WO1995013738A1 - Laser/endoscopic probe assembly for microsurgical use - Google Patents

Laser/endoscopic probe assembly for microsurgical use Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995013738A1
WO1995013738A1 PCT/FR1994/001345 FR9401345W WO9513738A1 WO 1995013738 A1 WO1995013738 A1 WO 1995013738A1 FR 9401345 W FR9401345 W FR 9401345W WO 9513738 A1 WO9513738 A1 WO 9513738A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
laser
endoscopic probe
endoscopic
optical
radiation
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PCT/FR1994/001345
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French (fr)
Inventor
Claude Leon
Joseph Leon
Jean-Marie Leon
Original Assignee
Claude Leon
Joseph Leon
Leon Jean Marie
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Publication date
Application filed by Claude Leon, Joseph Leon, Leon Jean Marie filed Critical Claude Leon
Publication of WO1995013738A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995013738A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/002—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor having rod-lens arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
    • A61B1/00165—Optical arrangements with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an endoscopic laser-probe assembly useful in particular in surgery.
  • Endoscopic laser-probe assemblies have been used for many years in microsurgery, particularly in the field of ophthalmology.
  • a laser beam emitted from a laser source passes through the endoscopic probe to reach the target tissue of a human cavity into which the endoscopic probe has been introduced.
  • endoscopes or very small endoscopic probes are used.
  • these endoscopes have three components:
  • a short focal length lens made up of several lenses. It represents one of the essential parts of the endoscope.
  • the quality of the ocular image depends essentially on the optical qualities of this objective corrected for aberrations.
  • the actual objective image reversed is considerably reduced so that it can be transported along the narrow tube of the endoscopic probe;
  • Vehicles occupying substantially 90% of the probe. These are, for example, thick lenses, a group of coherently assembled amalgamated optical fibers or a single-fiber optic.
  • the function of vehicles is to transport the objective image to the eyepiece and to reverse it without loss of light. These vehicles are in variable number depending on the length of the probe;
  • the eyepiece collecting the last image to give an enlarged and virtual version to the observer.
  • the eyepiece is distant from the head of the probe and deferred for example to 1 m from the head of the probe.
  • the image radiation is conducted along the optical image path by the vehicles of the probe.
  • the laser radiation is transported in the endoscopic probe, either by being led by the lighting axis by selecting optical fibers and by organizing them in a coherent mode in correspondence with the injection, or by an independent conduction by optical fiber which is also parallel to the optical path of the probe image.
  • These conduction modes have many drawbacks, namely: conduction independent of the laser radiation by optical fiber occupies a proportion of the useful diameter of the probe to the detriment of the image optical path and the lighting path. This conduction necessarily requires limiting the diameter of the endoscope or endoscopic probe in its microsurgical use.
  • micro-endoscopes used in ocular microsurgery have a diameter which is in the range of 1 to 2 mm.
  • a diameter which is in the range of 1 to 2 mm.
  • DE-A — 4,207,092 describes and illustrates an endoscopic laser-probe assembly into which the radiation from the laser source is injected onto the image path of the endoscopic probe.
  • US-A-3,906,953 also describes and illustrates an endoscopic laser-probe assembly into which the radiation from the laser source is injected onto the image optical path of the endoscopic probe. More particularly, a light transmitting film is provided which provides a protective barrier between the atmosphere of the surgical work site and the optics of the endoscope.
  • the present invention offers an endoscopic laser-probe assembly useful in microsurgery which provides alternation of vision of the pure image endoscopic field or of the image endoscopic field during the injection of laser energy into the image optical path thanks to the removable optical separator.
  • the removable optical separator there is a synchronization of the removability of the optical separator with the injection of laser radiation from the laser source.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing an endoscopic laser-probe assembly with which it is possible to obtain the smallest endoscopic microprobe diameter, the maximum lighting, an optimal optical image path and a minimum of energy losses from laser radiation between the laser source and the objective of the endoscopic microprobe.
  • the present invention therefore more specifically relates to an endoscopic laser-probe assembly useful in microsurgery for surgeons using the microscope and the endoscope simultaneously, in which the laser radiation is conveyed from a laser source and passes through the endoscopic probe to reach a tissue. target, said endoscopic probe comprising at least one objective at a distal end, an intermediate part made up of a plurality of image transport vehicles intended to convey the image to an eyepiece and lighting fibers arranged substantially parallel to the image optical path of said endoscopic probe, in which the radiation from the laser source is injected onto the image optical path of the endoscopic probe via at least one focusing lens and at least one optical separator , said assembly being characterized in that the optical splitter is removable so as to have to alternatively a pure image optical channel or an image optical channel combined with laser radiation.
  • the present invention also relates to the following characteristics, considered in isolation or in all their technically possible combinations:
  • the optical separator is arranged inside the endoscopic probe
  • the optical separator is arranged outside the endoscopic probe
  • the laser radiation is conveyed from the laser source by a plurality of lenses located upstream of the optical separator;
  • the laser radiation is routed from the laser source by an optical fiber located upstream of the optical separator;
  • the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced perpendicular to the endoscopic probe before being conveyed via the focusing lens and the optical separator on the optical image path of the endoscopic probe;
  • the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced parallel to the endoscopic probe via a prism with total reflection interposed between the focusing lens and the optical separator;
  • the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced perpendicular to the optical path image of a bent endoscopic probe which comprises a prism with fixed total reflection located downstream of the optical separator;
  • the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced parallel to the optical image path of an endoscopic probe bent through a fixed prism located downstream of the optical separator with respect to the laser source;
  • the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced axially into a bent endoscopic probe with respect to the image optical path of the endoscopic probe by means of a mobile total reflection prism located downstream of the focusing lens with respect to at the laser source;
  • the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced axially into a bent endoscopic probe with respect to the image optical path of the endoscopic probe via both a mobile optical separator and a mobile total reflection prism located in downstream of the focusing lens with respect to the laser source; - the injection of laser radiation from the laser source is carried out in the vicinity of the objective of the endoscopic probe.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a laser endoscopic probe assembly according to the prior art
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a variant of image transport vehicle
  • the endoscopic laser-probe assembly is designated by 13. It comprises a laser source 7 conveying radiation 8 from the laser into an endoscopic probe 10, 10 '.
  • the endoscopic probe 10, 10 ' comprises, at one end, an objective 2 located opposite the target tissue 5, and an intermediate part 3 consisting of a plurality of image transport vehicles 3'. These image transport vehicles 3 are, for example, thick lenses 3 ′, amalgamated optical fibers 3 ′′ or a single optical fiber.
