JP2006204609A - Laser therapy equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide laser therapy equipment capable of selectively irradiating laser beams of a tissue transmission type and a tissue absorbing type. <P>SOLUTION: This laser therapy equipment is provided with a first laser medium 20 oscillating a first laser beam with the wavelength of 1.06 μm, a second laser medium 22 oscillating a second laser beam with the wavelength of 2.9 μm, a first excitation light source mechanism 16 supplying an excitation light to the first laser medium 20, a second excitation light source mechanism 18 supplying the excitation light to the second laser medium 22, a handpiece 34 irradiating the laser beam to an affected part 48, a first optical fiber 38 for transmitting the laser beam output from the first laser medium 20 to the handpiece 34, a second optical fiber 40 for transmitting the laser beam output from the second laser medium 22 to the handpiece 34, a foot switch 36 switching the irradiation mode of the laser beam, and a control board 24 supplying a power to one of the first excitation light source mechanism 16 or the second excitation light source mechanism 18 according to the selection of the foot switch 36. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a laser therapy apparatus, and more particularly to a laser therapy apparatus that can selectively irradiate a laser beam having a different wavelength to an affected area.

Until now, various laser treatment devices have been devised to treat the affected area by irradiating the human body with a laser beam. However, since lasers have different absorption characteristics in living tissue depending on the wavelength, depending on the purpose and target of treatment. It was necessary to use multiple devices properly.
For example, when treating periodontal disease in dentistry, it is necessary to irradiate the inside of the periodontal pocket with a tissue transmission type laser beam (Nd: YAG, etc.) having a wavelength of 0.6 to 1.4 μm. It is necessary to irradiate the outside of the pocket with a tissue absorption type laser beam (Er: YAG, Co ₂ etc.) having a wavelength of 1.5 to 11 μm.
Therefore, in order to complete the treatment of periodontal disease by laser, at least two laser treatment apparatuses must be prepared separately, which requires a large introduction cost and extra installation space.
In addition, time and labor for switching between the two devices during the treatment is a heavy burden, which hinders the efficiency of the treatment.

Of course, treatment apparatuses that can irradiate laser beams of different wavelengths with a single device have been proposed.
For example, in the following Patent Document 1, a laser medical apparatus capable of irradiating a plurality of laser beams having different wavelengths in combination with an appropriate mixing ratio is disclosed.
This laser medical device generates 2μm band signal light and 3μm band idler light by guiding the 1.06μm wavelength laser light output from the Nd: YAG laser oscillator to the optical parametric oscillator, and mixes them. It has a configuration that realizes an arbitrary mixing ratio by passing through.
JP 2002-125982 A

However, this laser medical device is premised on simultaneous irradiation with laser beams having different wavelengths (mixing ratio is variable), and there is a problem that either one of the wavelengths cannot be selectively irradiated. .
Certainly, even if simultaneous irradiation of both wavelengths may be effective depending on the therapeutic purpose, the tissue transmission type laser beam and the tissue absorption type laser beam have completely different effects on the human body. The situation is that there are more scenes to use by switching.

  The present invention has been devised in order to solve the above-described problems of the conventional laser treatment apparatus, and a plurality of laser beams having different wavelengths can be selected as needed even though it is a single apparatus. The aim is to realize a laser treatment device that can irradiate automatically.

  In order to achieve the above object, a laser treatment apparatus according to claim 1 has a first laser medium for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength, and a wavelength different from that of the first laser beam. A second laser medium for oscillating the second laser beam, a first excitation light source for supplying excitation light to the first laser medium, and for supplying excitation light to the second laser medium A second excitation light source, a handpiece for irradiating the affected area with a laser beam, a first transmission path for transmitting the first laser beam output from the first laser medium to the handpiece, A second transmission path for transmitting the second laser beam output from the second laser medium to the handpiece, a switch for switching the irradiation mode of the laser beam, Depending on the selection state of the switch, it is characterized in that a power supply means for supplying power to at least one of the first excitation light source and the second excitation light source.

The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 2 oscillates a first laser medium for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength and a second laser beam having a wavelength different from that of the first laser beam. A second laser medium for supplying the laser beam, a common excitation light source for supplying excitation light to each laser medium, a handpiece for irradiating the affected area with a laser beam, and a first output from the first laser medium A first transmission path for transmitting the laser beam to the handpiece, a second transmission path for transmitting the second laser beam output from the second laser medium to the handpiece, and a laser beam The switch for switching the irradiation mode, and the irradiation position of the excitation light output from the common excitation light source according to the selection state of the switch, the first laser medium Beauty and the irradiation position changing means for relatively moving between the second laser medium is characterized by comprising a power supply means for supplying power to the common excitation light source after changing the irradiation position.
The irradiation position changing means is not limited to a method of moving the common light source side, and may be of a method of moving the laser medium side or a method of moving both.

