US5496306A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pulse stretched solid-state laser lithotripter
Assignee: Light Age Inc
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Filing: 1992-11-24
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Granted: 1996-03-05
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Expires: 2012-11-24
Abstract
Abstract A method of laser lithotripsy is disclosed that utilizes pulse stretched Q-switched solid state lasers in conjunction with relatively small diameter optical fibers to achieve effective breakup of calculi located within the body, such as kidney and gall stones.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralf Engelhardt
- 👤 Ralf Brinkmann
- 👤 John C. Walling
- 👤 Donald F. Heller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:53
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B18/22; A61B18/26; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00137; A61B2017/00154; A61B2017/00181; A61B2017/0019
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for conducting laser lithotripsy comprising a pulse-stretched solid state laser having a wavelength between 700 nm and 1.0 μm and a fiber optic delivery means for conducting laser light, said pulsed solid state laser having a feedback means for controlling pulse duration wherein the pulse duration is in the range of 0.5 to 3 μs, and said pulse energy being between 15 and 200 mJ.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for conducting laser lithotripsy comprising a pulse-stretched solid state laser having a wavelength between 700 nm and 1.0 μm and a fiber optic delivery means for conducting laser light, said pulsed solid state laser having a feedback means for controlling pulse duration wherein the pulse duration is in the range of 0.5 to 3 μs, and said pulse energy being between 15 and 200 mJ.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the solid state laser is an Alexandrite laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the solid state laser is a tunable laser.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the solid state laser is a LiCAF laser.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of laser lithotripsy for breaking calculi within the body, said method comprising providing a pulse-stretched solid state laser having a wavelength between 700 nm and 1.0 μm with a pulse duration in the range of 0.5 to 3 μs and a fiber optic delivery means for conducting laser light to the calculus, emitting the laser light from the laser, conducting the laser light through the delivery means to the calculus and breaking the calculus.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of laser lithotripsy for breaking calculi within the body, said method comprising providing a pulse-stretched solid state laser having a wavelength between 700 nm and 1.0 μm with a pulse duration in the range of 0.5 to 3 μs and a fiber optic delivery means for conducting laser light to the calculus, emitting the laser light from the laser, conducting the laser light through the delivery means to the calculus and breaking the calculus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the pulse duration is in the range from 0.8 to 1.5 μs.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the pulse energy is between 30 and 100 mJ.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 5, comprising using an admixture of the second harmonic of the fundamental to assist in plasma initiation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the laser has a pulse energy between 15 and 200 mJ.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-03-05 | 1999-09-04 | 2000-03-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-03-05 | 2003-09-04 | 2004-03-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-03-05 | 2007-09-04 | 2008-03-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |