U.S. patent application number 09/847235 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-03 for method and apparatus for therapeutic laser treatment.
Invention is credited to Gerdes, Harold M..
Application Number | 20020002391 09/847235 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23077318 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020002391 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gerdes, Harold M. |
January 3, 2002 |
Method and apparatus for therapeutic laser treatment
Abstract
The therapeutic laser apparatus (10) includes at least two wands
(50) connected to a controller (210) and radiation source (155) via
fiber optic cables (135, 140). The controller (210) and source
(155) include at least two infrared wavelength solid-state diode
("SSD") lasers (165) and at least two visible wavelength SSD aiming
lasers (170). The apparatus (10) further includes a combiner (195)
configured to maintain the electromagnetic radiation from one
infrared SSD laser (165) coincident with one visible light SSD
aiming laser (170). In the method according to the invention, the
visible light SSD aiming laser (170) is used as a pointer so that
an operator can position wands (125, 130) adjacent to the skin of a
mammal whereby the beams (127, 132) of infrared treatment lasers
(165) intersect at a region (B) inside the body (A) of the
mammal.
Inventors: |
Gerdes, Harold M.;
(Peninsula, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Sean M. Casey Co., L.P.A.
Attention: Sean M. Casey
P.O. Box 710
New Albany
OH
43054-0710
US
|
Family ID: |
23077318 |
Appl. No.: |
09/847235 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09847235 |
May 2, 2001 |
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09281443 |
Mar 29, 1999 |
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6267779 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/89 ;
606/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 5/0616 20130101;
A61N 2005/0659 20130101; A61N 2005/0644 20130101; A61N 5/067
20210801 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/89 ;
606/3 |
International
Class: |
A61N 005/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,
comprising: a) a first treatment radiation source emitting a first
radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm
and approximately 1100 nm; b) a second aiming radiation source
emitting a respective second radiation beam having a wavelength of
between approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein the
first beam and the second beam concurrently pass through a fiber
optic cable; c) at least one wand connected to the fiber optic
cable, the wand including a collimator configured to adjustably
focus the emanating coincident radiation beams; and wherein the
wand is adapted to be arranged in an operative position about the
tissue such that the radiation beams emitted from the wand
irradiate a region located in the tissue.
2. The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment and
aiming radiation sources incorporate light emitting diode
lasers.
3. The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment
radiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of
approximately 980 nm.
4. The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the aiming
radiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of between
approximately 635 nm and approximately 640 nm.
5. The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the adjustable
collimator is further adapted to vary the focus of the emitted
radiation beam and the size of the area of irradiated tissue.
6. The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to emit adjustably pulsed radiation
wherein the pulses have a frequency of between approximately 0.1
cycles per second and approximately 100 cycles per second.
7. The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to emit continuous wave
radiation.
8. The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjustably emit pulsed radiation
wherein the pulse width is between approximately 0.1 percent and
100 percent.
9. The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjust the power level of the
emitted radiation to have a power of between about zero and
approximately 2.0 watts.
10. The biostimulation device of claim 9, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjust the duration of the
therapeutic laser radiation treatment to between approximately 1
second and 3600 seconds.
11. The biostimulation device of claim 1, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjust the energy level of the
emitted radiation to have an energy of between approximately 1
joule and 99 joules.
12. The biostimulation device of claim 11, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjust the duration of the
therapeutic laser radiation treatment to between approximately 1
second and 3600 seconds.
13. A biostimulation device, comprising: a) a laser apparatus
including a plurality of treatment laser wands both connected to a
first laser radiation source adapted to emit radiation having a
power of approximately between 1 and 10 watts, an energy of between
about 1 joule and about 99 joules, and a wavelength of between
approximately 900 nm and 1100 nm, and both wands further connected
to a second radiation source adapted to emit visible light; and b)
wherein the laser wands are focusable and adapted to be arranged in
an operative position to emit the radiation incident to a region of
biological tissue for a therapeutically effective length of
time.
14. A method for the treatment of tissue, comprising the steps of:
a) providing an infrared laser treatment radiation source having a
wavelength of between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100
nm; b) providing a source of aiming laser radiation having a
wavelength of between approximately 400 nm and approximately 700
nm; c) combining the radiation sources so that the radiation of
each source is coincident; d) passing the coincident radiation
through at least one optical fiber; e) providing a wand connected
to the at least one optical fiber that includes an adjustably
focusable collimator; f) arranging the wand such that the radiation
emitted from the wand passes through a region located within the
tissue; and g) exposing the tissue to the laser radiation for a
therapeutically effective period of time.
15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step
of: h) adjusting the collimator to focus the emitted radiation upon
the surface of the irradiated tissue; and i) adjusting the
collimator to vary the size of the treatment area of the
tissue.
16. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the
treatment and aiming radiation sources incorporate light emitting
diode lasers.
17. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the
treatment radiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of
approximately 980 nm.
18. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the
aiming radiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of
between approximately 635 nm and approximately 640 nm.
19. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein at
least one of the wands incorporates an adjustable collimator
operative to vary the focus of the emitted radiation beam.
20. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to emit adjustably pulsed
radiation wherein the pulses have a frequency of between
approximately 0.1 cycles per second and approximately 100 cycles
per second.
21. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to emit continuous wave
radiation.
22. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjustably emit pulsed
radiation wherein the pulse width is between approximately 0.1
percent and 100 percent.
23. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the power level
of the emitted radiation to have a power of between about zero and
approximately 2.0 watts.
24. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 23, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the duration of
the therapeutic laser radiation treatment to between approximately
1 second and 3600 seconds.
25. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 14, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the energy level
of the emitted radiation to have an energy of between approximately
1 joule and approximately 99 joules.
26. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 25, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the duration of
the therapeutic laser radiation treatment to between approximately
1 second and 3600 seconds.
27. A system for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,
comprising: a) a controller unit including a power supply and a
control panel having operator input devices and output devices; b)
the controller unit also including a first treatment radiation
source emitting a first radiation beam having a wavelength of
between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; c) the
controller unit also including an aiming radiation source emitting
a second radiation beam having a wavelength of between
approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein the first
radiation beam and the second radiation beam concurrently pass
through at least one of a plurality of fiber optic cables; and d) a
wand connected to the at least one of the plurality of fiber optic
cables, the wand including a variably adjustable collimator
configured to adjust the emanating coincident radiation beams;
wherein the wands are adapted to be arranged in an operative
position about the tissue to irradiate a region of the tissue.
28. A device for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,
comprising: a) a first treatment radiation source emitting a first
radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm
and approximately 1100 nm; b) a second aiming radiation source
emitting a second radiation beam having a wavelength of between
approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein the first
beam and the second beam concurrently pass through at least one of
a plurality of fiber optic cables; and c) a wand connected to the
at least one of the plurality of fiber optic cables, the wand
including a collimator configured to adjust the shape of the
emanating radiation beam; wherein the wand is adapted to be
arranged in an operative position about the tissue to irradiate a
region of the tissue.
29. A device for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,
comprising: a) a treatment radiation source emitting a respective
first radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately
900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; b) a second aiming radiation
source emitting a respective second radiation beam having a
wavelength of between approximately 400 nm and approximately 700
nm; wherein the first beam and second beam concurrently pass
through a fiber optic cable; and c) a wand connected to the fiber
optic cable, and including a collimator configured to adjust the
focus of the emanating radiation beam; wherein the wand is adapted
to be arranged in an operative position about the tissue such that
the radiation beam emitted from the wand illuminates a region
located in the tissue.
30. A device for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,
comprising: a) a first treatment radiation source emitting a first
radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm
and approximately 1100 nm; b) a second radiation source emitting a
second radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately
400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein at least one first beam
and one second beam concurrently pass through at least two of a
plurality of fiber optic cables; and c) at least two wands each
connected to a different one of the plurality of fiber optic
cables, the wands including a variable collimator configured to
establish the focus of the emanating coincident radiation beams;
wherein the wands are adapted to be arranged in an operative
position about the tissue such that the radiation beams emitted
from each wand simultaneously pass approximately through a region
located in the tissue.
31. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment
and aiming radiation sources incorporate light emitting diode
lasers.
32. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment
radiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of
approximately 980 nm.
33. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the aiming
radiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of between
approximately 635 nm and approximately 640 nm.
34. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein at least one of
the wands incorporates an adjustable collimator operative to vary
the focus of the emitted radiation beam.
35. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to emit adjustably pulsed radiation
wherein the pulses have a frequency of between approximately 0.1
cycles per second and approximately 100 cycles per second.
36. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to emit continuous wave
radiation.
37. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjustably emit pulsed radiation
wherein the pulse width is between approximately 0.1 percent and
100 percent.
38. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjust the power level of the
emitted radiation to have a power of between zero and approximately
2.0 watts.
39. The biostimulation device of claim 38, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjust the duration of the
therapeutic laser radiation treatment to between approximately 1
second and 3600 seconds.
40. The biostimulation device of claim 30, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjust the energy level of the
emitted radiation to have a power of between approximately 1 joule
and 99 joules.
41. The biostimulation device of claim 40, wherein the treatment
radiation source is configured to adjust the duration of the
therapeutic laser radiation treatment to between approximately 1
second and 3600 seconds.
42. A method for the treatment of tissue, comprising the steps of:
a) providing at least one infrared laser treatment radiation source
having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm and
approximately 1100 nm; b) providing at least one source of aiming
laser radiation having a wavelength of between approximately 400 nm
and approximately 700 nm; c) combining the radiation sources so
that the radiation of each source is coincident; d) passing the
coincident radiation through at least two optical fibers; e)
providing at least two wands, each connected to a different one of
the at least two optical fibers, the wands each including a
variably focusable collimator; f) arranging the wands such that the
radiation emitted from the wands simultaneously passes through a
region located within the tissue; and g) exposing the tissue to the
laser radiation for a therapeutically effective period of time.
43. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the
treatment and aiming radiation sources incorporate light emitting
diode lasers.
44. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the
treatment radiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of
approximately 980 nm.
45. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the
aiming radiation source emits radiation having a wavelength of
between approximately 635 nm and approximately 640 nm.
46. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein at
least one of the wands incorporates an adjustable collimator
operative to vary the focus of the emitted radiation beam.
47. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to emit adjustably pulsed
radiation wherein the pulses have a frequency of between
approximately 0.1 cycles per second and approximately 100 cycles
per second.
48. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to emit continuous wave
radiation.
49. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjustably emit pulsed
radiation wherein the pulse width is between approximately 0.1
percent and 100 percent.
50. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the power level
of the emitted radiation to have a power of between zero and
approximately 2.0 watts.
51. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 50, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the duration of
the therapeutic laser radiation treatment to between approximately
1 second and 3600 seconds.
52. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 42, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the energy level
of the emitted radiation to have a power of between approximately 1
joule and 99 joules.
53. The method for the treatment of tissue of claim 52, wherein the
treatment radiation source is configured to adjust the duration of
the therapeutic laser radiation treatment to between approximately
1 second and 3600 seconds.
54. A system for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,
comprising: a) a controller unit including a power supply and a
control panel having operator input devices and output devices; b)
the controller unit also including a first treatment radiation
source emitting a first radiation beam having a wavelength of
between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; c) the
controller unit also including a second aiming radiation source
emitting a second radiation beam having a wavelength of between
approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein the first
radiation beam and the second radiation beam concurrently pass
through at least two of a plurality of fiber optic cables; and d)
at least two wands each connected to a different one of the
plurality of fiber optic cables, the wands including a variably
adjustable collimator configured to establish the shape and focus
of the emanating coincident radiation beams; wherein the wands are
adapted to be arranged in an operative position about the tissue
such that the radiation beams emitted from each wand simultaneously
pass approximately through a region located in the tissue.
55. A device for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,
comprising: a) a first treatment radiation source emitting a first
radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm
and approximately 1100 nm; b) a second radiation source emitting a
second radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately
400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein the first beam and the
second beam concurrently pass through at least two of a plurality
of fiber optic cables; and c) at least two wands each connected to
a different one of the plurality of fiber optic cables, at least
one of the wands including a collimator configured to adjust the
shape of the emanating radiation beam; wherein the wands are
adapted to be arranged in an operative position about the tissue
such that the radiation beams emitted from each wand simultaneously
pass approximately through a region located in the tissue.
56. A system for photobiostimulation of biological tissue,
comprising: a) a controller unit including a power supply and a
control panel having operator input devices and output devices; b)
the controller unit also including a first treatment radiation
source emitting a first radiation beam having a wavelength of
between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm; c) the
controller unit also including a second aiming radiation source
emitting a second radiation beam having a wavelength of between
approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein the first
radiation beam and the second radiation beam concurrently pass
through at least two of a plurality of fiber optic cables; and d)
at least two wands each connected to a different one of the
plurality of fiber optic cables, the wands including a variably
adjustable collimator; wherein the wands are adapted to be arranged
in an operative position about the tissue such that the radiation
beams emitted from each wand simultaneously pass approximately
through a region located in the tissue.