  The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 3 includes: a first laser oscillation fiber including a first laser medium as a core for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength; and a first laser beam. A second laser oscillation fiber having a second laser medium for oscillating a second laser beam having a different wavelength as a core, and a first laser beam for supplying excitation light to the first laser oscillation fiber 1 excitation light source, a second excitation light source for supplying excitation light to the second laser oscillation fiber, a handpiece for irradiating the affected part with a laser beam, and an output from the first laser oscillation fiber A first transmission path for transmitting the first laser beam to the handpiece and a second output from the second laser oscillation fiber A second transmission path for transmitting the laser beam to the handpiece, a switch for switching the irradiation mode of the laser beam, and at least one of the first excitation light source and the second excitation light source according to a selection state of the switch It is characterized by having a power supply means for supplying power to one side.

  The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 4 includes: a first laser oscillation fiber including a first laser medium as a core for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength; and a first laser beam. A second laser oscillation fiber having a second laser medium as a core for oscillating a second laser beam having a different wavelength, and a common excitation light source for supplying excitation light to each laser oscillation fiber A first light guide for guiding the excitation light output from the common excitation light source to the first laser oscillation fiber, and for guiding the excitation light output from the common excitation light source to the second laser oscillation fiber. The second light guide, the handpiece for irradiating the affected part with the laser beam, and the first laser output from the first laser oscillation fiber. A first transmission path for transmitting the laser beam to the handpiece, a second transmission path for transmitting the second laser beam output from the second laser oscillation fiber to the handpiece, and a laser beam A switch for switching the irradiation mode, and a switching unit that selectively guides the excitation light output from the common excitation light source to one of the first light guide path and the second light guide path according to a selection state of the switch. And a power supply means for supplying power to the common excitation light source.

  The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 5 includes a first core made of a first laser medium for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength, and a first core having a wavelength different from that of the first laser beam. A double core type laser oscillation fiber having a second core made of a second laser medium for oscillating two laser beams, a common excitation light source for supplying excitation light to the laser oscillation fiber, From the handpiece for irradiating the affected area with the laser beam, the switch for switching the laser beam irradiation mode, the power supply means for supplying power to the common excitation light source, and the laser oscillation fiber according to the selected state of the switch Switch for passing at least one of first laser beam and second laser beam output simultaneously A first transmission path for transmitting the first laser beam output from the switching means to the handpiece, and a second transmission path for transmitting the second laser beam to the handpiece. It is characterized by having prepared.

  The laser treatment device according to claim 6 is the laser treatment device according to claim 5, wherein the switching means is any one of the output side end surface of the first core and the output side end surface of the second core. It is characterized by having a laser absorbing material that selectively closes one of them.

  The laser treatment device according to claim 7 is the laser treatment device according to claim 5, wherein the switching means further includes a laser absorbing material and a first core emitted from an output side end face of the first core. A movable reflecting mirror is provided that selectively polarizes either the laser beam or the second laser beam emitted from the output-side end face of the second core and guides it to the laser absorber. .

  The laser treatment device according to claim 8 is the laser treatment device according to claim 5, wherein the switching means is any one of the output side end surface of the first core and the output side end surface of the second core. A liquid crystal shutter that selectively shields one of them is provided.

  A laser treatment apparatus according to claim 9 is the laser treatment apparatus according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the first laser medium oscillates a laser beam having a wavelength of 0.6 μm to 1.4 μm. The second laser medium is for oscillating a laser beam having a wavelength of 1.5 μm to 11 μm.

  The laser treatment device according to claim 10 is the laser treatment device according to claims 1 to 9, wherein the first laser medium is for oscillating a laser beam having a wavelength of 1.06 μm, The second laser medium is for oscillating a laser beam having a wavelength of 2.9 μm.

  The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a pair of laser media for generating laser beams of different wavelengths; and a light source for exciting each of them; Accordingly, since a mechanism for supplying electric power to the necessary excitation light source is provided, the doctor can selectively or simultaneously irradiate the affected part with a laser beam having a necessary wavelength by one switching operation.

  The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a pair of laser media for generating laser beams of different wavelengths, a common light source for selectively exciting each, and a switch selection state Therefore, the doctor can selectively irradiate the affected part with a laser beam having a necessary wavelength by one switching operation.

The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a pair of laser oscillation fibers for generating laser beams of different wavelengths and a light source for exciting each of the fibers, and selection of a switch. Since it has a mechanism to supply power to the necessary excitation light source according to the state, the doctor can selectively or simultaneously irradiate the affected part with the laser beam of the necessary wavelength with one switching operation. .
Moreover, since it is a fiber laser oscillation system, there is an advantage that a high-quality laser beam can be obtained.

5. The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a pair of laser oscillation fibers for generating laser beams of different wavelengths, a common light source for selectively exciting each, and a switch selection state Therefore, the doctor can selectively irradiate the affected part with a laser beam having a required wavelength by one switching operation.
Also in this case, since it is a fiber laser oscillation system, there is an advantage that a high-quality laser beam can be obtained.

6. The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a double-core type laser oscillation fiber having a pair of laser media for generating laser beams of different wavelengths as cores, and a common light source for exciting the same. And a switching mechanism for controlling the laser beam transmitted to the handpiece according to the selection state of the switch, the doctor can selectively or simultaneously apply the laser beam of the required wavelength to the affected area with one switching operation of the switch. Irradiation is possible.
Also in this case, since it is a fiber laser oscillation system, there is an advantage that a high-quality laser beam can be obtained.
In addition, although it is a single excitation light source, there is an advantage that laser beams having different wavelengths can be irradiated simultaneously.

  In the laser treatment apparatus according to claim 6, the switching means includes a laser absorbing material that selectively closes either the output side end face of the first core or the output side end face of the second core. Therefore, it is possible to reliably irradiate the affected area only with a laser beam having a necessary wavelength while having a relatively simple configuration.

  In the laser treatment apparatus according to claim 7, the switching means is emitted from the laser absorbing material and the first laser beam emitted from the output side end face of the first core and the output side end face of the second core. In addition, since it has a movable reflection mirror that selectively polarizes one of the second laser beams and guides it to the laser absorbing material, only the laser beam of the required wavelength is applied to the affected area while having a relatively simple configuration. On the other hand, it is possible to reliably irradiate.

  9. The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the switching means includes a liquid crystal shutter that selectively closes one of the output side end face of the first core and the output side end face of the second core. Therefore, it is possible to reliably irradiate the affected area only with a laser beam having a necessary wavelength while having a relatively simple configuration.

  According to the laser treatment apparatus of Claim 9 and 10, since it becomes possible to selectively irradiate a tissue transmission type laser beam and a tissue absorption type laser beam, a single laser beam necessary for dental treatment is supplied. It becomes possible to do.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of a first laser treatment apparatus 10 according to the present invention, and includes a first excitation light source mechanism 16 having an LD array 12 and a condenser lens 14, and an LD array 12 and A second excitation light source mechanism 18 having a condensing lens 14, a first laser medium 20 for oscillating an Nd: YAG laser (tissue transmission laser), and an Er: YAG laser (tissue absorption laser) oscillation Second laser medium 22, control board 24, selection mode display monitor 26, first light receiving unit 28, second light receiving unit 30, flexible tube 32, and handpiece 34, a foot switch 36, a first optical fiber 38, and a second optical fiber 40.
The LD array 12 includes a plurality of LDs (semiconductor laser diodes).
A front mirror 41 is disposed on the front end surface side of the first laser medium 20 and the second laser medium 22, and a Q switch 42 and a rear mirror 43 are disposed on the rear end surface side.

The control board 24 is connected to a power source (not shown), and functions as a power supply means for supplying driving power to the LD array 12 of each excitation light source mechanism in accordance with an input operation by the foot switch 36.
For example, when the dentist selects irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser with the foot switch 36, power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD array 12 of the first excitation light source mechanism 16, and the laser for excitation is supplied from each LD. A beam is output.
The laser beam for excitation is condensed by the condenser lens 14 and then irradiated to the first laser medium 20.
As a result, a 1.06 μm tissue transmission laser beam converted into a predetermined peak pulse by the Q switch 42 is output from the front mirror 41 of the first laser medium 20 and is incident on the first light receiving unit 28.
The laser beam taken in from the first light receiving unit 28 is transmitted to the handpiece 34 through the first optical fiber 38 inserted into the flexible tube 32, and then irradiated to the affected part 48 from the distal end. Is done.

Further, when the dentist switches the foot switch 36 and selects the tissue absorption laser irradiation, power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD array 12 of the second excitation light source mechanism 18, and excitation is performed from each LD. Laser beam is output.
The excitation laser beam is condensed by the condenser lens 14 and then irradiated to the second laser medium 22.
As a result, a 2.9 μm tissue absorption laser beam converted into a predetermined peak pulse by the Q switch 42 is output from the front mirror 41 of the second laser medium 22 and is incident on the second light receiving unit 30.
The laser beam taken in from the second light receiving unit 30 is transmitted to the handpiece 34 through the second optical fiber 40 inserted into the flexible tube 32, and then irradiated to the affected part 48 from the distal end. Is done.

Further, the dentist can switch the foot switch 36 to select simultaneous irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser and the tissue absorption type laser.
In this case, power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD array 12 of the first excitation light source mechanism 16 and the second excitation light source mechanism 18, and an excitation laser beam is output from each LD array 12.
As a result, a 1.06 μm tissue-transmitting laser beam is output from the first laser medium 20 and a 2.9 μm tissue-absorbing laser beam is output from the second laser medium 22. The laser beams transmitted through the second light receiving unit 30, the first optical fiber 38 and the second optical fiber 40 are simultaneously irradiated from the distal end of the handpiece 34 to the affected part 48.

