Laser surgical device and method of its use

[0002] This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/610,211 filed Mar. 4, 1996, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,731.

[0003] This invention relates to medical lasers, and more particularly to a surgical laser device and a method of its use in the filed of dermatology.

[0004] A variety of lasers have been used in modern dermatology for correction of inborn and acquired skin defects and diseases. One of the reasons for wide proliferation of the lasers in this field is that their properties support the medical postulate—“do not harm” a patient.

[0005] Drug therapy has been the most commonly used method of treatment in dermatology mainly because it is readily available, simple and less painful. However, drug intolerance, side effects, common allergic reactions as well as low efficiency in treatment of a substantial number of disorders often make this treatment of a substantial number of disorders often make this treatment less desirable.

[0006] A need for more efficient cure of dermatological defects and diseases made surgical involvement quite popular in this area of medicine. As to the surgical methods of treatment of skin disorders, doctors are often compelled to resort to such procedures as dissection followed by transplantation, use of ultrasound and cryotherapy, application of magnetic fields of ionizing radiation, electrocoagulation, utilizing of plasma currents, etc. These surgical methods are used in spite of a great number of drawbacks and harmful side effects which include: destructive nature of the treatment, protractive healing process, high risk of hypopigmentation, possibility of atrophy, destruction of a skin texture, formation of scars, damage to an adjacent skin area including healthy regions. These problems are often alleviated when a surgeon uses local methods of treatment having short and fixed duration of action at a specified depth of a skin integument. This is one of the reasons why lasers have become recently the instrument of choice for may dermatologists.

[0007] Currently, lasers having different wavelength laser irradiation are used in dermatology. Examples of such lasers are: excimer, ruby, argon laser; alexandrite and garnet laser; tunable semiconductor laser; etc. These devices generate laser beams having the wavelength in the visible range of the spectrum (0.4-0.7 micron) as well as in the invisible, the UV range (0.18-0.40) micron. For instance, infrared lasers include a set of CO₂lasers (with the wavelength of 10.6 micron), variations of neodymium lasers (with the wavelength of 1.06 micron), etc. These lasers are produced by Candela Laser Corporation and are described by “Lasers in Medicine” Tashkent, 1989.

[0008] In spite of the fact that these lasers maintain a short duration of action and provide certain localization in the plane of the action, they do not guarantee control of the treatment, especially as to the depth of penetration in the skin integument. Thus, use of these lasers does not eliminate such negative consequences as formation of hypotrophic scars and penetration of a laser beam into the area of healthy skin.

[0009] It is a matter of general knowledge that a layer of water practically does not allow optical irradiation at certain wavelength to pass therethrough. This region of the spectrum is typically known as the “window of non-transparency” and includes the following wavelength ranges: 1.25-1.40; 1.7-2.1; 2.5-3.1 and 5.5-7.5 microns. At these ranges optical irradiation is strongly absorbed by water and by living tissue which also consists of up to 90 percent of water. Such absorption leads to a rapid heating of water and vaporization of the treated living tissue. At these wavelengths a laser beam acquires an important quality, that is that laser irradiation can not penetrate deeply in to living tissue substantially consisting of water. As a result, a scattered laser beam propagates in living tissue only within the range which does not exceed the depth of 15-20 microns and does not destroy adjacent tissue. Such a mode of operation of a laser can be implemented only at specific levels of power density and energy, predetermined rate and duration of the pulse and only when a temporary stability of all these characteristics is achieved during a surgical procedure.

[0010] One of such known device is the aluminum-yttrium-erbium garnet laser having the wavelength of 2.94 micron of laser irradiation. Initial reports about stomatological application of this laser appeared in 1989. However, its properties such as energy pulse of 1-2 J; the wavelength of 2.94 micron and the pulse rate of 1 Hz enabled doctors to use this laser as surgical device in the filed of dermatology. The first reports of such use became known in Germany and Slovenia in 1991.

[0011] A schematic diagram of FIG. 1 illustrates that such a device consists of a power unit, a cooling unit, a laser cavity and an articulated mirror light-guide unit. In view of the multiple reflections of the laser beam in the articulated mirror light-guide, the efficiency of the device is quite low and does not exceed 60 percents at the wavelength of 2.94 micron. This makes it necessary to sustain energy input of the laser irradiation at the level 2.5-3.0 J and the operating power of the power unit at 300 W. Naturally, a laser of such high power has to have a very efficient cooling system. Therefore, a special water cooling system was provided in this prior art device. In view of that, the weight of the device was 70 kgs with overall dimensions of 0.5 m3. Thus, large weight and dimensions as well as instability of the laser beam characteristics greatly limited employment of this prior art laser in dermatology.

[0012] The water cooling system was necessary in the high powered prior art device to keep the temperature of the active element within 20±10° C. range. When this temperature range was exceeded the thermolens effect developed in the active element which resulted in considerable laser beam scattering and in the loss of energy in the focal plane of a treated tissue.