57. A method for the treatment of tissue, comprising the steps of:
a) providing at least one infrared laser treatment radiation source
having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm and
approximately 1100 nm; b) providing at least one source of aiming
laser radiation having a wavelength of between approximately 400 nm
and approximately 700 nm; c) combining the radiation sources so
that the radiation of each source is coincident; d) passing the
coincident radiation through at least two optical fibers; e)
providing at least two wands, connected to the optical fibers,
wherein at least one wand includes a variably adjustable
collimator; f) arranging the wands such that the radiation emitted
from the wands simultaneously passes through a region located
within the tissue; and g) exposing the tissue to the laser
radiation for a therapeutically effective period of time.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/281,443 filed Mar. 29, 1999, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,______ issued,______, 2001.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for
applying laser beam energy in the treatment of medical conditions.
More specifically, the present invention is concerned with an
apparatus that uses wands emitting visible laser beam energy and
invisible infrared laser beam energy. The method of the invention
comprises positioning the wands over the patient in a manner such
that the infrared radiation from the wands intersects within the
body of the animal that is subjected to therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The application of laser beam energy in the treatment of
medical conditions has been investigated since the early 1970's.
Numerous investigators have demonstrated that the application of
low power laser beam energy on the order of 1 to 100 milliwatts and
at varying wave lengths (e.g., 700-1100 nanometers) ("nm") is
effective in the treatment of various medical conditions. Low-level
laser beam energy has been shown to enhance wound healing and
reduce the development of scar tissue after surgical procedures.
Such energy has also been shown to relieve stiff joints and promote
the healing of injured joints, stimulate the body's ability to heal
fractures and large contusions, as well as enhancing the healing of
decubitus ulcers.
[0004] Medical and dental applications for low level laser beam
energy of varying wave lengths also include pain control, nerve
stimulation, reduction of edema, reduction of inflammation,
arthritis, muscle and tendon injuries, and stimulation of the
body's neurohormone system. Other applications have demonstrated
increased activity in cells specifically connected with the immune
system and antigen response.
[0005] The mechanisms of how the tissues of a mammal respond to low
power laser beam energy is not well elucidated or understood.
Therapeutic laser treatments of humans, animals, and biological
tissues have been commonly referred to as "photobiostimulation"
treatments. Suggestions have been made that the process of
photobiostimulation accelerates the initial phase of wound healing
by altering the levels of prostaglandins. It has also been
suggested the laser beam energy increases ATP synthesis,
accelerates collagen synthesis, and increases the ability of immune
cells to ward off invading pathogens. See, e.g., Bolognami et al.,
"Effects of GaAs Pulsed Lasers on ATP Concentration and ATPase
Activity In Vitro and In Vivo," International Cong. On Lasers in
Medicine and Surgery, p. 47 (1985); Karu and Letokhov, "Biological
Action of Low-Intensity Monochromatic Light in the Visible Range,"
Laser Photobiology and Photomedicine, ed. Martellucci, pp. 57-66
(Plenum Press 1985); Passarella et al., "Certain Aspects of
Helium-Neon Laser Irradiation on Biological Systems in Vitro,"
Ibid. at pp. 67-74.
[0006] Conventional low power (less than 100 milliwatts) laser
therapeutic devices generally comprise a hand held probe with a
single laser beam source, or a large stationary table console with
attached probes powered by a conventional fixed power supply. A
common laser beam source is the laser diode. Laser diodes are
readily available in varying power and wavelength combinations.
Large probes containing multiple laser diodes are also known.
[0007] Isakov et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,823, disclose an
apparatus for laser therapy including one or several lasers, a
light guide and a focusing barrel wherein there are at least two
platforms for transverse and longitudinal travel so that tissue can
be dissected. The patent also discloses the use of a visible light
beam that coincides with the laser beam thus allowing the surgeon
to accurately aim the invisible laser beam to the required point.
CO.sub.2 lasers with wavelengths in the area of 1060 nm are
employed. This patent also suggests laser beam densities of up to
10.sup.5 watts per square centimeter.
[0008] Kanazawa et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,283, a
method of curing athlete's foot by laser beam irradiation. This
patent discloses the use of a laser such as a CO.sub.2 laser or a
YAG laser that emits a laser beam in the infrared region having a
wavelength of 700 nm or more. Energy levels are disclosed as two
joules per centimeter squared or more for a period of ten
milliseconds or less. This patent does not suggest or disclose the
use of an apparatus including at least two wands for the laser
therapy of medical conditions such as arthritis and bursitis.
[0009] Muchel in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,839 discloses an optical
system for therapeutic use of laser light. The Muchel instrument
provides for combined observation of and laser treatment of a
portion of a human body, such as an eye. This patent discloses the
construction of main objective lenses within certain parameters
adapted to combine laser therapy radiation from multiple sources.
One source emits radiation having a wavelength of, for example,
1064 nm. A second source emits laser target light radiation having
a wavelength of 633 nm. And a third source emits an observation
light in the visible spectrum range of from 480 nnl to 644 nm.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,285 to Walker discloses the treatment of
human neurological problems by laser photo simulation. This patent
relates to a method of treating nerve damage in humans by applying
an essentially monochromic light to the skin area adjacent to the
damaged nerve region. The inventor describes the use of a helium
neon laser (632.5 nm, 1 milliwatt, and 20 hertz) with a fiber optic
probe, which is held against the skin of the patient. The inventor
also states that irradiation with infrared lasers (1090 nm) had no
effect. This reference actually teaches away from the present
invention.
[0011] Liss et al. teach in U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,835 a therapeutic
laser device using a pulsed laser wave. The Liss et al. device uses
a gallium aluminum arsenide diode as the source of laser energy
that is in the infrared band (wavelength of approximately 900
nm).
