Method for performing stereotactic laser surgery
First Claim
1. A method for using a laser beam in stereotactic laser neurosurgery for the photodisruption of malignant tissue which comprises the steps of:
- locating a hollow probe to establish extracorporeal access to the tissue to be photodisrupted, said hollow probe having a proximal end and a distal end and being formed with a channel;
selectively placing a light reflector near said distal end of said probe;
directing said laser beam on a beam path through said channel of said probe for reflection from said light reflector in a direction away from said beam path;
positioning a lens in said channel proximal to said light reflector to focus said laser beam at a desired focal point;
moving said light reflector, in concert with movement of said lens, to move said focal point in a predetermined manner for photodisruption of the tissue;
rinsing said light reflector with a solution; and
aspirating said solution together with photodisrupted debris from around said tissue.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for the photodisruption of tissue using a laser beam for stereotactic laser neurosurgery includes the initial step of positioning the distal end of a probe into the tissue to be photodisrupted. A laser beam having laser pulses of picosecond or femtosecond duration is then directed along a beam path through the probe. Using a focusing lens, which is slidably positioned on the beam path in the probe, and a light reflector, which is slidably positioned on the beam path at the distal end of the probe, the laser beam is focused to a focal point that is located on a line substantially perpendicular to the beam path through the probe. By concerted movement of the lens and mirror, predetermined cylindrical layers of tissue can be photodisrupted. Specifically, a rotation of the mirror causes photodisruption of tissue along a circular arc and a simultaneous movement of the lens and mirror allows for photodisruption of additional arcs on a cylindrical surface. Further, by moving the lens relative to the mirror, cylindrical tissue surfaces having different radii can be photodisrupted. Additionally, the area of tissue photodisruption can be irrigated and aspirated during practice of the method.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A method for using a laser beam in stereotactic laser neurosurgery for the photodisruption of malignant tissue which comprises the steps of:
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locating a hollow probe to establish extracorporeal access to the tissue to be photodisrupted, said hollow probe having a proximal end and a distal end and being formed with a channel; selectively placing a light reflector near said distal end of said probe; directing said laser beam on a beam path through said channel of said probe for reflection from said light reflector in a direction away from said beam path; positioning a lens in said channel proximal to said light reflector to focus said laser beam at a desired focal point; moving said light reflector, in concert with movement of said lens, to move said focal point in a predetermined manner for photodisruption of the tissue; rinsing said light reflector with a solution; and aspirating said solution together with photodisrupted debris from around said tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A device for using a laser beam in stereotactic laser neurosurgery for the photodisruption of malignant tissue which comprises:
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a hollow probe assembly formed with a channel and having a proximal end and a distal end; a source of laser light connected in light communication with said proximal end of said probe to direct a beam of laser light through said channel from said proximal end toward said distal end; a reflector slidably and rotatably mounted on said distal end of said probe for selectively directing said laser beam from said probe toward the malignant tissue; a lens system for focusing said laser beam at a focal point on said malignant tissue distal from said reflector to generate photodisrupted debris; irrigation means for rinsing said reflector with a solution; and aspiration means for aspirating said solution with said photodisrupted debris from said tissue. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification