Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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B_T_9015PCT
USER PROGRAMMABLE COMBINATION OF ATOMIZED PARTICLES
FOR ELECTROMAGNETICALLY INDUCED CUTTING
Background of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to devices
adapted for operating on hard and soft materials and,
more particularly, to devices for combining
electromagnetic and hydro energies for cutting and
removing both hard and soft tissues and to systems for
introducing conditioned fluids i_nto cutting, irrigating,
evacuating, cleaning, and drilling systems.
A prior art dental/medical work station 6 is shown
in Figure la. A vacuum line 8 and an air supply line 10
supply negative and positive pressures, respectively. A
water supply line 1.2 and an electrical outlet 14 supply
water and power, respectively. The vacuum line 8, the
air supply line 10, the water supply line 12, and the
power source 14 are all connected to the dental/medical
unit 16.
The dental/medical unit 16 may comprise a dental
seat or an operating table, a si.nk, an overhead light,
and other conventional equipment used in dental and
medical procedures. The dental/medical unit 16 provides
water, air, vacuuni and/or power to the instruments 18.
These instruments may incl.ude an electrocauterizer, an
electromagnetic energy source, a mechanical drill, a
mechanical saw, a canal finder, a syringe, and/or an
evacuator.
The electromagnetic energy source is typically a
laser coupled with a delivery system. The laser 20a and
delivery system 22a, both shown in phantom, as well as
any of the above-mentioned instruments, may be connected
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directly to the dental/ medical uriit 16. Alternatively,
the laser 20b and delivery system 22b, both shown in
phantom, may be conrnected directly to the water supply
12, the air supply 10, and the electric outlet 14.
Other instruments 18 may be connected directly to any of
the vacuum line 8, the air supply line 10, the water
supply line 12, and/or the electrical outlet 14.
The laser 20 and delivery system 22 may typically
comprise an electromagnetic cutter for dental use. A
conventional prior art electromagnetic cutter is shown
in Figure lb. According to this prior art apparatus, a
fiber guide tube 5, a water line 7, an air line 9, and
an air knife line 11 (which supplies pressurized air)
are fed into the hand-held apparatus 13. A cap 15 fits
onto the hand-held apparatus 13 and is secured via
threads 17. The fiber guide tube 5 abuts within a
cylindrical metal piece 19. Another cylindrical metal
piece 21 is a part of the cap 15.
When the cap 15 is threaded onto the hand-held
device 13, the two cylindrical metal tubes 19 and 21 are
moved into very close proximity of one another. A gap
of air, however, remains between these two cylindrical
metal tubes 19 and 21. Thus, the laser within the fiber
guide tube 5 must jump this air gap before it can travel
and exit through another fiber guide tube 23. Heat is
dissipated as the laser jumps this air gap.
The pressurized air from the air knife line 11
surrounds and cools the laser as the laser bridges the
gap between the two metal cylindrical objects 19 and 21.
Thus, a first problem in this prior art apparatus is
that the interface between the two metal cylindrical
objects 19 and 21 has a dissipation of heat which must
be cooled by pressurized air from the air knife line 11.
(Air from the air knife line 11 flows out of the two
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exhausts 25 and 27 after cooling the interface between
elements 19 and 21.) This inefficient interface between
elements 19 and 21 results from the removability of the
cap 15, since a perfect interface between elements 19
and 21 is not achieved.
The laser energy exits from the fiber guide tube 23
and is applied to a target surface within the patient's
mouth, according to a predetermined surgical plan.
Water from the water line 7 and pressurized air from the
air line 9 are forced into the mixing chamber 29. The
air and water mixture is very turbulent in the mixing
chamber 29, and exits this chamber through a mesh
screen with small holes 31. The air and water mixture
travels along the outside of the fiber guide tube 23,
and then leaves the tube and contacts the area of
surgery. This air and water spray coming from the tip
of the fiber guide tube 23 helps to cool the target
surface being cut and to remove cut materials by the
laser. The need for cooling the patient surgical area
being cut is another problem with the prior art.