[0013] One way of resolving these problems is through the formation of a more efficient laser system which lacks the articulated mirror light guide and requires substantially less power. This makes it possible the replacement of the water cooling system by its air cooling counterpart. Such changes ultimately led to a substantial reduction of the weight and overall dimensions of the laser assembly.

[0014] Thus, there has been a considerable need for an efficient hand held laser surgical device usable in the filed of dermatology which is capable of providing and controlling a predetermined depth of skin penetration and does not damage healthy regions of tissue adjacent the operation site.

[0015] One aspect of the invention provides a laser device for conducting dermatological surgery including a housing having interior and exterior regions. The housing forms a part of a handpiece adapted for positioning in a hand of an operator. A laser cavity extends within the interior region of the housing. An operating laser element generates an operating beam. At least a portion of the operating laser element is positioned within the interior region of the housing. A cooling arrangement generates a stream of a first coolant. A precooling unit is provided containing a second concentrated coolant. The cooling arrangement communicates with the precooling unit in such a manner that the stream of the first coolant entrains particles of the second concentrated coolant so as to form a stream of mixed coolant within the interior region of the housing. The mixed coolant has a thermal calorific capacity higher than the thermal calorific capacity of the first coolant.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the second concentrated coolant is a solid carbon dioxide or dry ice. The precooling unit includes a chamber adapted for receiving the carbon dioxide. The chamber communicated with the interior of the housing. The cooling arrangement is a fan generating a stream of gaseous coolant containing particles of carbon dioxide within the interior region of the housing. The solid carbon dioxide situated within the chamber of the precooling unit is formed with at least one passage going therethrough. The fan generates suction within the interior region of the housing in such a manner that a stream of ambient air before entering the interior of the housing passes through at least one passage.

[0017] As to a further embodiment of the invention, the second concentrated coolant includes a plurality of pieces of solid carbon dioxide situated within the chamber of the precooling unit. The cooling arrangement generates suction within the interior region of the housing, so that a stream of ambient air prior to entering the interior region of the housing passes through the plurality of pieces of solid carbon dioxide.

[0018] According to a still further embodiment of the invention, the second concentrated coolant is a cooling gas having thermal calorific capacity higher than the thermal calorific capacity of ambient air. The cooling gas is introduced from the precooling unit into an air stream generated by the cooling arrangement in the vicinity of the operating laser element through at least one outlet positioned within the housing in the vicinity of the operating laser element.

[0019] A still further embodiment of the invention provides a laser surgical device consisting of a housing having interior and exterior regions with a laser cavity extending within the interior region. The laser cavity contains at least a portion of an operating laser element. A cooling arrangement generates a stream of a first coolant. A cooling unit contains a second concentrated coolant. The cooling arrangement communicates with the precooling unit in such a manner that the stream of first coolant entrains particles of said second concentrated coolant so as to form a stream of mixed coolant within the interior region of the housing having thermal calorific capacity higher than the thermal calorific capacity of the first coolant.

[0020] Other advantages and features of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are intended to explain and not to limit the invention, and are illustrated in the drawings in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a prior art laser device;

[0022] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a laser surgical device of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the laser surgical device;

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a portion of a further embodiment of the laser surgical device;

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a simplified embodiment of the laser surgical device;

[0026] FIG. 6 shows another simplified embodiment of the laser surgical device;

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates alternative positions of the lens of focusing arrangement;

[0028] FIG. 8 shows a laser surgical device having substantially cylindrical focusing lens;

[0029] FIG. 9 shows a laser surgical device with the focusing lens movable about shifted axis;

[0030] FIG. 10 shows application of an accessory lens to the laser surgical device;

[0031] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate different patterns of laser beam images;

[0032] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate further patterns of laser beam images;

[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates conditions of beam scanning at a preset program;

[0034] FIG. 16 illustrates conditions of beam scanning when the laser beam is in the slot form;

[0035] FIG. 17. shows a cooling arrangement of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 18. shows another cooling arrangement of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 19. shows a further cooling arrangement of the invention;

[0038] FIG. 20. illustrates positioning of the cooling elements within the interior chamber of the precooling unit; and

[0039] FIG. 21. illustrates a cooling capsule of the invention.

[0040] Although specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the embodiments shown are by way of examples only and merely illustrative of but few of many possible specific embodiments which represent application of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention as further defined in the appended claims.

[0041] It was indicated hereinabove that the optical irradiation in the wavelength region corresponding to the “window of non-transparency” is very efficiently absorbed by water and living tissue. The operating beam of the laser surgical device of the present invention efficiently performs within such entire wavelength region. As a result of application of the laser beam to the targeted area of a patient, a local vaporization of the top skin layer occurs at the maximum depth of 10-20 microns. The diameter of the irradiated spot on the skin is about 10 mm and the density is in the range of 5-50 J/cm2.