In the case of the first laser treatment apparatus 10, as described above, the laser mediums 20 and 22 for generating laser beams of different wavelengths are separately provided, and the light source mechanisms 16 and 18 for exciting each of them are provided. Since each laser beam has a structure that is irradiated from the tip of the handpiece 34 via its own transmission path (light receiving portions 28, 30 and optical fibers 38, 40), the dentist can It becomes possible to selectively or simultaneously irradiate the affected part 48 with a laser beam having a necessary wavelength by one switching operation.
In addition, since it is an LD-excited solid-state laser system, it has the advantage that the entire apparatus can be reduced in size, weight and cost.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of the second laser treatment apparatus 50 according to the present invention. The common excitation light source mechanism 52 having the LD array 12 and the condenser lens 14 and the common excitation light source mechanism 52 are shown in FIG. An irradiation position changing mechanism 54 for changing the arrangement and moving the irradiation position of the excitation laser beam, a first laser medium 20 for Nd: YAG laser (tissue transmission laser) oscillation, and an Er: YAG laser ( Tissue absorption type laser) second laser medium 22 for oscillation, control board 24, monitor 26 for selection mode display, first light receiving unit 28, second light receiving unit 30, and flexibility A tube 32, a handpiece 34, a foot switch 36, a first optical fiber 38, and a second optical fiber 40 are provided.
A front mirror 41 is disposed on the front end surface side of the first laser medium 20 and the second laser medium 22, and a Q switch 42 and a rear mirror 43 are disposed on the rear end surface side.
That is, the second laser treatment apparatus 50 removes one excitation light source mechanism from the first laser treatment apparatus 10 and changes the arrangement of the remaining excitation light source mechanisms to move the irradiation position of the laser beam. A feature is that an irradiation position changing mechanism 54 is provided.

  The irradiation position changing mechanism 54 includes a frame 56 for fixing each LD array 12 and the condenser lens 14, and a motor 58 for rotating the frame 56. The motor 58 is controlled based on a command from the control board 24. By rotating in the necessary direction, the irradiation position of the excitation laser beam output from the condenser lens 14 can be moved between the first laser medium 20 and the second laser medium 22. .

For this reason, for example, when the dentist selects the irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser by the foot switch 36, the motor 58 rotates in the necessary direction in the necessary direction based on the command from the control board 24, and the common excitation light source mechanism 52 is shown in FIG. After that, the laser beam for excitation is output from the LD array 12.
The laser beam for excitation is condensed by the condenser lens 14 and then irradiated to the first laser medium 20.
As a result, a 1.06 μm tissue transmission laser beam converted into a predetermined peak pulse by the Q switch 42 is output from the front mirror 41 of the first laser medium 20 and is incident on the first light receiving unit 28.
The laser beam taken in from the first light receiving unit 28 is transmitted to the handpiece 34 through the first optical fiber 38 inserted into the flexible tube 32, and then irradiated to the affected part 48 from the distal end. Is done.

Further, when the dentist switches the foot switch 36 and selects the tissue absorption laser irradiation, the motor 58 rotates in the opposite direction based on a command from the control board 24, and the common excitation light source mechanism 52 is shown by the dotted line in FIG. After that, the laser beam for excitation is output from the LD array 12.
The excitation laser beam is condensed by the condenser lens 14 and then irradiated to the second laser medium 22.
As a result, a 2.9 μm tissue absorption laser beam converted into a predetermined peak pulse by the Q switch 42 is output from the front mirror 41 of the second laser medium 22 and is incident on the second light receiving unit 30.
The laser beam taken in from the second light receiving unit 30 is transmitted to the handpiece 34 through the second optical fiber 40 inserted into the flexible tube 32, and then irradiated to the affected part 48 from the distal end. Is done.

Thus, also in the case of the second laser treatment apparatus 50, the dentist can selectively irradiate the affected part with a laser beam having a necessary wavelength by one switching operation of the foot switch 36.
Further, since there is only one excitation light source mechanism, it is not possible to irradiate laser beams having different wavelengths simultaneously as in the first laser treatment apparatus 10, but the configuration is simplified, the size and weight are reduced accordingly. Cost reduction can be realized.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of a third laser treatment apparatus 60 according to the present invention, and includes a first excitation light source mechanism 16 having a plurality of LD modules 61 and a plurality of LD modules 61 in the same manner. The second excitation light source mechanism 18, the first laser oscillation fiber 62, the second laser oscillation fiber 64, the pair of fiber laser Q switches 65 and 65, the control board 24, and the selection mode display Monitor 26, first light receiving portion 28, second light receiving portion 30, flexible tube 32, handpiece 34, foot switch 36, first optical fiber 38, first optical fiber 38, 2 optical fibers 40.

As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the first laser oscillation fiber 62 is formed by forming a core 67 made of a laser medium for oscillating a tissue transmission type laser equivalent to an Nd: YAG laser in a clad 66. It becomes more.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the second laser oscillation fiber 64 forms a core 68 made of a laser medium for oscillating a tissue absorption type laser equivalent to an Er: YAG laser in a clad 66. Made up of.

Here, when the dentist selects the irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser by the foot switch 36, power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD module 61 of the first excitation light source mechanism 16, and excitation is performed from each LD module 61. Laser beam is output.
This excitation laser beam is input via the optical fiber 69 to the first light receiving unit 28 attached to the end face of the first laser oscillation fiber 62.
As a result, a 1.06 μm tissue transmission type laser beam that has been converted into a large output pulse by the action of the Q switch 65 is output from the other end face of the first laser oscillation fiber 62 and is inserted into the flexible tube 32. After being transmitted to the handpiece 34 through the first optical fiber 38, the affected part 48 is irradiated from its distal end.