Water is generally used in a variety of laser
cutting operations in order to cool the target surface.
Additionally, water is used in mechanical drilling
operations for cooling the target surface and removing
cut or drilled materials therefrom. Many prior art
cutting or drilling systems use a combination of air and
water, commonly combined to form a light mist, for
cooling a target surface and/or removing cut materials
from the target surface.
The use of water in these prior art systems has
been somewhat successful for the limited purposes of
cooling a target surface or removing debris therefrom.
These prior art uses of water in cutting and drilling
operations, however, have not allowed for versatility,
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outside of the two functions of cooling and removing
debris. In particular, during cutting or drilling
operations, medication treatments, preventative measure
applications, and aesthetically pleasing substances,
such as flavors or aromas, have not been possible or
used. A conventional drilling operation may benefit
from the use of an anesthetic near the drilling
operation, for example, but during this drilling
operation only water and/or air has so far been used.
In the case of a laser cutting operation, a
disinfectant, such as iodine, could be applied to the
target surface during drilling to guard against
infection, but this additional disinfectant has not been
applied during such laser cutting operations. In the
case of an oral drilling or cutting operation,
unpleasant tastes or odors may be generated, which may
be unpleasing to the patient. The conventional use of
only water during this oral procedure does not mask the
undesirable taste or odor. A need has thus existed in
the prior art for versatility of applications and of
treatments during drilling and cutting procedures.
Compressed gases, pressurized air, and electrical
motors are commonly used to provide the driving force
for mechanical cutting instruments, such as drills, in
dentistry and medicine. The compressed gases and
pressurized water are subsequently ejected into the
atmosphere in close proximity to or inside of the
patient's mouth and/or nose. The same holds true for
electrically driven turbines when a cooling spray (air
and water) is typically ejected into the patient's
mouth, as well. These ejected fluids commonly contain
vaporous elements of burnt flesh or drilled tissue
structure. This odor can be quite uncomfortable for the
patient, and can increase trauma experienced by the
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patient during the drilling or cutting procedure. In a
such a drilling or cutting procedure, a mechanism for
masking the smell and the odor generated from the
cutting or drilling may be advantageous.
5 Another problem exists in the prior art with
bacteria growth on surfaces within a dental operating
room. The interior surfaces of air, vacuum, and water
lines of the dental unit, for example, are subject to
bacteria growth. Additionally, the air and water used
to cool the tissue being cut or drilled within the
patient's mouth is often vaporized into the air to some
degree. This vaporized air and water condensates on
surfaces of the dental equipment within the dental
operating room. These moist surfaces can also promote
bacteria growth, which is undesirable. A system for
reducing the bacteria growth within air, vacuum, and
water lines, and for reducing the bacteria growth
resulting from condensation on exterior surfaces, is
needed to reduce sources of contamination within a
dental operating room.
In addition to prior art systems which utilize
laser light from a fiber guide tube 23, for example, to
cut tissue and use water to cool this cut tissue, other
prior art systems have been proposed. U.S. Patent No.
5,199,870 to Steiner et al., which issued on April 6,
1993, discloses an optical cutting system which utilizes
the expansion of water to destroy and remove tooth
material. This prior art approach requires a film of
liquid having a thickness of between 10 and 200 mm.
Another prior art system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
5,267,856 to Wolbarsht et al., which issued on December
7, 1993. This cutting apparatus is similar to the
Steiner et al. patent, since it relies on the absorption
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of laser radiation into water to thereby achieve
cutting.
Similarly to the Steiner et al. patent, the
Wolbarsht et al. patent requires water to be deposited
onto the tooth before laser light is irradiated thereon.
Specifically, the Wolbarsht et al. patent requires water
to be inserted into pores of the material to be cut.
Since many materials, such as tooth enamel, are not vei-y
porous, and since a high level of difficulty is
associated with inserting water into the "pores" of many
materials, this cutting method is somewhat less than
optimal. Even the Steiner et al. patent has met with
limited success, since the precision and accuracy of the
cut is highly dependent upon the precision and accuracy
of the water film on the material to be cut. In many
cases, a controllable water film cannot be consistently
maintained on the surface to be cut. For example, when
the targeted tissue to be cut resides on the upper
pallet, a controllable water film cannot be maintained.
The above-mentioned prior art systems have all
sought in vain to obtain "cleanness" of cutting. In
several dental applications, for example, a need to
excise small amounts of soft tissues and/or hard tissues
with a great degree of precision has existed. These
soft tissues may include gingiva, frenum, and lesions
and, additionally, the hard tissues may include dentin,
enamel, bone, and cartilage. The term "cleanness" of
cutting refers to extremely fine, smooth incisions which
provide ideal bonding surfaces for various biomaterials.
Such biomaterials include cements, glass ionomers and
other composites used in dentistry or other sciences to
fill holes in sti-uctures such as teeth or bone where
tooth decay or some other defect has been removed. Even
when an extremely fine incision has been achieved, the
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incision is often covered with a rough surface instead
of the desired smooth surface required for ideal
bonding.
One specific dental application, for example, which
requires smooth and accurate cutting through both hard
and soft tissues is implantology. According to the
dental specialty of implantology, a dental implant can
be installed in a person's mouth when that person has
lost his or her teeth. The conventional implant
installation technique is to cut through the soft tissue
above the bone where the tooth is missing, and then to
drill a hole into the bone. The hole in the bone is
then threaded with a low-speed motorized tap, and a
titanium implant is then screwed into the person's jaw.
A synthetic tooth, for example, can be easily attached
to the portion of the implant residing above the gum
surface. One problem associated with the conventional
technique occurs when the clinician drills into the
patient's jaw to prepare the site for the implant. This
drilling procedure generates a great deal of heat,
corresponding to friction from the drilling instrument.
If the bone is heated too much, it will die.
Additionally, since the drilling instrument is not very
precise, severe trauma to the jaw occurs after the
drilling operation. The drilling operation creates
large mechanical internal stress on the bone structure.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention discloses an
electromagnetically induced cutting mechanism, which can
provide accurate cutting operations on hard and soft
tissues, and other materials, as well. The
electromagnetically induced cutter is capable of
providing extremely fine and smooth incisions,
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irrespective of the cutting surface. Additionally, a
user programmable combination of atomized particles
allows for user control of various cutting parameters.
The various cutting parameters may also be controlled by
changing spray nozzles and electromagnetic energy source
parameters. Applications for the preserit invention
include medical, dental, industrial (etching, engraving,
cutting and cleaning) and any other environments where
an objective is to precisely remove surface materials
without inducing thermal damage, uncontrolled cutting
parameters, and/or rough surfaces inappropriate for
ideal bonding. The present invention further does not
require any films of water or any particularly porous
surfaces to obtain very accurate and controllable
cutting.
Drills, saws and osteotomes are standard mechanical
instruments used in a variety of dental and medical
applications. The limitations associated with these
instruments include: temperature induced necrosis (bone
death), aerosolized solid-particle release, limited
access, lack of precision in cutting depth and large
mechanical stress created on the tissue structure. The
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
present invention is uniquely suited for these dental
and medical applications, such as, for example,
implantology. In an implantology procedure the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter is capable
of accurately and efficiently cutting through both oral
soft tissues overlaying the bone and also through
portions of the jawbone itself. The electromagnetically
induced mechanical cutter of the present invention does
not induce thermal damage and does not create high
internal structural stress on the patient's jaw, for
example. After the patient's jaw is prepared with the
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electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter,
traditional methods can be employed for threadirig the
hole in the patient's jaw and inserting the dental
implant. Similar techniques can be used for preparing
hard tissue structures for insertion of other types of
medical implants, such as pins, screws, wires, etc.
The electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter
of the present invention includes an electromagnetic
energy source, which focuses electromagnetic energy into
a volume of air adjacent to a target surface. The
target surface may be a tooth, for example. A user
input device specifies whether either a high resolution
or a low resolution cut is needed, and further specifies
whether a deep penetration cut or a shallow penetration
cut is needed. Aii atomizer generates a combination of
atomized fluid particles, according to information from
the user input device. The atomizer places the
combination of atomized fluid particles into the volume
of air adjacent to the target surface. The
electromagnetic energy, which is focused into the volume
of air adjacent to the target surface, is selected to
have a wavelength suitable for the fluid particles. In
particular, the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy
should be substantially absorbed by the atomized fluid
particles in the volume of air adjacent to the target
surface to thereby explode the atomized fluid particles.
Explosion of the atomized fluid particles imparts
mechanical cutting forces onto the target surface.
The user input device may incorporate only a single
dial for controlling the cutting efficiency, or may
include a number of dials for controlling the fluid
particle size, fluid particle velocity, spray cone
angle, average laser power, laser repetition rate,
fiberoptic diameter, etc. According to one feature of
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the present invention, the atomizer generates relatively
small fluid particles when the user input specifies a
high resolution cut, and generates relatively large
fluid particles when the user input specifies a low
5 resolution cut. The atomizer generates a relatively low
density distribution of fluid particles when the user
input specifies a deep penetration cut, and generates a
relatively high density distribution of fluid particles
when the user input specifies a shallow penetration cut.
10 A relatively small fluid particle may have a diameter
less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy
and, similarly, a relatively large fluid particle may
have a diameter which is greater than the wavelength of
the electromagnetic energy.
The electromagnetic energy source preferably is an
erbium, chromium, yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet (Er,
Cr:YSGG) solid state laser, which generates
electromagnetic energy having a wavelength in a range of
2.70 to 2.80 microns. According to other embodiments of
the present invention, the electromagnetic energy source
may be an erbium, yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet
(Er:YSGG) solid state laser, which generates
electromagnetic energy having a wavelength in a range of
2.70 to 2.80 microns; an erbium, yttrium, aluminum
garnet (Er:YAG) solid state laser, which generates
electromagnetic energy having a wavelength of 2.94
microns; chromium, thulium, erbium, yttrium, aluminum
garnet (CTE:YAG) solid state laser, which generates
electromagnetic energy having a wavelength of 2.69
microns; erbium, yttrium orthoaluminate (Er:YALO3) solid
state laser, which generates electromagnetic energy
having a wavelength in a range of 2.71 to 2.86 microns;
holmium, yttrium, aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) solid state
laser, which generates electromagnetic energy having a
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wavelength of 2.10 microns; quadrupled neodymium,
yttrium, aluminum garnet (quadrupled Nd:YAG) solid state
laser, which generates electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength of 266 nanometers; argon fluoride (ArF)
excimer laser, which generates electromagnetic energy
having a wavelength of 193 nanometers; xenon chloride
(XeCl) excimer laser, which generates electromagnetic
energy having a wavelength of 308 nanometers; krypton
fluoride (KrF) excimer laser, which generates
electromagnetic energy having a wavelength of 248
nanometers; and carbon dioxide (C02), which generates
electromagnetic energy having a wavelength in a range of
9.0 to 10.6 microns.
When the electromagnetic energy source is
configured according to the preferred embodiment, the
repetition rate is greater than 1 Hz, the pulse duration
range is between 1 picosecond and 1000 microseconds, and
the energy is greater than 1 milliJoule per pulse.
According to one preferred operating mode of the present
invention, the electromagnetic energy source has a
wavelength of approximately 2.78 microns, a repetition
rate of 20 Hz, a pulse duration of 140 microseconds, and
an energy between 1 and 300 milliJoules per pulse. The
atomized fluid particles provide the mechanical cutting
forces when they absorb the electromagnetic energy
within the interaction zone. These atomized fluid
particles, however, provide a second function of
cleaning and cooling the fiberoptic guide from which the
electromagnetic energy is output.
The optical cutter of the present invention combats
the problem of poor coupling between the two laser
fiberoptics of Figure lb. The optical cutter of the
present invention provides a focusing optic for
efficiently directing the energy from the first
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fiberoptic guide to the second fiberoptic guide, to
thereby reduce dissipation of laser energy between the
first fiberoptic guide and the second fiberoptic guide.
