US3769963A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instrument for performing laser micro-surgery and diagnostic transillumination of living human tissue
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1972-03-31
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Granted: 1973-11-06
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Expires: 1992-03-31
Abstract
Abstract An instrument for performing delicate surgery on man is provided with a continuous wave laser source specially associated with a binocular surgical microscope. The laser source emits electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths, preferably in the visible light range but also in the near visible infrared and ultraviolet ranges, which are absorbed selectively by different types of human tissue or tissue substructures. The source is mounted on a portable base remote from the operating area, and the radiation from the laser is communicated through a flexible fiber optic conductor to the binocular surgical operating microscope which is mounted on an articulating arm extending from the base so that the microscope may be freely positioned adjacent to the patient at the operating area. The laser beam is directed onto the tissue of the patient in a path coaxial with the viewing axis of the microscope to a point in the microscope''s field of view. Controls on the microscope give the surgeon complete control of the laser beam. These include a focusing telescope for control of the laser spot size and angle of convergence of the beam, a joy stick control for moving the fiber optic tip to cause a corresponding movement in the focused laser beam on the tissue within the field of view of the microscope to allow the surgeon to precisely prescribe an incision or effect localized irradiation on that area of the patient. Transillumination of the tissues in the area of interest on the patient is possible by the direct laser beam emitted at a low-nonhazardous power level or by a second laser system which may be operated independently of the main high power surgical laser and is delivered by a hand-held sterile probe.
Inventors
- 👤 L Goldman
- 👤 R Rockwell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 16:01
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/007; A61F9/008; A61F9/00821; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00057; A61B2017/00061; A61B2017/00973; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22082; A61B2017/22085; A61B34/00; A61B34/70; A61B34/74; A61B2034/742; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61B2090/3937; A61B2090/395; A61F2009/00861; A61F2009/00863; A61F9/02; A61F9/022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
A surgical instrument for making knife-like incisions on living human tissue or tissue substructures comprising: a base positioned remote from an operating area; a laser source mounted at said base; said laser sOurce being operable to emit essentially continuous wave electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength within a spectral range including near ultraviolet visible and near infrared radiation; a binocular microscope; means for mounting said microscope for free movement adjacent said operating area; laser beam focusing optics mounted on said microscope; a flexible fiber optic conductor connected between said source and said focusing optics to transmit the output of said source to said focusing optics; means for communicating said laser beam from said focusing optics along a path coaxial with the viewing axis of said microscope toward a patient at said operating area; and controls positioned at the operating area for operation by a surgeon while viewing through said microscope, said controls including a. a first control for focusing said microscope on a portion of tissue of a patient at said operating area, b. a second control for focusing said focusing optics to control the size of the spot formed by said laser beam on said tissue, and c. a third control for moving said spot on said tissue in the field of view of said microscope.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
A surgical instrument for making knife-like incisions on living human tissue or tissue substructures comprising: a base positioned remote from an operating area; a laser source mounted at said base; said laser sOurce being operable to emit essentially continuous wave electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength within a spectral range including near ultraviolet visible and near infrared radiation; a binocular microscope; means for mounting said microscope for free movement adjacent said operating area; laser beam focusing optics mounted on said microscope; a flexible fiber optic conductor connected between said source and said focusing optics to transmit the output of said source to said focusing optics; means for communicating said laser beam from said focusing optics along a path coaxial with the viewing axis of said microscope toward a patient at said operating area; and controls positioned at the operating area for operation by a surgeon while viewing through said microscope, said controls including a. a first control for focusing said microscope on a portion of tissue of a patient at said operating area, b. a second control for focusing said focusing optics to control the size of the spot formed by said laser beam on said tissue, and c. a third control for moving said spot on said tissue in the field of view of said microscope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein: the spectral range of said laser emission includes only the visible range.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein: said radiation has a wavelength within the spectral range of from 200 to 3,000 nanometers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The instrument of claim 3 wherein: said radiation has a wavelength within the spectral range of from 300 to 1,000 nanometers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The instrument of claim 4 wherein: said radiation has a wavelength within the spectral range of from 400 to 700 nanometers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein: said third control includes means on said microscope for moving the exit end of said fiber optic conductor in a plane which intersects the axis of said laser beam focusing optics.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The instrument of claim 6 wherein: said third control includes a lever mounted on said microscope for moving said end of said fiber optic conductor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein: said laser source is operable to emit relatively low power level secondary emissions in the visible spectral range; and said instrument further includes filter means for selectively blocking the primary emission from said source; whereby said laser is capable of being aimed by said low power emission without causing a reaction on said tissue.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein: said microscope mounting means includes an articulating arm connected to said base.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein: said base is a portable wheeled floor standing base.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