Further, when the dentist switches the foot switch 36 and selects the tissue absorption type laser irradiation, power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD module 61 of the second excitation light source mechanism 18, and each LD module 61 An excitation laser beam is output.
This excitation laser beam is input to the second light receiving unit 30 mounted on the end face of the second laser oscillation fiber 64 via the optical fiber 69.
As a result, a 2.9 μm tissue-absorbing laser beam that has been converted into a large output pulse by the action of the Q switch 65 is output from the other end face of the second laser oscillation fiber 64 and is inserted into the flexible tube 32. After being transmitted to the handpiece 34 through the second optical fiber 40, the affected part 48 is irradiated from its distal end.

Furthermore, the dentist can switch the foot switch 36 to select simultaneous irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser and the tissue absorption type laser.
In this case, power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD modules 61 of the first excitation light source mechanism 16 and the second excitation light source mechanism 18, and an excitation laser beam is output from each LD module 61.
As a result, a 1.06 μm tissue transmission laser beam is output from the first laser oscillation fiber 62, and a 2.9 μm tissue absorption laser beam is output from the second laser oscillation fiber 64. Each laser beam transmitted via the optical fiber 38 and the second optical fiber 40 is simultaneously irradiated from the distal end of the handpiece 34 to the affected part 48.

In the case of the third laser treatment apparatus 60, the light source mechanism 16 for exciting each of the laser oscillation fibers 62 and 64 having the cores for generating laser beams of different wavelengths as described above is provided. , 18 and each laser beam is irradiated from the tip of the handpiece 34 via its own transmission path (optical fibers 38, 40), so the dentist can switch the foot switch 36. It is possible to selectively or simultaneously irradiate the affected part 48 with a laser beam having a necessary wavelength.
In addition, the LD-excited fiber laser system enables the entire device to be reduced in size, weight, and cost, while providing a high-quality and high-efficiency laser beam with high condensing performance and straightness. It has.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of a fourth laser treatment apparatus 70 according to the present invention, and a common excitation light source mechanism 52 having a plurality of LD modules 71 and a first for generating a tissue transmission type laser. The first laser oscillation fiber 62, the second laser oscillation fiber 64 for generating the tissue absorption laser, the Q switches 65 and 65, the control board 24, the monitor 26 for displaying the selection mode, the first 1 light-receiving part 28, 2nd light-receiving part 30, the tube 32 provided with flexibility, the handpiece 34, the foot switch 36, the 1st optical fiber 38, and the 2nd optical fiber 40 are provided. ing.

Each LD module 71 includes an optical fiber 73 connected to the light receiving unit 28 of the first laser oscillation fiber 62 and an optical fiber 74 connected to the light receiving unit 30 of the second laser oscillation fiber 64. Each is derived.
Although not shown, each LD module 71 is provided with a switching device (for example, a liquid crystal shutter) for introducing the laser beam output from the LD element into one of the optical fibers.
The switching operation of the switching device is executed according to a command from the control board 24.

For this reason, for example, when the dentist selects the irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser by the foot switch 36, the switching device in each LD module 71 is operated based on a command from the control board 24, and the first light receiving unit 28 is operated. The excitation laser beam is introduced only into the connected optical fiber 73, and immediately after that, driving power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD element of the LD module 71.
As a result, a 1.06 μm tissue transmission type laser beam that has been converted into a high output pulse by the action of the Q switch 65 is output from the distal end surface of the first laser oscillation fiber 62 and inserted into the flexible tube 32. After being transmitted to the handpiece 34 via the first optical fiber 38, the affected part 48 is irradiated from the distal end thereof.

Further, when the dentist switches the foot switch 36 and selects the tissue absorption type laser irradiation, the switching device in each LD module 71 is operated based on a command from the control board 24, and the second light receiving unit 30 is operated. The excitation laser beam is introduced only into the connected optical fiber 74, and immediately after that, driving power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD element of the LD module 71.
As a result, a 2.9 μm tissue-absorbing laser beam, which has been converted into a high-power pulse by the action of the Q switch 65, is output from the distal end surface of the second laser oscillation fiber 64 and inserted into the flexible tube 32. After being transmitted to the handpiece 34 through the second optical fiber 40, the affected part 48 is irradiated from the distal end thereof.

Also in the case of the fourth laser treatment apparatus 70, the dentist can selectively irradiate the affected part 48 with a laser beam having a necessary wavelength by one switching operation of the foot switch 36.
Further, since there is only one excitation light source mechanism, it is not possible to irradiate laser beams having different wavelengths simultaneously as in the third laser treatment apparatus 60. Cost reduction can be realized.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of a fifth laser treatment apparatus 80 according to the present invention. A common excitation light source mechanism 52 having a plurality of LD modules 61, a double-core interior-type laser oscillation fiber 81, and , Fiber laser Q switch 65, control board 24, selection mode display monitor 26, light receiving unit 82, switching mechanism 83, flexible tube 32, handpiece 34, foot switch 36, a first optical fiber 38, and a second optical fiber 40.

