JPH1156868A - Laser probe - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a laser probe capable of avoiding stress concentration due to a force acting on a probe with a relatively simple configuration, thereby preventing damage to the probe. SOLUTION: The probe 60 includes a probe holder 58 mounted on a handpiece body 6, a probe 60 mounted on the probe holder 58, and a tubular member 70 mounted on the probe holder 58 so as to cover the probe 60.
The laser probe has a front end protruding forward through a front end opening of the tubular member 70. Probe 60 and tubular member 7
0, a covering member 102 for preventing the tip of the tubular member 70 from directly contacting a part of the probe 60 is interposed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laser probe for irradiating a laser beam to a part to be irradiated such as an affected part.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a laser probe in a laser treatment apparatus, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-51286 is known. This known laser probe includes a probe holder mounted on a laser handpiece and a probe fiber mounted on the probe holder, and a laser beam guided through a light guide fiber built in the handpiece is used as a probe. Irradiation is performed toward the irradiation site (affected part) via the fiber. A first tubular member is attached to the probe holder so as to cover a part of the probe fiber, and a second tubular member is attached to cover the first tubular member. A first flow passage is formed between the first tubular member and the probe fiber, and a second flow passage is formed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The first flow path is communicated with a water supply flow path extending through the inside of the handpiece, and water supplied from the water supply source through the water supply flow path flows through the first flow path.
The second flow path is communicated with an air supply flow path extending through the inside of the handpiece, and air supplied from the air supply source through the air supply flow path flows through the second flow path. The water from the first flow path and the air from the second flow path are mixed when they are injected from the injection ports, and the mixture of water and air is sprayed to form a laser beam irradiation site. , So that an appropriate amount of water film can be applied to the irradiated area during laser treatment.

[0003]

However, the conventional laser probe has the following problems to be solved. The first and second tubular members are typically formed from stainless steel, one end of which is mounted on the probe holder so as to be concentric with the probe fiber, and the other end of which is connected to the one end. Extending from the part. In the case where the probe fiber is used in a linearly extended state, in other words, the first and second tubular members extend linearly, and the linear probe fiber is inserted and held in the linearly extending first tubular member. In this case, the first and second tubular members are arranged concentrically at one end with respect to the probe fiber, so that they extend linearly and are held concentrically over substantially the entire length. Therefore, a gap exists between the probe fiber and the first tubular member, and the distal end of the probe fiber does not substantially contact the distal end of the first tubular member.

On the other hand, when the probe fiber is used in a relatively large arcuate shape as a probe fiber, in other words, the intermediate portion between the first and second tubular members is arcuately curved in a predetermined direction, and this curved portion is curved. When a straight probe fiber is inserted into the first tubular member and held in a curved state, the first and second tubular members have their one ends arranged concentrically with respect to the probe fiber. At the other end, it becomes difficult to hold the first and second tube members concentrically with respect to the probe fiber. To elaborate,
The probe fiber is curved and held along the first tubular member by forcibly inserting a linear probe fiber into the first tubular member which has been curved in an arc shape in advance. Therefore, a restoring force is generated in the probe fiber to return to the original state, and a part of the outer peripheral surface is elastically pressed against the tip of the first tubular member by the restoring force. In such a press-contact state, a large force acts on the press-contact portion between the probe fiber and the tip of the first tubular member, and the probe fiber bites into the tip of the first tubular member. Then, when heat is applied to the probe fiber in such a press-contact state, there is a problem that the jacket of the probe fiber is softened and the probe fiber is broken at the press-contact portion.

Generally, in the field of dental treatment, autoclaving is performed for sterilization. Therefore, when the laser probe is used for dental treatment, it is heated by the superheated steam applied during the autoclave process, and at this time, the jacket of the probe fiber is softened and the probe fiber is easily broken.

[0006] Such breakage of the probe fiber occurs not only during autoclaving but also when a large external force acts on the probe fiber. That is, when the distal end of the probe fiber comes into contact with the affected part or the like during treatment using the probe, the external force acting on the probe fiber causes the probe fiber to bite into the distal end of the first tubular member, and the acting external force is reduced. Larger ones will break the probe. In addition, the damage due to this external force occurs not only when the probe fiber is held in a curved state but also when the probe fiber is held in a straight line.
For example, it also occurs when using a probe formed of quartz glass or the like.