  • the endoscopic probe 10, 10 ′ is traversed by an illumination fiber 6 disposed parallel to the optical path image 4.
  • the endoscopic probe also includes an eyepiece 1 contiguous or not with the intermediate part in which the image transport vehicles 3 are arranged.
  • FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D represent a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 2A and 2C illustrate the endoscopic laser-probe assembly in the inactive position while Figures 2B and 2D illustrate the endoscopic laser-probe assembly in the active position.
  • the radiation 8 from the laser source 7 is injected onto the optical path image 4 of the endoscopic probe 10 via the focusing lens 9 and the optical separator 11 which is a removable element capable of taking the high and low or active and inactive positions, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D.
  • Figures 2A and 2C differ only in that in Figure 2C the radiation 8 of the laser is routed through an optical fiber 15 while in the embodiment of Figure 2A the radiation 8 of the laser is routed through a set of lenses. The same is true for Figures 2B and 2D.
  • the radiation 8 of the laser is injected perpendicular to the body of the endoscopic probe 10 to reach in the active position due to the removability of the optical separator 11, the optical path picture 4.
  • Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figures 3A and 3C show the assembly in the inactive position
  • Figures 3B and 3D show the assembly in the active position in which the radiation 8 of the laser coming from the laser source 7 is routed parallel to the optical path image 4 of the right endoscopic probe 10, by means of a focusing lens 9 and a prism with total reflection 12 which is interposed between the focusing lens 9 and the optical separator 11.
  • the radiation 8 of the laser in the active position of FIGS. 3B and 3D, then passes through the intermediate transport vehicles 3, whether they are 3 'lenses or 3 "fibers, to reach the target tissue 5 through the objective 2.
  • Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show another embodiment of the present invention in which the endoscopic probe 10 'is bent.
  • Figures 4A and 4C illustrate the assembly in the inactive position while Figures 4B and 4D show the laser endoscopic probe assembly in the active position.
  • a fixed total reflection prism 12 located downstream of the optical splitter 11.
  • the laser radiation 8 is also injected perpendicular to the optical axis image 4 in the same way as in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D.
  • Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show another embodiment of the present invention, in which the endoscopic probe 10 'is also bent.
  • the injection of the laser radiation 8 from the laser source 7 through 1 • through the optical fiber 15 or the lens groups 14, is carried out parallel to the optical axis image 4 via the focusing lens 9 of the optical splitter 11 and of the fixed prism 12.
  • the endoscopic probe 10 ' is bent, the introduction of the laser radiation 8 from the laser source 7 via the lenses 14 is carried out axially with respect to the optical path image 4, by means of a movable total reflection prism 12 ′ situated downstream of the focusing lens 9 relative to the laser source 7.
  • the endoscopic probe 10 ′ is also bent, the introduction of the laser radiation 8 from the laser source 7 by means of the lens assemblies 14 is also carried out axially through a focusing lens 9 of the optical separator 11 interposed between said focusing lens 9 and a movable prism 12 *.
  • FIG. 8 is intended to illustrate the case in which the optical separator 11 is not located inside the endoscopic probe 10 or 10 'but is located outside of the latter.
  • the laser radiation 8 from the laser source 7 is routed through the optical fiber 15 to the focusing lens 9 and through the external optical splitter 11, the laser radiation is injected onto the optical path image 4 of the endoscopic probe 10.
  • the laser radiation passes through the image transport vehicles 3, the objective 2 and reaches the target tissue 5.
  • Figures 9A and 9B are similar views which differ only in that according to the embodiment of Figure 9A, the radiation 8 of the laser is conveyed by a set of lenses 14 while according to Figure 9B, the radiation 8 of the laser is routed through optical fibers 15.
  • the injection of the laser radiation is carried out most as close as possible to objective 2 in order to obtain the least energy loss from transmission of laser radiation.
  • the transport of the laser radiation 8 in the image axis of the endoscopic probe 10, 10 makes it possible to respect the reduced diameter of the micro-endoscopes and the removable nature of the optical separator 11 makes it possible to obtain the active position. and inactive.
  • the optical separator 11 In the active position, the optical separator 11 is inserted in the image axis 4 of the endoscope 10 and the injected laser radiation 8, while the quality of the image (losses by interposition optics) of the endoscope 10 is reduced.
  • the optical separator 11 no longer interferes with the image axis 4 of the endoscope and the quality of the endoscopic image is maximum (no transmission losses).
  • the removability of the optical separator will be obtained by translation, rotation, tilting by mechanical or electronic means which may or may not be synchronous with the emission of radiation 8 from the laser.
  • the laser radiation 8 emitted from a laser source 7 is introduced into an endoscopic probe 10 or 10 'via an optical fiber 15 or a set of lenses 14.
  • the radiation 8 of the laser via the focusing lens 9 and the optical splitter 11, is injected into the optical path image 4 of 1 • endoscope or probe endoscopic 10, 10 'and passes through the image transport vehicles 3 consisting of sets of lenses 3 'or fibers 3 and reaches the target tissue 5 through the objective 2.
  • the observer can observe the optical path image 4 via the eyepiece 1, while the optical separator 11 is in the low or inactive position.
  • the present invention provides the passage of laser radiation 8 through the objective 2 through the image channel 4 through the use of a removable optical part. As far as is known, there was never, before the present invention, passage of laser radiation through the objective of an endoscopic probe.
  • the movement of the optical separator 11 is also synchronous during the injection of the laser radiation.
  • the combination of the optical image pathway and the laser radiation is of interest only during the injection of the laser radiation; the combination according to the invention thanks to the removable nature of the optical separator 11 makes it possible to have a synchronous effect for the actuation of the laser probe.

Abstract

A laser/endoscopic probe assembly (13) for microsurgical use, wherein laser radiation (8) is guided from a laser source (7) through the endoscopic probe (10) to a target tissue (5). Said endoscopic probe (10) comprises at least one lens (2) at the distal end, an intermediate portion consisting of a plurality of image carriers (3) for delivering an image to an eyepiece (1), and illuminating fibres (6) extending substantially parallel to the optical image path (4) of said endoscopic probe (10). Said radiation (8) from the laser source (7) is injected into the optical image path (4) of the endoscopic probe (10) via at least one lens (9) and at least one removable splitter (11).

Description

ENSEMBLE LASER-SONDE ENDOSCOPIQUE UTILE EN MICROCHIRURGIE ENDOSCOPIC LASER PROBE SET USEFUL IN MICROSURGERY
La présente invention concerne un ensemble laser- sonde endoscopique utile notamment en chirurgie.The present invention relates to an endoscopic laser-probe assembly useful in particular in surgery.