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,285 to Presta et al. relates to a laser
system for medical applications that has at least two lasers and a
movable concave reflector. One of the beams, an imaging beam, is
aligned to impinge on the reflector, to reflect therefrom and to
impinge on a biological specimen. The reflector is moved until the
beam is aligned to impinge on the desired location of the
specimens. The second beam is also aligned to impinge on the
reflector to reflect therefrom and to impinge on the same desired
position as that impinged upon by the first beam. The second laser
is typically disclosed to be a CO.sub.2 laser that generates the
second beam having a wavelength of 10.6 microns. The Presta system
is disclosed as being useful for microsurgery. This reference does
not disclose a laser therapy apparatus wherein the therapeutic
radiation and the targeting radiation are merged so as to be
coincidental on the surface of the patient's skin and at least two
wands for positioning the intersection of the beams within the body
of the patient.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,504 to Diamantopoulos et al. relates to
a device for biostimulation of tissue which comprises an array of
monochromic radiation sources of a plurality of wavelengths,
preferably at least three different wavelengths. For example, this
patent discloses the treatment of patients with a multi-diode
biostimulation device having emitted frequencies of 660 nm, 820 nm,
880 nm, and 950 nm. The power levels disclosed are between 5
milliwatts and 500 milliwatts. This patent also discloses obtaining
the radiation from a plurality of sources whose outputs are
combined to a single emergence region with flexible optic
fibers.
[0014] Labb et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,452, disclose a process
for improving wound healing which comprises administering ascorbate
or derivatives of ascorbate to the wound site and then irradiating
the wound site with a low power laser at a wavelength of about 600
nm to about 1100 nm. This patent discloses that the laser can
either be a pulsed or a continuous wave laser with energy outputs
ranging from 1.0 millijoule per square centimeter to about 1000
millijoules per square centimeter. This reference does not suggest
or disclose an apparatus including at least two wands with a
combined beam of therapeutic radiation and targeting radiation
which are used to intersect the therapeutic radiation beams within
the body of the animal subject to treatment.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,349 to Johnson et al. discloses a diode
laser device for photocoagulation of the retina. The inventors
disclose that the elliptical laser beam is shaped into a circle by
an optical system before it is coupled to the fiber optic cable of
the delivery system.
[0016] Mendes et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,380, discloses a light
therapy system utilizing an array of light emitting diodes which
emit non-coherent light in a narrow band width centered at a
designated wavelength. The non-coherent light is generated by an
array of conventional light emitting diodes with wavelengths in the
red or infrared bandwidth. Infrared frequencies in the area of 940
nm, more particularly 880 nm are disclosed.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,482 to Diamantopoulos discloses a probe
for biomodulation. The probe includes a semiconductor laser and a
drive circuit adapted to operate the laser to emit pulses and
bursts. The system according to this patent has a laser beam
wavelength of 850 nm and a frequency of 352.times.103 GHz pulsed at
300,000 and additionally modulated at a frequency of from 1 Hz to 2
GHz
[0018] Bellinger in U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,146 describes a laser
system for the stimulation of biological tissue that emits
radiation with a power of from 100 to 800 milliwatts in either a
pulsed or continuous mode. The laser disclosed has a fundamental
wavelength of 1064 nm and delivers an energy density of from about
one joule per square centimeter to about 15 joules per square
centimeter.
[0019] Smith in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,436 discloses a laser therapy
apparatus having a wavelength in the range of 800 to 870 nm and
more preferably about 830 nm. The laser light is delivered to the
afflicted area at a level of about one joule per square centimeter.
Smith also suggests that the afflicted area be monitored after the
treatment cycle and that treatment steps be repeated to the
afflicted area.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,350 to Grove et al. discloses a method
for treating psoriasis through the use of pulsed infrared laser
irradiation. An infrared diode laser is used having a wavelength of
800 nm and a pulse duration in the millisecond range. Energy levels
of 5.0 to 50 joules per square centimeter are disclosed.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,140 to Prescott discloses a portable
laser bandage having one or many lasers or hyper-red light emitting
diodes embedded in the bandage. The hyper-red light emitting diodes
are disclosed as having wavelengths of about 670 nm.
[0022] PCT Application PCT/US93/04123 (WO 93/21993) discloses a low
level laser for soft tissue treatment wherein the laser is a Nd:YAG
laser, which produces 100 to 800 milliwatts in a pulsed or
continuous mode.
[0023] In an article entitled: "Low-Intensity Laser Reduces
Arthritis Symptoms" by Pfieiffer in the Journal of Clinical Laser
Medicine & Surgery, Vol. 10, No.6, (1992), the author reviews
various clinical studies using infrared and red lasers in the
treatment of arthritis. This publication makes no disclosure of any
specific laser therapy apparatus.
[0024] In a research report by Beckerman et al. entitled: "The
Efficacy of Laser Therapy for Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders: A
Criteria-Based Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials,"
Physical Therapy, Vol. 72, No.7, July, 1992, the authors review the
results of 36 randomized clinical trials involving laser therapy.
The article concludes that laser therapy seems to have a
substantial, specific therapeutic effect. The authors also point
out that it is difficult to determine the optimal dosage and
treatment schedules. Further, the authors note that the minimal
effective dosage in most cases is unknown and that additional
questions need to be resolved regarding the optimal wavelength.
[0025] While a substantial amount of prior art exists regarding the
use of laser therapies in medical conditions, no one has described
or suggested an apparatus that comprises at least two wands that
emit coincident visible and infrared radiation, wherein the
infrared radiation has a wavelength of about 1000 nm. Further, none
of the prior investigators have suggested aiming the at least two
wands on the surface of the animal being treated so as to have the
therapeutic infrared radiation beams intersect inside the animal's
body at the site of therapy.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION & INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0026] The therapeutic laser apparatus according to the invention
has at least two independent fiber optic laser outputs terminating
with wands that have apertures with variable foci. The inventive
apparatus also has a main function block wherein the therapeutic
infrared radiation is combined with visible laser light and fed
into fiber optic cables via couplers. The fiber optic cables
transmit the radiation to the wands. The main function block also
contains at least two infrared diode lasers and at least two red
diode lasers. Through the design of at least two wands, a novel
method of therapy has been discovered wherein the patient or
caregiver positions the wands in such a manner that the infrared
radiation (at about 1000 nm) from the wands intersects at the point
of therapy (inside the body), thereby relieving pain and promoting
regeneration of tissue.
[0027] The amount of energy applied by each wand can range from
about 200 to about 2,000 milliwatts. Preferably, the wands are held
in each hand of the caregiver at an angle of about 45.degree.
relative to the plane of the patient or biological tissue
undergoing treatment. The wands are slowly moved in small circular
motions favoring positions that allow the beams of laser radiation
to intersect in the body at the site of the malady. As will be
disclosed below, the apparatus according to the invention can be
effectively used to treat joints affected by arthritis and sore
muscles. Patients with advanced forms of degenerative arthritis
have experienced pain relief and, over time, revitalization of
joints previously affected by the disease.