An object of the present invention is to provide a laser probe capable of avoiding stress concentration due to a force acting on the probe with a relatively simple configuration, thereby preventing damage to the probe.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a probe holder mounted on a handpiece body, a probe mounted on the probe holder, and a tubular member mounted on the probe holder so as to cover the probe. In the laser probe, wherein the tip of the probe protrudes forward through the tip opening of the tubular member, between the probe and the tubular member, the tip of the tubular member is part of the probe. A laser probe characterized in that a protection member for preventing direct contact is interposed.

According to the present invention, since the protection member is interposed between the probe and the tubular member, the protection member prevents the tip of the tubular member from directly contacting a part of the probe. . Therefore, it is avoided that the tip of the tubular member acts to bite into a part of the probe,
The damage of the probe can be prevented.

[0010] Further, according to the present invention, the protection member is constituted by a covering member having a circular or arc-shaped cross section, which is attached to a part of the probe, and the covering member comes into contact with a tip of the tubular member. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, since the covering member is attached to the tip of the probe, the tip of the tubular member comes into contact with the covering member, and the tip of the tubular member acts so as to directly bite into the probe. Is prevented. In addition, since the covering member has a circular or arc-shaped cross section, it can be easily attached to the probe.

Further, according to the present invention, the covering member is provided so as to straddle the distal end of the tubular member, and has a length L1 in the axial direction.
Is not less than three times the outer diameter D of the probe (L1 ≧ 3
D).

According to the present invention, since the covering member is provided over the distal end of the tubular member, the distal end of the tubular member contacts the covering member and does not directly contact the probe. Further, since the axial length of the covering member is three times or more the outer diameter of the probe, the force acting on the distal end of the tubular member is transmitted to the probe via the covering member having a sufficient length, and is transmitted to the probe. Partially large stress can be prevented from acting.

Further, according to the present invention, the protection member comprises a concentric holding member for holding the distal end of the tubular member concentrically with respect to the probe, and the concentric holding member comprises
The contact between the probe and the distal end of the tubular member is avoided.

According to the present invention, since the protection member is formed of the concentric holding member, the distal end of the tubular member is held concentrically with respect to the probe by the concentric holding member. Is prevented from coming into contact with the probe, and its breakage can be prevented.

The present invention also includes a probe holder mounted on a handpiece body, a probe mounted on the probe holder, and a tubular member mounted on the probe holder so as to cover the probe. In the laser probe, the tip of which projects forward through the tip opening of the tubular member, the tip of the tubular member is provided with a linear portion that extends linearly forward. Some are laser probes that are in contact over substantially the entire length of the linear portion.

According to the present invention, since the linear portion is provided at the distal end of the tubular member, the probe contacts substantially the entire length of the linear portion, and the force from the tubular member is concentrated on the probe. Operation is avoided, which prevents damage to the probe.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that an axial length L2 of the linear portion is at least three times the outer diameter D of the probe (L2 ≧ 3D).

According to the present invention, since the length of the linear portion of the tubular member in the axial direction is at least three times the outer diameter of the probe,
The force acting on the distal end of the tubular member is transmitted to the probe via a linear portion having a sufficient length, thereby preventing a large stress from acting on the probe.

Further, according to the present invention, the probe is formed of a linear probe fiber having flexibility, and an intermediate portion of the tubular member is curved in an arc shape in a predetermined direction. Is curved and held in a predetermined direction along the tubular member.

According to the present invention, the probe fiber is held in a curved state by being inserted into the curved tubular member. When the probe is held in such a curved state, the partial concentration of the stress caused by the restoring force of the probe fiber is reduced. And the probe fiber can be prevented from being damaged.

[0022]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an example of a laser medical device provided with a laser handpiece having an embodiment of a laser probe according to the present invention in a cross section of the handpiece.

Referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated laser medical device includes a laser medical device main body 2 and a laser handpiece 4.
The laser handpiece 4 has a handpiece main body 6 that is held by an operator and a laser probe 8 that is detachably attached to a distal end portion of the handpiece main body 6.