Les ensembles laser-sonde endoscopique sont utilisés depuis de nombreuses années en microchirurgie, notamment dans le domaine de l'ophtalmologie.Endoscopic laser-probe assemblies have been used for many years in microsurgery, particularly in the field of ophthalmology.
De façon classique, un faisceau laser émis à partir d'une source laser traverse la sonde endoscopique pour atteindre le tissu-cible d'une cavité humaine dans laquelle la sonde endoscopique a été introduite.Conventionally, a laser beam emitted from a laser source passes through the endoscopic probe to reach the target tissue of a human cavity into which the endoscopic probe has been introduced.
Dans l'art de la microchirurgie oculaire, on utilise des endoscopes ou sondes endoscopiques de dimension très réduite. D'une manière générale, ces endoscopes comportent trois constituants :In the art of ocular microsurgery, endoscopes or very small endoscopic probes are used. In general, these endoscopes have three components:
- Un objectif de faible distance focale constitué de plusieurs lentilles. Il représente une des parties essentielles de l'endoscope. La qualité d'image oculaire dépend essentiellement des qualités optiques de cet objectif corrigé des aberrations. L'image objective réelle renversée est considérablement réduite afin qu'elle puisse être transportée le long du tube étroit de la sonde endoscopique ;- A short focal length lens made up of several lenses. It represents one of the essential parts of the endoscope. The quality of the ocular image depends essentially on the optical qualities of this objective corrected for aberrations. The actual objective image reversed is considerably reduced so that it can be transported along the narrow tube of the endoscopic probe;
- Des véhicules occupant sensiblement 90% de la sonde. Il s'agit, par exemple, de lentilles épaisses, d'un groupe de fibres optiques amalgamées assemblées de manière cohérente ou d'une monofibre optique. Les véhicules ont pour fonction de transporter 1'image objective jusqu'à l'oculaire et de la renverser sans perte de lumière. Ces véhicules sont en nombre variable en fonction de la longueur de la sonde ;- Vehicles occupying substantially 90% of the probe. These are, for example, thick lenses, a group of coherently assembled amalgamated optical fibers or a single-fiber optic. The function of vehicles is to transport the objective image to the eyepiece and to reverse it without loss of light. These vehicles are in variable number depending on the length of the probe;
- Un oculaire recueillant la dernière image pour en donner une version agrandie et virtuelle à l'observateur. Dans certaines réalisations, l'oculaire est distant de la tête de la sonde et reporté par exemple à 1 m de la tête de la sonde.- An eyepiece collecting the last image to give an enlarged and virtual version to the observer. In certain embodiments, the eyepiece is distant from the head of the probe and deferred for example to 1 m from the head of the probe.
Dans les ensembles laser-sonde endoscopique, trois types de rayonnement doivent être véhiculés : le rayonnement image, le rayonnement éclairage et le rayonnement laser.In endoscopic laser-probe assemblies, three types of radiation must be conveyed: image radiation, lighting radiation and laser radiation.
Le rayonnement image est conduit selon la voie optique image par les véhicules de la sonde.The image radiation is conducted along the optical image path by the vehicles of the probe.
Le rayonnement éclairage est véhiculé dansLighting radiation is carried in
1*endoscope ou sonde endoscopique par un faisceau de fibres optiques non organisées, disposées sensiblement parallèlement à la voie optique image de la sonde endoscopique.1 * endoscope or endoscopic probe by a bundle of unorganized optical fibers, arranged substantially parallel to the optical path image of the endoscopic probe.
Le rayonnement laser est véhiculé dans la sonde endoscopique, soit en étant conduit par l'axe d'éclairage en sélectionnant des fibres optiques et en les organisant sur un mode cohérent en correspondance avec l'injection, soit par une conduction indépendante par fibre optique qui est également parallèle à la voie optique image de la sonde. Ces modes de conduction présentent de nombreux inconvénients, à savoir : une conduction indépendante du rayonnement laser par fibre optique occupe une proportion du diamètre utile de la sonde au détriment de la voie optique image et de la voie éclairage. Cette conduction impose nécessairement de limiter le diamètre de 1'endoscope ou sonde endoscopique dans son utilisation microchirurgicale.The laser radiation is transported in the endoscopic probe, either by being led by the lighting axis by selecting optical fibers and by organizing them in a coherent mode in correspondence with the injection, or by an independent conduction by optical fiber which is also parallel to the optical path of the probe image. These conduction modes have many drawbacks, namely: conduction independent of the laser radiation by optical fiber occupies a proportion of the useful diameter of the probe to the detriment of the image optical path and the lighting path. This conduction necessarily requires limiting the diameter of the endoscope or endoscopic probe in its microsurgical use.
Il convient de préciser que les micro-endoscopes utilisés en microchirurgie oculaire ont un diamètre qui se situe dans la gamme de 1 à 2 mm. On comprend aisément l'inconvénient qu'il y a à prévoir une voie particulière pour le rayonnement laser dans l'endoscope ou sonde endoscopique.It should be noted that the micro-endoscopes used in ocular microsurgery have a diameter which is in the range of 1 to 2 mm. We understand easily the disadvantage that there is to provide a particular channel for the laser radiation in the endoscope or endoscopic probe.
Une injection du rayonnement laser par la voie éclairage en y sélectionnant des fibres optiques et en les organisant selon un mode cohérent et homogène se fait au détriment de la voie éclairage. Mais, dans les endoscopes ou sondes endoscopiques de petit diamètre, il est impératif d'avoir un éclairage maximal. II existe un autre problème qui est celui des pertes énergétiques. Pour un bon fonctionnement de l'ensemble laser-endoscope ou sonde endoscopique, il faut limiter les pertes énergétiques du rayonnement laser de manière à utiliser le matériel des sources énergétiques laser existant et donc la puissance utile sur la cible ne doit pas être trop affaiblie.An injection of the laser radiation by the lighting path by selecting optical fibers there and by organizing them according to a coherent and homogeneous mode is done to the detriment of the lighting path. But, in endoscopes or endoscopic probes of small diameter, it is imperative to have maximum lighting. There is another problem which is that of energy losses. For a proper functioning of the laser-endoscope or endoscopic probe assembly, it is necessary to limit the energy losses of the laser radiation so as to use the material of the existing laser energy sources and therefore the useful power on the target must not be too weakened.