[0042] Referring now to the drawings, in which there is shown in FIG. 2 an apparatus 10 for performing of a laser surgery. The apparatus 10 consists of the following main units: a compact surgical laser instrument or a handpiece 12, a power supply unit 14 producing high-voltage potential pulses with tunable parameters, a suction unit or suction apparatus 16 for suction of disintegrated skin products resulted from application of an operating laser beam to a targeted area and a control unit 18. The handpiece formed with a housing 20 is adapted to be conveniently held in the hands of an operator. It is best illustrated in FIG. 2 that a laser cavity 22 is provided within the interior area of the housing 20. An operating laser assembly 24 is situated within the laser cavity and consists of an active laser element or rod 26, an exciting arrangement 28 and an optical resonator 30. The exciting arrangement which is adapted for exciting of the operating laser element can be any conventional exciting device such as, for example, a flash lamp or a diode laser.

[0043] The optical resonator 30 includes a mirror 32 having high reflective capabilities and positioned rearwardly of the laser element and a semi-reflective operating mirror 34 situated forwardly of the laser element so as to face a variable focusing lens 36. The mirrors of the optical resonator are disposed in the coaxial manner to a longitudinal axis A—A of the laser rod 26 and operating laser beam. The focusing lens 36 which is at least partially positioned within the housing 20 is typically operated by a micromotor on command from the control unit 18. A desired position of the focusing lens 36 can be also arranged manually by a medical personnel before or during a surgery. The optical resonator 30 is adopted to align and amplify the laser beam, whereas the focusing lens 36 directs it to the targeted area. In order to facilitate efficient delivery of the light energy from the exciting arrangement 28 to the operating laser element 26, the interior of the laser cavity can be covered by a material of high reflectivity.

[0044] A cooling arrangement 38 is provided within the housing 20 rearwardly of the laser cavity 22. The cooling arrangement can be of any known type producing an axial stream of gaseous coolant. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the cooling arrangement is a fan 38 which generates an axially directed air stream B extending longitudinally in the interior of the housing 20. In order to increase efficiency of the cooling process the exterior of the laser cavity 22 is formed with a plurality of ribs 40 extending outwardly therefrom. Thus, upon activation of the fan, axially directed air stream B is blown over the exterior of the laser cavity 22, including the ribs 40 reducing their temperature. The air stream B during its travel within the handpiece is directed through openings in the housing (not shown) to the exterior parts of the focusing lens 36, so as to prevent pollution of the lens by disintegrated skin products resulted from the surgery. Upon reaching the operated area of the skin, the air stream B also facilitates removal of the disintegrated tissue products form the site of the surgery and reduces effect of an unpleasant odor on medical personnel.

[0045] Longitudinal distribution of the elements of the invention within the housing 20 helps to reduce the dimensions and facilitates efficient delivery of the air coolant and reduction of temperature of the laser cavity and throughout the interior area of the handpiece. Furthermore, use of air cooling system results in better stability of temperature and other characteristics of the laser cavity, especially during and after multiple thermocycling.

[0046] The surgical apparatus 10 is energized through a source of standard electrical supply 42 or through a set of batteries 44. In order to eliminate any potential shock hazard specially upon switching the power from the source of standard electrical supply to the battery unit, a power interlock switch can be provided.

[0047] The power supply unit 14 generates electrical voltage pulses which are converted by the exciting arrangement or the flash lamp 28 into light pulses. In the laser cavity 22, after being directed to the laser rod 26, such light pulses are converted into laser pulses having shorter duration of emission compared to the voltage pulses. The wavelength of the laser irradiation is determined by the type of the laser rod or active element utilized by the surgical apparatus. In the preferred embodiment of the invention Er:YAG(erbium) laser is used as the active element or laser rod 26 of the surgical apparatus. The laser rod made of this material emits the electromagnetic energy corresponding to the wavelength of the “window of non-transparency” of water. The wavelength of this laser is 2.94 micron and is very close to the maximum absorption wavelength of water, which is about 3 mm. Thus, at this wavelength of the operating laser beam a great portion of its energy is absorbed by the operated living tissue which consists up to 90 percent of water.

[0048] The essential requirement for the materials used in the active element of the operating laser is that the wavelength of their irradiation belongs to the “window of non-transparency” region of the spectrum. Therefore, the laser medium of the active element of the invention can be selected from, but is not limited to, the following group of materials which forms a part of this category: Y₃AL₅O₁₂: Nd (wavelength 1.33 micron): Gd₃Ga₅O₁₂: Cr, Ce, Nd (wavelength 1.42 micron); MgF₂:Co (wavelength 1.75 micron); BaYb₂F₈: Er (wavelength 2.0 micron); LiYF₄: Er,Tm,Ho (wavelength 2.06 micron); Y₃Sc₂Al₃O₁₂: Cr,Er (wavelength 2.8 micron); (Y,Er)₃Al₅O₁₂(wavelength 2.94 micron); HF—chemical (wavelength 2.6-3.0 micron) and CO-gaseous (wavelength 5.0-6.0 microns).

