Safety shut-off device for laser surgical instruments employing blackbody emitters
US6932809B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J1/18
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting overheating in an optical device before harmful consequences, such as severe local heating, can result. In one embodiment of the invention, a blackbody emitter is disposed in close proximity to a therapeutic optical fiber to absorb therapeutic radiation at a fault and re-emit blackbody (infrared) radiation. The emitter can be coupled to the fiber but, during normal operation, lies outside the optical path between the output of the laser radiation and the site of treatment. Systems and catheters incorporating such emitters are also described for effective monitoring of the laser power transmitted along the optical fiber within the phototherapy device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.