The laser medical device main body 2 includes an Er: YAG laser light source 10 for generating Er: YAG laser light,
A gas supply 12 for supplying a gas such as air or an inert gas, and a liquid supply 14 for supplying a liquid such as water, particularly preferably sterile purified water or physiological saline, are incorporated. . The laser light from the laser light source 10, the gas from the gas supply 12 and the liquid from the liquid supply 14 are supplied to the handpiece 4 via the medium supply cable 16. The medium supply cable 16 includes, for example, an optical transmission body 18 formed of an optical fiber, a gas supply pipe 20 forming a gas supply flow path, and a liquid supply pipe 2 forming a liquid supply flow path.
2 built-in. One end of the optical transmitter 18 is connected to the laser source 10, and the other end 18 a extends into the handpiece body 6. One end of the gas supply pipe 20 is connected to the gas supply source 12, and the other end 20 a extends into the handpiece body 6. One end of the liquid supply pipe 22 is connected to the liquid supply source 14, and the other end 22 a extends into the handpiece body 6.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the handpiece main body 6 has a hollow cylindrical handpiece housing 24, and includes an optical transmission body 18, a gas supply pipe 20 forming a gas supply passage 20b, and The other end portions 18a, 20a, 22a of the liquid supply pipe 22 forming the liquid supply flow path 22b
The front end side of the handpiece housing 24 (FIG. 1)
(Rightward in FIG. 2) in the axial direction. A cylindrical intermediate member 26 is attached to the tip of the handpiece housing 24, and the laser probe 8 is attached to the intermediate member 26. A female screw is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front end portion of the housing 24, while a male screw is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the intermediate member 26. By screwing these female screws and male screws, the intermediate member 26
Is attached.

The distal end of the intermediate member 26 has a slightly smaller outer diameter than the other portions, and a mounting mechanism 28 for detachably mounting the laser probe 8 is provided at the distal end. . The mounting mechanism 28 includes a cover nut 30 that is mounted on the tip of the intermediate member 26. A male screw is provided at the front end of the intermediate member 26, while a female screw is formed at the rear end of the cover nut 30, and the cover nut 30 is attached to the intermediate member 26 by screwing the male screw and the female screw. . The mounting mechanism 28 further includes a plurality of spheres 34 that can be engaged with an annular recess 32 (see also FIG. 4) formed in a part of the laser probe 8. It is housed in an annular housing groove 36 formed at the tip. Also, cover nut 30
A pressing portion 39 for pressing the plurality of spheres 34 inward in the radial direction and an inclined portion 40 having an enlarged inner diameter for releasing the above-mentioned pressing of the spheres 34 are provided at the tip of the sphere 34. ing. With such a configuration, when the cover nut 30 is tightened, the pressing portion 39 presses the plurality of spheres 34 inward in the radial direction, whereby the plurality of spheres 34 The laser probe 8 is detachably mounted on the intermediate member 26 of the handpiece body 6 in this manner. On the other hand, when the cover nut 30 is loosened, the plurality of spheres 34 move radially outward to the inclined portion 40, whereby the pressing of the plurality of spheres 34 by the pressing portion 39 is released. By pulling the laser probe 8 to the distal end side, it can be detached from the handpiece body 6. In order to prevent the cover nut 30 from dropping out of the intermediate member 26 when the cover nut 30 is loosened, a retaining ring 92 is locked at the tip of the intermediate member 26 (see FIG. 3). ).

The intermediate member 26 is configured as follows. A ferrule 42 is attached to the rear end of the intermediate member 26, and the ferrule 42 supports the other end 18 a of the optical transmission body 18. A lens holder 44 is attached to the intermediate member 26 in contact with the emission side end of the ferrule 42. The lens holder 44 is attached to the intermediate member 26 by screwing a female screw of the intermediate member 26 and a male screw of the lens holder 44. The lens holder 44 is provided with a lens 46, and the lens holder 44
The lens 46 is attached to the lens holder 44 by screwing the male screw of the fixing sleeve 48 into the female screw of the lens. The lens 46 is disposed to face the emission end face 19 of the other end 18 a of the optical transmission body 18, condenses the laser light from the optical transmission body 18, and guides the laser light to the incidence end face 62 of the laser probe 8.

A gas passage 50 and a liquid passage 52 are formed in the intermediate member 26. The gas flow path 50 and the liquid flow path 52 extend in the axial direction of the handpiece main body 6 (the left-right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2). Gas flow path 50
A connection pipe 54 is fixed to one end of the gas supply pipe 20, and the other end 20a of the gas supply pipe 20 is connected to the connection pipe 54. A connection pipe 56 is fixed to one end of the liquid flow path 52, and the other end 22 a of the liquid supply pipe 22 is connected to the connection pipe 56. With this configuration, the gas from the gas supply source 12 is supplied to the gas flow path 50 through the gas supply pipe 20. The liquid supply source 14
Is supplied to the liquid flow path 52 through the liquid supply pipe 22.