[0049] This wavelength of the operating laser beam belongs to the infrared region of the spectrum and is invisible to the naked eyes of a surgical operator. In view of that, an operator can not observe the emission of the operating laser beam from the forefront of the handpiece. This might cause erroneous surgical steps raising serious questions of security in the medical treatment. To eliminate this drawback in the invention a guide light unit 46 generating a continuous, visible guide light beam is provided. Such guide light unit can be He:Ne laser, semiconductor laser, light-emitting diodes or any other suitable source of visible radiation. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2 such guide light unit 46 is a semiconductor laser providing a very low power, continuous laser beam. Unlike the Er:YAG laser, the semiconductor laser emits the beam in the visible region of the spectrum. The guide light beam is adopted to indicate the focal point of the operating laser beam as a visible light spot before the operating laser beam is applied. That is the operating beam is applied to the same area as the guide light beam spot. Therefore, an operator can start the operating laser after the guide light beam spot appears at the desired location. Thus, the continuous guide light laser beam serves aiming function simplifying targeting of the invisible pulse operating beam. In use, upon activation of the operating laser as well as the guide lasers, the continuous and the pulse beams are delivered to the targeted area. The operating laser can be easily focused at the targeted area based on the image of the guide light laser there. The disintegrated skin products accumulated at the site of the surgery are ultimately removed and disposed by the suction unit 16.

[0050] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 the suction unit is designed as a device independent from the handpiece and energized by the power supply unit 14 of the surgical device. Nevertheless, forming the suction unit as a part of the handpiece is also contemplated.

[0051] In the alternative embodiment the cooling arrangement can be positioned outside the handpiece. For instance, it can be associated with the power unit in such manner that a stream of cooling air is delivered to the interior of the handpiece through a flexible piping or similar arrangement.

[0052] In operation of the FIG. 2 embodiment, to excite the operating laser, high voltage is developed in the power supply unit 14 and applied across the flash lamp 28. In the laser cavity 22 the delivery of the light energy from the flash lamp is facilitated by the highly reflective interior surface thereof. The energy from the flash lamp 28 is absorbed by the medium of the laser rod 26, so that the molecules in the laser medium are transferred from the ground state to the excited state. As those molecules return to their ground state, they emit photons of a particular wavelength. Part of the light emanates from the laser rod. The light is returned to the rod by the mirrors 32 and 34. The returned photons react with molecules of the laser medium in the excited state to cause those molecules to return to the ground state and themselves emit photons of the particular frequency. Thus, the emitted photons are in phase with the photons striking the molecules and directed in the same direction as the original photons. In the operating laser the photons traveling between the mirrors 32 and 34 follow a specific path, so that the photons resonate in particular modes at common frequency and phase. Eventually, the light between the mirrors 32 and 34 reaches such level of intensity that its substantial amount passes through the semi-reflective mirror 34 and is directed by the focusing lens 36 to the targeted area of the skin of a patient as operating beam.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of the invention in which the laser surgical device is formed with two working cavities. An auxiliary cavity 17 is associated with the power supply unit 14. This cavity contains the exciting arrangement such as a flash lamp 28 and is connected through an activated fiber optic arrangement 19 to a main laser cavity 15. Similar to the embodiment of the FIG. 2, the main laser cavity 15 contains the active element or laser rod 26 and the optical resonator 30 has two mirrors 32 and 24. In operation, high voltage developed in the power supply unit 14 is applied to the exciting arrangement 28 of the auxiliary cavity 17 generating impulses of light energy. These impulses are delivered to the active element 26 situated in the main cavity 15 by means of the activated fiber optic arrangement 19.

[0054] In the embodiment of FIG. 3 the high voltage pulses energizing the flash lamp 28 are not transmitted directly to the handpiece. Instead, such high voltage pulses are delivered to the auxiliary cavity 17 situated remotely from the handpiece and an operator. This provides even higher degree of safety for the surgical device of the invention since chances of electrical shock hazards to the medical personal are effectively minimized.

[0055] Furthermore, since the exciting arrangement or the flash lamp 28 is positioned outside of the main cavity, the weight of the handpiece is greatly reduced simplifying manipulations of the device by a surgeon.

