Systems and methods of cutting hard and soft biological tissue utilizing radiant energy and dyes
AssigneeCAO Group, Inc.
InventorSteven D Jensen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A laser system for hard and soft biological tissues utilizes a laser (206), dye spray applicator (205), and a rinse spray applicator (212) in concert within a single handpiece (200) to create a computer programmable system that delivers a precise means of controlled ablation. The handpiece (200) is first used to apply dye (209) to a targeted treatment surface (210). Then it is used to apply a laser beam to the dyed treatment surface. This is followed by applying a rinse agent (215) through the same handpiece (200) to remove debris and combustion by-products. The steps are then repeated until the operation is complete.
Claims4
A laser system comprising a laser control module, a control switch, and a handpiece, the handpiece further comprising:
- a casing having a distal end and a proximal end;
- a connection structure extending between the proximal end of the casing of handpiece to the laser control module, said connection structure containing a laser waveguide extending within the handpiece;
- an exit for laser output contained within the distal end of the casing of the handpiece;
- a dye nozzle contained within the distal end of the casing of the handpiece, proximate the exit for laser output;
- a rinse nozzle contained within the distal end of the casing of the handpiece, proximate the exit for laser output and dye nozzle;
- wherein the same handpiece may be utilized to sequentially apply a dye to a treatment surface, apply a laser to the dyed treatment surface, and apply a rinse agent to the treatment surface after the laser is used through a single actuation of the control switch.
A method of cutting tissues, the method comprising actuation of a single control switch which initiates the following sub-steps in succession:
- a sub-step of supplying a laser system with a handpiece having an exit for a dye, a laser, and a rinse agent;
- a sub-step of using the handpiece to apply a dye to a targeted area;
- a sub-step of using the handpiece to apply a laser to the targeted area after said targeted area is dyed;
- and,
- a sub-step of using the handpiece to apply a rinse agent to the targeted area after the laser is applied thereto;
- repeating the sub-steps until the control switch is deactivated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.