The laser probe 8 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 2. The illustrated laser probe 8 includes a probe holder 58 attached to the tip of the intermediate member 26 by the cover nut 30, and a probe holder 58. And a probe fiber 60 mounted at 58. The probe holder 58 is formed to be elongated, and one end (base end) thereof is inserted into the distal end of the intermediate member 26.
A probe fiber 60 as a probe is mounted at a central portion of a probe holder 58 so as to penetrate the probe holder 58, and an incident end face 62 at one end thereof is exposed to one end face of the probe holder 58 so as to be opposed to the lens 46. Fiber 60
, I.e., the tip portion further extends outward from the end face of the probe holder 58. An output end face 64 is provided at the other end of the probe fiber 60, and an input end face 62 is provided.
Is emitted from the emission end face 64 through the probe fiber 60 toward the affected part.
The probe fiber 60 has a core 65 existing at the center (see FIG. 6) and a clad 66 covering the core 65, and the clad 66 is covered with a protective jacket 68 (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the protective jacket 68 is peeled off at both ends of the probe fiber 60, and the lower clad 66 is exposed to the outside.

The probe holder 5 of the laser probe 8
8, a hollow first tubular member 70 and a second tubular member 72 are mounted. The first tubular member 70 is provided so as to cover the probe fiber 60, one end (base end) of the first tubular member 70 extends to near the one end of the probe fiber 60, and the other end (distal end) of the first tubular member 70 is the other end. It extends to near the end. Also, the second tubular member 72
Is provided so as to cover the first tubular member 70, one end (base end) thereof extends to near the one end of the first tubular member 70, and the other end (distal end) is formed of the first tubular member 70. 70 to the other end. First and second tubular members 70, 7
2 is formed, for example, from stainless steel. With such a configuration, an annular first flow path 74 is formed between the first tubular member 70 and the probe fiber 60, and the first passage 74 is formed between the first tubular member 70 and the second tubular member 72. An annular second flow path 76 is formed at the bottom.

As shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the probe fiber 60 projects forward through the distal end opening of the first tubular member 70 and to the right in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The protective jacket 68 is peeled from the middle part of the part to the other end (tip). The protruding amount of the tip of the probe fiber 60 is set to about 2 to 10 mm.

One end of the first flow path 74 extends to the vicinity of one end of the probe holder 58.
A feed hole 78 communicating with one end of the first flow path 74 is formed. An annular space 80 is formed between the intermediate member 26 and the probe holder 58. The feed hole 78 communicates with the annular space 80, and the annular space 80 communicates with the liquid channel 52. With this configuration, the liquid from the liquid supply channel 22b is supplied to the liquid channel 52,
The first flow path 74 through the annular space 80 and the feed hole 78
And is ejected from the ejection port 79 located at the other end (tip) through the flow path 74. One end of the second flow path 76 extends to near the center of the probe holder 58 in the axial direction, and the probe holder 58 is formed with a feed hole 82 communicating with one end of the second flow path 76. ing.
An annular space 84 is formed between the intermediate member 26 and the probe holder 58. The feed hole 82 communicates with the annular space 84, and the annular space 84 communicates with the gas flow path 50. With such a configuration, the gas from the gas supply flow path 20b is supplied to the second flow path 76 through the gas flow path 50, the annular space 84, and the supply hole 82, and the other gas is supplied through the flow path 76. It is injected from the injection port 81 existing at the end (tip). The supply of the liquid through the first flow path 74 and the supply of the gas through the second flow path 76 can be appropriately selected according to the treatment content using the laser medical device. The supply of the liquid mixture (in this case, a liquid in a mist state) can be performed toward the irradiation region of the laser beam.

