THERAPEUTIC APPARATUS USING LASER BEAM

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus used for cutting, incision, suture, transpiration or thermotherapy of a tissue of, e.g. a human body by applying laser beam to the tissue. This apparatus is provided with a laser beam generator, two laser beam guide probes opposed to each other and two laser beam transmission systems for leading the laser beam from the laser beam generator to the guide probe. The laser beam emitting parts of these guide probes can be freely moved toward, and away from, each other by the operator. Thus the laser beam is led into each guide probe through the respective laser beam transmission system, and the affected part of a patient is interposed between the beam emitting parts of the probes.

Description: Technical Field This invention related to laser light apparatus for medical treatments to permit amputations, incisions, vaporization of living tissues of an animal such as a human body, thermal therapy and the like, particularly to laser light apparatus for medical treatments with high abilities in amputations, hemostasis and anastomosis. The instant invention relates more particularly to a laser light irradiation apparatus for a medical treatment comprising a laser light generator, a laser light penetrating probe system and a laser light transmitting system letting laser light impinge onto said laser light penetrating probe system from said laser light generator, said laser light penetrating probe system comprising an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes being fabricated from laser light transmissible ceramics having heat resistance, said laser light penetrating probes can be controlled by a medical operator to be brought into or out of contact with each other so as to pinch a target area of tissues at their laser light emitting portions and onto which said laser light is impinged respectively. Such an apparatus is for instance known from JP-A-59 120 148 and, to same extent, from DE-A-2821376. However, in the apparatus of JP-A-59 120 148, the surface of the emitting end portions have been submitted to a dulling treatment, this reducing the laser light emission and the heat absorption. The object of the instant application is to provide an apparatus having a secure grasping action with an effective laser transfer. Disclosure of the invention The instant invention relates to an apparatus of the above mentioned type, characterized in that said laser light penetrating probes being continuously formed to comprise in sequence a base portion, a bending portion and a parallel laser light emitting portion, said base portion having a longitudinal axis which extends substantially in the same direction as the impinging laser light, said bending portion is curved towards the other of the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes and said parallel portion extending at the fore end of each of said penetrating probes and having an axis substantially parallel to the base portion, such that a ridge line of each of said parallel portions is substantially parallel to the other when said opposing probes are brought into contact with each other. In the present invention, a laser light reflecting layer can be formed on each laser light penetrating probe at its side face being opposite to its other probe-side face. Thus, the laser light can be emitted from its other probe-side face concentratedly. Laser light scattering means can be provided on the laser light emitting portion of each laser light penetrating probe. In this case, the laser light can be irradiated efficiently against the target area of the tissues. A holder can be provided in this apparatus. This holder can hold the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes and is operated by a medial operator so that its opposed pair of fore end portions are brought into or out of contact with each other. By this holder, the opposed pair of penetrating probes can be operated like a pincette so as to be brought into or out of contact with each other corresponding to the movement of the pair of fore end portions of the holder. The laser light transmitting system such as an opposed pair of optical fibers can be set in the opposed pair of fore end portions of the holder respectively. Thus, damage to the laser light transmitting system can be prevented. Means for detecting a temperature of the target area of the tissues is preferably provided. Thus, the medical operation can be carried out under exact temperature control. Therefore, this means can be utilized efficiently for anastomosis of the tissues and thermal therapy for cancer tissues, because they particularly require the exact temperature control. A sensor detecting a temperature can be equipped to the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes so as to be brought into contact with them. From a detected temperature obtained by this sensor, a temperature at a position other than the position where the sensor is inserted can be estimated. Because, there is a determined relation between the two temperatures. In the medical operation, the penetrating probes are brought into contact with the target area of the tissues and a temperature of the target area is required. Then, by this sensor, this required temperature can be estimated easily from the detected temperature. Since the laser light penetrating probe is fabricated from heat resistant ceramics, it is weak against a shock. Then, at least a portion of peripheral face of the penetrating probe can be covered with a protective material. This protective material has a strength being higher than the strength of the penetrating probe against the shock. Consequently, when the penetrating probe is received the shock, its damage can be reduced by the protective material. It is difficult to form the laser light reflecting layer on the laser light penetrating probe directly. However, the reflecting layer is formed easily on the internal peripheral face of the protective material such as the metal material. On the other hand, means for aspirating the target area of the tissues is preferably provided between the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes. In this case, the target area of the tissues can be pulled up by aspirating. Therefore, the anastomosis, the