[0056] It is best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 that during a surgery the condition of operated tissue is monitored by a detecting arrangement or detector 48 adopted to detect irradiation reflected from that tissue. One of the main functions of the detector 48 is to control the effect of the operating laser beam on the skin of a patient in general and specifically to control the depth of penetration of the operating laser beam and the depth of vaporization of the epidermis. In every individual case a doctor sets specific characteristics of the laser irradiation to produce the required effect. If a predetermined depth of penetration of layer of a skin are achieved, the detector 48 generates a signal directed to the control unit 18 which in turn produces a correcting signal to the power unit or other units of the surgical device. Similar signals can be also produced when the prearranged levels of the energy density, power density or other characteristics of the operating laser are attained. This is necessary to exclude possibility of deeper penetration of the operating laser beam an/or damaging an adjacent healthy skin tissue. The intensity of the reflected light radiation from the skin of a patient depends upon such factors as: type and stage of a disease, color of a skin, general condition of a patient, the depth of a treated skin layer, etc. For each individual patient, considering the initial level of optical irradiation, such value of intensity characterizes a condition of an area of the skin treated by the laser surgical device of the invention. The detecting arrangement 48 can be made utilizing a wide variety of photosensitive elements, photoresistors, photodiodes and similar devices. If a photosensitive element is used to form the detector 48, the light reflected from the targeted area of the skin produces a flow of electrons in the photosensitive element directed towards its cathode and generates an electrical current or control signal for forwarding to the control unit 18. When photoresistors are utilized, the electrical resistance of the detector 48 varies depending upon the level of intensity of the light reflected from the operated tissue and received by the detector 48. The signal to the control unit 18 is based on such resistance.

[0057] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a part of the laser assembly of another embodiment of the invention in which only portions of the active element and optical resonator are positioned in the main working cavity 21 situated in the handpiece. To accommodate such arrangement an auxiliary cavity 23 is provided. The exciting arrangement 28 and a first or auxiliary part 25 of the active element are situated within the auxiliary laser cavity 23. A distal end 29 of the first part 25 of the active element faces the mirror 32 having high reflectivity, whereas a proximal end thereof 31 is positioned at an end 37 of the light guide 41. To facilitate efficient delivery of the light energy from the exciting arrangement 28 to the first portion 25 of the active element the interior of the auxiliary cavity can be formed from a material having high reflective properties. A second or working part 27 of the active element and a semi-reflective mirror 34 of the optical resonator are situated in the main working cavity 21. The distal end 33 of the second part 27 of the active element and the proximal end 31 of the first part thereof are optically connected through a fiber light guide 41. Both ends of the light guide situated in the vicinity of the active element can be manufactured as parts of the optical resonator. In this respect, the end 37 of the light guide positioned in the auxiliary cavity 23 can be formed as a mirror having characteristics facilitating passage of the laser irradiation form the first part 25 towards the second part 33 of the active element. To facilitate the required operating laser beam operation form the main cavity 21, the end 39 of the light guide situated there inside can be formed as a mirror enabling passage of irradiation only in the direction of the second passage of irradiation only in the direction of the second part 27 of the active element. As in the previously discussed embodiment of FIG. 3, an operator is provided with an instrument devoid of electrical shock hazard and having considerably reduced weight. This is an important advantage of the present invention especially during prolonged surgical operations.

[0058] A further simplified embodiment of the laser surgical device is best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. It is shown in FIG. 5 that a handpiece 112 which resembles a housing of a hair drier contains an operating pulse laser 122, a cooling fan 138 and a light guide arrangement 146. In order to provide an axial air flow directed toward a patient, the fan 138 is positioned rearwardly of the operating laser. Two light-emitting diodes 145 and 147 of the light guide arrangement 146 are installed within the housing between the operating laser and the focusing lens 136. The light-emitting diodes are arranged in such a manner that the distance between the images of their light guide beams 121 and 123 in the focal plane of the focusing lens 136 is substantially equal to the diameter of the spot of the operating beam 127 of the operating laser 122 in this plane. Therefore, the targeted area of the operating beam spot can be identified by watching the visible images of the light guide beams. The dimensions of this operating beam spot can be adjusted by changing the distance between such visible images. The power supply unit 114 energizes not only the laser, fan and light guide arrangement but also the suction unit 116 positioned outside the housing. For the safety reasons all power feeding cables can be jacketed by earthen metal hoses. The pulse rate and the pulse energy of the operating laser 122 are set manually be generating a command from the control panel of the power supply unit 114. Similar to previously described embodiments, the suction unit 116 provides removal of the fragments of the disintegrated particles of skin developed during the surgery. The focusing lens 136 can be made of a quarts glass.

[0059] The laser surgical device of FIG. 6 is similar to that of FIG. 5. However, in FIG. 6 the exciting arrangement 135 is positioned outside the handpiece 112 and the impulses of light energy are delivered to the operating laser 122 by means of a light guide 137. In this respect, the instrument of FIG. 6 operates in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3. The modified embodiment of FIG. 6 in which a portion of the active laser element or rod is situated outside of the handpiece (see FIG. 4) is also contemplated.

