Method for performing stereotactic laser surgery

US5785704A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• MRC Systems GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Joseph F. Bille · Heidelberg, DE
• Marcus Goetz · Heidelberg, DE
• Volker Sturm · Wiesloch, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 29, 1996
• Grant date: Jul 28, 1998
• Expiry date: Jul 29, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B8/0808
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for the photodisruption of tissue using a laser beam for stereotactic laser neurosurgery includes the initial step of positioning the distal end of a probe into the tissue to be photodisrupted. A laser beam having laser pulses of picosecond or femtosecond duration is then directed along a beam path through the probe. Using a focusing lens, which is slidably positioned on the beam path in the probe, and a light reflector, which is slidably positioned on the beam path at the distal end of the probe, the laser beam is focused to a focal point that is located on a line substantially perpendicular to the beam path through the probe. By concerted movement of the lens and mirror, predetermined cylindrical layers of tissue can be photodisrupted. Specifically, a rotation of the mirror causes photodisruption of tissue along a circular arc and a simultaneous movement of the lens and mirror allows for photodisruption of additional arcs on a cylindrical surface. Further, by moving the lens relative to the mirror, cylindrical tissue surfaces having different radii can be photodisrupted. Additionally, the area of tissue photodisruption can be irrigated and aspirated during practice of th…