Method and device for laser lithotripsy

• US 8,409,176 B2
• Filed: 12/01/2009
• Issued: 04/02/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Biolitec Unternehmensbeteiligungs II AG
• Original Assignee: Biolitec Pharma Marketing Ltd.
• Inventors: Cecchetti, Walter, Neuberger, Wolfgang, Cecchetti, Leonardo
• Primary Examiner(s): Park, Kinam
• Application Number:
  US12/628,634
• Publication Number:
  US 20100137847A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,218 Days
• Field of Search: 606/2.5, 606/2, 607/89, 607/93
• US Class Current: 606/2.5
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/24 with a catheter A61B18/26, A61B18/28 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/26 for producing a shock wave, e.g. laser lithotripsy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2215 having an open distal end
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00029 open
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/263 the conversion of laser energy into mechanical shockwaves taking place in a liquid

Abstract

A system/method for destruction/ablation of stones, calculi or other hard substances using laser is disclosed. Lithotripsy is particularly benefitted. The system comprises a diode laser source, one or more optical fibers and a liquid delivery system creating a liquid environment around stones (calculi). At least one emitted wavelength is highly absorbed in surrounding/covering medium, causing evaporation and cavitation effects that lead to stone/calculi destruction. Different radiation configurations may be used. in one embodiment continuous radiation is used to create sparkler-less plasma bubbles to destroy hard substances. In another embodiment high peak power pulsed radiation is used. Wavelengths of 1470 nm, 1940 nm, or 1550 nm are preferred. Additionally device/method is used with another wavelength having absorption in water e.g. 980 nm. Safer/improved methods/system provide enhanced lithotripsy treatments with shorter treatment times to destroy a wider range of stones with less tissue damage risk.

Claims

1. A laser system for the destruction and removal of kidney stones, calculi, etc. (hard substances) from a urinary tract, by a minimally invasive procedure comprising:

a laser, at least one optical fiber, a component insertable in the urinary tract;

the component configured for disposing the at least one optical fiber being inside the component;

and a fluid delivery subcomponent delivering a fluid medium to surround said hard substance prior to lasing;

wherein said laser emits at least one wavelength that is highly absorbed in the fluid medium surrounding said hard substances.

2. The laser system, according to claim 1, wherein said laser emits in a continuous wave mode.

3. The laser system, according to claim 1, wherein said laser is a diode laser, operating at about either 980±

60 nm, 1470±

60 nm , or 1940±

60 nm.

4. The laser system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one optical fiber has a concentric core structure, wherein one laser wavelength travels in an inner core and a second wavelength is transmitted in an outer core.

5. The laser system according to claim 4, wherein at least two of the preferred wavelengths are employed in combination:

980 nm and 1470 nm;

980 nm and 1940 nm or 1470 nm and 1940 nm.

6. The laser system according to claim 1, wherein one laser is a fiber laser and a second laser is a pump laser for said fiber laser, and wherein beams from both lasers are transmitted by said at least one optical fiber.

7. The laser system according to claim 6, wherein said at least one optical fiber has a concentric core structure, wherein said fiber laser wavelength travels in an inner core and a pump laser wavelength is transmitted in an outer core.

8. The laser system according to claim 6, wherein said fiber laser emits at about 1550 nm, and said pump laser emits at either about 915-980 nm or at about 1480 nm.

9. The laser system, according to claim 1, wherein multiple optical fibers are employed, arranged around said target hard substance to speed up its destruction.

10. The laser system according to claim 6, wherein multiple optical fibers are employed, arranged around said target hard substance to speed up its destruction.

11. The laser system according to claim 1, wherein said fluid delivery subcomponent is used to provide a cooling fluid to a treatment site.

12. A minimally invasive method for laser lithotripsy, destruction and removal of kidney stones, calculi, etc. (hard substances), using a laser system, the method comprising:

delivering a fluid medium to surround a hard substance prior to lasing;

delivering laser radiation to the fluid medium surrounding the hard substance;

the laser radiation being absorbed the fluid medium;

thereby creating sparkless plasma bubbles which destroy hard substance obstructions in a urinary tract in a fast, safe, efficient manner.

13. The method for laser lithotripsy, according to claim 12, wherein a cooling fluid is aimed at a target hard substance to reduce danger of tissue damage from thermal energy or severe fragmentation/anchorage of destroyed obstructions.