WO2024085429A1

WO2024085429A1 - Shockwave and laser therapy device using laser light source

Info

Publication number: WO2024085429A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/013211
Authority: WO
Inventors: 박광선
Original assignee: 박광선
Priority date: 2022-10-20
Filing date: 2023-09-05
Publication date: 2024-04-25

Abstract

A shockwave and laser therapy device using a laser light source is disclosed. The therapy device may comprise: a laser source which generates laser beams; a handpiece which outputs laser beams or shockwaves to the outside; and a cable which transfers laser beams to the handpiece. The handpiece may comprise: optics which adjust the optical path of laser beams according to predefined modes; and a shockwave generator which receives laser beams input from the optics and generates same into shockwaves. The handpiece may output laser beams to the outside when the optics are in a first mode and output shockwaves to the outside when the optics are in a second mode.

Description

Shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source

The following embodiments relate to technology that provides a shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source. More specifically, it relates to a treatment device that can perform both High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) with just one device.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a treatment that applies powerful shock waves to the affected area. It is known to bring about effects such as recovery of tendons/ligaments/tissues, pain relief, and functional improvement by improving blood circulation and metabolism. Extracorporeal shock waves are divided into focal and radial types. Focused extracorporeal shock waves are a treatment method that focuses shock waves on a specific area. Radial shock waves have the effect of delivering overall extracorporeal shock waves to muscles, tissues, joints, etc. In addition, shock wave generation methods of typical ESWT devices include electrohydraulic (EH), piezoelectric (Piezo), and electromagnetic (EM, Coil). The electrohydraulic method generates sparks from electrodes and collects impact waves through a reflector. The piezoelectric method generates and collects shock waves by applying voltage to piezoelectric elements arranged in a parabolic shape. The electromagnetic or coil type is a method of creating a shock wave by applying high voltage to a coil to generate a magnetic field.

Meanwhile, High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is a treatment using high intensity light (laser). Lasers are known to have effects such as blood circulation, tissue recovery, and muscle fiber recovery by penetrating into the body and delivering energy. It is known that there is a synergistic treatment effect when HILT using a laser and ESWT using shock waves are performed sequentially, so in orthopedics, HILT is followed by ESWT.

For this purpose, orthopedic departments were equipped with HILT devices and ESWT devices, respectively. This is because the high-intensity laser used in HILT and the shock wave used in ESWT are typically generated using different devices. The core of the HILT device is high-intensity laser output, and the core of the device is an optical element, while the core of the ESWT device is shock wave output, and the core of the device is a piezoelectric element or coil. If separate optical elements and piezoelectric elements or coils are combined, excessive power consumption may occur. Additionally, a laser light source that generates a high-intensity laser and a piezoelectric element or coil that generates a shock wave are both electromagnetic devices. When operating, they emit electric and magnetic fields to the outside, and are also affected by external electric and magnetic fields. Therefore, if a laser source and a shock wave source are placed unreasonably in a narrow space without a means of shielding, each source may be affected by each other's electric and magnetic fields, which may cause the output to change even slightly. This can be a fatal flaw in medical devices where stability is important. Furthermore, hand pieces containing piezoelectric elements or coils are usually large and heavy, and if optical components are added, there is a risk that the feeling of use may become excessively uncomfortable.

As background technology related to the embodiments, Republic of Korea Patent Publication KR 10-2377259 B1 discloses a composite generator of piezoelectric extracorporeal shock waves and a laser and a composite treatment device including the same. Specifically, the piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave and laser combination generator according to the prior literature includes a handle, a head portion coupled to one end of the handle and on which a piezoelectric element is disposed, a piezo applicator detachable in front of the head portion, and the handle. It may include a laser module disposed in and an optical fiber disposed between the laser module and the head portion.

Additionally, Republic of Korea Patent Publication KR 10-0792513 B1 discloses an extracorporeal shock wave therapy device. Specifically, the extracorporeal shock wave therapy device in the prior literature relates to an extracorporeal shock wave therapy device that can simultaneously perform extracorporeal shock wave therapy, light irradiation therapy, and low-frequency therapy. More specifically, it combines a light irradiation unit that emits light by a light source on the outer edge of the housing. By combining a conductive member that electrically contacts the pad attached to the affected area and generates low frequencies to the front of the shock wave transmitter, light irradiation treatment and low frequency treatment can be performed simultaneously with physical extracorporeal shock wave treatment.

However, prior literature does not disclose, suggest, or imply a device that can generate shock waves using a laser light source. In addition, prior literature does not disclose, suggest, or imply a device that can reduce the size and weight of a device that can perform both laser therapy and shock wave therapy by unifying the energy source that generates high-intensity laser and shock waves into a laser light source. No. Furthermore, prior literature does not disclose, suggest, or suggest a device that can perform laser treatment and shock wave therapy sequentially for each mode, rather than simultaneously, while using only one device.

Accordingly, the implementation of technology to solve technical problems that are not disclosed, suggested, or implied in the above prior literature is requested.

Embodiments seek to provide a device that can generate shock waves using a laser light source.

Embodiments seek to provide a device that can perform both laser treatment and shock wave treatment and reduce the size and weight of the device by unifying the energy source that generates the high-intensity laser and shock wave into a laser light source.

Embodiments are intended to provide a device that can perform laser treatment and shock wave treatment sequentially for each mode, rather than simultaneously, while using only one device.

Furthermore, the embodiments are intended to provide a shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source to solve the problems mentioned in the background technology and the problems in the relevant technical field revealed in this specification.

A shock wave and laser treatment device using a laser light source according to an embodiment includes a laser light source that generates laser; A hand piece that outputs the laser or shock wave to the outside; It includes a cable that transmits the laser to the hand piece, and the hand piece includes: an optical system that adjusts the optical path of the laser for each predefined mode; It includes a shock wave generator that receives the laser input from the optical system and generates a shock wave, and the hand piece outputs the laser to the outside when the optical system is in a first mode, and outputs the shock wave to the outside when the optical system is in a second mode. It can be output as .

According to one embodiment, the optical system includes a common optical path, a first optical path, a first mirror, a first lens, a second optical path, a second mirror, and a second lens, and the common optical path and the first optical path have the same axis. The first mirror is located between the common optical path and the first optical path, the first lens is located at one end of the first optical path, the second optical path is located parallel to the first optical path, and the second optical path is located in parallel with the first optical path. The second mirror may be positioned so that light reflected from the first mirror enters the second optical path when the optical system is in the second mode, and the second lens may be positioned at one end of the second optical path.

According to one embodiment, when the optical system is in the first mode, the first mirror is positioned so that the laser coming from the common optical path enters the first optical path but does not enter the second mirror, and the laser may be output from the hand piece through the first lens.

According to one embodiment, when the optical system is in the second mode, the first mirror is positioned so that the laser coming from the common optical path enters the second mirror but does not enter the first optical path, and the laser may enter the shock wave generator through the second lens.

According to one embodiment, the shock wave generator includes: a medium in which a bubble is generated by receiving energy from the laser, and the shock wave is generated when the bubble is created or burst; A shock wave reflecting surface made of a material that reflects the shock wave; It includes a membrane made of a material that allows the shock wave to pass through, and the shock wave reflection surface and the membrane form a closed space to confine the medium.

According to one embodiment, the shock wave reflecting surface includes an ellipsoidal surface having a first focus and a second focus, the first focus may be located within the medium, and the second focus may be located outside the hand piece.

According to one embodiment, the shock wave reflecting surface includes a hyperbolic surface having a first focus and a second focus, the first focus being located within the medium, and the second focus being outside the medium and inside the hand piece. can be located

According to one embodiment, the film may include a polarizing material.

Embodiments may provide a device capable of generating shock waves using a laser light source.

Embodiments can provide a device that can perform both laser treatment and shock wave treatment and reduce the size and weight of the device by unifying the energy source that generates the high-intensity laser and shock wave into a laser light source.