amputations, the excisions and the thermal therapy for the target area can be performed precisely and easily. Means for detecting the temperature is preferably equipped to above mentioned means for aspirating, the temperature of the target area of the tissues can be detected directly during the aspirating. If each emitting face is formed on the other probe-side face of each laser light penetrating probe and at least one portion of the emitting face is plane, the broad target area of the tissues can be pinched by the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes. In case that just single impinging means is provided to each laser light penetrating probe, the laser light can not be transmitted to the penetrating probe efficiently. Therefore, plural number of laser light impinging means are preferably fixed to each laser light penetrating probe which is, for example, plane-shaped. Thus, the laser light can be transmitted to the inner side of the penetrating probes efficiently. Means for injecting a pressed fluid against the target area of the tissues can be provided between the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes. During the medical operation, pieces of living tissues and blood are splashed to be attached to the penetrating probes. However, this situation can be eliminated by means for injecting. Apparatus of the present invention can be used not only in a surgical field but also in an internal medical field. In the internal medical field, preferable example is as follows; The holder is Y-shaped. Then, the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes are fixed to the both tip ends of the branch (V-shaped) portion of the holder respectively. Further, the branch portion of the holder has flexibility. Then, the holder is inserted in a sheath tube so that its tip ends and its base portion are projected upwards and downwards from the sheath tube to be exposed. Thus, the holder can be moved along the sheath tube corresponding to the pushing and pulling operation for its base portion. When the holder is pushed, its branch portion is spread so that both divided portions consisting of the branch portion are apart from each other. On the other hand, when the holder is pulled, its branch is closed. Due to the above structure, this apparatus can be utilized in medical operations for visceras such as a stomach and the like. In this case, first, an endoscope is inserted into a hole of a body. Next, this apparatus is inserted along the hole. Then, by pushing the holder, the opposed pair of penetrating probes, which are put in the both divided portions respectively, are spread so as to be apart from each other. Further, when the laser light is irradiated against the target area, the holder is pulled so that the opposed pair of penetrating probes are closed each other. Thus, the target area of the tissues can be brought into contact with the opposed pair of penetrating probes from its both sides. These operations are performed while the movement of apparatus in the body can be observed by the endoscope. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration showing apparatus as a whole for a medical treatment related to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view, partly in cross section, of the laser light emitting portion of apparatus in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an illustration showing laser light penetrating paths; Fig. 4 is cross sectional view taken on line IV - IV of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is an illustration showing a power density distribution of laser light emission; Figs. 6 and 7 are schematic enlarged sectional views showing embodiments of scattering layers; Figs. 8 to 10 are cross sectional views showing a process of an amputation for a blood vessel; Figs. 11 to 13 are transverse cross sectional views of three kinds of laser light penetrating probes; Fig. 14 is a longitudinal cross sectional view showing an important part of still another opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes; Fig. 15 is an illustration showing an embodiment of excision of a projected tumor; Fig. 16 is an illustration showing an embodiment of sensors for detecting a temperature provided on an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes; Fig. 17 is a graph showing a relation of the temperature of tissues at a position a sensor detecting the temperature is inserted and the temperature of the tissues at another position; Figs. 18 and 19 are illustrations showing other embodiments of sensors for detecting temperatures provided on opposed pairs of laser light penetrating probes; Fig. 20 is a longitudinal cross sectional view showing an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes on which protective means formed of a protective material is provided; Figs. 21 to 23 are transverse cross sectional views showing other protective means formed of protective materials on the laser light penetrating probes; Figs. 24 and 25 are a perspective view and a longitudinal cross sectional view of means for aspirating provided on an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes; Figs. 26 to 28 are perspective views of laser light penetrating probes having plane emitting surfaces; Fig. 29 is a transverse cross sectional view of an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes being different each other; Figs. 30 and 31 are schematic illustrations of an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes used in an internal medical treatment. The Best Mode to Carry Out the Invention Now, the present invention is described more particularly referring to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows the whole of an embodiment of apparatus for a medical treatment related to the present invention. Laser light is emitted from a laser light generator 2 and transmitted through a laser light transmitting system explained after. Then, the laser light is impinged onto an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1. The laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 are disposed to be opposed each other. The laser light is emitted and irradiated against the target area of tissues. In the laser light transmitting system, the laser light is progressed as follows; The laser light emitted from the laser light