DE-A—4.207.092 décrit et illustre un ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique dans lequel le rayonnement de la source laser est injecté sur la voie image de la sonde endoscopique.DE-A — 4,207,092 describes and illustrates an endoscopic laser-probe assembly into which the radiation from the laser source is injected onto the image path of the endoscopic probe.
US-A-3.906.953 décrit et illustre également un ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique dans lequel le rayonnement de la source laser est injecté sur la voie optique image de la sonde endoscopique. Il est plus particulièrement prévu une pellicule transmettant la lumière qui procure une barrière protectrice entre l'atmosphère du site de travail chirurgical et les optiques de l'endoscope.US-A-3,906,953 also describes and illustrates an endoscopic laser-probe assembly into which the radiation from the laser source is injected onto the image optical path of the endoscopic probe. More particularly, a light transmitting film is provided which provides a protective barrier between the atmosphere of the surgical work site and the optics of the endoscope.
Il existe depuis longtemps un besoin de pouvoir disposer d'un ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique procurant une alternativité de vision du champ endoscopique image pure ou du champ endoscopique image durant l'injection d'une énergie laser dans la voie optique image. Plus particulièrement, la présente invention propose un ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique utile en microchirurgie qui procure une alternativité de vision du champ endoscopique image pure ou du champ endoscopique image durant l'injection d'une énergie laser dans la voie optique image grâce à une amovibilité du séparateur optique. Dans l'ensemble de l'invention, il y a une synchronisation de l'amovibilité du séparateur optique avec l'injection du rayonnement laser à partir de la source laser. La présente invention a pour objet de remédier aux inconvénients précités en proposant un ensemble laser- sonde endoscopique avec lequel il est possible d'obtenir le plus petit diamètre de microsonde endoscopique, le maximum d'éclairage, une voie optique image optimale et un minimum de pertes énergétiques du rayonnement laser entre la source laser et l'objectif de la microsonde endoscopique.There has long been a need to be able to have an endoscopic laser-probe assembly providing alternation of vision of the pure image endoscopic field or of the image endoscopic field during the injection of laser energy into the image optical path. More particularly, the present invention offers an endoscopic laser-probe assembly useful in microsurgery which provides alternation of vision of the pure image endoscopic field or of the image endoscopic field during the injection of laser energy into the image optical path thanks to the removable optical separator. Throughout the invention, there is a synchronization of the removability of the optical separator with the injection of laser radiation from the laser source. The object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing an endoscopic laser-probe assembly with which it is possible to obtain the smallest endoscopic microprobe diameter, the maximum lighting, an optimal optical image path and a minimum of energy losses from laser radiation between the laser source and the objective of the endoscopic microprobe.
La présente invention a donc plus précisément pour objet un ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique utile en microchirurgie pour chirurgien utilisant simultanément le microscope et l'endoscope, dans lequel le rayonnement du laser est acheminé depuis une source laser et traverse la sonde endoscopique pour atteindre un tissu-cible, ladite sonde endoscopique comportant au moins un objectif à une extrémité distale, une partie intermédiaire constituée d'une pluralité de véhicules de transport d'image destinés à véhiculer l'image jusqu'à un oculaire et des fibres d'éclairage disposées sensiblement parallèlement à la voie optique image de ladite sonde endoscopique, dans lequel le rayonnement de la source laser est injecté sur la voie optique image de la sonde endoscopique par l'intermédiaire d'au moins une lentille de focalisation et d'au moins un séparateur optique, ledit ensemble étant caractérisé en ce que le séparateur optique est amovible pour avoir à volonté alternativement une voie optique image pure ou une voie optique image combinée à un rayonnement laser. La présente invention concerne également les caractéristiques ci-après, considérées isolément ou selon toutes leurs combinaisons techniquement possibles :The present invention therefore more specifically relates to an endoscopic laser-probe assembly useful in microsurgery for surgeons using the microscope and the endoscope simultaneously, in which the laser radiation is conveyed from a laser source and passes through the endoscopic probe to reach a tissue. target, said endoscopic probe comprising at least one objective at a distal end, an intermediate part made up of a plurality of image transport vehicles intended to convey the image to an eyepiece and lighting fibers arranged substantially parallel to the image optical path of said endoscopic probe, in which the radiation from the laser source is injected onto the image optical path of the endoscopic probe via at least one focusing lens and at least one optical separator , said assembly being characterized in that the optical splitter is removable so as to have to alternatively a pure image optical channel or an image optical channel combined with laser radiation. The present invention also relates to the following characteristics, considered in isolation or in all their technically possible combinations:
- le séparateur optique est disposé à 1'intérieur de la sonde endoscopique ;- the optical separator is arranged inside the endoscopic probe;
- le séparateur optique est disposé à 1'extérieur de la sonde endoscopique ;- the optical separator is arranged outside the endoscopic probe;
- le rayonnement laser est acheminé à partir de la source laser par une pluralité de lentilles situées en amont du séparateur optique ;- the laser radiation is conveyed from the laser source by a plurality of lenses located upstream of the optical separator;
- le rayonnement laser est acheminé à partir de la source laser par une fibre optique située en amont du séparateur optique ;- the laser radiation is routed from the laser source by an optical fiber located upstream of the optical separator;
- le rayonnement laser provenant de la source laser est introduit perpendiculairement à la sonde endoscopique avant d'être acheminé par l'intermédiaire de la lentille de focalisation et du séparateur optique sur la voie optique image de la sonde endoscopique ;the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced perpendicular to the endoscopic probe before being conveyed via the focusing lens and the optical separator on the optical image path of the endoscopic probe;
- le rayonnement laser provenant de la source laser est introduit parallèlement à la sonde endoscopique par l'intermédiaire d'un prisme à réflexion totale interposé entre la lentille de focalisation et le séparateur optique ;- the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced parallel to the endoscopic probe via a prism with total reflection interposed between the focusing lens and the optical separator;
- le rayonnement laser provenant de la source laser est introduit perpendiculairement à la voie optique image d'une sonde endoscopique coudée qui comporte un prisme à réflexion totale fixe situé en aval du séparateur optique ;- the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced perpendicular to the optical path image of a bent endoscopic probe which comprises a prism with fixed total reflection located downstream of the optical separator;
- le rayonnement laser provenant de la source laser est introduit parallèlement à la voie optique image d'une sonde endoscopique coudée par l'intermédiaire d'un prisme fixe situé en aval du séparateur optique par rapport à la source laser ;- the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced parallel to the optical image path of an endoscopic probe bent through a fixed prism located downstream of the optical separator with respect to the laser source;
- le rayonnement laser provenant de la source laser est introduit axialement dans une sonde endoscopique coudée par rapport à la voie optique image de la sonde endoscopique par l'intermédiaire d'un prisme à réflexion totale mobile situé en aval de la lentille de focalisation par rapport à la source laser;- the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced axially into a bent endoscopic probe with respect to the image optical path of the endoscopic probe by means of a mobile total reflection prism located downstream of the focusing lens with respect to at the laser source;
- le rayonnement laser provenant de la source laser est introduit axialement dans une sonde endoscopique coudée par rapport à la voie optique image de la sonde endoscopique par l'intermédiaire tant d'un séparateur optique mobile que d'un prisme à réflexion totale mobile situés en aval de la lentille de focalisation par rapport à la source laser ; - l'injection du rayonnement laser provenant de la source laser est réalisée au voisinage de l'objectif de la sonde endoscopique.- the laser radiation coming from the laser source is introduced axially into a bent endoscopic probe with respect to the image optical path of the endoscopic probe via both a mobile optical separator and a mobile total reflection prism located in downstream of the focusing lens with respect to the laser source; - the injection of laser radiation from the laser source is carried out in the vicinity of the objective of the endoscopic probe.