As shown in FIG. 7, a double-core type laser oscillation fiber 81 has a first core 67 for oscillating a tissue transmission type laser equivalent to an Nd: YAG laser in a clad 66, and an Er: YAG laser equivalent. The second core 68 for oscillating the tissue absorption type laser is formed in parallel.
When an excitation laser beam is guided to one end face of the laser oscillation fiber 81, lasers having different wavelengths are simultaneously oscillated in the first core 67 and the second core 68, and both laser beams are emitted from the other end face. At the same time, it is output to the switching mechanism 83.
A mechanism is provided in which the laser beam actually output from the tip of the handpiece 34 is selected by the switching operation in the switching mechanism 83.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the internal structure of the switching mechanism 83. A mask member 84 having a laser beam absorption characteristic is arranged inside the switching mechanism 83 so as to slide by driving a motor (not shown). Yes.
The mask member 84 is provided with two circular openings 85 and 86 corresponding to the respective cores of the laser oscillation fiber 81, and the mask member 84 is located at the position (a) with respect to the laser oscillation fiber 81. In some cases, since the first opening 85 communicates with the second core 68, only the tissue-absorbing laser beam output from the second core 68 is emitted from the tip of the handpiece 34, whereas Since the first core 67 is closed by the mask member 84, the tissue transmission type laser beam is absorbed by this.

  On the other hand, when the mask member slides to the position (b), the first opening 85 communicates with the first core 67 and the second opening 86 communicates with the second core 68 at the same time. Both the tissue transmission laser beam output from the first core 67 and the tissue absorption laser beam output from the second core 68 are emitted from the tip of the handpiece 34.

  Further, when the mask member 84 is slid to the position (c), the second opening 86 communicates with the first core 67, so that only the tissue transmission type laser beam output from the first core 67 is hand-held. Whereas the second core 68 is blocked by the mask member 84 while being emitted from the tip of the piece 34, the tissue-absorbing laser beam is absorbed by this.

Here, when the dentist selects irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser with the foot switch 36, a control signal is output from the control board 24 to the switching mechanism 83, and the mask member 84 moves to the position of FIG. 8 (c). After that, power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD module 61 of the common excitation light source mechanism 52, and an excitation laser beam is output from each LD module 61.
As a result, of the two laser beams output from the other end face of the laser oscillation fiber 81, only the tissue transmission type laser beam passes through the switching mechanism 83 and is inserted into the flexible tube 32. After being transmitted to the handpiece 34 through 38, the affected part 48 is irradiated from the tip part.

When the dentist switches the foot switch 36 and selects the tissue absorption laser irradiation, a control signal is output from the control board 24 to the switching mechanism 83, and the mask member 84 is moved to the position shown in FIG. After the movement, electric power is supplied from the control board 24 to the LD module 61 of the common excitation light source mechanism 52, and an excitation laser beam is output from each LD module 61.
As a result, of the two laser beams output from the other end face of the laser oscillation fiber 81, only the tissue absorption type laser beam passes through the switching mechanism 83 and is inserted into the flexible tube 32. After being transmitted to the handpiece 34 via 40, the affected part 48 is irradiated from the tip part.

Furthermore, the dentist can switch the foot switch 36 to select simultaneous irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser and the tissue absorption type laser.
In this case, a control signal is output from the control board 24 to the switching mechanism 83 and the mask member 84 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 8B, and then from the control board 24 to the LD module 61 of the common excitation light source mechanism 52. Then, electric power is supplied and an excitation laser beam is output from each LD module 61.
As a result, the tissue transmission laser beam and the tissue absorption laser beam output from the other end face of the laser oscillation fiber 81 both pass through the switching mechanism 83 and are inserted into the flexible tube 32. After being transmitted to the handpiece 34 through 38 and the second optical fiber 40, the affected part 48 is irradiated simultaneously from the distal end thereof.

  In the case of the fifth laser treatment apparatus 80, the double-core type laser oscillation fiber 81 and the switching mechanism 83 are provided as described above. It has an advantage that it can cope with selective irradiation and simultaneous irradiation of a transmission type laser beam and a tissue absorption type laser beam.

The structure of the switching mechanism 83 is not limited to that described above, and any structure having a function of selectively outputting any one of the laser beams can be adopted.
FIG. 9 shows an example, and the switching mechanism 83 has a first small condensing lens 87 corresponding to the first core 67 of the laser oscillation fiber 81 and a second core 68. The second small condenser lens 88, the laser absorber 89, and the movable reflection mirror 90 are provided.
The reflection mirror 90 has a first position that overlaps the optical axis of the first core 67 shown in FIG. 5A and a second position that overlaps the optical axis of the second core 68 shown in FIG. In order to be able to move between a third position that does not overlap the optical axis of any of the cores shown in (c) of the same figure, it is slidably supported by driving a motor (not shown).

Here, when the dentist selects irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser beam, the reflecting mirror 90 moves to the second position overlapping the optical axis of the second core 68 in response to a command from the control board 24 (see FIG. 9 (b)).
As a result, the tissue absorption type laser beam output from the second core 68 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 90 and absorbed by the laser absorber 89, and only the tissue transmission type laser beam output from the first core 67 is obtained. It will be output to the outside.

On the other hand, when the dentist selects the tissue absorption type laser beam irradiation, the reflection mirror 90 moves to the first position overlapping the optical axis of the first core 67 in response to a command from the control board 24. (FIG. 9A).
As a result, the tissue transmission type laser beam output from the first core 67 is reflected by the reflection mirror 90 and absorbed by the laser absorber 89, and only the tissue absorption type laser beam output from the second core 68 is obtained. It will be output to the outside.