This optical cutter includes a housi_ng having a lower
portion, an upper portion, and an interfacing portion.
The first fiberoptic tube is surrounded at its upper
portion by a first abutting metnber_, and the second
fiberoptic tube is surrounded at its proximal end by a
second abutting member. A cap is placed over the second
fiberoptic tube and the second abutting member. Either
fiberoptic tube may be formed of calcium fluoride (CaF),
calcium oxide (Ca02), zirconium oxide (Zr02), zirconium
fluoride (ZrF), sapphire, hollow waveguide, liquid core,
TeX glass, quartz silica, germanium sulfide, arsenic
sulfide, and germanium oxide (Ge02).
The electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter
of the present invention efficiently and accurately cuts
both hard and soft tissue. This hard tissue may include
tooth enamel, tooth dentin, tooth cementum, bone, and
cartilage, and the soft tissues may include skin,
mucosa, gingiva, muscle, heart, liver, kidney, brain,
eye, and vessels.
The laser delivery system of the present invention
provides several mechanisms for combating heat
generation. Heat resistant ferrules, concentric
crystalline fibers, and air paths directed around these
fibers are provided. The present invention further
provides added strength to the laser fiber guide, by
enclosing the laser fiber guide in concentric tubular
members. Additionally, the handpiece of the laser
delivery system of the present invention is configured
into an outer sleeve component and an inner shaft
component for enhanced operability and sterility. Bent
crystalline fibers are used in conjunction with the
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laser delivery system of the present invention for
delivering energy to a target. Additionally, an
illumination line adapted for emitting coherent and non-
coherent light is provided within the housing for
illuminating a target, and a medication line for delivering
medications to a target is also provided within the housing.
According to one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an apparatus comprising: a plurality of
fluid outputs carrying a fluid during use and being
constructed to direct the fluid to a first vicinity relative
to the plurality of fluid outputs; and an electromagnetic
energy source for supplying electromagnetic energy to a
second vicinity; the first vicinity and the second vicinity
being disposed at respective locations relative to the
plurality of fluid outputs and intersecting in a volume
relative to the plurality of fluid outputs, said plurality
of fluid outputs operable to place a combination of fluid
particles into said volume; said electromagnetic energy
source comprising a specifically configured electromagnetic
energy source that is arranged, when said apparatus is in
use, to supply electromagnetic energy of a wavelength which
is substantially absorbed by said combination of fluid
particles and to direct a concentration of said
electromagnetic energy into said volume to be substantially
absorbed by at least a portion of said combination of fluid
particles wherein disruptive forces are imparted to a
target.
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13a
According to another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a non therapeutic method
comprising the following steps: supplying fluid to a first
vicinity in relation to a target; and supplying
electromagnetic energy to a second vicinity in relation to
the target; the first vicinity and the second vicinity
intersecting in a volume relative to the target; said step
of supplying fluid comprising using a plurality of fluid
outputs to generate a combination of fluid particles and
placing said combination of fluid particles into said volume
relative to the target; said step of supplying
electromagnetic energy comprising directing a concentration
of electromagnetic energy, which has a wavelength that is
substantially absorbed by said fluid, irito said volume so as
to be absorbed by at least a portion of said fluid particles
wherein particles of the portion of fluid particles expand,
and wherein disruptive forces are imparted to said target.
According to another aspect of the present
invention, a medical handpiece includes a housing having a
proximal end and a radiation delivery end. A first fiber
guide for conducting laser radiation from an external source
toward the radiation delivery end of the housing is disposed
within the housing, and a first ferrule formed of a ceramic
or crystalline material (such as sapphire) is secured to an
output end of the first fiber guide. A second fiber guide
has a receiving end, which is adapted for receiving laser
radiation from the output end of the first fiber guide, and
a second ferrule secures the second fiber guide to the
housing so that the receiving end of the second fiber guide
faces the output end of the first fiber guide. The second
ferrule is formed of a ceramic or crystalline material (such
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13b
as sapphire). The first ferrule and the second ferrule
together form a gas flow path in a direction from the first
fiber guide toward the receiving end of the second fiber
guide.