Divers avantages et caractéristiques de la présente invention ressortiront de la description détaillée ci-après, faite en regard des dessins annexés, dans lesquels :Various advantages and characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the detailed description below, given with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
- la Figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon l'art antérieur ; - la Figure 1A illustre une variante de véhicule de transport d•image ;- Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a laser endoscopic probe assembly according to the prior art; - Figure 1A illustrates a variant of image transport vehicle;
- les Figures 2A, 2B, 2C et 2D illustrent schématiquement un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ; - les Figures 3A, 3B, 3C et 3D illustrent schématiquement un autre mode de mise en oeuvre de la présente invention ;- Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D schematically illustrate an embodiment of the present invention; - Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D schematically illustrate another embodiment of the present invention;
- les Figures 4A, 4B, 4C et 4D illustrent schématiquement une autre forme de réalisation de la présente invention ; - les Figures 5A, 5B, 5C et 5D illustrent encore un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;- Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D schematically illustrate another embodiment of the present invention; - Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention;
- les Figures 6A et 6B illustrent schématiquement un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention ; - les Figures 7A et 7B illustrent encore un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;- Figures 6A and 6B schematically illustrate another embodiment of the present invention; - Figures 7A and 7B illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention;
- la Figure 8 illustre une variante de mise en oeuvre de la présente invention ;- Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
- les Figures 9A et 9B illustrent schématiquement l'emplacement d'injection préféré.- Figures 9A and 9B schematically illustrate the preferred injection location.
Aux dessins annexés où les mêmes symboles de référence désignent des parties analogues, l'ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique est désigné par 13. Il comprend une source laser 7 acheminant un rayonnement 8 du laser dans une sonde endoscopique 10, 10'. La sonde endoscopique 10, 10' comprend, à une extrémité, un objectif 2 situé en regard du tissu-cible 5, et une partie intermédiaire 3 constituée d'une pluralité de véhicules de transport d'image 3'. Ces véhicules de transport d'image 3 sont, par exemple, des lentilles épaisses 3', des fibres optiques amalgamées 3" ou une monofibre optique. La sonde endoscopique 10, 10' est parcourue par une fibre d'éclairage 6 disposée parallèlement à la voie optique image 4. La sonde endoscopique comporte aussi un oculaire 1 contigu ou non à la partie intermédiaire dans laquelle sont disposés les véhicules de transport d'image 3.In the accompanying drawings in which the same reference symbols designate similar parts, the endoscopic laser-probe assembly is designated by 13. It comprises a laser source 7 conveying radiation 8 from the laser into an endoscopic probe 10, 10 '. The endoscopic probe 10, 10 'comprises, at one end, an objective 2 located opposite the target tissue 5, and an intermediate part 3 consisting of a plurality of image transport vehicles 3'. These image transport vehicles 3 are, for example, thick lenses 3 ′, amalgamated optical fibers 3 ″ or a single optical fiber. The endoscopic probe 10, 10 ′ is traversed by an illumination fiber 6 disposed parallel to the optical path image 4. The endoscopic probe also includes an eyepiece 1 contiguous or not with the intermediate part in which the image transport vehicles 3 are arranged.
Comme représenté sur la Figure 1, selon l'art antérieur, le rayonnement 8 du laser est acheminé soit au travers de la voie d'éclairage au niveau des fibres d'éclairage 6, soit au travers d'une voie particulière prévue dans la sonde endoscopique 10, mais ne traverse en aucune façon l'objectif 2 de la sonde endoscopique 10. Les Figures 2A, 2B, 2C et 2D représentent un premier mode de réalisation de la présente invention. Les Figures 2A et 2C illustrent l'ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique en position inactive tandis que les Figures 2B et 2D illustrent l'ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique en position active.As shown in Figure 1, according to the prior art, the laser radiation 8 is routed either through the lighting path at the lighting fibers 6, or through a particular path provided in the probe endoscopic 10, but does not in any way cross the objective 2 of the endoscopic probe 10. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D represent a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2C illustrate the endoscopic laser-probe assembly in the inactive position while Figures 2B and 2D illustrate the endoscopic laser-probe assembly in the active position.
Dans les positions actives selon les Figures 2B et 2D, le rayonnement 8 de la source laser 7 est injecté sur la voie optique image 4 de la sonde endoscopique 10 par l'intermédiaire de la lentille de focalisation 9 et du séparateur optique 11 qui est un élément amovible capable de prendre les positions haute et basse ou active et inactive, comme représenté sur les Figures 2A, 2B, 2C et 2D.In the active positions according to FIGS. 2B and 2D, the radiation 8 from the laser source 7 is injected onto the optical path image 4 of the endoscopic probe 10 via the focusing lens 9 and the optical separator 11 which is a removable element capable of taking the high and low or active and inactive positions, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D.
Les Figures 2A et 2C diffèrent uniquement en ce que, dans la Figure 2C, le rayonnement 8 du laser est acheminé par l'intermédiaire d'une fibre optique 15 tandis que, dans le mode de réalisation de la Figure 2A, le rayonnement 8 du laser est acheminé par l'intermédiaire d'un ensemble de lentilles. Il en est de même pour les Figures 2B et 2D.Figures 2A and 2C differ only in that in Figure 2C the radiation 8 of the laser is routed through an optical fiber 15 while in the embodiment of Figure 2A the radiation 8 of the laser is routed through a set of lenses. The same is true for Figures 2B and 2D.