Embodiments may provide a device that can perform laser treatment and shock wave treatment sequentially for each mode, rather than simultaneously, while using only one device.

Meanwhile, the effects according to the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

1 is a diagram for explaining a treatment device according to an embodiment.

2A to 2C are diagrams for explaining a hand piece according to an embodiment.

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining an optical system according to an embodiment.

Figure 4 is another diagram for explaining an optical system according to an embodiment.

Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a shock wave generator according to an embodiment.

Figure 6 is another diagram for explaining a shock wave generator according to an embodiment.

Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a membrane according to one embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various changes can be made to the embodiments, so the scope of the patent application is not limited or limited by these embodiments. It should be understood that all changes, equivalents, or substitutes for the embodiments are included in the scope of rights.

Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed form, and the scope of the present specification includes changes, equivalents, or substitutes included in the technical spirit.

Terms such as first or second may be used to describe various components, but these terms should be interpreted only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named a first component.

When a component is referred to as being “connected” to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between.

The terms used in the examples are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Spatially relative terms such as “below”, “beneath”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, etc. are used as a single term as shown in the drawing. It can be used to easily describe the correlation between a component and other components. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that include different directions of components during use or operation in addition to the directions shown in the drawings. For example, if you flip a component shown in a drawing, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component will be placed "above" the other component. You can. Accordingly, the illustrative term “down” may include both downward and upward directions. Components can also be oriented in other directions, so spatially relative terms can be interpreted according to orientation.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. No.

In addition, when describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed descriptions are omitted.

1 is a diagram for explaining a treatment device according to an embodiment.

The treatment device 100 may include a power source 110, an input/output unit 120, a laser light source 130, a cable 140, and a hand piece 150. Additionally, the treatment device 100 may include components included in a typical extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) device or a high intensity laser therapy (HILT) device. The treatment device 100 is used for calcific or non-calcific tendinitis, traumatic or medial epicondylitis of the elbow joint, patellar tendonitis, Achilles tendinopathy, proximal plantar fasciitis and shoulder pain, elbow pain, knee pain, ankle pain, and other joints performed in orthopedics. It can be used to treat pain, nerve and muscle pain, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The power supply unit 110 may be a power supply used in a typical extracorporeal shock wave therapy device or a high-intensity laser therapy device. The input/output unit 120 may be a typical touch screen, etc., and may include other input means such as buttons, switches, and speakers, and output means such as audio and an auxiliary monitor.

The laser light source 130 can generate laser. To this end, the laser light source 130 may include a laser emitting element, a control unit, a pulse width adjustment unit, etc. The laser emitting element of the laser light source 130 emits a seed laser. The laser emitting element can be Nd:YAG (1064nm), Ho:YAG (2100nm), Er:YAG (2.9μm), Ruby (694nm), Alexandrite (755nm), CO2 (10.6μm), Frequency doubled YAG (532nm), etc. (the number in parentheses indicates the central wavelength). Alternatively, it may be a fiber laser such as Er fiber laser (1.5μm) or Yb fiber laser (1.0μm) (the number in parentheses indicates the center wavelength). The laser emitting device of the laser light source 130 is not limited to the above examples, and any number of laser emitting devices suitable for the purpose may be employed depending on the embodiment.

The laser light source 130 may generate laser pulses. The laser light source 130 can be used by using a method using Q-Switching, a method using On/Off control, a method using optical interference, or a method using an external modulator such as an acoustic optic modulator (AOM) and an elasto optic modulator (EOM). Laser pulses can be generated through methods such as using a pulse picker. The laser pulse generation method of the laser light source 130 is not limited to the above examples, and any number of laser pulse generation methods suitable for the purpose may be adopted depending on the embodiment.