[0060] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 the focusing lens 136 is moved manually a predetermined distance. During such movement the position of images generated by the light-emitting diodes 145 and 147, which determine the size of the operating laser spot in the focal plane, is automatically changed.

[0061] If the motion of the lens 136 is provided in the direction substantially perpendicular to the operating beam axis A—A, a series of laser beam images may be obtained in the focal plane. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates this condition for the normal and FIG. 12 for cylindrical lenses.

[0062] Upon motion of the focusing lens in the direction parallel to the axis of the beam it is possible to obtain a more complex image pattern, i.e. circular (see FIG. 13), spiral patterns (see FIG. 14).

[0063] Depending upon the type of operation, replacement of the focusing lens is possible in the present invention. Typically the most suitable lens is one having an optical element smoothly traveling along the axis of the operating laser beam, so that the optical element can be fixed at a prearranged intermediate position. In this respect, FIG. 7 illustrates the focusing lens 137 having three such intermediate positions.

[0064] The size of the operating laser spot in the focusing region can be regulated by a microdevice upon a signal from the control unit 18 (see FIG. 2). This can be also accomplished manually by an operator or according to a prearranged program. Thus, the size of the operating laser spot of the operating laser beam can be adjusted in the focal plane of the focusing lens up to the sizes at which irregularities of the laser spot are still acceptable.

[0065] The focusing lens shown in FIG. 8 produces the operating beam in the form of an oblong strip. This is achieved by using a semi-cylindrical lens 237. The required changes in the form of this strip can be provided by rotating and guiding the lens 237 in a predetermined fashion.

[0066] The embodiment of the focusing lens 236 illustrated in FIG. 9 enables the invention to produce a trace of movement of the focused operating laser beam in the form of a ring. This is achieved by rotating the focusing lens 236 about its axis B—B which is shifted a predetermined distance C from the axis A—A of the operating laser beam.

[0067] As to the embodiment of FIG. 10, it illustrates a supplemental focusing lens for the precise focusing of the operating laser beam of the targeted area. For this purpose it is advisable initially to fixedly attach the laser assemble 222 with the lenses 236, 239 and the mirrors 245, 247 at the prearranged condition. The visible guide light should be prealigned with the invisible operating laser beam. In this case it is desirable to keep stationary at least a part of the patients body which is the subject of a surgery. A special device can be provided to accomplish this task.

[0068] The surgical device of the invention utilizes laser irradiation within the entire spectrum of the wavelength corresponding to the “window of non-transparency” of water. At the density of the laser irradiation of the operating beam spot 5-10 J/cm 2 and the diameter of the operating laser beam spot 3-10 mm, the depth of penetration of the operating laser beam of the invention into the epidermis does not exceed 10-20 microns. This occurs upon application of impulses having a very short duration of about 0.001 sec. After dehydration of the tissue, the spot of the operating laser beam produces only local vaporization of the top layer of the skin of a patient. This occurs without damaging in depth as well as superficially healthy regions of epidermis surrounding the operated area. The treated area of the tissue can be increased by moving the spot of the operating laser beam over the surface of the skin. The depth of penetration of the operating laser beam into the living tissue can be manipulated by changing the frequency of the electromagnetic impulses. Typically, during a session having duration of 30-60 seconds about 50-100 impulses are provided.

[0069] The laser surgical device of the invention can be also utilized for disinfecting lesions by scattered infrared laser emission. The density of this type of emission does not produce damage to normal healthy skin. However, such emission eliminates staphylococcal colonies in the skin area damaged by a disease.

[0070] The optical system of the laser surgical device also enables a user to perform surgical operations which are followed by the laser photocoagulation and laser dissection including ablation of cancerous tumors. The present invention also facilitates removal of a benign tumor by vaporization of one layer of tissue at a time. This task can be accomplished through application of several laser impulses having a predetermined spot area to each part of the skin affected by the disease. The treatment is continued until “blood dew” appears on the skin and is typically followed by a course of drug treatment.

[0071] To achieve proper results, a temperature of the active laser element during operation of the surgical device should be substantially minimized. For example, when the laser medium YAG:ER is utilized as the active element the temperature of the laser element should not exceed 44° C.

[0072] The apparatus of the invention is capable of compensating natural deterioration of laser characteristics by gradual increase of the level of energy delivered to the laser element. The control unit 18 described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, can be utilized for this purpose. The control unit 18 by measuring the intensity of the laser signals reflected from the operated area of the patient's body makes required corrections in the level of energy delivered by the power unit to the laser element.