Further, when the dentist selects simultaneous irradiation of the tissue transmission laser beam and the tissue absorption laser beam, the reflection mirror 90 receives the command from the control board 24 and the third mirror does not overlap with the optical axis of any core. (Fig. 9 (c)).
As a result, the tissue transmission laser beam output from the first core 67 and the tissue absorption laser beam output from the second core 68 are both output to the outside.

FIG. 10 shows another example of the switching mechanism 83. The switching mechanism 83 is provided with a first liquid crystal window 91 and a second liquid crystal window 92, and the respective bright and dark displays can be switched. A liquid crystal shutter 93 that controls shielding / transmission of the laser beam is disposed.
Although not shown, the liquid crystal shutter 93 has a pair of transparent sheet substrates each having a plurality of transparent electrodes and an alignment film formed on one side thereof, facing each other at a predetermined interval, and sealing the peripheral edge between the two transparent sheet substrates. A structure in which a liquid crystal substance is sealed and a sheet-like polarizer is attached to the surfaces of both sheet substrates is provided.
The first liquid crystal window 91 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first core 67 of the laser oscillation fiber 81, and the second liquid crystal window 92 is disposed at a position corresponding to the second core 68. Yes. Both liquid crystal window portions 91 and 92 have an area larger than the cross-sectional area of each core 67 and 68.
By selectively applying a voltage to the transparent electrodes related to the first liquid crystal window portion 91 and the second liquid crystal window portion 92, either one is made into a dark state in which the laser beam is blocked, Both can be in a bright state where the laser beam can be transmitted.

For example, when the dentist operates the foot switch 36 to select irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser beam, the first liquid crystal window 91 is in a bright state in response to a command from the control board 24, and the second liquid crystal window 92 becomes a dark state (FIG. 10A).
As a result, the tissue absorption type laser beam output from the second core 68 is absorbed by the second liquid crystal window 92, and only the tissue transmission type laser beam output from the first core 67 is the first liquid crystal. The light passes through the window 91 and is output to the outside.

On the other hand, when the dentist selects the irradiation of the tissue absorption type laser beam, the second liquid crystal window 92 is in a bright state and the first liquid crystal window 91 is dark in response to a command from the control board 24. A state is reached (FIG. 10B).
As a result, the tissue transmission type laser beam output from the first core 67 is absorbed by the first liquid crystal window 91, and only the tissue absorption type laser beam output from the second core 68 is the second liquid crystal. The light passes through the window 92 and is output to the outside.

Further, when the dentist selects simultaneous irradiation of the tissue transmission type laser beam and the tissue absorption type laser beam, the first liquid crystal window portion 91 and the second liquid crystal window portion 92 are received in response to a command from the control board 24. Are both in a bright state (FIG. 10C).
As a result, the tissue transmission laser beam output from the first core 67 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal window 91 and output to the outside, and the tissue absorption laser output from the second core 68 is output. The beam also passes through the second liquid crystal window 92 and is output to the outside.

Although not shown in the drawings, each of the laser treatment devices described above includes a mechanism for irradiating the guide visible laser beam from the tip of the handpiece 34 in synchronization with the treatment laser beam, air for cooling, A mechanism for releasing water can also be provided separately.
Further, instead of the foot switch 36, the laser beam irradiation mode (irradiation only through the tissue transmission type / irradiation only through the tissue absorption type / simultaneous irradiation) may be changed by switching a selection switch provided on the handpiece 34. it can.

The laser treatment apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to dental treatment, and can be applied to various other medical purposes for which it is required to switch and irradiate laser beams having a plurality of wavelengths.
Further, the combination of wavelengths of the laser beams is not limited to the above, and an optimal combination of wavelengths can be freely selected according to the medical purpose.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic composition of the 1st laser treatment apparatus concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic composition of the 2nd laser treatment apparatus concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic composition of the 3rd laser treatment apparatus concerning this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the fiber for 1st laser oscillation, and the fiber for 2nd laser oscillation. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic composition of the 4th laser treatment apparatus concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the basic composition of the 5th laser treatment apparatus concerning this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the fiber for double core type | mold laser oscillation. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structural example of a switching mechanism. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the other structural example of a switching mechanism. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the other structural example of a switching mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

10 Laser therapy device
12 LD array
14 Condensing lens
16 First excitation light source mechanism
18 Second excitation light source mechanism
20 First laser medium
22 Second laser medium
24 Control board
26 Monitor
28 First light receiver
30 Second light receiver
32 Flexible tube
34 Handpiece
36 Foot switch
38 optical fiber
40 optical fiber
41 Front mirror
42 Q switch
43 Rear mirror
48 affected area
50 Second laser therapy device
52 Common excitation light source mechanism
54 Irradiation position change mechanism
56 frames
58 motor
60 Third laser therapy device
61 modules
62 First laser oscillation fiber
64 Second laser oscillation fiber
65 Q switch for fiber laser
66 Clad
67 1st core
68 2nd core
69 optical fiber
70 Fourth laser therapy device
71 LD module
73 Optical fiber
74 Optical fiber
80 Fifth laser treatment device
81 Double-core laser oscillation fiber
82 Receiver
83 Switching mechanism
84 Mask material
85 circular opening
86 Circular opening
87 First small condenser lens
88 Second compact condenser lens
89 Laser absorber
90 Reflective mirror
91 First LCD window
92 Second liquid crystal window
93 LCD shutter