According to another aspect of the present
invention, an electromagnetic energy conducting apparatus
includes a housing and an inner electromagnetic energy guide
disposed within the housing. The inner electromagnetic
energy guide has a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis
extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The
electromagnetic energy conducting apparatus further includes
an outer electromagnetic energy guide, which
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surrounds and contacts the inner electromagnetic energy
guide. The outer electromagnetic energy guide has an
axis that is substantially co-linear with the axis of
the inner electromagnetic energy guide. Both the outer
electromagnetic energy guide and the inner
electromagnetic energy guide may be disposed within a
ferrule, or the outer electromagnetic energy guide may
be a ferrule. Both electromagnetic energy guides
preferably are made of a crystalline material, such as
sapphire. The electromagnetic energy conducting
apparatus may further include a source electromagnetic
energy guide, which has a diameter that is substantially
larger than a diameter of the inner electromagnetic
energy guide.
According to another aspect of the present
invention, an optical energy conducting apparatus
includes a housing and a crystalline fiber disposed
within the housing. The crystalline fiber is adapted
for conducting optical energy therethrough. A gas flow
path is disposed within the housing, as well. The gas
flow path envelops the crystalline fiber and extends
from a proximal end of the crystalline fiber to a distal
end of the crystalline fiber.
The crystalline fiber may be bent according to
another aspect of the present invention. The angle
formed by the bend of the crystalline fiber is
preferably 90 degrees. The bent crystalline fiber of
the present invention is suited for conducting coherent
light. The coherent light preferably has a wavelength
on an order of approximately 3 microns.
According to another aspect of the present
invention, a medical handpiece includes a housing and a
source of electromagnetic energy disposed within the
housing and adapted for emitting electromagnetic energy
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from a distal end of the housing. An illumination
source is disposed within the housing for projecting
li_ght from the distal end of the housing onto a target
surface. The illumination source may iriclude a
fiberoptic bundle. A medication line may also be
disposed within the housing for outputting medication
through a distal end of the housing onto a target
surface.
According to another aspect of the present
invention, a medical handpiece delivery system includes
a housing, a fiber guide, and a ferrule disposed around
a distal end of the fiber guide. A proximal end and an
intermediate portion of the fiber guide are surrounded
by an inner protective tube. An outer protective tube
is disposed around the inner protective tube. The outer
protective tube is slidably disposed over the inner
protective tube. The fiber guide may also include a
tubular jacket, which is disposed on an outer surface of
the fiber guide and within the inner protective tube.
Other protective tubes may be disposed around the outer
protective tube.
The ferrule includes a proximal end and a distal
end, the inner protective tube includes a proximal end
and a distal end, and the outer protective tube includes
a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of
the inner protective tube and the proximal end of the
outer protective tube are disposed near an SMA
connector, which surrounds a proximal end of the fiber
guide. The SMA connector has a proximal end and a
distal end, and the fiber guide spans a distance between
the proximal end of the ferrule and the distal end of
the SMA connector. The lengths of the inner protective
tube and the outer protective tube between the proxinlal
end of the ferrule and the distal end of the SMA
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connector, however, are less than the length of the
fiber guide between these two items. Both the inner
protective tube and the outer protective tube preferably
include a flexible plastic material. These two tubes
may be surrounded by a metal tube near the SMA connector
and, additionally, the metal tube may be surrounded by
another plastic tube near the SMA connector.
According to another aspect of the present
invention, a medical handpiece includes a sleeve housing
and a shaft assembly adapted for being removably
disposed within the sleeve housing. The sleeve housing
is preferably autoclavable, is adapted to be held by a
hand of a user, and includes a proximal sleeve housing
end, an intermediate sleeve housing portion, a radiation
delivery end, and an elongate aperture extending within
the sleeve housing from the proximal sleeve housing end
to the intei-mediate sleeve housing portion. The sleeve
housing includes a delivery fiber guide, which extends
between the intermediate sleeve housing portion and the
radiation delivery end. The shaft assembly fits within
the elongate aperture, and includes a source fiber
guide, which is adapted for supplying electromagnetic
energy to the intermediate sleeve housing portion. A
collar fits around the proximal sleeve housing end when
the shaft assembly is disposed with the sleeve housing.
