JP2000023999A - Chisel laser probe - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A chisel-type laser probe capable of emitting a laser beam with substantially uniform energy intensity in a ridgeline direction of a tip is provided. It has a tapered surface (reflection surface 56). At least one of the reflecting surfaces has a groove 60 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction at a substantially central portion in the lateral direction and having a U-shaped, arc-shaped, semi-circular or V-shaped cross section. The laser light incident from the base end 62 hits the groove 60 and is deflected right and left. As a result, the tip 5
The laser beam emitted from 8 shows a substantially uniform energy distribution.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a chisel laser probe, for example, a chisel laser probe constituting an emission end of a laser beam in a laser medical device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, as shown in FIG. 1, a laser medical apparatus includes a laser generator 10 having a built-in laser source (not shown), and a light guide 12 for guiding laser light generated by the laser source. For example, an optical fiber cable) and a handpiece 14 for irradiating the laser light guided by the light guide path 12 to a target portion. The handpiece 14 has a rod-shaped laser probe 16 made of a material such as quartz or sapphire at its tip.

[0003] In the laser medical apparatus configured as described above, the laser light generated by the laser generator 10 is applied to the light guide path 1.
It is led to 2. The laser light emitted from the emission end of the light guide path 12 is incident on the laser probe 16 from the base end of the laser probe 16, then passes through the inside of the laser probe 16 and is emitted from the distal end side.

Various types of laser probes 16 have been provided so far, one of which is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, there is a chisel-type laser probe 20 having a tapered portion 24 formed on the tip side of a cylindrical body 22 made of a material that can transmit laser light. This chisel type laser probe 2
0, the laser light incident from the base end 26 is
4 and exits from the tip 28.

[0005]

However, in the laser probe 20, as shown in FIG. 2A, the energy distribution of the laser beam emitted from the tip 28 in the ridge direction (X direction) of the tip 28 is The strength at the positions corresponding to the central portion and both end portions of 28 is significantly different. for that reason,
When the laser probe 20 is moved in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the direction of the ridgeline of the tip 28 while irradiating a target object (for example, a tooth in the field of dental treatment) with a laser beam to evaporate or incise, an object (FIG. As shown in (), the cross section of the groove 32 formed in the object 30 is not rectangular, but has a curved shape that is deep at the center and shallow at both ends.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a chisel-type laser probe capable of emitting laser light with substantially uniform energy intensity in the direction of the ridgeline of the tip.

[0007]

In order to achieve this object, a chisel-type laser probe according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which at least one of a pair of opposing reflecting surfaces on the distal end side is substantially at the center in the lateral direction. A groove extending substantially in the longitudinal direction and having a U-shaped, arc-shaped, semicircular, V-shaped or rectangular cross section.

Another embodiment of the chisel laser probe of the first embodiment is characterized in that the pair of reflecting surfaces form a tapered surface.

Another embodiment of the chisel laser probe according to the first embodiment is characterized in that the base end forms a concave cylindrical lens or a convex cylindrical lens.

Further, another embodiment of the chisel-type laser probe of the first embodiment is characterized in that a tip portion forms a convex cylindrical lens.

A chisel laser probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention is formed by bundling a number of optical fibers, and has a tip portion formed in a chisel shape.

Another aspect of the chisel-type laser probe of the first and second embodiments is characterized in that the chisel-type laser probe is curved at a substantially central portion in the long axis direction.

[0013]

According to the chisel type laser probe of the first embodiment, the laser light incident from the base end portion travels toward the distal end portion while being reflected by the reflection surface. At this time, the laser light hitting the groove provided along the long axis direction at the substantially central portion of the reflecting surface in the lateral direction is deflected to the left and right of the groove and dispersed. As a result, the energy intensity of the light emitted from the front end is substantially equal at the positions corresponding to the center and both ends of the front end, and shows a uniform energy distribution. Therefore, when the target is irradiated with laser light while moving the laser probe in a direction perpendicular to the reflection surface, a groove having a substantially uniform depth is formed therein.

In a laser probe whose base end forms a concave cylindrical lens (or a convex cylindrical lens), the emission angle of laser light emitted from the distal end is reduced (enlarged).

Further, a laser probe having a convex lens at the tip can collect the emitted laser light and irradiate the object with high-energy laser light. Therefore, even an object that cannot be transcribed or cut with normal energy intensity can be easily transcribed or cut.

In a chisel-type laser probe formed by bundling a large number of optical fibers called a multi-fiber, laser light incident on each optical fiber is emitted from the same optical fiber. Therefore, the laser light is emitted with a uniform energy distribution in a direction parallel to the tip ridge forming the tip chisel (only) portion. Therefore, when the target portion is irradiated with laser light while moving the laser probe in a direction perpendicular to the ridge direction, a groove having a substantially uniform depth is formed therein.