Dans le mode de réalisation selon les Figures 2A, 2B, 2C et 2D, le rayonnement 8 du laser est injecté perpendiculairement au corps de la sonde endoscopique 10 pour atteindre en position active du fait de l'amovibilité du séparateur optique 11, la voie optique image 4.In the embodiment according to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, the radiation 8 of the laser is injected perpendicular to the body of the endoscopic probe 10 to reach in the active position due to the removability of the optical separator 11, the optical path picture 4.
Les Figures 3A, 3B, 3C et 3D illustrent un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention, les Figures 3A et 3C montrent l'ensemble en position inactive, tandis que les Figures 3B et 3D montrent 1'ensemble en position active dans lequel le rayonnement 8 du laser provenant de la source laser 7 est acheminé parallèlement à la voie optique image 4 de la sonde endoscopique droite 10, par l'intermédiaire d'une lentille de focalisation 9 et d'un prisme à réflexion totale 12 qui est interposé entre la lentille de focalisation 9 et le séparateur optique 11. Le rayonnement 8 du laser, dans la position active des Figures 3B et 3D, traverse ensuite les véhicules de transport intermédiaires 3, qu'il s'agisse de lentilles 3' ou de fibres 3", pour atteindre le tissu-cible 5 au travers de l'objectif 2.Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate another embodiment of the present invention, Figures 3A and 3C show the assembly in the inactive position, while Figures 3B and 3D show the assembly in the active position in which the radiation 8 of the laser coming from the laser source 7 is routed parallel to the optical path image 4 of the right endoscopic probe 10, by means of a focusing lens 9 and a prism with total reflection 12 which is interposed between the focusing lens 9 and the optical separator 11. The radiation 8 of the laser, in the active position of FIGS. 3B and 3D, then passes through the intermediate transport vehicles 3, whether they are 3 'lenses or 3 "fibers, to reach the target tissue 5 through the objective 2.
Les Figures 4A, 4B, 4C et 4D représentent un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention dans lequel la sonde endoscopique 10' est coudée. Les Figures 4A et 4C illustrent l'ensemble en position inactive tandis que les Figures 4B et 4D représentent l'ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique en position active. Comme représenté sur les Figures 4A, 4B, 4C et 4D, il est prévu dans ce mode de réalisation un prisme à réflexion totale fixe 12 situé en aval du séparateur optique 11.Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show another embodiment of the present invention in which the endoscopic probe 10 'is bent. Figures 4A and 4C illustrate the assembly in the inactive position while Figures 4B and 4D show the laser endoscopic probe assembly in the active position. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, there is provided in this embodiment a fixed total reflection prism 12 located downstream of the optical splitter 11.
Dans le mode de réalisation selon les Figures 4A, 4B, 4C et 4C, le rayonnement 8 du laser est également injecté de façon perpendiculaire à l'axe optique image 4 de la même façon que dans le mode de réalisation des Figures 2A, 2B, 2C et 2D.In the embodiment according to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4C, the laser radiation 8 is also injected perpendicular to the optical axis image 4 in the same way as in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D.
Les Figures 5A, 5B, 5C et 5D représentent un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention, dans lequel la sonde endoscopique 10' est également coudée. L'injection du rayonnement 8 du laser à partir de la source laser 7 par 1•intermédiaire de la fibre optique 15 ou les groupements de lentilles 14, est réalisée parallèlement à l'axe optique image 4 par l'intermédiaire de la lentille de focalisation 9 du séparateur optique 11 et du prisme fixe 12.Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show another embodiment of the present invention, in which the endoscopic probe 10 'is also bent. The injection of the laser radiation 8 from the laser source 7 through 1 • through the optical fiber 15 or the lens groups 14, is carried out parallel to the optical axis image 4 via the focusing lens 9 of the optical splitter 11 and of the fixed prism 12.
Dans le mode de réalisation des Figures 6A et 6B, la sonde endoscopique 10' est coudée, l'introduction du rayonnement 8 du laser à partir de la source laser 7 par l'intermédiaire des lentilles 14 est réalisée axialement par rapport à la voie optique image 4, par l'intermédiaire d'un prisme à réflexion totale 12' mobile situé en aval de la lentille de focalisation 9 par rapport à la source laser 7. Dans le mode de réalisation des Figures 7A et 7B, la sonde endoscopique 10' est également coudée, 1*introduction du rayonnement 8 du laser à partir de la source laser 7 par 1'intermédiaire des ensembles de lentilles 14 est également réalisée axialement à travers une lentille de focalisation 9 du séparateur optique 11 interposé entre ladite lentille de focalisation 9 et un prisme mobile 12* .In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the endoscopic probe 10 'is bent, the introduction of the laser radiation 8 from the laser source 7 via the lenses 14 is carried out axially with respect to the optical path image 4, by means of a movable total reflection prism 12 ′ situated downstream of the focusing lens 9 relative to the laser source 7. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the endoscopic probe 10 ′ is also bent, the introduction of the laser radiation 8 from the laser source 7 by means of the lens assemblies 14 is also carried out axially through a focusing lens 9 of the optical separator 11 interposed between said focusing lens 9 and a movable prism 12 *.
Le mode de réalisation selon la Figure 8 est destiné à illustrer le cas selon lequel le séparateur optique 11 ne se trouve pas à l'intérieur de la sonde endoscopique 10 ou 10' mais est situé à l'extérieur de celle-ci. Dans le cas tel que représenté sur la Figure 8, le rayonnement 8 du laser provenant de la source laser 7 est acheminé par l'intermédiaire de la fibre optique 15 jusqu'à la lentille de focalisation 9 et par l'intermédiaire du séparateur optique externe 11, le rayonnement laser est injecté sur la voie optique image 4 de la sonde endoscopique 10. Le rayonnement laser traverse les véhicules de transport d'image 3, l'objectif 2 et atteint le tissu-cible 5.The embodiment according to FIG. 8 is intended to illustrate the case in which the optical separator 11 is not located inside the endoscopic probe 10 or 10 'but is located outside of the latter. In the case as shown in Figure 8, the laser radiation 8 from the laser source 7 is routed through the optical fiber 15 to the focusing lens 9 and through the external optical splitter 11, the laser radiation is injected onto the optical path image 4 of the endoscopic probe 10. The laser radiation passes through the image transport vehicles 3, the objective 2 and reaches the target tissue 5.