The pulse generated by the laser light source 130 may vary in pulse width from 100 picoseconds (ps) to tens of milliseconds (ms). The width of the laser pulse generated by the laser light source 130 can be varied in real time by the pulse width adjustment unit according to the input signal from the control unit. The laser light source 130 can generate single or multiple laser pulses in the above manner. For example, the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser generated by the laser light source 130 may have a wavelength of 1064 nm, energy of 35 mJ, and pulse duration of 10 ns. The configuration of the laser light source 130 is not limited to the above embodiment, and the detailed configuration of the laser light source 130 may vary depending on the purpose of use.

The cable 140 can transmit the laser generated by the laser light source 130 to the hand piece 150. For this purpose, the cable 140 may include an optical fiber. Additionally, the cable 140 can supply electricity from the power source 110 to the hand piece 150. To this end, cable 140 may include conductor wires. The cable 140 may have an adjustable length for easy use. The cable 140 may be supported by the base of the treatment device 100, but is not limited thereto.

The hand piece 150 can receive laser input from the cable 140. Next, the hand piece 140 can output a laser or shock wave to the outside. A detailed description of the hand piece 150 will be described later with reference to the drawings.

2A to 2C are diagrams for explaining a hand piece according to an embodiment.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of a hand piece according to one embodiment.

The hand piece 150 may include a hand piece body 210, a switch 220, an output unit 230, etc.

The user can hold the hand piece body 210 and radiate laser or shock waves to the patient's affected area. The hand piece body 210 may be smaller and lighter than the hand piece of a typical ESWT device. The hand piece of a typical ESWT device generates shock waves using electric or magnetic methods and includes piezoelectric elements, coils, etc. for this purpose. Therefore, the hand piece of a typical ESWT device is bulkier and heavier than the hand piece of a typical HILT device that requires only optical elements. Therefore, ESWT devices are generally more inconvenient to use than HILT devices. However, since the hand piece 150 according to one embodiment generates shock waves using a laser rather than an electric or magnetic method, the volume and weight of the hand piece body 210 may be at the level of a hand piece of a typical HILT device. Therefore, convenience of use can be improved.

The switch 220 can change the mode of the optical system 240, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 2C. The mode of the optical system 240 may be changed according to the user's operation of the switch 220. For example, the switch 220 may be pressed like a button. When the user presses the switch 220 once, the optical system 240 can enter the first mode. The first mode may be HILT mode (high intensity laser treatment mode). The hand piece 150 can output a laser to the outside when the optical system 240 is in the first mode. When the user presses the switch 220 again, the optical system 240 may enter the second mode. The second mode may be ESWT mode (extracorporeal shock wave therapy mode). When the optical system 240 is in the second mode, the hand piece 150 can output a shock wave to the outside. Meanwhile, as long as the switch 220 can change the mode of the optical system 240, there are no particular restrictions on the location, shape, or operation method of the switch 220.

The output unit 230 may include a first output unit 231 and a second output unit 232. The first output unit 231 can output laser. The second output unit 232 may output a shock wave. The output unit 230 is not limited to the form shown, and can be configured in various forms as long as the laser and shock waves can be output separately.

Figure 2b is an example of using a hand piece according to one embodiment.

The hand piece 150 can receive laser input through the cable 140. Next, the hand piece 140 can output a laser or shock wave to the outside. The user can hold the hand piece body 210 and radiate a laser or shock wave to the affected area 200. When the optical system 240 is in the first mode, HILT treatment can be performed on the patient. When the optical system 240 is in the second mode, ESWT treatment can be performed on the patient.

Since the treatment device 100 uses only the laser light source 130 to generate laser and shock waves, both HILT and ESWT can be performed with one device. Furthermore, the hand piece 150 may be smaller and lighter than the hand piece of a typical ESWT device.

HILT is a treatment using light (laser), and is known to have effects such as blood circulation, tissue recovery, and muscle fiber recovery by the laser penetrating into the body and delivering energy. ESWT is known to bring about effects such as tendon/ligament/tissue recovery, pain relief, and functional improvement by applying powerful shock waves to the affected area to enhance blood circulation and metabolism. Meanwhile, it is known that there is a synergistic treatment effect when HILT using a laser and ESWT using shock waves are performed sequentially, so in orthopedics, HILT is followed by ESWT.