In this embodiment, the tips of the first and second tubular members 70 and 72 are located at the same position. Therefore, the liquid from the first flow path 74 and the gas from the second flow path 76 are mixed after being injected from the injection ports 79 and 81 to form a spray, and the liquid and the gas in the spray state are mixed. Is injected toward the tip of the probe fiber 60, in other words, toward the laser beam irradiation site. In order to inject the mixture toward the laser irradiation site, the tips of the first and second tubular members 70 and 72 are preferably retracted from the tip of the probe fiber 60 by, for example, about 2 to 10 mm. In addition, in order to ensure a good spray state, it is desirable that the tip of the second tubular member 72 be retracted somewhat from the tip of the first tubular member 70, for example, by about 1 to 2 mm.

In this embodiment, the relative rotation of the probe holder 58 with respect to the intermediate member 26 is prevented as follows. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG.
A notch 88 extending from the other end (front end) toward one end in the axial direction is formed at a predetermined portion of. Further, a pin 90 is fixed to the probe holder 58 corresponding to the notch 88. When the laser probe 8 is mounted, the pin 90 is positioned in the notch 88 of the intermediate member 26, and the probe holder 58 is inserted into the intermediate member 26 in such a state. Thus, the pin 90
Is provided, the relative rotation of the laser probe 8 with respect to the intermediate member 26 is reliably prevented. For example, even if an external force is applied to the probe fiber 60 during treatment by contact with the affected part or the like, the angular position of the probe fiber 60 is changed. There is no change, and it is possible to provide a detachable structure while preventing such relative rotation. Also,
The ring 92 is used to prevent the cover nut 30 from coming off.
Is installed. In order to prevent leakage of gas and liquid, an O-ring 9 is provided between the intermediate member 26 and the probe holder 58 so as to correspond to the feed holes 78 and 82, respectively.
4, 96, 98 are provided.

When this laser medical device is used in the fields of dentistry, oral surgery, otolaryngology, etc., it is desirable to use a laser beam having a wavelength of 0.5 to 5.5 μm. Er: YAG (erbium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet), Er: YSGG (erbium-yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet), Ho: YAG
(Holmium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet), Th: YAG (thorium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet), Co: VF (cobalt-panadium-fluoride), Er: GLASS (erbium-glass), Nd: GLASS (neodymium-glass) ), Solid lasers such as Nd: YAG (neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet), Ti: Sa (titanium-sapphire), and CO (carbon monoxide)
For example, a gas laser such as this can be used.

In this embodiment, the probe fiber 60 is held in a curved state as follows. That is, the first and second tubular members 70 and 72 are formed such that their intermediate portions are curved with a predetermined curvature as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. On the other hand, the probe fiber 6
0 has flexibility and is usually linear. The probe fiber 60 is inserted through the internal space of the first tubular member 70, and its proximal end is fixed to one end of the probe holder 58. By inserting the probe fiber 60 in this manner, the probe fiber 60 bends along the first tubular member 70 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and is held in the first tubular member 70.

When the probe fiber 60 is held in a curved state as described above, a restoring force is applied to the probe fiber 60 to return it to its original state, that is, to return to a straight line. The distal end portion of the fiber 60 comes into pressure contact with the distal end of the first tubular member 70 (specifically, the right end portion in FIG. 4 of the distal end). When pressed in this manner, the restoring force concentrates on the contact portion between the tip of the first tubular member 70 and the probe fiber 60, and acts so that the tip of the first tubular member 70 bites into the fiber probe 60. . In the present embodiment, the covering member 102 as a protection member is attached to a predetermined portion of the probe fiber 60 in order to prevent the restoring force from acting as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 together with FIGS. 5 and 6, the illustrated covering member 102 is formed of a hollow sleeve member 104. The sleeve member 104 can be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel or a hard synthetic resin material such as a carbon fiber thread resin. By inserting the probe fiber 60, the sleeve member 104 is inserted.
Is attached to the tip. The inner diameter of the sleeve 104 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the probe fiber 60 and is press-fitted into the probe fiber 60, or the inner diameter is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the probe fiber 60. It is fixed by using an adhesive. As shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve member 104 is provided across the distal end of the first tubular member 70, and by providing such, the distal end of the first tubular member 70 contacts the sleeve member 104, There is no direct contact with the probe fiber 60. Therefore,
The force acting on the distal end of the first tubular member 70 is
The entire 04 member, specifically, one point in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 6), is supported over the entire length in the axial direction and transmitted to the probe fiber 60 via the sleeve member 104. As a result, the force does not concentrate and act on the probe fiber 60, and damage due to stress concentration can be prevented. The length L1 (FIG. 5) of the sleeve member 104 in the axial direction is at least three times the outer diameter D (FIG. 4) of the probe fiber 60. For example, when the outer diameter of the probe fiber 60 is 0.6 mm, the length is 1. The thickness is desirably 8 mm or more, and by setting as described above, the portion for supporting the acting force can be increased to reduce the stress concentration. Further, in the description of the embodiment, an example in which the tubular member 70 is curved is shown, but the tubular member 70 may be formed linearly over the entire length.