generator 2 goes through a lense 3 and impinged onto an optical fiber 4. Next, the laser light is emitted from the fore end of the optical fiber 4 and goes through a lense 5. Then, the laser light is divided into two portions by a 50 / 50 % spectral mirror 6. The divided portions of the laser light is impinged onto optical fibers 8A, 8B through lenses 7A, 7B respectively. The optical Fibers 8A, 8B are covered with protective tubes respectively. Further, the fore end portions of the optical fibers 8A, 8B are provided on, preferably so as to be included in, a U-shaped holder, in this embodiment a pinching holder 9. The pinching holder 9 is made of metal and moves like a pincette. The above mentioned opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1 are supported integrally by the fore end portions of the pinching holder 9. The opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1 are supported, for example, in a manner explained here. As shown in Fig. 2, the penetrating probe 1 is supported by the pinching holder 9 and connected to the optical fiber 8A. Referring to the left side of Fig. 2, it is clear that a holder-cylinder 9A is connected to the penetrating probe 1 through a connector 10 so that the optical fiber 8A can be disposed so as to be apart from the base-side impinging surface of the penetrating probe 1. In Fig. 2, only the left side of the holder 9 is shown. However, also the right side laser light penetrating probe 1 is supported by the pinching holder 9 and connected to the optical Fiber optically in the same way. The holder 9 is fabricated from a flexible material. Alternately, a resilient spring 11 is provided on the base portion of the holder 9 so that the fore end portions of the holder 9 can be moved freely so as to be closed and apart from each other corresponding to the operation of the medical operator. Now, first embodiment of the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 are explained closely referring to Figs. 2 to 8. The laser light penetrating probe 1 is fabricated from a heat resistant ceramics such as quartz. A smaller radius side portion 1A is formed at the base side of the penetrating probe 1 which is engaged to the connector 10. A conical portion 1B is formed at the base portion so as to be slanting gently and continuous to the smaller radius side portion 1A. The smaller radius side portion 1A and the conical portion 1B are supported by the holder 9 coaxially with the optical fiber 8A. Then, the axis of the smaller radius side portion 1A and the conical portion 1B is substantially the same as the axis of impinged laser light. The fore end-side portion of each laser light penetrating probe 1 is bent toward the fore end-side portion of another laser light penetrating probe 1 so as to be a bending portion 1C. Then, a parallel portion 1D is formed at the further fore end portion of the laser light penetrating probe 1 so as to be continuous to the bending portion 1C. The ridge line of the parallel portion 1D is parallel to the above mentioned axis of the base portion of the laser light penetrating probe 1. On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a laser light scattering layer D is formed at the internal side face of the parallel portion 1D. In other words, the scattering layer D is formed on another probe-side face which is opposed to the other laser light penetrating probe 1. In Fig. 2, this scattering layer D is directed by marking dots. Referring to Fig. 3 showing paths of laser light reflection, in this embodiment, at a portion of the conical portion 1B, bending portion 1C and the parallel portion 1D other than the scattering layer D, the laser light is reflected. Therefore, in each laser light penetrating probe 1, a laser light reflecting layer R is formed at the surfaces of the above mentioned portions where the laser light is reflected. In Fig. 2, the reflecting layer R is directed by hatching. For forming the reflecting layer R, a gold plated layer or aluminum plated layer is coated on the surface of the laser light penetrating probe 1. The laser light scattering layer D can be formed by just roughening the surface of the laser light penetrating probe 1. Alternately, in order to give a larger scattering effect, as shown in Fig. 6, the scattering layer D preferably contains scattering particles 20 and absorbing particles 21 of the laser light L and a binder 22, into which transmissible particles of laser light L are melted. Further, as shown in Fig. 7, the scattering layer D can be formed on a rough surface 1a of the laser light penetrating probe 1 to give a still larger scattering effect. As explained before, the material of the laser light penetrating probe 1 related to the present invention is preferably ceramics such as artificial and natural diamond, sapphire, quartz and the like due to their high ability in heat resistance. For the laser light scattering particles, a material, which has a larger refractive index for the laser light than that of the laser light penetrating probe, is used. For example, there are natural or artificial materials such as diamond, sapphire, quartz (it preferably has a high melting point), single crystal zirconium oxide (Zr₂O₃), glass having a high melting point, laser light transmissible synthetic resin having heat resistance and a laser light reflective metal such as gold, aluminum and the like. Alternatively, the material of the laser light scattering particles can be metal particles, which is laser light transmissible or not transmissible and whose surface is coated by the laser light reflective metal (gold, aluminum and the like) with a surface treatment such as plating and the like. The material forming the binder is preferably made from the laser light transmissible particle which can make a film when it melts and more preferably which has heat resistance such as natural or artificial, sapphire, quartz, glass, transmissible and heat resistant synthetic resin and the like. A suitable transmissible material is selected from these materials in consideration of the relation to the material of the laser light penetrating probe 1. The laser light absorbing particle is made of carbon, graphite, iron oxide, manganese dioxide and the any other materials which can absorb the laser light to generate heat energy. A content of each particle in the laser light scattering layer (wt%) and each average particle size is preferably within ranges as shown in a following table. More preferable content and particle size are put in parentheses. Content(wt%) Average Particle Size(µm) Scattering Particle 90 - 1 (70 - 20) 0.2-300 (1 - 50) Transmissible Particle 10 - 90 (20 - 50) 0.2 - 500 Absorbing Particle 90 - 1 (70 - 10) 0.2 - 500 (1 - 100) The thickness of the laser light scattering layer is preferably 10µm - 5mm, more preferably 30µm - 1mm. The scattering layer is formed as explained hereinafter. If the scattering layer having a desired thickness can not be formed by one cycle of the method, the method should be repeated until the layer having the desired thickness can be obtained. The above mentioned three kinds of particles are dispersed in a dispersion medium, then it is heated to a temperature which is higher than the melting point of the transmissible particle, then an uncoated probe is dipped in the heated dispersion. Alternatively, the three kinds of particles are melted to be sprayed to the uncoated probe. Further, other suitable methods for forming the scattering layer can be used. By the above described first method, the dispersion dispersing the three kinds of particles can be painted to the uncoated probe. Moreover, this painting method facilitates the operation, because what should be done in this method is that only a part, which is desired to be covered with the laser light scattering layer, of the uncoated probe is dipped in the dispersion and pulled up therefrom. Therefore, this method is practical and rational. As the dispersion medium, suitable liquid such as water, alcohol or mixture of them can be used. Further sugar or starch is added to increase the viscosity of the dispersion medium. As described before, according to the present invention, by forming the laser light scattering layer D as well as laser light reflecting layer R, the laser light can be concentrated on the scattering layer D. Accordingly, as shown by power density distribution curves P, P in Figs. 4 and 5, the laser light can be irradiated concentratedly against the target area of the tissues from only the scattering layer D. Now, this laser light scattering will be explained more closely. While the laser light L emitted from the laser light penetrating probe 1 passes through the laser light scattering layer D, the laser light L impinges on each laser light scattering particle 20 in the scattering layer D to be partially reflected on the surface, of the scattering particle 20, or to be partially penetrated into and emitted from the particle 20 with refraction. Therefore, the laser light L is emitted in various directions from the whole external surface of the scattering layer D. This produces the large area of the laser light irradiation. Further, the scattering layer D preferably contains the laser light absorbing particles 21 made of carbon and the like. In this case, when the laser light L impinges on each laser light absorbing particle 21, the greater part of the energy of the laser light L is converted to heat energy He by means of the laser light absorbing particle 21, and the tissues are heated by the heat energy from the scattering layer D. Thus, as vaporization of the tissues is accelerated, the tissues can be incised with a low energy of the laser light L impinged onto the laser light penetrating probe 1. Therefore, when the tissues are incised, the laser light penetrating probe 1 can be moved quickly. Accordingly, the medical treatment can be carried out in short time. Further, since high power level of the laser light L is not required, the medical treatment can be carried out with a cheap and small scaled laser light generator. On the other hand, as for the producing method of the scattering layer, if a dispersion containing the above mentioned laser light absorbing particles and the light scattering particles is coated on the surface of the laser light penetrating probe 1, after evaporation of a dispersion medium, the contact of the penetrating probe having the scattering layer with the tissues or other substances causes a damage to the scattering layer. Because, the both particles are attached to the surface of the laser light penetrating probe only by physical adsorptive power. Therefore, by the binder which sticks the laser light absorbing particles and the light scattering particles to the surface of the laser light penetrating probe, an adhesion of the scattering layer to the laser light penetrating probe is enhanced. Fig. 3 shows the paths of the laser light reflection in the laser light penetrating probe 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the laser light is concentrated on the laser light scattering layer D, while the laser light is reflected in the penetrating probe 1. Further, Fig. 3 shows that the penetrating probe 1 has a shape being suitable for the above laser light reflection. In the present invention, the scattering layer D is not necessary. However, if the scattering layer D is not provided, the graph of the laser light power density distribution of Fig. 4 will be projected toward the right sharply. In this case, the penetrating probe can be mainly used for only incisions with a lower ability in hemostasis, comparing the penetrating probe having the scattering layer D. Additionally, the graph of the laser light power density distribution of Fig. 5 will be projected toward the right side of the upper portion sharply. This situation can be estimated from the angle of laser light emission shown in Fig. 3. In this case, the penetrating probe 1 can be used for the amputation of only thin blood vessel and the like. A laser light emitting portion, on which the laser light scattering layer D is formed, has a length of 2 - 10 mm, has preferably a length of 3 - 7 mm. Apparatus for the medical treatment related to the present invention is used by a medical operator in a way explained as follows; First, the power switch is put on. Next, as shown in Fig. 2, with the holder 9 controlled by the medical operator, the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 are located so that the target area of the tissues are disposed between the opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1. In this embodiment, the opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1 are disposed at the both sides of the blood vessel BV respectively. Next, a switch 12 of Fig. 1 is put on. A hand switch (not shown) is provided on the holder 9 so as to be co-operated with the switch 12. By controlling the hand switch, the laser light is irradiated from the laser light scattering layers D, D against the blood vessel BV. As shown in Fig. 8, first, a blood vessel BV has an original shape. Then, during the amputation with the laser light penetrating probes 1, 1, the walls of the blood vessel BV are melted by the laser light irradiation. As shown in Fig. 9, the walls of the blood vessel BV are fused between the laser light penetrating probes to form a connecting portion. Accordingly, blood can not flow at the connecting portion. Further, since the laser light is irradiated against the connecting portion, as shown in Fig. 10, the blood vessel is amputated. In this amputation, bleeding is prevented at the end portions of the both amputated blood vessels. Since the inventor thought that the amputation of the blood vessel with apparatus of the present invention causes bleeding a little, this phenomenon can not have been imagined. Further, the inventor confirmed following things; When the conventional laser light emitting probes are used, comparing incisions with a mechanical knife, bleeding is prevented well. However, the bleeding is surely caused to some degree. On the other hand, with apparatus of the present invention, even if hemorrhagic tissues such as liver are treated, the bleeding is substantially not caused. The inventor certified from many experiments of the medical operations that the laser light irradiation has an ability in hemostasis. However, in amputation, with the conventional probes, this ability in hemostasis is shown in only cases of capillaries and blood vessels having diameters being smaller than 1.5 mm. When the blood vessels having diameters being larger than 1. 5 mm are amputated with the conventional probes, the bleeding can not be prevented. The reason is not known closely why the thick blood vessel can be amputated with the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes without bleeding. However, it can be estimated as follows; First, the laser light is emitted from the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1, while heat is produced so as to melt the walls of the blood vessel BV. At the same time, the blood vessel BV is pinched by the opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1. Then, the walls are fused each other to produce the connecting portion which serves as a partition preventing the blood from flowing. Further, it can be thought that anastomosis is also performed during the amputation. Practically, the inventor confirms that arteries having diameters of about 6 mm can be amputated with the laser light penetrating probes of the present invention without bleeding by controlling the laser light emitting power. Apparatus for the medical treatment of the present invention can be used without bleeding in amputations and incisions of blood vessel, bile duct, a uterine tube and alimentary canal and in the incision of internal organs such as liver and the like. Additionally, it can be used in coagulation, the anastomosis, and vaporization. According to apparatus of the present invention, for a normal medical operation, the power level of the supplied laser light is smaller than 10 W. Further, attention should be paid that some medical operations can be carried out with a power level being smaller than 5 W. YAG laser light generally can be used as the laser light in the present invention. However, also other laser light such as argon laser light and the like can be used. In the present invention, when the medical operation is performed for mainly the coagulation, as explained before, the cross section of the laser light penetrating probe 1 is preferably a circle. However, when the medical operation is performed for mainly the incisions and amputations, the suitable cross section of the laser light penetrating probe 1 is an angular shape. For example, there are an angular shape of Fig. 11 being projected at the emitting portion-side and another angular shape of Fig. 13 being projected more sharply. Alternately, as shown in Fig. 12, when the medical operation is performed for mainly a pinching coagulation against the target area having a long distance, the laser light emitting portion can be flat. Thus, the cross section of the laser light penetrating probe 1 is not limited to a certain shape. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, when a projected tumor G formed on the surface of the tissues are excised, an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 52, 52 provided with pair of constrictions 52A, 52A can be used effectively. The opposed pair of laser light scattering layers D, D are preferably formed on the inner surface of the opposed pair of constrictions 52A, 52A respectively. Apparatus of the present invention can be utilized efficiently for not only the above mentioned amputation and incision but also for the anastomosis of the tissues, the thermal therapy for cancer tissues, the coagulation and the vaporization. Particularly, in case of the anastomosis and the thermal therapy, means for detecting a temperature of the target area of the tissues is preferably provided. In each medical treatment, the temperature of the tissues should be controlled so as to be suitable one. The suitable temperature depends on kind of tissues. However, it can be determined generally in each treatment. For example, the medical operation for the anastomosis can be carried out at the temperature of 60 to 80 °C. On the other hand, the thermal therapy can be carried out at the temperature of 42 to 45 °C. For means for detecting the temperature, contact type such as a thermocouple or non-contact type such as optical means can be used. Fig. 16 shows the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 having sensors 30, 30 detecting the temperature. Each sensor 30 consists of the thermocouple and is brought into contact with the back or inner surface of each penetrating probe 1. Each wires 31 connected to each sensor 30 can be supported by means of the holder 9A and the like. A detected temperature obtained by this sensor 30 is different from the temperature of the surface of the target area of the tissues such as cancer tissues M. However, as shown in Fig. 17, the temperature of the position X of the tissues M being brought into contact with the laser light penetrating probe 1 and the detected temperature obtained by the sensor 30 has a determined relation. Therefore, according to this relation, by correcting the detected temperature obtained by the sensor 30, the temperature of the position X can be estimated. That is to say, the temperature of the tissues M also can be estimated. Fig. 18 shows the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 having another sensor 32 detecting the temperature, which is brought into contact with the target are of the tissues such as the blood vessel BV directly. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the temperature of the target area can be detected directly. The sensor 32 is fixed to the fore end portion of a moving rod 33. A flange 34 is fixed at a suitable position of the rod 32. A spring seat 35 is fixed to the holder 9 so that the rod 33 can go through the spring seat 35 (the relational construction of the spring seat 35 and the holder 9 is not shown in this figure). Then, a resilient spring 36 is provided between the flange 34 and the spring seat 35. This sensor 32 is used to detect the temperature of the target area of the tissues M during the laser light irradiation. First, the tissues M are pinched by the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1. Next, the moving rod 33, which has been pulled, is pushed toward the tissues M by means of the spring 36 so that the sensor 32 can be brought into contact with the tissues M. Then, the laser light is irradiated against the tissues M by the opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1, while the temperature of the tissues M can be detected directly by the sensor 32. Fig. 19 shows a non-contact type of sensor detecting the temperature of the tissues M optically. In this case, laser light is irradiated against the tissues M from an optical fiber 37 through a lense system 38. At the same time, the power level of the laser light emitted from the surface of the tissues M is detected. Thereby, the temperature of the surface of the tissues M can be known. During this detecting, as shown in Fig. 23, the power level of the laser light impinged onto the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 from the laser light generator 2 can be controlled on the basis of a signal showing the detected temperature. Due to the laser light irradiation against the tissues or by other factors during the medical operation, pieces of tissues, blood and the like are often splashed to be attached to the surfaces of the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1. In this case, the opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1 should be treated so as not to be damaged by this splash. On the other hand, the tissues M should be cooled in many cases. Accordingly, apparatus of the present invention preferably has means for letting air, physiological saline solution and the like flow at the target area of the tissues M. By this means, the tissues can be cooled and the pieces of tissues and blood attached to the opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1 are washed away. The construction of this means is explained concretely here. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, a path of the air, physiological saline solution and the like is formed. This path consists of a gap formed between the holder-cylinder 9A and the optical fiber 8A, hollow space 10a formed at one side of the connector 10 and a notch 1a formed at the one corner of the penetrating probe 1. The air, physiological saline solution and the like are supplied and flown through the path so as to be injected against the target area of the tissues M. As explained before, the laser light penetrating probe 1 is fabricated from ceramics. The strength of the penetrating probe 1 depends on the kind of its material. However, in many cases, the penetrating probe is often broken by a shock caused by being brought into contact with other substances. Therefore, at least one portion of the peripheral surface of the laser light penetrating probe 1 is preferably covered with a protective material having high strength against the above mentioned shock. For example, as shown in Figs. 20 and 21, the back surfaces of the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 are covered with metal protective materials 40, 40. Then, the base end portion of each protective material 40 is engaged to each connector 10. In this case, the engaged face of the material 40 can be fixed to the connector 10 with adhesive and the like. On the inner surface of each protective material 40, a laser light reflecting layer (not shown) such as a plating layer of gold can be formed. Therefore, the laser light impinged onto the laser light penetrating probe 1 can reach at the laser light emitting portion of the penetrating probe 1, while the laser light continues to reflect at the reflecting layer. The reflecting layer can be formed on the inner surface of the protective material 40 more easily, comparing that the laser light reflecting layer is formed on the surface of the penetrating probe 1 directly from the point of view of manufacturing. The protective material is fabricated from steel, rustless steel, light alloy containing aluminum and the like, other metal materials, resin of tetrafluorethylene and the like. Then, the protective material is formed to be a predetermined shape so as to be fit on the surface of the laser light penetrating probe. Alternately, ceramics having a high strength can be coated on the surface of the penetrating probe. The shape of the protective material can be determined corresponding to the shape of the laser light penetrating probe. For example, as shown in Fig. 22, a protective material 40 can be formed so as to fit on the surface of the laser light penetrating probe 1 having an egg-shaped cross section. Alternately, as shown in Fig. 23, an original protective cylinder 40a shown by dashed line is provided so as to be coaxial with the laser light penetrating probe 1. Then, the both upper and lower portions of the cylinder 40a of