For this purpose, orthopedic departments were equipped with HILT devices and ESWT devices, respectively. This is because the core of the HILT device is high-intensity laser output, and the core of the device is composed of optical elements, while the core of the ESWT device is shock wave output, and the core of the device is composed of piezoelectric elements or coils. If optical elements and piezoelectric elements or coils are combined, excessive power consumption may occur. In addition, it may cause interference between the laser light source and the energy source of the piezoelectric element or coil, which may reduce the stability of use and may even be dangerous. In addition, hand pieces containing piezoelectric elements or coils are usually large and heavy, and if optical components are added, there is a risk that the feeling of use may become excessively uncomfortable.

However, the treatment device 100 according to one embodiment can generate both high-intensity laser and extracorporeal shock waves from the laser light source 130. Therefore, it is possible to configure the means for performing HILT and ESWT into one device. The treatment device 100 can be changed from HILT mode to ESWT mode (or vice versa) through simple operation of the switch 220. Since sequential treatment of HILT and ESWT can be performed with one device, convenience of use for users using the treatment device 100 can be improved. In addition, conventionally, orthopedic departments had to purchase a HILT device and an ESWT device separately, but by purchasing only one treatment device 100, both HILT and ESWT can be performed, which can also promote economic benefit for the hospital.

Figure 2c is a conceptual diagram of the inside of a hand piece according to one embodiment.

The hand piece 150 may include an optical system 240 and a shock wave generator 250 therein. The laser may enter the hand piece 150 through the cable 140 and then be output to the outside through the optical system 240, or may be input into the shock wave generator 250 through the optical system 240.

The optical system 240 can adjust the optical path of the laser according to a predefined mode. The hand piece 150 can output a laser to the outside when the optical system 240 is in the first mode. The laser may be output to the outside through the first output unit 231.

Additionally, the hand piece 150 may output a shock wave to the outside when the optical system 240 is in the second mode. The shock wave generator 250 may receive a laser input from the optical system 240 and generate a shock wave. The shock wave may be output to the outside through the second output unit 232.

A detailed description of the optical system 240 and the shock wave generator 250 will be described later with reference to the drawings.

The optical system 240 includes a common optical path 310, a first optical path 311, a first mirror 312, a first lens 313, a second optical path 321, a second mirror 322, and a second lens ( 323) may be included. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the optical system 240 changes the path of the laser 300 for each mode so that the laser 300 is output to the outside in the first mode, which is the HILT mode, and the laser 300 is output to the outside in the second mode, which is the ESWT mode. (300) may be configured in any configuration that allows entry into the shock wave generating unit (250).

The common optical path 310 may be a path that the laser 300 commonly passes regardless of the mode of the optical system 240. The first optical path 311 may be a path along which the laser 300 passes when the optical system 240 is in the first mode. The common optical path 310 and the first optical path 311 may be located on the same axis. The first mirror 312 may be located between the common optical path 310 and the first optical path 311. The first lens 313 may be located at one end of the first optical path 311. The first lens 313 may be in contact with the first output unit 231 shown in FIGS. 2A-C. The laser 300 that has passed through the first lens 313 may be output to the outside. The first lens 313 may be a convex lens and may be employed differently depending on the embodiment.

The second optical path 321 may be positioned parallel to the first optical path 311. The second mirror 322 may be positioned so that the laser 300 reflected from the first mirror 312 enters the second optical path 321 when the optical system 240 is in the second mode. The second lens 323 may be located at one end of the second optical path 321. The second lens 323 may be in contact with the shock wave generator 250. The laser 300 that has passed through the second lens 323 may enter the shock wave generator 250. The second lens 323 may be a convex lens and may be employed differently depending on the embodiment.

The optical system 240 may be provided with a mode change means 314 for changing from the first mode to the second mode. The mode change of the optical system is mechanical; Methods using optical switches such as MEMS, fiber-based, and phase modulation-based; It can be implemented by using polarization rotation, etc. The mode change means 314 is not limited to the above examples, and any number of mode change means suitable for the purpose can be employed depending on the embodiment.