The sleeve member 10 shown in FIGS.
Instead of 4, a protective member shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 can be used.

Referring to FIG. 7 showing a first modification of the protection member, in this modification, the covering member 112 as a protection member is constituted by a half sleeve member 114.
The half sleeve member 114 is used for the probe fiber 60.
Is provided on the side in contact with the first tubular member 70, and is attached across the tip of the first tubular member 70, like the sleeve member 104. When the half sleeve member 114 is used, it is preferable that the half sleeve member 114 is fixed by, for example, an adhesive in order to prevent the half sleeve member 114 from coming off the probe fiber 60.
Even when such a half sleeve member 114 is used, the force acting on the distal end of the first tubular member 70 is transmitted to the probe fiber 60 via the half sleeve member 114, whereby stress concentrates on the probe fiber. Is prevented, and the same effect as when the sleeve member 104 is used is achieved. The half-sleeve member 114 has a semicircular cross section of approximately 180 degrees, but is not limited to this, and may use an elongated member having an arc cross section (extending over a predetermined angle range in the circumferential direction). Can also.

Referring to FIG. 8 showing a second modification of the protection member, in this modification, the protection member comprises a substantially V-shaped member 122. This V-shaped member 122
Similarly to the half sleeve member 114, the probe fiber 6
No. 0 is provided on the side that comes into contact with the first tubular member 70, is attached across the distal end of the first tubular member 70, and is fixed by, for example, an adhesive. Such a V-shaped member 122
In the case of using the probe fiber 60, the probe fiber 60 is positioned as shown by a two-dot chain line below the V-shaped member 122 in FIG. 8, and the force acting on the distal end of the first tubular member 70 is as described above. Similarly, it is transmitted to the probe fiber 60 via the V-shaped member 122, thereby preventing stress from being concentrated on the probe fiber, and achieving the same effect as using the sleeve member 104.

When the half sleeve member 114 and the V-shaped member 122 are used, breakage due to the restoring force of the probe fiber 60 can be effectively prevented. Considering the damage caused by external force acting on the probe fiber 60, it is preferable to use the sleeve member 104 that covers the probe fiber 60 over the entire circumference.

As a protection member, a concentric holding member for holding the first tubular member 70 concentrically with respect to the probe fiber 60 may be used. 9 to 11 show an embodiment using a concentric holding member as a protection member. In order to facilitate understanding, FIGS. 9 to 11 are substantially the same as the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6. Will be described with the same reference numerals.

In FIGS. 9 and 10 showing the first embodiment of the concentric holding member, a concentric holding member 13 as a protection member is shown.
Reference numeral 2 is formed from a sleeve-like member having a square cross section. The holding member 132 can be formed, for example, by performing plastic working using a processing tool having a square shape. As shown in FIG. 9, the concentric holding member 132 is interposed between the first tubular member 70 and the probe fiber 60 at the distal end of the first tubular member 70. The inscribed diameter of the concentric holding member 132 (the diameter of the inscribed circle that contacts the inside) is set to be substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the probe fiber 60, and its circumscribed circle (the diameter of the circumscribed circle that contacts the outside) is set. Diameter) of the first tubular member 70
Is set substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the inside diameter of By interposing such a concentric holding member 132, the four corners of the concentric holding member 132 are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular member 70, and the portion between the four corners of the concentric holding member 132 is the probe fiber. 60 in contact with the outer peripheral surface,
As a result, the distal end of the first tubular member 70 is disposed concentrically with respect to the probe fiber 60, and an annular passage 74 for liquid is created between the two.