[0073] To compensate for the deterioration of laser characteristics, the control unit of the device can provide constant increase of the energy level delivered by the power unit. However, unlimited increase of the delivered energy causes undesirable raise of temperature which might cause damage to the laser element. To prevent such undesirable event, the temperature distortions in the laser element resulted from the excessive power delivery have to be minimized or eliminated. Thus, after a time interval of an interrupted operation, the laser element has to be shut down until the temperature distortions disappear. Therefore, time of uninterrupted performance of the surgical laser element is often substantially limited. In some instances, interruptions up to 2-5 minutes are required during the surgery. In practice however, many surgeries demand uninterrupted performance of the laser element for about 15-30 minutes.

[0074] In the apparatus of the invention, the above discussed drawbacks can be alleviated by reduction of temperature of the fluid coolant used for cooling of the laser element. For example, this can be accomplished by utilizing coolants having a high lever of thermal calorific capacity.

[0075] In one embodiment of the laser surgical device of the invention, a precooling unit 360 is provided. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the precooling unit 360 includes an interior chamber 362 which communicates with the interior of the laser housing and an outside environment through openings 364 provided in its outer walls. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the precooling unit 360 is positioned upstream of the cooling arrangement or fan 338. The interior chamber 362 is adapted to receive solid or semi-solid concentrated coolant 365 having a high level of thermal calorific capacity. An example of such concentrated coolant is solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) or regular ice. In case of carbon dioxide, partial vaporization of the concentrated coolant leads to the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the air stream initially passing through the precooling unit and delivered to the laser element 322 situated within the laser cavity. Such stream of mixed coolant has a temperature substantially lower than the ambient temperature. Thus, the temperature of the gaseous coolant surrounding the operational laser element 322 will be substantially reduced.

[0076] This enables the laser element of the invention to generate a laser beam of required intensity and characteristics for longer time intervals without the necessity to increase energy delivered to the laser element by the power unit. Such arrangement also enables the invention to provided better stability of the laser characteristics.

[0077] A solid piece of carbon dioxide 366 situated in the interior chamber 362 of the precooling unit can be formed with a plurality of passages 365 (See FIG. 17). Thus, in view of suction generated by the cooling fan 338 within the interior of the laser chamber, a stream of ambient air before entering the interior of the housing passes through the passages 365 in the solid carbon dioxide. This arrangement increases time and surface of contact between the concentrated coolant and the air stream passing through the precooling unit and ultimately enhances the efficiency of the cooling process.

[0078] The solid concentrated coolant can be in the form of multiple pieces situated within the interior chamber 362 of the precooling unit. Thus, a stream of ambient air prior to entering the interior region of the laser housing travels between the plurality of pieces of the solid concentrated coolant, such as for example, solid carbon dioxide.

[0079] Although, use of a concentrated coolant in the form of a solid carbon dioxide has been described herein above, it should be understood that use of any form of concentrated coolant in the precooling unit is within the scope of the invention.

[0080] For example, a regular ice can be utilized in the precooling unit of the invention. The ice in the above described manner can be formed with passages facilitating passage of air stream therethrough. Furthermore, a plurality of pieces of ice can be also positioned within the interior chamber of the precooling unit.

[0081] Another embodiment of the precooling arrangement, is illustrated in FIG. 20. In this embodiment, the interior chamber 362 contains a plurality of cooling elements 390. Each cooling element 390 can be in the form of a substantially hollow member having exterior 392 and interior 394 portions. The exterior portion of each member is made of a material having high thermal conductivity for example, metals. On the other hand, the interior of the spherical element is filled with materials having high thermal calorific capacity. Examples of such materials are ethane, bromine, etc. In use, a temperature of a gas stream passing through a plurality of cooling elements 390 is substantially lowered prior to entering the interior of the laser housing.

[0082] The precooling device can be adapted to receive a capsule 391 (see FIG. 21). The capsule is formed with an exterior wall 393 surrounding an interior region thereof 395. The exterior wall is made of a material having low heat conductivity, whereas the inner region of the capsule is formed from a material having a high level of thermal calorific capacity. A plurality of axially extending channels are developed in the inner region of the capsule, so as to facilitate passage of a cooling gas stream therethrough. The inner walls of the channels are made from a material having a high level of heat conductivity. To lower the temperature, the air or gas stream passes through the passages of the capsule prior to entering the interior of the laser housing.

[0083] In use, prior to conducting a surgery, the capsule is placed into a refrigerator or a reservoir having a very cold temperature. Upon lowering the temperature of the capsule, it is removed from the refrigerator and positioned in the interior chamber of the precooling unit. Thus, an airstream prior to entering the laser housing, passes through the channels in the capsule. Therefore, the temperature of the airstream at the entrance in the housing will be substantially lowered.

[0084] A similar technique is used with cooling elements 390 illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0085] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the embodiments of the invention in which the concentrated coolant is a gas having thermal calorific capacity higher than that of ambient air. For example, such gas can be CO₂.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the gaseous coolant is introduced into the airstream generated by a fan in the direct vicinity of the operating laser element. In this instance, the precooling unit includes cooling outlets 370 positioned within the housing and situated in the vicinity of the operating laser element 326. The stream of gaseous coolant directly engages the surface of the laser element bypassing such obstacles as mirrors 332, 334 of the optical resonator.