3 and 4, for convenience of explanation, a representative description will be given of the case where the optical system 240 is provided with a mechanical mode change means 314. Even when the optical system 240 is provided with a mode change means 314 using an optical switch or a polarization rotation method, it performs essentially the same function as described later.

3 and 4 representatively show a case where the optical system 240 is provided with a mechanical mode change means 314. When the optical system 240 is equipped with a mechanical mode change means 314 and changes the mode, the mode change means 314 may be a rotating shaft, an electronic rotating device, a mechanical hinge, etc. The mode change means 314 is installed at one end of the first mirror 312 to tilt the angle of the first mirror 312. Control of the mode change means 314 can be achieved through manipulation of the switch 220 described with reference to FIGS. 2A-C.

For example, when the user presses the switch 220 once, the mode change means 314 may tilt the first mirror 312 to a first preset angle. The first angle may be an angle at which the first mirror 312 does not interfere with the laser 300 entering the first optical path 311 from the common optical path 310. Through this, the optical system 240 can be in the first mode.

When the optical system 240 is in the first mode as shown in FIG. 3, the first mirror 312 allows the laser 300 coming from the common optical path 310 to enter the first optical path 311, but does not enter the second mirror 322. It can be positioned so as not to enter the company. The laser 300 may enter the first lens 313 from the common optical path 310 through the first optical path 311. The laser 300 that has passed through the first lens 313 may be output to the outside through the first output unit 231 shown in FIGS. 2A-C.

Compared to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 shows when the optical system 240 is in the second mode. When the user presses the switch 220 again while the optical system 240 is in the first mode, the mode change means 314 may tilt the first mirror 312 to a preset second angle. The second angle may be an angle at which the first mirror 312 reflects the laser 400 coming from the common optical path 310 to the second mirror 312. Through this, the optical system 240 can enter the second mode.

When the optical system 240 is in the second mode, the first mirror 312 is configured so that the laser 400 coming from the common optical path 310 enters the second mirror 322 but does not enter the first optical path 311. can be located The laser 400 may enter the first mirror 312 through the common optical path 310, then be reflected from the first mirror 312 and enter the second mirror 322. The laser 400 reflected from the second mirror 322 may enter the second lens 323 through the second optical path 321. The laser 400 that has passed through the second lens 323 may enter the shock wave generator 250.

The second lens 323 can focus the laser 400 into one focus within the shock wave generator 250. The medium inside the shock wave generator 250 is locally vaporized or plasmaized by the concentrated laser 400, and as a result, a bubble 410 may be instantaneously created and then burst. When the bubble 410 is instantaneously generated, a shock wave is primarily generated inside the shock wave generator 250, and even when the bubble 410 bursts, a shock wave may be primarily generated inside the shock wave generator 250.

The shock wave may travel straight and be reflected inside the shock wave generator 250 and be output to the outside. If the shock wave reflection surface is elliptical, the shock wave path 410 may converge to an external focus. The shock wave front 420 may be formed perpendicular to the shock wave path 410. The shock wave front 420 may apply a shock wave to the affected area 421 located at an external focus.

On the other hand, the laser 400 is easy to control the amount of light (power), the location of shock wave generation (focusing point control), and the wave front control (possible to focus on a point or line), etc., and the state of the generated shock wave (strength, shape, and intensity of the shock wave). duration, etc.) can be easily adjusted. In addition, there is an advantage that the power consumed by the laser 400 used to generate shock waves is not large compared to a typical ESWT device that generates shock waves using a piezoelectric element or coil.

The shock wave generator 250 may include a medium 510, a membrane 520, a shock wave reflection surface 530, etc. The medium 510 receives energy from the laser to generate a bubble 410, and when the bubble 410 is created or bursts, a shock wave may be generated. The membrane 520 may be made of a material that allows shock waves to pass through. The shock wave reflection surface 530 may be made of a material that reflects shock waves. The shock wave reflection surface 530 and the membrane 520 can form a closed space to confine the medium 510. The materials of the medium 510, the membrane 520, and the shock wave reflection surface 530 may be materials used in a typical electrohydraulic ESWT device.

The embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 can be used in focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Focused extracorporeal shock waves are a treatment method that focuses shock waves on a specific area. To output a focused extracorporeal shock wave, the shock wave reflection surface 530 may be formed as a part of an ellipsoidal surface. The ellipsoidal surface may have a first focus (531) and a second focus (532). The first focus 531 may be located within the medium. The second focus may be located outside the hand piece 150.

Specifically, the laser may pass through the optical system 250 described with reference to FIG. 4 and focus on the first focus 531. The medium 510 is locally vaporized or plasmaized by the concentrated laser, and as a result, bubbles may be instantaneously created and then burst. When a bubble is instantaneously created, a shock wave is primarily generated in the medium 510, and even when the bubble 410 bursts, a shock wave may be primarily generated in the medium 510. Through this, the first focus 531 can become a source from which shock waves radiate.

The energy flux density of the shock wave generated in this way may be in the range of 0.004 to 0.6 mJ/mm ² . The focal length of the shock wave may be 10 to 50 mm. However, the physical quantity of the shock wave is not limited to the above values and may be selected differently depending on the embodiment.

When waves radiating from the first focus 531 of the ellipsoid are reflected from the ellipsoid, the reflected waves have the property of converging to the second focus 532. Accordingly, the shock wave 540 emitted from the first focus 531 may be reflected at the shock wave reflection surface 530 formed of an elliptical surface and then converge at the second focus 532. That is, when the shock wave reflection surface 520 has an elliptical shape, the shock wave path 540 may converge at the second focus 532. The shock wave front 541 may be formed perpendicular to the shock wave path 540. The shock wave front 540 may apply a focused extracorporeal shock wave to the local affected area 550 located at the second focus 532.

The shock wave generator 250 may include the medium 610 of the laser 400, the film 620, and the shock wave reflection surface 630. The materials of the medium 610, the membrane 620, and the shock wave reflecting surface 630 may be the same as those in FIG. 5.

The embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6 can be used in radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Radial shock waves have the effect of delivering overall extracorporeal shock waves to muscles, tissues, joints, etc. To output a radial extracorporeal shock wave, the shock wave reflection surface 630 may be formed as part of a hyperboloid. The hyperboloid may have a first focus 631 and a second focus 632. The first focus 631 may be located within the medium. The second focus 632 may be located in a direction opposite to the direction in which the shock wave is output to the outside. That is, the second focus 632 may be located inside the hand piece 150 outside the medium.

Specifically, the laser may pass through the optical system 250 described with reference to FIG. 4 and focus on the first focus 631. The medium 610 is locally vaporized or plasmaized by the concentrated laser, and as a result, bubbles may be instantaneously created and then burst. When a bubble is instantaneously created, a shock wave is primarily generated in the medium 610, and even when the bubble 410 bursts, a shock wave may be primarily generated in the medium 610. Through this, the first focus 631 can become a source from which shock waves radiate.

When a wave radiating from the first focus 631 of the hyperboloid is reflected on the hyperboloid, the reflected wave has the property of proceeding as if radiating from the second focus 632. Accordingly, the shock wave 540 emanating from the first focus 631 may be reflected by the shock wave reflection surface 630 formed of a hyperboloid and then spread as if radiating from the second focus 632. That is, when the shock wave reflection surface 620 has a hyperboloid shape, the shock wave path 640 may proceed as if spreading out from the second focus 632. The shock wave front 641 may be formed perpendicular to the shock wave path 540. The shock wave front 540 can apply radial extracorporeal shock waves to a wide range of affected areas 650.

Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a membrane according to one embodiment.