By providing the concentric holding member 132 in this manner, the tip of the first tubular member 70 is arranged concentrically with respect to the probe fiber 60, and the tip of the first tubular member 70 is attached to the probe fiber 60. Contact is reliably avoided. Further, as understood from FIG. 9, the portion between the four corners of the concentric holding member 132 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the probe fiber 60 over substantially the entire length, and acts on the distal end of the first tubular member 70. The force is transmitted to the probe fiber 60 via a concentric holding member 132 that contacts over a sufficient length and the first tubular member 70
Of the probe fiber 60 is prevented from being concentrated on the probe fiber 60, and the probe fiber 60 can be reliably prevented from being damaged.

In this embodiment, a second holding member 134 is provided between the distal ends of the first and second tubular members 70 and 72.
Is interposed. The inscribed diameter of the second holding member 134 is set to be substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first tubular member 70, and the outer bounded diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the second tubular member 72. Set equal or somewhat smaller. By interposing such a second holding member 134, the distal end of the second tubular member 72 is disposed concentrically with respect to the first tubular member 70, and the first and second tubular members 70 are provided. , 72 form a tubular passage 76 for gas.

When the concentric holding members 132 and 134 are provided as described above, the first and second tube members 70 and 72, particularly the distal ends thereof, are arranged concentrically with respect to the probe fiber 60. In addition to the effect of preventing breakage of the probe fiber 60, the fluid from the first passage 74 and the gas from the second passage 76 are mixed to form a spray, and the entire circumference of the probe fiber 60 The effect of being able to substantially uniformly spray over the entire surface can also be achieved.

FIG. 11 shows a second embodiment of the concentric holding member. Referring to FIG. 11, the concentric holding member 142 as a protection member has a wavy shape in a radial direction over its entire circumference. Shape. The inscribed diameter of the concentric holding member 142 (the diameter of a circle inscribed at the bottom of the concave portion) is set substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the probe fiber 60.
The circumscribed circle of 2 (the diameter of the circle circumscribed at the top of the projection) is
The inner diameter of the first tubular member 70 is set to be substantially equal to or somewhat smaller than this. Even when such a concentric holding member 142 is used, the first tubular member 70 can be held concentrically with respect to the probe fiber 60, and therefore, the concentric holding member 132 shown in FIGS.
The same operation and effect as described above are achieved.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the laser probe. Referring to FIG. 12, in this embodiment,
Instead of providing the protection member, a linear portion 152 extending tangentially from the distal end of the curved portion 151 is provided at the distal end of the curved first tubular member 70. The linear portion 152 is provided over a predetermined length in the axial direction from the tip of the first tubular member 70, and the predetermined length L2 is preferably at least three times the outer diameter D of the probe fiber 60, By setting in this way, it is possible to increase the portion for supporting the acting force and suppress the stress concentration. Other configurations of this laser probe are substantially the same as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 except that the sleeve member 104 is removed.

As described above, the first tubular member 70 is provided with the linear portion 152 extending linearly in the tangential direction from the curved portion 151 extending in a curved manner.
2, the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the probe fiber 60 comes into contact with substantially the entire length of the linear portion 152, so that the force acting on the distal end of the first tubular member 70 has a sufficient length. The probe fiber 60 is transmitted to the probe fiber 60 via the linear portion 152, and the damage of the probe fiber 60 can be prevented in the same manner as in the case where the protection member is provided. Such a linear portion 152 has a feature that the configuration is extremely simple and can be easily formed.

Although various embodiments of the laser probe according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and corrections can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the probe fiber is described as being applied to a single-layered protective jacket. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a probe fiber having two or more protective jackets.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the probe is described as applied to a probe fiber consisting of a core, a clad, and a protective jacket. However, the probe may be of a single composition made of a material such as quartz glass. It can be used similarly.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the tubular member includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member that cover the probe, and the first flow between the probe and the first tubular member is provided. In this configuration, liquid is supplied to the passage and gas is supplied to the second flow passage between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. And the liquid flowing through the second flow path 76.

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second tubular members are provided as the tubular members, but the present invention can be applied to a single tubular member covering the probe. In such a case, through the flow path between the probe and the tubular member, for example, a liquid alone, a gas alone,
Alternatively, a mixture of liquid and gas is delivered.

[0056]

According to the laser probe of the first aspect of the present invention, since the protection member is interposed between the probe and the tubular member, the tip of the tubular member is directly connected to a part of the probe by the protection member. Contact is prevented. Therefore, the tip of the tubular member is prevented from acting to bite into a part of the probe, and damage to the probe can be prevented.