[0087] In the embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 18, the airstream is generated by the fan 338. Such airstream is distributed within the entire interior of the housing. Thus, only a part of this airstream is directly utilized for cooling of the laser element. Therefore, in order to increase the efficiency of the cooling process, the airstream has to be concentrated in the vicinity of the laser element. In order to generate a substantial pressure required for efficient passage of the gaseous coolant within the gap, a compressor means is provided. Such compressor is typically positioned outside of the housing so that the gaseous coolant is delivered from the compressor through the pipeline to the gas outlets situated in the direct vicinity of the gap.

[0088] As illustrated in FIG. 19, a source of gaseous coolant 380 can be situated outside of the laser housing. A compressor or air pump can be used for delivery of gaseous coolant to the interior of the laser chamber through a pipeline 382 and an inlet arrangement 384. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the gaseous coolant can be delivered directly to the laser element in a manner similar to the arrangement of FIG. 18. The precooling arrangements as described hereiabove with reference to FIGS. 17, 20, and 21, can be installed in the embodiment of FIG. 19, between the compressor 380 and the inlet arrangement 384. Thus the pressurized gas streams are precooled before entering the laser housing.

[0089] The liquefied gases can also be utilized as coolants in the laser surgical device of the invention.

[0090] The following examples are presented in order to provide more complete understanding of the invention. The specific techniques, conditions, materials and results set forth to illustrate the principles and practice of the invention are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0091] An Er:YAG laser was employed as an active element of the laser surgical device having a flash lamp as the exciting arrangement. The Er:YAG active element was interposed between two substantially flat resonator mirrors. The lasing occurred at the wavelength of 2.94 micron with the pulse duration 250±50 microseconds, the pulse rate up to 1 Hz and the pulse energy up to 2 J.

[0092] The shape of the operating laser beam was adjusted by the focusing arrangement. Since the Er:YAG laser beam belongs to the infrared region of the spectrum it was invisible to the naked eye of the operator. The position and dimensions of the laser spot of the operating laser beam on the skin of a patient were indicated with help of two guide light beams generated by the guide semiconductor laser which emitted the beam in the visible region of the spectrum. the maximum diameter of each guide light laser beam was about 2.0 mm. The distance between projections of two guide light laser beams on the skin of a patient corresponded to the spot diameter of the Er:YAG laser on the same object. Thus, the position and diameter of the Er:YAG laser on the same object. Thus, the position and diameter of the Er:YAG laser beam on the skin of the patient was determined by the position of two guide light laser beams emitted by the guide light semiconductor laser. The energy density of the Er:YAG laser was adjustable within the range between 1.0-10 j/cm2. Considering that during the treatment the level of the pumping energy was about the same, the smaller the dimension the Er:YAG laser beam, the higher its energy density. Upon reaching minimal focusing dimensions of the spot of Er:YAG laser beam on the skin of a patient a local vaporization of the tissue occurred at a depth of up to 1.5 mm. Visible vaporization from the epidermis took place when the energy density of the Er:YAG laser beam was about 50 J/cm2.

[0093] Treatment of skin diseases of 48 patients was carried out by using surface vaporization of the epidermis by Er:YAG laser with 50 J/cm2 maximum energy density. Among them were 15 patients with pointed candylomas, 8 patients with colloidal scars, 8 patients with warts on hands and feet, 10 patients with pointed hyperkeratoses, 7 patients with tattoos. Depending on the type of the disease or skin defect, the treatment was carried out by conducting 6010 sessions, each consisting of 3-20 pulses.

[0094] During these sessions the diameter of the spot of the Er:YAG laser beam was 3-5 mm. The coagulation degree control was performed until appearance of the “blood dew” symptom. As a result of such application of the laser beam to the skin of the patients there had been no changes detected in the peripheral blood contents and no remote relapses of the disease revealed.

[0095] Unlike Example 1, there were two working cavities provided in the laser device of Example 2. In the first cavity electrical pulses were transformed into light pulses. Such light pumping pulses were received via the optical light guide in the second cavity. There the light pulses were transformed into the laser beam. The first cavity was situated at the power supply unit remotely from the patients and medical personnel. The second cavity was located within the handpiece of the surgical device. In this example another set of the working cavities was formed in such a manner that the first cavity contained the exciting arrangement and a portion of the operating laser rod, whereas the main part of the laser rod was situated in the second cavity. The cavities were also interconnected by the optical fiber light guide. The laser pulses received within the second cavity were of such pumping wavelength as to minimize losses in the optical light guide. The laser pulses generated in the second cavity were transformed into the laser irradiation beam operating of the required wavelength, for example, 2.9 micron.