The

films

520 and 620 of the shock wave generator 250 may include a polarizing material. Specifically, the

films

520 and 620 may include two

polarizers

711 and 712 whose polarization directions are perpendicular to each other. In addition, the

films

520 and 620 may include a pad 720 outside the two

polarizers

711 and 712. The pad 720 may be a typical gel material pad used in the hand piece output unit of the ESWT device, and may have different thicknesses depending on the embodiment, such as 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, or 40 mm.

When the optical system 240 is used in the second mode, ESWT mode, the laser 730 and the shock wave 740 are present inside the shock wave generator 250. However, correct extracorporeal shock wave treatment can be performed only when shock waves 740 are output from the second output unit 232. Therefore, the

membranes

520 and 620 need to have a configuration that blocks the laser 730 but allows the shock wave 740 to pass through.

Specifically, the

films

520 and 620 may include two

polarizers

711 and 712 perpendicular to each other. Each of the

polarizers

711 and 712 can block the laser 730 component whose polarization directions are opposite to each other. The first polarizer 711 may block light polarized in the y direction from the laser 730. The intensity of the laser 730 that has passed through the first polarizer 711 is halved because only light polarized in the x direction remains. Subsequently, the second polarizer 712 may block light polarized in the x direction. Since even the x-direction polarized light among the components of the laser 730 is blocked, the intensity of the laser 730 after the second polarizer 712 can be negligible. Meanwhile, since the

polarizers

711 and 712 do not block the shock wave 740, the intensity of the shock wave 740 may not be reduced or may be reduced only to a negligible level.

Through the above configuration, the

films

520 and 620 composed of the first polarizer 711, the second polarizer 712, and the pad 720 block the output of the laser 730 but do not block the output of the shock wave 740. It may not be possible. Therefore, when the hand piece 150 is used in ESWT mode, only the shock wave 730 can be output without the laser 740 being output. Through this, users can perform complete ESWT treatment on patients without laser interference.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on this. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

A laser light source that generates a laser;

A hand piece that outputs the laser or shock wave to the outside;

Cable delivering the laser to the hand piece

Including,

The hand piece is,

An optical system that adjusts the optical path of the laser for each predefined mode;

A shock wave generator that receives the laser input from the optical system and generates a shock wave.

Including,

The hand piece is

When the optical system is in the first mode, the laser is output to the outside,

When the optical system is in the second mode, the shock wave is output to the outside,

The shock wave generator

A medium in which a bubble is generated by receiving the energy of the laser, and the shock wave is generated when the bubble is created or burst;

A shock wave reflecting surface made of a material that reflects the shock wave;

A membrane made of a material that allows the shock waves to pass through

Including,

The shock wave reflection surface and the membrane form a closed space to confine the medium,

The shock wave reflecting surface includes an ellipsoidal surface having a first focus and a second focus,

The first focus is located within the medium,

The second focus is located outside the hand piece.

Shock wave and laser therapy device using a laser light source.
A laser light source that generates a laser;

A hand piece that outputs the laser or shock wave to the outside;

Cable delivering the laser to the hand piece

Including,

The hand piece is,

An optical system that adjusts the optical path of the laser for each predefined mode;

A shock wave generator that receives the laser input from the optical system and generates a shock wave.

Including,

The hand piece is

When the optical system is in the first mode, the laser is output to the outside,

When the optical system is in the second mode, the shock wave is output to the outside,

The shock wave generator

A medium in which bubbles are generated by receiving the energy of the laser, and the shock wave is generated when the bubbles are created or burst;

A shock wave reflecting surface made of a material that reflects the shock wave;

A membrane made of a material that allows the shock waves to pass through

Including,

The shock wave reflection surface and the membrane form a closed space to confine the medium,

The shock wave reflection surface includes a hyperbolic surface having a first focus and a second focus,

The first focus is located within the medium,

The second focus is located inside the hand piece outside the medium.

Shock wave and laser therapy device using a laser light source.
According to paragraph 1,

The film contains a polarizing material.

Shock wave and laser therapy device using a laser light source.
According to paragraph 2,

The film contains a polarizing material.

Shock wave and laser therapy device using a laser light source.