Claims (10)

A first laser medium for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength;
A second laser medium for oscillating a second laser beam having a wavelength different from that of the first laser beam;
A first excitation light source for supplying excitation light to the first laser medium;
A second excitation light source for supplying excitation light to the second laser medium;
A handpiece for irradiating the affected area with a laser beam;
A first transmission path for transmitting the first laser beam output from the first laser medium to the handpiece;
A second transmission path for transmitting the second laser beam output from the second laser medium to the handpiece;
A switch for switching the irradiation mode of the laser beam;
Power supply means for supplying power to at least one of the first excitation light source and the second excitation light source in accordance with a selected state of the switch;
A laser treatment apparatus comprising: A first laser medium for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength;
A second laser medium for oscillating a second laser beam having a wavelength different from that of the first laser beam;
A common excitation light source for supplying excitation light to each laser medium;
A handpiece for irradiating the affected area with a laser beam;
A first transmission path for transmitting the first laser beam output from the first laser medium to the handpiece;
A second transmission path for transmitting the second laser beam output from the second laser medium to the handpiece;
A switch for switching the irradiation mode of the laser beam;
An irradiation position changing means for relatively moving the irradiation position of the excitation light output from the common excitation light source between the first laser medium and the second laser medium in accordance with the selection state of the switch;
A power supply means for supplying power to the common excitation light source;
A laser treatment apparatus comprising: A first laser oscillation fiber including a first laser medium for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength as a core;
A second laser oscillation fiber including, as a core, a second laser medium for oscillating a second laser beam having a wavelength different from that of the first laser beam;
A first excitation light source for supplying excitation light to the first laser oscillation fiber;
A second excitation light source for supplying excitation light to the second laser oscillation fiber;
A handpiece for irradiating the affected area with a laser beam;
A first transmission path for transmitting the first laser beam output from the first laser oscillation fiber to the handpiece;
A second transmission path for transmitting the second laser beam output from the second laser oscillation fiber to the handpiece;
A switch for switching the irradiation mode of the laser beam;
Power supply means for supplying power to at least one of the first excitation light source and the second excitation light source in accordance with a selected state of the switch;
A laser treatment apparatus comprising: A first laser oscillation fiber including a first laser medium for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength as a core;
A second laser oscillation fiber including, as a core, a second laser medium for oscillating a second laser beam having a wavelength different from that of the first laser beam;
A common excitation light source for supplying excitation light to each laser oscillation fiber;
A first light guide for guiding the excitation light output from the common excitation light source to the first laser oscillation fiber;
A second light guide for guiding the excitation light output from the common excitation light source to the second laser oscillation fiber;
A handpiece for irradiating the affected area with a laser beam;
A first transmission path for transmitting the first laser beam output from the first laser oscillation fiber to the handpiece;
A second transmission path for transmitting the second laser beam output from the second laser oscillation fiber to the handpiece;
A switch for switching the irradiation mode of the laser beam;
Switching means for selectively guiding the excitation light output from the common excitation light source to one of the first light guide path and the second light guide path according to the selection state of the switch;
A power supply means for supplying power to the common excitation light source;
A laser treatment apparatus comprising: A first core made of a first laser medium for oscillating a first laser beam having a predetermined wavelength, and a second core for oscillating a second laser beam having a wavelength different from that of the first laser beam. A double-core type laser oscillation fiber having a second core made of a laser medium;
A common excitation light source for supplying excitation light to the laser oscillation fiber;
A handpiece for irradiating the affected area with a laser beam;
A switch for switching the irradiation mode of the laser beam;
A power supply means for supplying power to the common excitation light source;
Switching means for passing at least one of the first laser beam and the second laser beam simultaneously output from the laser oscillation fiber according to the selected state of the switch;
A first transmission path for transmitting the first laser beam output from the switching means to the handpiece; a second transmission path for transmitting the second laser beam to the handpiece;
A laser treatment apparatus comprising:   The said switching means is equipped with the laser absorber which selectively obstruct | occludes either one of the output side end surface of a 1st core, and the output side end surface of a 2nd core. Laser treatment device.   The switching means includes a laser absorber and one of a first laser beam emitted from the output side end face of the first core and a second laser beam emitted from the output side end face of the second core. The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a movable reflection mirror that selectively polarizes and guides the laser absorption material.   6. The laser according to claim 5, wherein the switching means includes a liquid crystal shutter that selectively shields one of the output side end face of the first core and the output side end face of the second core. Therapeutic device.   The first laser medium is for oscillating a laser beam having a wavelength of 0.6 μm to 1.4 μm, and the second laser medium is for oscillating a laser beam having a wavelength of 1.5 μm to 11 μm. The laser treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a laser treatment apparatus. The first laser medium is for oscillating a laser beam with a wavelength of 1.06 μm, and the second laser medium is for oscillating a laser beam with a wavelength of 2.9 μm. The laser therapy apparatus in any one of Claims 1-9.

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