Further, the laser probe which is curved at a substantially central portion in the major axis direction can irradiate a laser beam with a uniform energy intensity even to a part which cannot be seen by an operator.

[0018]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 3 (A) to 3 (D)
1 shows a first embodiment of a chisel laser probe according to the present invention. In these figures, the chisel laser probe 5
Reference numeral 0 denotes a single rod 52 made of a material (for example, quartz or sapphire) that can transmit the laser beam L.
The rod 52 has a length of, for example, about 5 to 30 mm and a diameter of φ.
0.2 to 2 mm. The tip side of the rod 52 [FIG.
The right side in (A) to (C)] has a chisel shape by forming a pair of tapered surfaces (inclined surfaces) 56 symmetrically with respect to the long axis 54. The distal end portion 58 is rounded and formed as a cylindrical convex lens. Each of the tapered surfaces 56 has a groove 6 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction substantially at the center of the cross section.
0 is formed. In the best mode, it is desirable that the depth of the groove 60 is uniform, and that the groove 60 is formed parallel to the reflection surface. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 60 is arc-shaped in the present embodiment, but may be any of a U-shape, a semi-circular shape, a V-shape, and a rectangular shape. On the other hand, the base end 6 of the rod-shaped body 52
Reference numeral 2 denotes a cylindrical concave lens whose focal point is an axis (not shown) extending in a direction orthogonal to the tip end portion 58. However, the base end 62 may be concave,
Shape, V-shaped, semi-circular or rectangular groove may be formed,
A groove having the above shape may be formed on the concave surface.

The chisel-type laser probe 50 thus configured is exchangeably mounted on the distal end of the handpiece 14 shown in FIG. 1 with its base end held by a holder (not shown). When the laser light L is irradiated, the laser light L is incident on the base end 62 of the laser probe 50. The laser beam L incident on the base end portion 62 is diffused as shown in FIG. 3A because the base end portion 62 is a cylindrical concave lens in a direction orthogonal to the ridge direction of the tip end 58. Part of the diffused laser light L is reflected at the interface with air,
Part of the reflected light hits the central groove 60. The laser beam L hitting the groove 60 is reflected again and dispersed on both sides of the groove 60. Further, the laser light L incident from the base end portion 62 and directly hitting the groove 60 is also deflected left and right. Therefore, the laser light L incident from the base end portion 62 is not concentrated at the center of the tip end portion 58, but is substantially evenly distributed over the ridge line direction 64 of the tip end portion 58, and the right side of FIG. As shown, the energy distribution of the laser light L emitted from the distal end portion 58 of the laser probe 50 becomes substantially flat in the ridgeline direction 64. Therefore, this laser probe 50 is
When the object is irradiated with the laser beam L while moving in the direction (the direction of the arrow 66 shown in FIG. 3B) orthogonal to the direction of the ridgeline 64 of the object 30, as shown in FIG. Is formed with a groove 32 'having a substantially rectangular cross section.

In the above-described embodiment, the proximal end portion 62 is connected to the distal end portion 5.
8 was processed into a cylindrical concave lens centered on an axis perpendicular to the ridge line, but as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a cylindrical convex lens centered on an axis parallel to the tip 58 was formed. It may be processed. In this case, the proximal end 6
Since the laser light incident from No. 2 is converged toward the center (long axis), the spread of the laser light emitted from the distal end portion 58 is small, and a high energy intensity can be obtained. Therefore, for example, in the field of dental treatment, when treating enamel using the laser probe 50, it is possible to satisfactorily break the bond between the enamel columns and cut. When the energy of the laser beam emitted from the distal end portion 58 is diffused, the proximal end portion 62 may be processed into a cylindrical concave lens.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the chisel laser probe. The laser probe 70 is, for example, 10 to 50
A known optical fiber 72 comprising zero core and cladding
(For example, 2 to 50 μm in diameter) are bundled to form a multi-fiber rod 74. The optical fibers 72 are bonded and fixed to each other with an adhesive, and their base ends are bound by a metal ring 76. On the other hand, the distal end side of the rod-shaped body 74 is connected to each optical fiber 72 while applying pressure and heat, for example.
The surface of the optical fiber 72 is partially softened to form a chisel shape, and the tip 78 of the optical fiber 72 is formed in a flat chisel.

The laser probe 70 constructed as described above
Is attached to the distal end of the handpiece shown in FIG. 1 in such a manner that the proximal end metal ring 76 is held by a holder (not shown) and can be replaced. Upon irradiation with the laser light L, the laser light L is incident on the base end of the optical fiber 72. Each optical fiber 72
The laser beam L incident on the laser beam travels inside the laser beam L and is emitted from the tip 78. At this time, since the distal end 78 of each optical fiber 72 is arranged in a flat only shape, the laser light L is emitted flat with substantially uniform energy intensity. Therefore, as in the case of the laser probe 50 of the first embodiment, for example, in the field of dental treatment, when enamel is treated using the laser probe 50, the bond between the enamel trabeculae is satisfactorily destroyed and cut. it can. Although FIG. 6 shows an example in which the rod 74 is straight, it may be formed in a curved shape.

The above-described laser probes 50 and 70
Is linear, but laser probes 80A to 80D curved in the major axis direction of the probe as shown in FIG. 6 are also included in the scope of the present invention. Note that FIGS. 7A and 7B
7A and 82B are formed in a direction orthogonal to the curved surface area of the probe, and shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D.
Is formed parallel to the curved surface area of the laser probe.

FIG. 8 shows another modification of the laser probe of the first embodiment. In this modification, the distal end portion 58 is formed obliquely to the long axis direction of the laser probe 50. By being formed in this manner, there is an advantage that the long axis direction of the laser probe 50 does not necessarily need to be perpendicular to the affected part as in other examples. Also, as in this modification, the tip shape of the laser probe of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 may be formed obliquely in the long axis direction of the laser probe as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

Although the above-described laser probe 50 has a cylindrical convex lens or a cylindrical concave lens at the incident end, it goes without saying that these concave lenses and convex lenses need not be provided.

The chisel-shaped portion at the tip may be bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the long axis, and the chisel-shaped portion at the tip may be oriented in any direction depending on the application. Good.

Further, the laser probe 5 described above
Although the tip side inclined surfaces of 0 and 70 are tapered surfaces (that is, surfaces symmetrical with respect to the major axis), these inclined surfaces may be asymmetric with respect to the major axis.

Then, the laser probe 50 of the first embodiment
In the above, a plurality of grooves 60 in the long axis direction may be provided for each tapered surface 56, or short grooves may be discontinuously arranged. Furthermore, the groove 60 has both tapered surfaces 5
6 need not be provided, and may be provided only on one tapered surface.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to an example in which a laser probe is used for dental treatment, the laser probe of the present invention is not limited to dental treatment, but may be used for other medical activities, such as jaw treatment. It can be used for shaping joints and cartilage, perforating bones, and also for crushing calculi inside the body by attaching it to the end of an endoscope.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a laser medical device.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of a conventional laser probe.

FIG. 3 is a plan view (A), a side view (B), and a line CC in FIG. 3A of the laser probe according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view and a cross-sectional view along line DD in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a groove formed when a target portion is processed using another conventional laser probe and the laser probe of the present invention.

5A and 5B are a side plan view and a side view of a modification of the laser probe of the first embodiment.

6A and 6B are a partially cut plan view and a front view, respectively, of a laser probe according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A to 7D are side views showing modified examples of the tip portion of the laser probe.

FIG. 8 is a side plan view (A) and a side view (B) of another modification of the laser probe of the first embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference numeral 50: laser probe 52: rod-shaped body 56: tapered surface (reflection surface) 58: tip 60: groove

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Tsumanuma 1440 Mutsuzaki, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture Fujikura Sakura Plant F-term (reference) 4C026 AA02 AA04 FF22 FF34 FF39 FF60 4C052 AA16 BB11 CC06 CC19 4C082 RA05 RE22 RE35 RE40 RE60 5F072 KK30 YY01

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A chisel-type laser probe having a pair of reflecting surfaces whose facing distance gradually decreases toward a distal end portion and emitting laser light incident from a base end portion from a distal end portion, wherein at least one of the reflecting surfaces is provided. One of them extends substantially in the longitudinal direction at a substantially central portion in the lateral direction and has a U-shaped, arc-shaped, semi-circular, V
A chisel type laser probe having a letter-shaped or rectangular groove. 2. The chisel laser probe according to claim 1, wherein said pair of reflection surfaces form a tapered surface. 3. A chisel-type laser probe according to claim 1, wherein said base end portion forms a concave cylindrical lens or a convex cylindrical lens. 4. The chisel-type laser probe according to claim 1, wherein said distal end portion forms a convex lens. 5. A chisel-type laser probe formed by bundling a number of optical fibers and having a tip portion formed in a chisel shape. 6. The chisel laser probe according to claim 1, wherein said laser probe is bent at a substantially central portion in a longitudinal direction.