Apparatus and method for laser treatment with spectroscopic feedback
OwnerR. Rox Anderson, Ian W. Hunter +3inventors
InventorsR. Rox Anderson, Ian W. Hunter, Colin J. H. Brenan, Keng Hui Lim, Elizabeth Sebern
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Abstract
A platform Smart Scalpel system using rapid real-time feedback for effecting laser treatment. The platform system includes an imaging system for rapid real-time detection of tissue characteristics, a processing system for processing the detected characteristics, and a treatment system for effecting treatment in accordance with results of the processing. The platform system provides for preprogramming and real-time inputting conditions and parameters for diagnosis using the imaging system and/or treatment using the treatment system.
Claims37
A method of using a feedback control to non-invasively identify and locate one or more subsurface targets based on predetermined conditions for selective laser treatment at a tissue surface area, comprising the steps of:
- a) identifying the location of the one or more subsurface targets in the tissue surface area by:
- i) directing one of a polarized and an unpolarized light having a predetermined wavelength at the tissue surface area;
- ii) detecting one or more reflections of said light using a multi-dimensional photo-sensor;
- iii) measuring one or more characteristics indicative of the physio-chemical properties for each of the one or more subsurface targets by automatically analyzing the reflections detected by said photo-sensor and comparing the analyzed reflections with the predetermined conditions, said predetermined conditions defined at least in part by one of predetermined image analysis and one or more mathematical treatment algorithms relating to features of an image;
- and
- b) treating the one or more subsurface targets identified during the identification step by automatically applying a laser of a predetermined wavelength and a predetermined power to the one or more subsurface targets in accordance with the one or more characteristics;
- and
- c) automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the laser in real time in accordance with the one or more characteristics until treatment is complete.
An apparatus adapted and configured to use feedback control to non-invasively identify and locate one or more subsurface targets based on predetermined conditions for selective laser treatment at a tissue surface area, comprising:
- a) means for identifying the location of the one or more subsurface targets in the tissue surface area including:
- i) means for directing one of a polarized and an unpolarized light having a predetermined wavelength at the tissue surface area;
- ii) means for detecting one or more reflections of said light including a multi-dimensional photo-sensor;
- and
- iii) means for measuring one or more characteristics indicative of the physio-chemical properties for each of the one or more subsurface targets, wherein the measuring means is adapted and configured to automatically analyze the reflections detected by said photo-sensor and compare the analyzed reflections with the predetermined conditions, said predetermined conditions defined at least in part by one of predetermined image analysis and one or more mathematical treatment algorithms relating to features of an image;
- b) means for treating the one or more subsurface targets identified by the identifying means including a laser, wherein the treating means is adapted and configured to automatically apply the laser at a predetermined wavelength and a predetermined power to the one or more subsurface targets in accordance with the one or more characteristics;
- and
- c) means for automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the laser in real time in accordance with the one or more characteristics until treatment is complete.
An apparatus adapted and configured to use feedback control to non-invasively identify and locate one or more subsurface targets based on predetermined conditions for selective laser treatment at a tissue surface area, comprising:
- a) a detector for identifying the location of the one or more subsurface targets in the tissue surface area, the detector including:
- i) an optical pathway operably coupled to a light source adapted and configured to direct one of a polarized and an unpolarized light having a predetermined wavelength at the tissue surface area;
- ii) a multi-dimensional photo-sensor adapted and configured to detect one or more reflections of said light;
- and
- iii) a processor for evaluating one or more characteristics indicative of the physio-chemical properties for each of the one or more subsurface targets, by automatically analyzing the reflections detected by the photo-sensor wherein the processor is adapted and configured to compare the analyzed reflections with the predetermined conditions, the predetermined conditions defined at least in part by one of predetermined image analysis and one or more mathematical treatment algorithms relating to features of an image;
- b) a laser for treating the one or more subsurface targets identified by the detector, wherein the laser is adapted and configured to automatically apply light at a predetermined wavelength and a predetermined power to the one or more subsurface targets in accordance with the one or more characteristics;
- and
- c) wherein the processor is adapted and configured to automatically adjust one or more parameters of the laser in real time in accordance with the one or more characteristics by moving at least one optical components in a path defined by the laser until treatment is complete.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.