this figure and the emitting portion-side portion are cut off to form a protective material 40 in order to protect the penetrating probe 1. For the anastomosis of the incision lines of the tissues M or the laser light irradiation against only the projected tumor, as shown in Figs. 24 and 25, means 60 for aspirating the target area of the tissues is preferably provided between the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 54, 54. In order to pinch the target area surely, at least the laser light emitting portions 54a, 54a of the opposed pair of penetrating probes 54, 54 are preferably flat. In this embodiment, means 60 for aspirating is formed by a cylinder having an opening at its upper end. Then, means 60 is connected to a suction pump 61. By activating the suction pump 61, the target area can be pulled up. In this condition, the laser light is irradiated from the flat emitting portions 54a, 54a of the opposed pair of penetrating probes 54, 54 against the target area. In order to ensure the anastomosis of the tissues, the temperature of the tissues is preferably adjusted so as to be about 60 °C - 80 °C. Therefore, the sensor 30 for detecting temperature and the lead wire 31 are preferably provided along the means 60 for aspirating. For the anastomosis, as explained before, the laser light emitting portion is preferably flat. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 26, in order to form the flat emitting portions easily, opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 55, 55 can be formed so as to be curved plates. However, in this embodiment, as long as single optical fiber 8 is used, the laser light can not be irradiated uniformly with respect to the vertical direction to the longitudinal direction of the laser light penetrating probe 55. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 26, plural number of (in this embodiment, three) optical fibers 8, 8 are preferably provided. Additionally, the scattering layer, which is indicated by marking dots in this figure, can be formed on each emitting portion. Alternately, as shown in Fig. 27, in order to form a flat laser light emitting portion easily, the laser light penetrating probe 56 can be formed as follows; Its inner surface is curved plate-shaped. On the other hand, its back surface other than the fore end portion being opposite to the emitting portion is a portion of the side face of a cylinder. Also in this case, plural number of optical fibers 8, 8 can be provided. As shown in Fig. 28, when the anastomosis is carried out for tubular tissues M1, the lower end portions of an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 57, 57 are cut out so as to be arc-shaped. Then, means 60 for aspirating the tissues M1 is provided between the opposed pair of penetrating probes 57,.57. Accordingly, the laser light is irradiated against the tubular tissues M1, while the tissues M1 is pulled up by means 60 for aspirating. Fig. 29 shows an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 58A, 58B having different shapes respectively. Further, an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes (not shown) can be formed so as to cross each other like a pair of scissors. In the above mentioned embodiments, apparatus of the present invention are used in a surgical field. However, apparatus can be used also in an internal medical field. In the internal medical field, preferable example is as follows; As shown in Fig. 30 and 31, a holder 90 is Y-shaped. Then, the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 are fixed to the both tip ends of the branch (V-shaped) portion of the holder respectively through the connectors shown in Fig. 2. Further, the branch portion has flexibility. The holder 90 is inserted in a sheath tube 91 so that its tip ends and its base portion are projected upwards and downwards from the sheath tube 91 to be exposed. Thus, the holder 90 can be moved along the sheath tubes 91 corresponding to the pushing and pulling operations for the base portion of the holder. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 30, when the holder 90 is pushed, its branch portion is spread so that both divided portions consisting of the branch portion are apart from each other. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 31, when the holder 90 is pulled, its branch is closed. That is to say, situation of the apart laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 and the situation of the closing laser light penetrating probes 1, 1 can be changed each other corresponding to the pushing and pulling operation for the base portion of the holder 90. Generally, first, an endoscope is inserted into a hole of a body. Next, this apparatus is inserted along the hole. Then, by pushing the holder 90, the opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1, which are put in the both divided portions respectively, are spread so as to be apart from each other. Further, when the laser light is irradiated against the target area, the holder 90 is pulled so that the opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1 are closed each other. Thus, the target area of the tissues can be brought into contact with the opposed pair of penetrating probes 1, 1 from its both sides. These operations are performed while the movement of apparatus in the body can be observed by the endoscope. Alternately, by forming a through-hole other than the hole for observation, instead of the sheath tube 91, the holder 90 can be inserted through the through-hole. Industrial Utilization It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that, according to the present invention, laser light irradiation apparatus for medical treatment, which can amputate and incise the target area of the tissues with single operation with the high ability in hemostasis. At the same time, by apparatus of the present invention, laser light is not irradiated against other normal tissues. Further, this apparatus can amputate the blood vessel without tying of the blood vessel at the both sides of the target area. Accordingly, due to this laser light irradiation apparatus, medical operations can be finished in short time. As a result, this apparatus can be utilized widely in the medical operations and treatments of the surgical field and the internal medical field.

Claims: Laser light irradiation apparatus for a medical treatment comprising a laser light generator (2), a laser light penetrating probe system (1,9) and a laser light transmitting system (8A, 8B) letting laser light impinge onto said laser light penetrating probe system from said laser light generator (2), said laser light penetrating probe system comprising an opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes (1) being fabricated from laser light transmissible ceramics having heat resistance, said laser light penetrating probes can be controlled by a medical operator to be brought into or out of contact with each other so as to pinch a target area of tissues at their laser light emitting portions (1D) and onto which said laser light is impinged respectively, said apparatus being characterized in that each of said laser light penetrating probes (1) being continuously formed to comprise in sequence a base portion (1B), a bending portion (1C) and a parallel laser light emitting portion (1D), said base portion (1B) having a longitudinal axis which extends substantially in the same direction as the impinging laser light, said bending portion (1C) is curved towards the other of the opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes, and said parallel portion (1D) extending at the fore end of each of said penetrating probes and having an axis substantially parallel to the base portion, such that a ridge line of each of said parallel portions is substantially parallel to the other when said opposing probes are brought into contact with each other. Laser light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each laser light emitting portion (52) has a constriction (52A) respectively with respect to the longitudinal direction of said laser light penetrating probe (1). Laser light irradiation apparatus according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cross section of each laser light emitting portion (1D) substantially has a circle-shape with a peak projected toward said other laser light penetrating probe at another probe-side face of each laser light emitting portion (1D). Laser light irradiation apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a laser light reflecting layer (40) is formed on a side face of each laser light penetrating probe (1) being opposite to another probe-side face of each laser light penetrating probe so that said laser light can be substantially emitted from only said other probe-side face. Laser light irradiation apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein means (30, 31) for detecting a temperature of a target area of said tissues is provided. Laser light irradiation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a sensor (30) detecting a temperature is equipped to said opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes (1) to be brought into contact with them so that a temperature at a position other than a position said sensor (30) is attached can be estimated from said detected temperature obtained by said sensor (30) according to a determined relation of said two temperatures. Laser light irradiation apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a portion of a peripheral face of said laser light penetrating probe (1) is covered with a protective material (40) having a higher strength than that of said laser light penetrating probe (1) against a shock. Laser light irradiation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said laser light penetrating probe (1) is supported by a holder (10) and said protective material (40) is connected to said holder (10). Laser light irradiation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a laser light reflecting layer (40) is formed on the internal surface of said protective material. Laser light irradiation apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein means (60) for aspirating said target area of said tissues is provided between said opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes (1). Laser light irradiation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein means (31) for detecting a temperature is equipped to said means (60) for aspirating while said means (31) for detecting said temperature is brought into contact with said target area of said tissues. Laser light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means (8a,9a,10a,1a) for injecting a pressed fluid against said target area of said tissues is provided between said opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes (1). Laser light irradiation apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each laser light penetrating probe (1) is supported by a holder (10) so that said pressed fluid can be injected from the fore end portion of each laser light penetrating probe (1) through said holder (10) against said target area of said tissues. Laser light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each laser light penetrating probe is fixed to each tip end of a branch portion of a holder (90) being Y-shaped, said branch portion is flexible, said holder (90) is inserted in a sheath tube (91) so that its tip end portions and its base portion are projected upwards and downwards from said sheath tube (91) to be exposed, said holder (90) can be moved along said sheath tube (91) corresponding to pushing and pulling operations for said base portion of said holder so that when said holder (90) is pushed, said branch portion is spread and both divided portions consisting of said branch portion are apart from each other and when said holder (90) is pulled, said branch portion is closed, thereby said opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes are brought into or out of contact with each other. Laser light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each laser light penetrating probe (1) is fixed to each tip end of a branch portion of a holder (90) being Y-shaped, said branch portion is flexible, fore end portion of said holder (90) is inserted into a hole of a body, an endoscope has been inserted there into and base portion of said holder (90) is projected from said hole to be exposed, said holder (90) can be moved along said hole corresponding to pushing and pulling operations for said base portion of said holder (90) so that when said holder (90) is pushed, said branch portion is spread and both divided portions consisting of said branch are apart from each other and when said holder (90) is pulled, said branch portion is closed thereby said opposed pair of laser light penetrating probes (1) are brought into or out of contact with each other.

Inventors: DAIKUZONO NORIO, DAIKUZONO, NORIO
Applicants: SLT JAPAN KK, S.L.T. JAPAN CO, LTD.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: A61B17
IPC codes: A61B18, A61B17, A61N5