[0028] The concept of using heat (infrared radiation) for relief
from pain has been practiced for thousands of years. Electrically
heated pads have found wide spread use for pain relief on all parts
of the human body and this application of infrared radiation for
pain relief is usually referred to as diathermy. It has been
discovered that the treatment of a patient with a device according
to this invention is not simply receiving heat treatment or
diathermy. The actual body mechanisms responsible for relief from
pain and revitalization of joints and other tissue are not
completely understood. The inventors have observed that the
treatments with this particular wavelength of about 1,000 nm and
the delivery mechanism of at least two wands is especially
effective in the treatment of arthritis.
[0029] In the main function block, two infrared diode lasers and
two red diode lasers are preferably coupled so that these two
frequencies are transmitted to the wands via the fiber optic cable.
The combined infrared laser radiation and the visible laser light
exit the treatment aperture in the wand coincident and therefore
provide an excellent aiming mechanism to the caregiver or
patient.
[0030] The diameter of the fibers used in the apparatus according
to the invention may vary over a wide range. However, the diameter
is preferably between approximately 400 microns and approximately
800 microns, and more preferably approximately 600 microns, and
even more preferably approximately 400 microns. The preferred
wavelength of the infrared lasers is between approximately 900 nm
and approximately 1100 nm with the best results being obtained with
a wavelength of about 980 nm. The low power visible aiming laser
component is typically a red diode laser having a wavelength of
between about 400 nm and about 700 nm, and more preferably between
about 635 nm and about 640 nm. The wavelength of approximately
635-640 nm is preferred because of its high visibility and
minimized effect on the human eye. The power output per wand can
range from about 0.0001 milliwatts watts to about 2.0 watts.
[0031] Thus, there is disclosed a device for biostimulation of
biological tissue that includes
[0032] a) at least two radiation sources emitting a first
wavelength of between approximately 900 nm to approximately 1100
nm;
[0033] b) at least two radiation sources emitting a second
wavelength of between approximately 400 nm to approximately 700 nm;
the radiation sources being arranged such that the first and second
wavelengths simultaneously pass through a fiber optic cable;
and
[0034] c) at least two wands connected to the fiber optic cable and
having apertures having variable focus; the wands being arranged
such that the coincident first wavelength and second wavelength
emitted from each wand pass through a region located within the
tissue.
[0035] There is further disclosed a method for the treatment of
tissue including:
[0036] a) providing at least two infrared laser radiation sources
having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm to
approximately 1100 nm;
[0037] b) providing at least two sources of laser radiation having
a wavelength between approximately 400 nm and 700 nm;
[0038] c) combining the radiation sources so that the radiation of
each source is coincident;
[0039] d) passing the coincident radiation through an optical
fiber;
[0040] e) providing at least two wands connected to the optical
fiber;
[0041] f) arranging the wands such that the radiation emitted from
each of the wands passes through a region located within the
tissue; and
[0042] g) exposing the tissue to an irradiation beam for a
therapeutically effective period of time.
[0043] Also disclosed is a device for photobiostimulation of
biological tissue that includes:
[0044] a) a first plurality of treatment radiation sources each
emitting a respective first radiation beam having a wavelength of
between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1100 nm;
[0045] b) a second plurality of aiming radiation sources each
emitting a respective second radiation beam having a wavelength of
between approximately 400 nm and approximately 700 nm; wherein at
least one first beam and one second beam concurrently pass through
at least one of a plurality of fiber optic cables; and
[0046] c) at least two wands each connected to a different one of
the plurality of fiber optic cables, the wands including a
collimator configured to establish the focus of the emanating
coincident radiation beams; wherein the wands are arranged in an
operative position about the tissue such that the radiation beams
emitted from each wand simultaneously pass approximately through a
region located in the tissue.
[0047] The invention also contemplates and discloses a
biostimulation device that includes a laser apparatus including a
plurality of treatment laser wands each connected to a laser
radiation source adapted to emit radiation having a power of
between about zero and approximately 2.0 watts, an energy of
between about 1 joules and about 99 joules, and a wavelength of
between approximately 900 nm and 1100 nm; and wherein the laser
wands are arranged in an operative position to emit the radiation
incident to a region of biological tissue for a therapeutically
effective length of time between approximately one and
approximately sixty minutes.
[0048] Further, a system for photobiostimulation of biological
tissue is disclosed. The system includes a controller unit
including a power supply and a control panel having operator input
devices and output devices;
[0049] the controller unit also including a first plurality of
treatment radiation sources each emitting a respective first
radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 900 nm
and approximately 1100 nm;
[0050] the controller unit also including a second plurality of
aiming radiation sources each emitting a respective second
radiation beam having a wavelength of between approximately 400 nm
and approximately 700 nm; wherein at least one first radiation beam
and one second radiation beam concurrently pass through at least
one of a plurality of fiber optic cables; and
[0051] at least two wands each connected to a different one of the
plurality of fiber optic cables, the wands including a collimator
configured to establish the shape of the emanating coincident
radiation beams; wherein the wands are arranged in an operative
position about the tissue such that the radiation beams emitted
from each wand simultaneously pass approximately through a region
located in the tissue.
[0052] The apparatus according to the invention further includes a
controller, a control panel, a power source, and components
configured to vary the radiation power and energy, pulse frequency,
pulse duration, and duration of the biostimulation treatment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, in reduced scale, of a
biostimulation device incorporating a therapeutic laser apparatus
of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the operation
panel of the therapeutic laser apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0055] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, in enlarged scale, of the
laser wands of FIG. 1;
[0056] FIG. 4 is a schematic functional representation of the laser
radiation sources of the therapeutic laser apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0057] FIG. 5 is a schematic functional representation of the major
sub-components of the therapeutic laser apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0058] FIGS. 6A and 6B are functional descriptions of the method of
operation of the therapeutic laser apparatus of the present
invention; and
[0059] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the laser wands of
the apparatus of FIGS. 1 & 2, in enlarged scale, in operation
and directed towards a human knee undergoing therapeutic
biostimulation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] The sources of radiation are preferably semiconductor laser
diodes, super-luminous diodes, or light emitting devices, and more
preferably are solid-state laser diodes (SSDs). Laser diodes or
SSDs produce a beam of light or radiation that is essentially
monochromatic, sharply collimated, and coherent. That is, they
produce light almost exclusively at one frequency and the light
beam has a small angle of divergence. A number of commercially
available semiconductor laser diodes exist that are suitable for
purposes of the present invention.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the
present invention is a device 10 for biostimulation of biological
tissue that includes a controller cabinet 20 that houses various
subcomponents. The cabinet 20 may be mounted to a roller pedestal
30 and it is, in one embodiment, connected to an operator safety
pedal 40 and a plurality of laser treatment wands 50 that may be
received into a laser radiation shielding receptacle 60. For
convenience, the receptacle 60 may be mounted to the cabinet 20.