Le mode de réalisation des Figures 9A et 9B sert à illustrer l'emplacement idéal pour l'introduction du rayonnement laser. Les Figures 9A et 9B sont des vues analogues qui diffèrent seulement en ce que selon le mode de réalisation de la Figure 9A, le rayonnement 8 du laser est acheminé par un ensemble de lentilles 14 tandis que selon la Figure 9B, le rayonnement 8 du laser est acheminé par des fibres optiques 15.The embodiment of Figures 9A and 9B is used to illustrate the ideal location for the introduction of laser radiation. Figures 9A and 9B are similar views which differ only in that according to the embodiment of Figure 9A, the radiation 8 of the laser is conveyed by a set of lenses 14 while according to Figure 9B, the radiation 8 of the laser is routed through optical fibers 15.
Comme illustré sur les Figures 9A et 9B, l'injection du rayonnement laser est réalisé le plus près possible de l'objectif 2 afin d'obtenir ainsi le moins de perte énergétique de transmission du rayonnement laser.As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the injection of the laser radiation is carried out most as close as possible to objective 2 in order to obtain the least energy loss from transmission of laser radiation.
Selon la présente invention, le transport du rayonnement 8 du laser dans 1'axe image de la sonde endoscopique 10, 10' permet de respecter le diamètre réduit des micro-endoscopes et l'amovibilité du séparateur optique 11 permet d'obtenir la position active et inactive. Dans la position active, le séparateur optique 11 est intercalé dans l'axe image 4 de l'endoscope 10 et le rayonnement laser injecté 8, tandis que la qualité de l'image (pertes par optique d'interposition) de l'endoscope 10 est réduite. Dans la position inactive, le séparateur optique 11 ne gêne plus 1'axe image 4 de l'endoscope et la qualité de l'image endoscopique est maximale (pas de pertes de transmission) .According to the present invention, the transport of the laser radiation 8 in the image axis of the endoscopic probe 10, 10 'makes it possible to respect the reduced diameter of the micro-endoscopes and the removable nature of the optical separator 11 makes it possible to obtain the active position. and inactive. In the active position, the optical separator 11 is inserted in the image axis 4 of the endoscope 10 and the injected laser radiation 8, while the quality of the image (losses by interposition optics) of the endoscope 10 is reduced. In the inactive position, the optical separator 11 no longer interferes with the image axis 4 of the endoscope and the quality of the endoscopic image is maximum (no transmission losses).
Comme cela est bien compris de l'homme de l'art, 1'amovibilité du séparateur optique sera obtenue par une translation, une rotation, un basculement par voie mécanique ou électronique qui peut être synchrone ou non avec l'émission du rayonnement 8 du laser.As is well understood by a person skilled in the art, the removability of the optical separator will be obtained by translation, rotation, tilting by mechanical or electronic means which may or may not be synchronous with the emission of radiation 8 from the laser.
On décrit à présent un mode d'utilisation de la présente invention. Comme on l'a déjà mentionné plus haut, le rayonnement 8 du laser émis à partir d'une source laser 7 est introduit dans une sonde endoscopique 10 ou 10' par l'intermédiaire d'une fibre optique 15 ou d'un ensemble de lentilles 14. En position active, après basculement du séparateur optique 11, le rayonnement 8 du laser, par l'intermédiaire de la lentille de focalisation 9 et du séparateur optique 11, est injecté dans la voie optique image 4 de 1•endoscope ou sonde endoscopique 10, 10' et traverse les véhicules de transport d'image 3 constitué d'ensembles de lentilles 3 ' ou de fibres 3 et atteint le tissu-cible 5 au travers de l'objectif 2.A mode of use of the present invention will now be described. As already mentioned above, the laser radiation 8 emitted from a laser source 7 is introduced into an endoscopic probe 10 or 10 'via an optical fiber 15 or a set of lenses 14. In the active position, after tilting the optical splitter 11, the radiation 8 of the laser, via the focusing lens 9 and the optical splitter 11, is injected into the optical path image 4 of 1 • endoscope or probe endoscopic 10, 10 'and passes through the image transport vehicles 3 consisting of sets of lenses 3 'or fibers 3 and reaches the target tissue 5 through the objective 2.
Dans la position inactive, l'observateur peut observer la voie optique image 4 par 1'intermédiaire de l'oculaire 1, tandis que le séparateur optique 11 est en position basse ou inactive.In the inactive position, the observer can observe the optical path image 4 via the eyepiece 1, while the optical separator 11 is in the low or inactive position.
Il convient de remarquer que la présente invention procure le passage du rayonnement laser 8 au travers de l'objectif 2 par l'intermédiaire de la voie image 4 grâce à l'utilisation d'une pièce optique amovible. Pour autant qu'on le sache, il n'y a jamais eu, avant la présente invention, de passage du rayonnement laser à travers l'objectif d'une sonde endoscopique.It should be noted that the present invention provides the passage of laser radiation 8 through the objective 2 through the image channel 4 through the use of a removable optical part. As far as is known, there was never, before the present invention, passage of laser radiation through the objective of an endoscopic probe.
Il convient aussi de remarquer que le déplacement du séparateur optique 11 est aussi synchrone lors de l'injection du rayonnement laser. En effet, la combinaison de la voie optique image et du rayonnement laser présente un intérêt uniquement lors de l'injection du rayonnement laser ; la combinaison selon l'invention grâce à l'amovibilité du séparateur optique 11 permet d'avoir un effet synchrone pour la mise en action de la sonde laser.It should also be noted that the movement of the optical separator 11 is also synchronous during the injection of the laser radiation. Indeed, the combination of the optical image pathway and the laser radiation is of interest only during the injection of the laser radiation; the combination according to the invention thanks to the removable nature of the optical separator 11 makes it possible to have a synchronous effect for the actuation of the laser probe.
Les signes de référence insérés après les caractéristiques techniques mentionnées dans les revendications, ont pour seul but de faciliter la compréhension de ces dernières, et n'en limitent aucunement la portée.The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics mentioned in the claims, have the sole purpose of facilitating the understanding of the latter, and in no way limit their scope.