According to the laser probe of the second aspect of the present invention, since the covering member is attached to the tip of the probe, the tip of the tubular member comes into contact with the covering member, and the tip of the tubular member directly contacts the probe. The effect of digging is prevented. In addition, since the covering member has a circular or arc-shaped cross section, it can be easily attached to the probe.

According to the laser probe of the third aspect of the present invention, since the covering member is provided over the tip of the tubular member, the tip of the tubular member contacts the covering member and does not directly contact the probe. Absent. Further, since the axial length of the covering member is three times or more the outer diameter of the probe, the force acting on the distal end of the tubular member is transmitted to the probe via the covering member having a sufficient length, and is transmitted to the probe. Partially large stress can be prevented from acting.

According to the laser probe of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the protection member is constituted by the concentric holding member, the distal end of the tubular member is held concentrically with respect to the probe by the concentric holding member. As a result, the tip of the tubular member is prevented from contacting the probe, and its breakage can be prevented.

According to the laser probe of the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the linear portion is provided at the tip of the tubular member, the probe comes into contact with substantially the entire length of the linear portion, and the probe contacts the tubular member. Is prevented from acting intensively on the probe, thereby preventing damage to the probe.

According to the laser probe of the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the axial length of the linear portion of the tubular member is at least three times the outer diameter of the probe, it acts on the distal end of the tubular member. The force is transmitted to the probe via a straight section of sufficient length, which prevents a large stress on the probe.

Further, according to the laser probe of the present invention, the probe fiber is held in a curved state by being inserted into the curved tubular member. It is possible to eliminate partial concentration of stress caused by the above, and to prevent breakage of the probe fiber.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an example of a laser medical device provided with an embodiment of a laser probe according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a front portion of a handpiece of the laser medical device of FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a distal end portion of the handpiece as viewed from an arrow A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged half sectional view showing a laser probe of the handpiece of FIG. 2 and showing a cross section below a center line.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a sleeve member of the laser probe of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing another modification of the protection member.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing still another modification of the protection member.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of another embodiment of the laser probe according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10 and showing a part of a laser probe having another form of the concentric holding member.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of still another embodiment of the laser probe according to the present invention in an enlarged manner and a part cut away.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Handpiece 8 Laser Probe 58 Probe Holder 60 Probe Fiber 70 First Tubular Member 72 Second Tubular Member 74 First Flow Path 76 Second Flow Path 79, 81 Injection Port 102, 112 Coating Member 104 Sleeve Member 114 Half sleeve member 122 V-shaped member 132, 142 Concentric holding member 152 Linear portion

Claims (7)

[Claims] A probe holder attached to the handpiece body; a probe attached to the probe holder; and a tubular member attached to the probe holder so as to cover the probe. In a laser probe that projects forward through the distal opening of the tubular member, between the probe and the tubular member, to prevent the distal end of the tubular member from directly contacting a part of the probe. A laser probe having a protective member interposed. 2. The protection member comprises a covering member having a circular or arc-shaped cross section, which is attached to a part of the probe, wherein the covering member contacts a tip of the tubular member. The laser probe according to claim 1, wherein 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the covering member is provided over a distal end of the tubular member, and an axial length L1 of the covering member is at least three times an outer diameter D of the probe (L1 ≧ 3D). The laser probe according to claim 2, wherein 4. The protection member comprises a concentric holding member for holding a distal end of the tubular member concentrically with respect to the probe, wherein the concentric holding member includes a probe and a distal end of the tubular member. The laser probe according to claim 1, wherein contact of the laser probe is avoided. 5. A probe holder mounted on a handpiece body, a probe mounted on the probe holder, and a tubular member mounted on the probe holder so as to cover the probe. In a laser probe that projects forward through the distal opening of the tubular member, a linear portion extending linearly forward is provided at the distal end of the tubular member, and a part of the probe is provided. A laser probe that contacts substantially the entire length of the linear portion. 6. An axial length L2 of the linear portion is:
3 times or more the outer diameter D of the probe (L2 ≧ 3D)
The laser probe according to claim 5, wherein: 7. The probe comprises a flexible linear probe fiber, an intermediate portion of the tubular member is curved in an arc in a predetermined direction, and the probe fiber is inserted through the tubular member. 7. The laser probe according to claim 1, wherein the laser probe is curved and held in a predetermined direction along the tubular member.