The cabinet is formed with a control panel 70 that includes various
input and output devices needed for operating the device 10.
[0062] Also, although not shown in the various figures, the
invention contemplates a room entry-way safety interlock. The
safety interlock connects a safety switch mounted to the door-way
of the room that houses the therapeutic laser device to the device
10. The safety switch is configured to de-energize all or some of
the laser radiation sources upon opening of the door to the room.
Inadvertent injury is prevented because laser radiation cannot
escape the treatment room. In the preferred embodiment, the
entry-way safety interlock is connected to the device 10 and may be
portably mounted on any door-way so that the device 10 nay be
easily moved between a plurality of treatment rooms. Additionally,
although pedal 40 is shown in the various figures, the pedal 40 may
be accompanied by or entirely replaced by a safety switch mounted
on either or both of the laser treatment wands described below.
[0063] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and also FIG. 2, it can
be understood that the control panel 70 further includes a master
power switch 80, an emergency stop switch 85, and an operator's
safety arming key switch 90. If the arming key is removed from the
switch 90, power to laser radiation sources of the device 10 is
interrupted to prevent operation of the lasers. Also included on
the control panel is a mode switch 95 configured to operate the
device 10 in either single or dual laser mode. A numeric entry
keypad 100 similar in design to a typical telephone keypad is
mounted on the control for configuring the various operating
parameters of the device 10 as described in more detail below. The
keypad 100 is preferably a hermetically sealed, membrane keypad. A
resume switch 105 is also included that is operative to continue
interrupted operation.
[0064] An output display group on the control panel 70 includes
various component status indicators. The indicators include, for
example, light emitting diodes (LEDs) 110, liquid crystal
alphanumeric displays (LCDs) 115, 120, and audio emitting event
buzzers, not shown, each operative to signal component and system
status, to prompt the operator for needed input, and to warn of
system anomalies and malfunctions. The LCDs are, for example,
back-lit, 4 line.times.20 character displays. The indicators can
also indicate the status of the foot pedal 40 and whether any
access panels or doors of the main cabinet 20 are open. All access
panels or doors of the main cabinet 20 incorporate interlock
sensors operative to disconnect power to the laser radiation
sources or the device 10, or both, for safety. Additional LEDs 110
and LCDs 115, 120 may also be incorporated to signal that the
treatment room door is open or ajar.
[0065] Each of the treatment wands 125, 130 of the plurality 50 is
connected via fiber optic cables 135, 140 to radiation sources, not
shown, inside the cabinet 20. The preferred fiber optic cable for
use with the present invention is approximately a 400 micron fiber.
Referring now to FIG. 3, it will be observed that each treatment
wand 125, 130 incorporates a collimator lens 145 operative to focus
the treatment laser beam emitted from the fiber optic cables 135,
140 into the desired beam shape and to project the beam outwardly.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the wands each also
include an adjustable collimator holder 150 that can be adjusted to
vary the shape and focus of the emitted beam. An example of the
preferred collimator 145 is an aspheric collimator lens having a
focal length of approximately 6.25 millimeters. Typical laser
radiation energy losses at each surface of the collimator 145 are,
on average, about 4 percent. Therefore, each lens surface 146, 147
preferably includes an anti-reflection coating adapted to minimize
the losses at each surface to approximately 0.5 percent.
Additionally, the collimator 145 and the holder 150 are arranged to
preferably emit a generally circular beam spot having an
approximately 4 millimeter diameter. The wands are preferably about
5 to 6 inches in length and are made of aluminum. However, they can
be made from any suitable material including, for example, metal,
plastic, ceramic, glass, and combinations thereof.
[0066] With reference to FIG. 4, each treatment wand 125, 130 emits
laser radiation energy transmitted from at least one of a plurality
of laser radiation sources 155 that are preferably contained in a
single unit, heat sinked assembly 180. In the preferred embodiment,
the laser radiation sources are selected to emit infrared or
visible laser radiation, or both. In the preferred embodiment,
infrared treatment laser radiation from one source 165 of the
plurality 155 is combined with visible laser radiation from another
source 170 of the plurality 155 and transmitted into at least one
of the fiber optic cables 135, 140.
[0067] In this configuration, the positioning of the invisible
infrared laser radiation is emitted coincident with the visible
laser radiation so that the operator can properly aim the infrared
laser radiation emitted from each wand 125, 130 during therapy.
Laser radiation sources suitable for use with the present invention
include a high-power, Class 4, infrared wavelength SSD laser and a
Class 1 or 2, visible wavelength SSD laser available from B. &
W. Tek, Inc. of Newark, Del., U.S.A. Each of these sources is
combined into the single unit assembly 180. In the preferred
embodiment of the invention, the assembly 180 incorporates a power
supply 185, 190 for each laser radiation source 165, 170. Also,
available from B. & W. Tek is a combiner 195 configured to
combine the invisible and visible laser radiation energy into a
single fiber optic cable 135, 140 via a releasable, SMA 906
compliant, fiber optic coupler 200.
[0068] Each of the infrared treatment laser radiation sources 165
is adapted to emit Class 4 infrared treatment laser radiation with
an adjustable power of preferably between approximately zero and
approximately 10.0 watts, and more preferably between approximately
zero and approximately 5.0 watts, and even more preferably between
approximately zero and approximately 2.0 watts. This capability
assures an emitted infrared treatment laser radiation power at the
treatment end of each of the wands 125, 130 of preferably between
about zero and approximately 2.0 watts. These parameters account
for many variables including the ability of the biological tissue
to absorb radiation and the unavoidable power losses in the
combiner 195, coupler 200, cables 135, 140, and wands 125, 130.
Additionally, each of the infrared treatment laser radiation
sources 165 is further configured to emit laser radiation having a
wavelength preferably between approximately 900 nanometers ("run")
and approximately 1100 nm, and more preferably approximately 980
nm.
[0069] Each of the visible laser radiation sources 170 is
preferably configured to emit Class 1 to Class 2 laser radiation
with either a fixed or adjustable power of approximately 0.5
milliwatts to approximately 6 milliwatts. This capability assures a
visible emitted laser radiation power at the treatment end of each
of the wands 125, 130 including the unavoidable power losses in the
combiner 195, coupler 200, cables 135, 140, and wands 125, 130.
Additionally, each of the visible laser radiation sources 170 is
also configured to emit radiation having a wavelength preferably
between approximately 400 nm to approximately 700 nm, and more
preferably between about 635 nm and about 640 nm.
[0070] Although only four laser radiation sources 165, 170 are
described above and shown in FIG. 4, the plurality 155 contemplates
any number of greater and fewer laser sources configured to emit
laser radiation at various power levels and wavelengths for one or
more wands or therapeutic treatment applicators or emitters.
Additionally, although a circular beam shape of approximately 4 mm
is disclosed, a wide variety of feathered, diffused, Fresnel,
traced, and other types of spread-out patterns are also suitable
for use with the present invention. Such patterns also include
rectangular, square, oval, and elliptical patterns, as well as
predetermined or random movably scanned or traced beam patterns
that are adapted to be spread over a selected region or to trace a
specific shape or pattern.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 1 and the block-diagram schematic
represented in FIG. 5, the cabinet 20 incorporates various
components interconnected with the control panel 70, the laser
radiation sources 155 and wands 125, 130, and the foot pedal 40.
The components are configured to control the laser radiation
sources 165, 170 for therapeutically effective biostimulation of
human, animal, and experimental biological tissues. The device 10
includes a single board computer or controller component 210 that
is preprogrammed to control each of the other components and
functions of the device 10. One example of a suitable controller
210 is the BASIC Stamp II-SX microcontroller and accompanying chip
set from Parallax, Inc., of Rocklin, Calif., U.S.A. The controller
210 electronically communicates with a year 2000 compliant clock
such as the Pocket Watch B 220 from Solutions.sup.3 (Solutions
Cubed) of Chico, Calif., U.S.A., the audio emitter 170, and the
LCDs 115, 120. The controller 210 communicates directly with the
laser radiation sources 155 through both a multiplexer interface
circuit 230 and an information bus interface circuit 235 such as,
for example, the I.sup.2C serial bus chip set available from
Philips Semiconductors of Sunnyvale, Calif.. The keypad 100
electronically communicates with the controller 210 via the bus 235
through a decoder circuit 240 and an 8-bit, quasi-bidirectional
expander 245. The indicators 110 and the switches 80, 85, 90, 95,
105 also communicate with the controller 210 via the bus 235
through converters 245. An example of a decoder circuit or chip set
240 suitable for use in the present invention is the model 74HC147
chip available from Harris Semiconductor, Inc. of Palm Bay, Fla.,
U.S.A. An example of a suitable 8-bit, quasi-bidirectional expander
circuit or chip set 245 is the model PCF8574 I.sup.2C bus
compatible chip set available from Philips Semiconductors.
[0072] The controller 210 also communicates with and controls the
power, duration, pulse frequency, and pulse width or duty cycle of
the laser radiation sources 155 through the bus 235, and through
various interface circuits. The primary interface circuit stage
includes dual, independently operable 8-bit digital-to-analog
converters 250, 255. The first converter 250 is configured to
provide a controlled output voltage of between approximately zero
volts and approximately 1.25 volts and is adapted to drive the
power output of the laser sources 155. The second converter 255 is
configured to provide a controlled output of between approximately
zero volts and 5 volts and is adapted to drive a laser pulse
frequency and duty cycle interface circuit. One example of an
adequate converter 250, 255 is the model PCF8591 I.sup.2C bus
compatible converter also available from Phillips
Semiconductors.
[0073] The converter 255 drives a voltage controlled oscillator
("VCO") 260 configured to output a signal modulated between
approximately 100 Hertz ("Hz") and 1,000 Hz. A suitable VCO 260 is
the model AD654 VCO available from Analog Devices, Inc. of Norwood,
Mass., U.S.A. The VCO 260 electronically communicates with a pulse
width modulator ("PWM") circuit or chip set 265 that can be
obtained as the model PALCE610 PWM available from Vantis
Semiconductor, Inc. (formerly Altera Corporation) of San Jose,
Calif.. The PWM 265 also communicates with the multiplexer 230,
through the laser driver interface 270, and with the laser
radiation sources 155.
[0074] The controller 210 is programmed to accept operator input
from the keypad 100 and the mode switch 95 in response to prompting
displayed on the LCDs 115, 120 to obtain the desired power wattage
and joule energy levels of the treatment laser radiation sources
165, and to determine whether continuous wave or pulsed wave
operation is needed for the desired therapeutic treatment. The
controller 210 then computes the duration of time required for
application of the therapeutic laser treatment. To accomplish this
computation, the controller 210 is programmed, among other aspects,
with a power to energy conversion equation that computes time in
seconds as a function equal to energy in joules divided by power in
watts (T=E.times.P). If the operator selects pulsed wave operation,
the controller 210 prompts for the desired frequency and pulse
width or duty cycle. As an example, the operator may select a
frequency of one hertz (cycles per second) and a pulse width of
50%. In the preferred embodiment, the pulse width is adjustable
between approximately 0.1% and 100%. The controller 210 would then
set the laser radiation source or sources to have a pulse frequency
of one cycle per second wherein the radiation pulse or pulses are
on for 0.5 seconds and off for 0.5 seconds. The controller 210 may
also be programmed to adjust the power wattage levels and joule
energy levels, as well as the continuous wave or pulsed wave
operation of each of the laser radiation sources synchronously or
independently. Continuous wave operation is selected by specifying
a pulse width or duty cycle of 100%. As an additional safety
feature, the controller 210 may be programmed to limit the maximum
time of treatment to, for example, 60 minutes. Additionally, the
operator may similarly adjust the power level or "brightness" of
the visible laser radiation sources and to select a pulsed or
continuous wave operation.
[0075] The controller 210 also preferably electronically
communicates with a hardware reset switch and a serial port
interface circuit, not shown, but incorporated into the back plane
of the cabinet 20. The hardware-reset switch is preferably
operative to perform a low-level system reset in the event of
hardware or software anomalies in device 10. The serial port is
configured to communicate with the controller 210 for purposes of
external software control of the device 10 or its components, e.g.,
the lasers, or both. Also, the serial port can be configured to
allow remote monitoring of device diagnostics, and to upload
software upgrades to the device 10.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6A, and 6B, the device 10 is
operated by first energizing the power switch 80 on the control
panel 70. The preprogrammed logic of the controller 210 initiates a
system self-test subroutine 300 and displays progress, system
status, and operator welcome messages 310 on the LCDs 115, 120. The
logic programmed into the controller 210 next scans the status 315
of the arming key switch 90. An operator's key must be inserted
into the arming switch 90 before any of the laser radiation sources
165, 170 can be energized.