L'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation représentés et décrits en détail et diverses modifications peuvent y être apportées sans sortir de son cadre. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described in detail and various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique (13) utile en microchirurgie pour chirurgien utilisant simultanément le microscope et l'endoscope, dans lequel le rayonnement (8) du laser est acheminé depuis une source laser (7) et traverse la sonde endoscopique (10, 10') pour atteindre un tissu-cible (5) , ladite sonde endoscopique (10, 10*) comportant au moins un objectif (2) à une extrémité distale, une partie intermédiaire constituée d'une pluralité de véhicules de transport d'image (3) destinés à véhiculer l'image jusqu'à un oculaire (1) et des fibres d'éclairage (6) disposées sensiblement parallèlement à la voie optique image (4) de ladite sonde endoscopique (10, 10'), dans lequel le rayonnement (8) de la source laser (7) est injecté sur la voie optique image (4) de la sonde endoscopique (10, 10') par l'intermédiaire d'au moins une lentille de focalisation (9) et d'au moins un séparateur optique (11) , caractérisé en ce que le séparateur optique (11) est amovible pour avoir à volonté alternativement une voie optique image pure ou une voie optique image combinée à un rayonnement laser (8) .1. laser endoscopic probe assembly (13) useful in microsurgery for surgeons using the microscope and the endoscope simultaneously, in which the laser radiation (8) is routed from a laser source (7) and passes through the endoscopic probe (10, 10 ') to reach a target tissue (5), said endoscopic probe (10, 10 *) comprising at least one objective (2) at a distal end, an intermediate part consisting of a plurality of image transport vehicles (3) intended to convey the image to an eyepiece (1) and illumination fibers (6) arranged substantially parallel to the image optical path (4) of said endoscopic probe (10, 10 '), in which the radiation (8) from the laser source (7) is injected onto the image optical path (4) of the endoscopic probe (10, 10 ') via at least one focusing lens (9) and at least one optical splitter (11), characterized in that the optical splitter (11) is removable for alternatively have a pure image optical channel or an image optical channel combined with laser radiation (8) at will.
2. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le séparateur optique (11) est disposé à l'intérieur de la sonde endoscopique (10, 10').2. laser endoscopic probe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical separator (11) is disposed inside the endoscopic probe (10, 10 ').
3. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que le séparateur optique (11) est disposé à l'extérieur de la sonde endoscopique (10, 10').3. laser endoscopic probe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical separator (11) is arranged outside the endoscopic probe (10, 10 ').
4. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le rayonnement (8) du laser est acheminé à partir de la source laser (7) par une pluralité de lentilles (14) situées en amont du séparateur optique (11) . 4. Endoscopic laser-probe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the laser radiation (8) is routed from the laser source (7) by a plurality of lenses (14) located upstream of the optical separator (11 ).
5. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le rayonnement (8) du laser est acheminé à partir de la source laser (7) par une fibre optique (15) située en amont du séparateur optique (11) .5. laser endoscopic probe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the laser radiation (8) is routed from the laser source (7) by an optical fiber (15) located upstream of the optical separator (11) .
6. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le rayonnement (8) du laser provenant de la source laser (7) est introduit perpendiculairement à la sonde endoscopique (10, 10') avant d'être acheminé par l'intermédiaire de la lentille de focalisation (9) et du séparateur optique (11) sur la voie optique image (4) de la sonde endoscopique (10, 10').6. laser endoscopic probe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the laser radiation (8) from the laser source (7) is introduced perpendicular to the endoscopic probe (10, 10 ') before being routed via the focusing lens (9) and the optical separator (11) on the image optical channel (4) of the endoscopic probe (10, 10 ').
7. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le rayonnement (8) du laser provenant de la source laser (7) est introduit parallèlement à la sonde endoscopique (10, 10') par l'intermédiaire d'un prisme à réflexion totale (12) interposé entre la lentille de focalisation (9) et le séparateur optique (11) .7. laser endoscopic probe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the laser radiation (8) from the laser source (7) is introduced parallel to the endoscopic probe (10, 10 ') by means of a total reflection prism (12) interposed between the focusing lens (9) and the optical separator (11).
8. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le rayonnement (8) du laser provenant de la source laser (7) est introduit perpendiculairement à la voie optique image (4) d'une sonde endoscopique coudée (10') qui comporte un prisme à réflexion totale fixe situé en aval du séparateur optique (11) .8. Endoscopic laser-probe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the radiation (8) of the laser coming from the laser source (7) is introduced perpendicular to the optical image path (4) of a bent endoscopic probe (10 ') which includes a fixed total reflection prism located downstream of the optical splitter (11).
9. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le rayonnement (8) du laser provenant de la source laser (7) est introduit parallèlement à la voie optique image (4) d'une sonde endoscopique coudée (10') par l'intermédiaire d'un prisme fixe (12) situé en aval du séparateur optique (11) par rapport à la source laser (7). 9. laser endoscopic probe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the radiation (8) of the laser from the laser source (7) is introduced parallel to the optical image path (4) of a bent endoscopic probe (10 ') via a fixed prism (12) located downstream of the optical separator (11) relative to the laser source (7).
10. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le rayonnement (8) du laser provenant de la source laser (7) est introduit axialement dans une sonde endoscopique coudée (10') par rapport à la voie optique image (4) de la sonde endoscopique (10') par l'intermédiaire d'un prisme à réflexion totale mobile (12') situé en aval de la lentille de focalisation (9) par rapport à la source laser (7) . 10. laser endoscopic probe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the radiation (8) of the laser coming from the laser source (7) is introduced axially into an angled endoscopic probe (10 ') by relative to the optical image path (4) of the endoscopic probe (10 ') via a movable total reflection prism (12') located downstream of the focusing lens (9) relative to the laser source (7).
11. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le rayonnement (8) du laser provenant de la source laser (7) est introduit axialement dans une sonde endoscopique coudée (10') par rapport à la voie optique image (4) de la sonde endoscopique (10') par l'intermédiaire tant d'un séparateur optique mobile (11) que d'un prisme à réflexion totale mobile (12') situés en aval de la lentille de focalisation (9) par rapport à la source laser (7) . 11. Endoscopic laser-probe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the radiation (8) of the laser coming from the laser source (7) is introduced axially into a bent endoscopic probe (10 ') by relation to the optical image path (4) of the endoscopic probe (10 ') via both a mobile optical separator (11) and a mobile total reflection prism (12') located downstream of the lens focusing (9) relative to the laser source (7).
12. Ensemble laser-sonde endoscopique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce que l'injection du rayonnement (8) du laser provenant de la source laser (7) est réalisée au voisinage de l'objectif (2) de la sonde endoscopique (10, 10'). 12. Endoscopic laser-probe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the injection of the radiation (8) of the laser coming from the laser source (7) is carried out in the vicinity of the objective (2 ) of the endoscopic probe (10, 10 ').
PCT/FR1994/001345 1993-11-18 1994-11-17 Laser/endoscopic probe assembly for microsurgical use WO1995013738A1 (en)

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FR2712499A1 (en) 1995-05-24
FR2712499B1 (en) 1996-02-02

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