Introduction

The growing success of laser surgery is linked to the particularity of photocoagulate selectively and microscopically the tissues, without electrical contact with the patient. However, there is a need to improve laser scalpels as the powers required for generate the heat necessary for optimal cutting precision without damaging the fabrics healthy, they are relatively tall. The designed laser scalpel, on the other hand, requires laser power relatively low and is easy to make. The scalpel uses a photothermal transducer to efficiently convert light energy, coming from a laser, into energy thermal. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the laser is guided by an optical fiber to the whose end is the photothermal transducer; usable for cutting and / or coagulation in the field of laser surgery.

Technical features

It includes a laser capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between 300 nm and 1500 nm, an optical fiber capable of guiding the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the laser towards a transducer device of light energy into thermal energy. By modulating the power of the laser beam incident on the transducer it is possible to modulate the temperature reached on the transducer. The optical scalpel is also based on the use of a classic medical endoscope. The TRL reached is 4.

Possible Applications

For laser surgery it can be used within a high resolution local thermo-ablation system of tissues or cells and for suturing.

Other possible fields of application of the transducer are:

• Substrate for catalysis reactions;
• Local thermo welding of materials including non-biological ones;
• Realization of nanostructures by thermal method;
• In situ polymerization processes at the nanoscale.

Advantages

• Requires relatively low laser power and avoids the use of safety glasses;
• Safer for both the operator and the patient than those currently in use;
• Allows to manage the size of the radiated spot;
• Can use visible radiation, therefore also traceable during the operation;
• Removes the risk of electric shock for the patient;
• Has a greater confinement of heat allowing greater precision during the operation;
• Easily scalable from the nanoscale up to the square meter range.