65 words
The instrument of claim 1 further comprising: means for generating electromagnetic radiation for diagnostic transillumination including a laser source operable to emit electromagnetic radiation within a spectral range including visible radiation and radiation within the near ultraviolet and near infrared spectral ranges which can be rendered visible; and means for directing said transilluminating radiation onto and through said tissue or tissue substructures for transillumination thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The instrument of claim 11 wherein; said transilluminating laser source includes a second laser source distinct from said first recited laser source.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The instrument of claim 11 further comprising: means for communicating said transilluminating radiation through said focusing optics.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The instrument of claim 11 further comprising: means, including a light probe, and a second fiber optic conductor distinct from said first recited fiber optic conductor for directing said visible light onto said tissue.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
57 words
The instrument of claim 14 wherein: said transilluminating laser source includes a second laser source distinct from said first recited laser source; and said instrument further comprises means for comMunicating said transilluminating radiation through said focusing optics and means for alternatively directing said light from said second source through said second fiber optic conductor and said probe.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein: said controls are mounted on said microscope.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The instrument of claim 1 where said controls further include: a fourth control for regulating the power from said laser source; and a fifth control for regulating the exposure time of said laser.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The instrument of claim 17 wherein: said fourth and fifth controls are floor mount foot actuatable controls.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
189 words
A surgical instrument for performing micro-surgery on living human tissue or tissue substructure comprising: a laser source mounted remote from an operating area; said laser source being operable to emit essentially continuous wave electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength within a spectral range in which it is differently absorbed by different tissue or tissue substructure; a surgical microscope; means for mounting said microscope for free movement adjacent said operating area; laser beam focusing optics mounted on said microscope; a conductor of said radiation connected between said source and said focusing optics to transmit the output of said source to said focusing optics; means for communicating said laser beam from said focusing optics toward a patient at said operating area; and controls mounted on said microscope including a. a first control for focusing said microscope on a portion of tissue of a patient at said operating area, b. a second control for focusing said focusing optics to control the size of the spot formed by said laser beam on said tissue, and c. a third control for moving said spot on said tissue in the field of view of said microscope.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
189 words
A surgical instrument for performing micro-surgery on living human tissue or tissue substructure comprising: a laser source mounted remote from an operating area; said laser source being operable to emit essentially continuous wave electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength within a spectral range in which it is differently absorbed by different tissue or tissue substructure; a surgical microscope; means for mounting said microscope for free movement adjacent said operating area; laser beam focusing optics mounted on said microscope; a conductor of said radiation connected between said source and said focusing optics to transmit the output of said source to said focusing optics; means for communicating said laser beam from said focusing optics toward a patient at said operating area; and controls mounted on said microscope including a. a first control for focusing said microscope on a portion of tissue of a patient at said operating area, b. a second control for focusing said focusing optics to control the size of the spot formed by said laser beam on said tissue, and c. a third control for moving said spot on said tissue in the field of view of said microscope.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
95 words
A laser instrument comprising: a laser operable to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation at its output; a focusing telescope for controlling the coherence of said beam, said telescope having an objective lens; a flexible fiber optic conductor extending from said laser output to said telescope to transmit said beam from said laser to said telescope; the exit end of said conductor being mounted for movement in a plane intersecting the optical axis of said telescope and within the focus of said objective lens; and a control for moving said exit end in said plane.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
95 words
