REAL-TIME OPTICAL FEEDBACK CONTROL OF LASER LITHOTRIPSY

本申请的目的是研究 利用在光发射期间产生的特征性瞬时光发射， 用于自动和快速反馈控制的脉冲激光碎石术 激光能量输送系统 我们的目标是尽量减少受伤的风险 这是由于健康软组织的无意照射造成的。 概念 所提出的方法涉及使用特征激光诱导光信号 及时发射结石，以控制快速电光光束快门， 激光装置。 一个简单的电子逻辑电路询问 从而在激光脉冲的早期产生光发射。 如果特征 未观察到与结石相关的即时光发射， 电光光束快门迅速关闭，从而防止任何 能量从输送纤维显著释放。 预计 他的方案可以很好地应用于任何重复脉冲激光 提供微秒或更长的脉冲。 如果这项研究成功， 实时自动射束控制算法和相关硬件 将大大降低激光损伤健康软组织的风险， 脉冲激光碎石术（泌尿和胆道）。 这种控制 该系统还具有在许多脉冲激光器中使用巨大潜力 正在开发的血管成形术系统。

The objective of this application is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing the characteristic prompt optical emissions generated during pulsed laser lithotripsy for automatic and rapid feedback control of the laser energy delivery system. The goal is to minimize the risk of injury resulting from inadvertent irradiation of healthy soft tissue. The concept proposed involves using the characteristic laser-induced optical signals promptly emitted by calculi to control a fast electro-optic beam shutter in the laser device. A simple electronic logic circuit interrogates the resulting optical emission early in the laser pulse. If the characteristic prompt optical emissions associated with calculi are not observed the electro-optic beam shutter is rapidly closed thereby preventing any significant discharge of energy from the delivery fiber. It is anticipated that his scheme will work well with any repetitively-pulsed laser delivering microsecond or longer pulses. If successful this research would lead to the development of a reliable, real-time automated beam control algorithm and associated hardware that would greatly reduce the risk of laser injury to healthy soft tissue during pulsed laser lithotripsy procedures (urinary and biliary). Such a control system would also have great potential for use in a number of pulsed laser angioplasty systems under development.