[0077] The controller 210 continuously scans the arming switch 90
and automatically detects when the switch has been energized. Once
energized, the controller 210 next executes a user prompt routine
320 that displays operator prompts on the LCDs 115, 120 requesting
the desired parameter settings for the energy dosage in joules,
power setting in watts per wand, pulse frequency (if any), and
pulse width or duty cycle. After the desired parameters have been
entered via the keypad 100, the controller 210 continues to execute
routine 320 to compute the time required to accomplish the
procedure according to the entered parameters. After the time
computation is completed, routine 330 executes to energize the
visible light and aiming laser radiation sources 170. At this
point, the laser wands 125, 130 can be aimed because the visible
wavelength laser beams are emitted from the wands. If the mode
switch 95 has been adjusted to select single laser operation, then
only one of the aiming laser radiation sources 170 will be
energized. In alternative embodiments, although not shown in the
figures, either an analog switch or a keypad 100 entry can be made
to adjust the intensity of the aiming laser radiation sources 170,
if needed.
[0078] After the aiming laser radiation sources 170 have been
energized, routine 335 is executed to ensure the key switch 90
remains energized, routine 340 is executed to ensure that all
access doors are closed, and routine 345 is executed to make sure
the foot pedal 40 is depressed. If all safety checks do not pass,
then control is returned to routine 335. If the key switch 90 is no
longer energized, then the aiming laser radiation sources are
de-energized by routine 350 and control passes back to the welcome
message prompt routine 310. Also, although not reflected in the
various figures, opening of the treatment room entry door during
treatment also executes routine 350. However, if all safety checks
pass, then routine 355 executes to check the mode switch 95. If
single laser or dual laser operation is selected, then either
routine 360 or 365, respectively, is executed to energize either
one or both therapeutic laser radiation sources 165. If additional
laser radiation sources are available, then the mode switch would
be adjusted to establish which of the plurality of laser radiation
sources were to be energized.
[0079] Once all of the selected lasers have been energized, routine
370 executes to check the key switch 90. If de-energized, control
passes to routine 375 to de-energize all of the lasers 165, 170 and
control passes to the welcome message prompt routine 310.
Otherwise, routines 380, 385, and 390 execute to respectively check
to ensure all access doors and panels remain closed, that the pedal
40 remains depressed, and to check if the mode switch 95 has been
adjusted. If any of the cabinet doors or access panels have been
opened, routine 395 executes to de-energize all of the laser
radiation sources 165, 170. Although not reflected in the various
figures, opening of the treatment entry door during treatment also
executes routine 395. The operator is then prompted by
"pause-resume" routine 400, which executes and sends a message to
either or both of the LCDs 115, 120, and, if desired, a signal to
the audio emitter 170. The operator may respond to the prompts and
alerts by depressing the resume switch 105, returning control to
routine 330 to initiate the series of pre-energization safety
checks. Similarly, if routine 385 determines that the foot pedal 40
is no longer depressed, control passes to the "all lasers off"
routine 395 and then to the pause-resume routine 400.
[0080] If all doors and panels have not been opened and remain
closed and the foot pedal remains depressed, then mode switch check
routine 390 executes to poll the mode switch 95. If the switch 95
has been adjusted, then the second laser radiation source is
accordingly energized by routine 405 or de-energized by routine
410. Operation control then proceeds to counter routine 420 which
increments the time remaining for the procedure as calculated
initially by routine 320. Control then passes to timer routine 430.
If the duration of time needed to complete the procedure has
passed, then routine 435 executes to de-energize all laser
radiation sources 165, 170. The operator is queried by routine 440,
which sends a signal to the audio emitter 170, if desired, and
displays prompts on the LCDs 115, 120, to determine whether the
therapeutic laser application procedure should be repeated. If not,
control passes to the operator prompt routine 320. If the operator
elects to repeat the procedure, then control is transferred to
routine 330, and the above operations are repeated.
[0081] The present invention also includes a method for treatment
of tissue. The method involves exposing the tissue to a plurality
of radiation sources having a wavelength of between approximately
900 nm and approximately 1100 nm. More generally, the method of
treatment of the present invention involves the exposure of the
tissue to a plurality of converging beams of infrared radiation of
between about 900 nm and 1100 nm. Any embodiment of the device of
the present invention, including but not limited to those
previously described, can be used to perform this method of
treatment.
[0082] Referring next to FIG. 7, the operator hands are shown
holding the laser wands 125, 130 above the biological tissue "A" to
be treated. As shown, the wands 125, 130 are preferably positioned
so the beams intersect at a region "B" of the biological tissue "A"
undergoing treatment. The wands 125, 130 are preferably oriented at
an angle .alpha. (alpha) relative to each other and an angle
.theta. (theta) to an imaginary, approximately horizontal reference
line "C" passing through the tissue undergoing treatment so that
the beams 127, 132 intersect. The intersection of the emitted
infrared, treatment laser radiation significantly improves the
absorption of the energy by the tissue at and proximate to the
region or point of intersection "B" of the beams 127, 132. The
operator preselects the region or regions to be treated and may
vary the location of the intersection region "B" by adjusting the
position and orientation of the wands 125, 130.
[0083] Obstacles to radiation penetration, such as oils or other
substances on the surface of the skin, should be preferably removed
before treatment because they may absorb, refract, reflect, and/or
diffract the incident radiation, and thereby decrease radiation
penetration
[0084] Although not shown in the figures, the invention also
contemplates an automatic positioning device configured to fixedly
and/or changeably adjust the position and orientation of the wands
125, 130 relative to one another and relative to the biological
tissue undergoing therapeutic laser treatment. The positioning
device is configured to adjust position and orientation of the
wands 125, 130 into an operative position with the emitted aiming
and therapeutic laser beams having an intersection region within
the biological tissue receiving the treatment similar to the
description above and in FIG. 7. The positioning device may include
an assembly operative to automatically vary the relative positions
and orientation of the wands 125, 130 during the therapeutic laser
application.
[0085] From the foregoing, it would be obvious to those skilled in
the art that various modifications in the above described method
and apparatus can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention may be embodied
in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or
essential characteristics thereof. Present embodiments, therefore,
are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are therefore intended to be embraced thereby.
* * * * *