A laser instrument comprising: a laser operable to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation at its output; a focusing telescope for controlling the coherence of said beam, said telescope having an objective lens; a flexible fiber optic conductor extending from said laser output to said telescope to transmit said beam from said laser to said telescope; the exit end of said conductor being mounted for movement in a plane intersecting the optical axis of said telescope and within the focus of said objective lens; and a control for moving said exit end in said plane.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The instrument of claim 20 wherein: said control includes a universally pivoted lever.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
206 words
A method of aiming and operating a laser instrument which comprises: a. a laser operable to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation at its output, said radiation including a principal emission at a first frequency and at least one secondary emission at a second frequency different from said first frequency, the power level of said principal emission being sufficient to cause a given effect on a target when directed thereon, and the power level of said secondary emission being insufficient to cause said effect but being capable of being rendered visible where directed upon said target b. means for controllably directing said beam from said laser output to said target, and c. a selectively actuable filter for blocking said principal emission, said filter being positioned between said laser output and said target, said method comprising the steps of: operating said laser and actuating said filter to generate a beam toward said target containing said secondary emission but absent said principal emission; and, concurrent therewith, controlling said directing means to direct said beam onto a desired spot on said target; then deactuating said filter and operating said laser to generate a beam toward said target containing said principal emission to cause said given effect on said target.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
206 words
A method of aiming and operating a laser instrument which comprises: a. a laser operable to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation at its output, said radiation including a principal emission at a first frequency and at least one secondary emission at a second frequency different from said first frequency, the power level of said principal emission being sufficient to cause a given effect on a target when directed thereon, and the power level of said secondary emission being insufficient to cause said effect but being capable of being rendered visible where directed upon said target b. means for controllably directing said beam from said laser output to said target, and c. a selectively actuable filter for blocking said principal emission, said filter being positioned between said laser output and said target, said method comprising the steps of: operating said laser and actuating said filter to generate a beam toward said target containing said secondary emission but absent said principal emission; and, concurrent therewith, controlling said directing means to direct said beam onto a desired spot on said target; then deactuating said filter and operating said laser to generate a beam toward said target containing said principal emission to cause said given effect on said target.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
144 words
A method of performing micro-surgery on living human tissues or tissue substructures comprising the stePs of: viewing under magnification and along a given viewing axis an area on a patient which includes the tissue or tissue substructure upon which said micro-surgery is desired; generating a laser beam of electromagnetic radiation at a selected frequency which is highly absorbed by said desired tissue of substructure and which is less highly absorbed by adjacent tissue, said frequency being within a spectral range including near ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared radiation; directing said laser beam onto said area; focusing said beam to a given spot size on said area; while maintaining said viewing area fixed, moving said beam to a selected point on said desired tissue; and then generating said laser beam at a power level sufficient to cause reaction in said desired tissue or tissue substructure.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
144 words
A method of performing micro-surgery on living human tissues or tissue substructures comprising the stePs of: viewing under magnification and along a given viewing axis an area on a patient which includes the tissue or tissue substructure upon which said micro-surgery is desired; generating a laser beam of electromagnetic radiation at a selected frequency which is highly absorbed by said desired tissue of substructure and which is less highly absorbed by adjacent tissue, said frequency being within a spectral range including near ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared radiation; directing said laser beam onto said area; focusing said beam to a given spot size on said area; while maintaining said viewing area fixed, moving said beam to a selected point on said desired tissue; and then generating said laser beam at a power level sufficient to cause reaction in said desired tissue or tissue substructure.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of: generating a transilluminating laser beam of electromagnetic radiation within the spectral range of near ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared radiation and at a power density insufficient to cause reaction on said tissue or tissue substructure; and passing said transilluminating laser beam through tissue at said viewed area to locate said desired tissue.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of: varying the frequency of said transilluminating laser while observing the contrast of the area under magnification to determine said selected frequency.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-05 | 1977-05-07 | 1977-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-05 | 1981-05-07 | 1981-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-05 | 1985-05-07 | 1985-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |