is rotated in the same manner as described above, a scanning action can be obtained in the same manner as described above. Note that other configurations, effects, etc. are the same as in the above embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a flexible infrared transmission fiber 11 is inserted into a guide sheath 52 having a bent tip 51, and the incident side end 35 is bent by the bent tip 51, so that the incident tip surface 36 is bent obliquely. I made it face forward. and,
If the guide sheath 52 is rotated in the manner described above, it can be rotated while the input end face 36 of the fiber 11 is directed obliquely forward, and the same scanning effect as described above can be obtained.

FIG. 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a supporting rod 56 having a bent tip portion 55 is attached to the incident side end 35 of the flexible infrared transmission fiber 11.
This support rod 56 is connected to the infrared transmission fiber 11.
I made it rotate around the .

Therefore, the incident side end 35 of the infrared transmission fiber 11
can be bent, so when the support rod 56 is rotated by a rotary drive device (not shown), the input side end 35 of the infrared transmission fiber 11 moves while bending along the bent tip portion 55 of the support rod 56, causing an inclination. Rotates while changing direction.

Therefore, the input end face 36 of the fiber 11 rotates while facing diagonally forward, and the same scanning effect as described above is obtained.

10 and 11 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a prism 13 is attached to the tip of an inner sheath 9 rotatably sheathing an infrared transmission fiber 11, and the inner sheath 9 is rotated in the same manner as in the third embodiment shown in FIG. It is rotated by a rotary drive device 60 having the same configuration as the drive device 37.

The rotation drive device 60 is a first rotary drive device that supports the proximal end of the inner sheath 9.
A second rotary plate 63 driven by a motor 62 is engaged with the first rotary plate 61 in rolling contact. By driving this motor 62, the rotational force of the motor 62 is transmitted from the second rotary plate 63 to the first rotary plate 61, so that the inner sheath 9 can be rotated.

When the inner sheath 9 is rotated by the rotary drive device 60, the prism 13 is rotated and the direction in which the infrared rays are received is changed, thereby obtaining the same scanning effect as described above.

FIG. 12 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows a modification of the rotary drive device 60 of the seventh embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the inner sheath 9 is rotated using the ultrasonic motor 65. Other points are the same as in the seventh embodiment.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a prism 13 is attached to the tip of a shaft 70 installed in parallel with the infrared transmission fiber 11.
The prism 13 is rotated via this shaft 70. This shaft 70 is rotatably driven by a motor 71 as shown in FIG.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the laser beam irradiation device of the present invention not only irradiates the irradiated area with a heating laser beam from the laser guide, but also uses the light receiving scanning means to emit infrared rays from the surface of the irradiated area. The surface of the irradiated area that receives the infrared rays is scanned by changing the receiving direction of the infrared rays incident on the infrared detecting means to detect the temperature of the entire surface of the irradiated area, and the output of the laser beam is determined based on this temperature information. It was designed to be controlled. Furthermore, since the temperature of the area is detected by receiving infrared rays from the area to which the laser beam is irradiated, the temperature can be safely detected without damaging the area or worsening the medical condition.

Therefore, it is possible to scan the surface of the irradiated region to which the laser beam is irradiated and detect the temperature distribution in front of it, and also to control the irradiation amount of the laser beam to an appropriate value based on this temperature information.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the tip of the probe, and FIG. 3 is a probe showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the probe tip, showing a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a rotary drive device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. , FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a modified example of the rotary drive device, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the probe tip showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side view of the vicinity of the tip of the probe showing the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a side view of the vicinity of the tip of the probe showing the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the rotary drive device according to the seventh embodiment, FIG. 12 is a side view of the rotary drive device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a side view of the rotary drive device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a side view of the vicinity of the probe tip of the ninth embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a side view of the rotary drive device portion of the ninth embodiment. 1... Laser guide, 2... Temperature detection probe,
6... Laser generator, 7... Output control device, 11.
...Fiber for infrared transmission, 13...Prism, 14
... Operating wire, 15... Rocking operation mechanism, 16...
- Motor, 18... Rotation detector, 19... Signal processing section, 21... Light receiving section. Applicant's Representative Patent Attorney Atsushi Tsuboi Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Mr. Kunio Ogawa, Commissioner of the Patent Office
1゜21 Name of invention
Relationship between the laser beam irradiation device 3 and the person making the correction Patent applicant (037) Olympus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. 4, Agent UBE Building AQ, 3-7-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
ζ-, Contents of amendment (1) "Characteristics" on page 3, line 5 of the specification is corrected to "symptoms." (2) Correct to "Fiber 11 no no" and "Fiber 11 no" on the 6th line of page 12. (3) Correct the figures in boxes 2, 3, and 4 of the drawings and the 7th country attachment. 2 pieces Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 7

Claims (1)

[Claims] A laser generator, a laser guide that receives laser light from the laser generator and emits the laser light toward the irradiated area, and a laser guide that emits infrared rays from the surface of the area that is irradiated with the laser light emitted from the laser guide. an infrared detecting means for receiving light; a light receiving scanning means for causing infrared rays from the surface of the irradiated region to enter a light receiving end of the infrared detecting means and scanning the surface of the irradiated region by changing the receiving direction;
and an output control device that detects the temperature of the irradiated area using the infrared rays detected by the infrared detection means and controls the amount of laser light transmitted from the laser generator by the laser guide based on the detected temperature. Characteristic laser beam irradiation device.