초록 ▼

A surgical system for destroying unwanted internal structures including a laser device, an ultrasonic probe and a computer system is described. The ultrasonic probe provides data signals that are processed by the computer system to provide an image of the structures involved in the laser irradiation

A surgical system for destroying unwanted internal structures including a laser device, an ultrasonic probe and a computer system is described. The ultrasonic probe provides data signals that are processed by the computer system to provide an image of the structures involved in the laser irradiation procedure. The laser device can be inserted in the body and activated by the computer system to provide radiation capable of destroying internal tissue. By calibrating the effects of the laser device as a function of power, the surgical procedure can be controlled by including overlaying images of the regions already affected by the surgical procedures on the images previously provided by the ultrasonic probe. This image reconstruction can be performed in real time providing immediate feedback to the attending physician. The computer system can also monitor system parameters such as laser power. This system has particular application to procedures involving the prostate gland where the laser light guide can be inserted intraurethrally and the ultrasonic probe can be inserted intraurethrally or transrectally.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for destroying unwanted internal tissue comprising: ultrasonic probing means for applying ultrasonic signals to an internal body region of a patient; laser irradiation means for irradiating pre-determined areas of said internal body region of said patient; ultrasonic receiving means for re

Apparatus for destroying unwanted internal tissue comprising: ultrasonic probing means for applying ultrasonic signals to an internal body region of a patient; laser irradiation means for irradiating pre-determined areas of said internal body region of said patient; ultrasonic receiving means for receiving said applied ultrasonic signals, said applied ultrasonic signals conveying information about tissue in said internal body region and information about the position of said laser irradiation means in said internal body region of the patient; and computer means for receiving said conveyed tissue and laser irradiation means information, said computer means controlling both intensity and duration of energy emitted by said laser irradiating means based upon said conveyed information.