Development of semiconductor laser equipment for medical applications

• Grant number: 97/07454-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 1998
• End date: May 31, 2000
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Medical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Celaschi
• Grantee: Sergio Celaschi
• Company: Ecco - Fibras Ópticas e Dispositivos Ltda. - ME
• City: Campinas

Abstract

The objective of this research is the design, development and surgical testing of prototypes of three portable pieces of equipment for laser operations, each one of them consisting of a diode laser semiconductor with a radiation source. Cables and optical probes for specific applications will be optically linked to the main parts of the prototypes. In addition, a visible optical sight will be located on the same optical exit cable. The first clinical tests of the prototypes are forecast for ophthalmological, dermatological and acupuncture operations. The main application for the three categories of equipment are: low power (between 50 and 200 MW) - for bio-stimulation, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and vasodilatory effects; medium power (between 1 and 3 W) - for ophthalmological and dermatological treatments, and high power (between 15 and 20 W) - for general surgery. The methodology of the study envisages handing over the prototypes to university hospitals for clinical and medical testing. We expect to demonstrate the viability of designing and assembling three portable medical prototypes for laser surgeries. Two of them will be designed and mounted for operations at 810 nm, and one of them (an innovation) will emit close to 0.5 W of power at 405 nm. This wave length will be obtained by doubling the efficiency of its primary frequency. The main applications are expected to be in bio-stimulations, with analgesic, anti inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and vasodilatory effects, for ophthalmological and dermatological treatments as well as general surgery. (AU)