The collar applies a radially inwardly directed pressure
onto the proximal sleeve housing end, to thereby
frictionally hold the shaft assembly within the elongate
aperture of the sleeve housing. The distal end of the
source fiber guide is surrounded by a first ferrule, the
proximal end of the delivery fiber guide is surrounded
by a second ferrule, and a third ferrule surrounds a
portion of the delivery fiber guide near the radiation
delivery end of the sleeve housing. The shaft assembly
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includes an air supply line, which is disposed around
the source fiber guide, and the sleeve housing includes
an air line, a water line, an illumination line, and a
medication line.
The fluid conditioning system of the present
invention is adaptable to most existing medical and
dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and
drilling apparatuses. Flavored fluid is used in place
of regular tap water during drilling operations. In the
case of a laser surgical operation, electromagnetic
energy is focused in a direction of the tissue to be
cut, and a fluid router routes flavored fluid in the
same direction. The flavored fluid may appeal to the
taste buds of the patient undergoing the surgical
procedure, and may include any of a variety of flavors,
such as a fruit flavor or a mint flavor. In the case of
a mist or air spray, scented air may be used to mask the
smell-of burnt or drilled tissue. The scent may
function as an air freshener, even for operations
outside of dental applications.
The fluids used for cooling a surgical site and/or
removing tissue may further include an ionized solution,
such as a biocompatible saline solution, and may further
include fluids having predetermined densities, specific
gravities, pH levels, viscosities, or temperatures,
relative to conventional tap water. Additionally, the
fluids may include a medication, such as an antibiotic,
a steroid, an anesthetic, an anti-inflammatory, an
antiseptic or disinfectant, adrenaline, epinephrine, or
an astringent. The fluid may also include vitamins,
herbs, or minerals.
Introduction of any of the above-mentioned
coiiditioning agents to the conventional water of a
cutting or drilling operation may be controlled by a
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user input. Thus, for example, a user may adjust a knob
or apply pressure to a foot pedal in order to introduce
iodine into the water after a cutting operation has been
performed. The amount of conditioning applied to the
air, water, or mist may be a function of the position of
the foot pedal., for example.
According to one broad aspect of the present
invention, a mist of atomized particles is placed into a
volume of air above the tissue to be cut, and a source
of electromagnetic energy, such as a laser, is focused
into the volume of air. The electromagnetic energy has
a wavelength, which is substantially absorbed by the
atomized particles in the volume air. This absorption
of the electromagnetic energy by the atomized particles
causes the atomized particles to explode and impart
mechanical cutting forces onto the tissue. According to
this feature, the electromagnetic energy source does not
directly cut the tissue but,= rather, the exploded fluid
particles are used to cut the tissue. These fluid
particles may be conditioned with flavors, scents,
ionization, medications, disinfectants, and other
agents, as previously mentioned.
Since the electromagnetic energy is focused
directly on the atomized, conditioned fluid particles,
the cutting forces are changed, depending upon the
conditioning of the atomized fluid particles. The
mechanical cutting efficiency is proportional (related)
to the absorption of the electromagnetic energy by the
fluid spray. The absorption characteristic can be
modified by changing the fluid composition. For
example, introduction of a salt into the water before
atomization, resulting in an ionized solution, will
exhibit slower cutting properties than does regular
water. This slower cutting may be desirable, or the
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
19
laser power may be increased to compensate for the
ionized, atomized fluid particles. Additionally, the
atomized fluid particles may be pigmented to either
enhance or retard absor-ption of the el.ectromagnetic
energy, to thereby additionally control the cutting
power of the system. Two sources of fl.uid may be used,
with one of the sources having a pigment and the other
not having a pigment.
Another feature of the present invention places a
disinfectant in the air, mist, or water used for dental
applications. This disinfectant can be periodically
routed through the air, mist, or water lines to
disinfect the interior surfaces of these lines. This
routing of disinfectant can be performed between
patients, daily, or at any other predetermined
intervals. A mouthwash may be used, for example, at the
end of each procedure to both clean the patient's mouth
and clean the air and water tubes.
According to another feature of the present
invention, when disinfectant is routed through the lines
during a medical procedure, the disinfectant stays with
the water or mist, as the water or mist becomes airborne
and settles on surrounding surfaces within the dental
operating room. Bacteria growth within the lines, and
from the condensation, is significantly attenuated,
since the disinfectant retards bacteria growth on the
moist surfaces.
The invention, together with additional features
and advantages thereof may best be understood by
reference to the following description taken in
connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure la illustrates a conventional dental/medical
work station;
Figure lb is a conventional optical cutter
5 apparatus;
Figure 2 is an optical cutter with the focusing
optic of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating
the electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
1.0 present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates the present preferred
15 embodiment of the electromagnetically induced mechanical
cutter of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a control panel for
programming the combination of atomized fluid particles
according to the presently preferred embodiment;
20 Figure 7 is a plot of particle size versus fluid
pressure;
Figure 8 is a plot of particle velocity versus
fluid pressure;
Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a
fluid particle, a source of 'electr_omagnetic energy, and
a target surface according to the present invention;
Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the
"grenade" effect of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the
"explosive ejection" effect of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the
"explosive propulsion" effect of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a
combination of Figures 10-12;
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
21
Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the
"cleanness" of cut obtained by the present invention;
Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the
roughness of cut obtained by prior art systems;
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the laser
delivery system of a presently preferred embodiment;
Figures 17 and 17b illustrate a partially
disassembled state of the laser delivery system of a
presently preferred embodiment;
Figure 18 illustrates a bent crystalline fiber
according to the present invention;
Figure 19 illustrates a portion of the laser
delivery system adapted for being connected to a laser
source, according to a presently preferred embodiment;
Figure 20 illustrates a dental/medical work station
according to the present invention;
Figure 21 is a schematic block diagram illustrating
an electromagnetic cutter using conditioned fluid,
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 22a illustrates a mechanical drilling
apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 22b illustrates a syringe according to the
present invention;
Figure 23 illustrates the fluid conditioning system
of the present invention;
Figure 24 illustrates one embodiment of the fluid
conditioning unit of the present invention; and
Figure 25 illustrates the air conditioning unit of
the present invention.
Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiments
Figure 2 shows an optical cutter according to the
present invention. The optical cutter 13 comprises many
of the conventional elements shown in Figure lb. A
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
22
focusing optic 35 is placed between the two metal
cylindrical objects 19 and 21. The focusing optic 35
prevents undesired dissipation of laser energy from the
fiber guide tube 5. Specifically, energy from the fiber
guide tube 5 dissipates slightly before being focused by
Lhe focusing optic 35. The focusing optic 35 focuses
energy from the fiber guide tube 5 into the fiber guide
tube 23. The efficient transfer of laser energy from
the fiber guide tube 5 to the fiber guide tube 23
vitiates any need for the conventional air knife cooling
system 11 (Figure lb), since little laser energy is
dissipated. The first fiber guide tube 5 comprises a
trunk fiberoptic, which comprises one of calcium
fluoride (CaF), calcium oxide (Ca02), zirconium oxide
(Zr02), zirconium fluoride (ZrF), sapphire, hollow
waveguide, liquid core, TeX glass, quartz silica,
germanium sulfide, arsenic sulfide, and germanium oxide
( Ge02 ) .
Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
present invention. An electromagnetic energy source 51
is coupled to both a controller 53 and a delivery system
55. The delivery system 55 imparts mechanical forces
onto the target surface 57. As presently embodied, the
delivery system 55 comprises a fiberoptic guide for
routing the laser 51 into an interaction zone 59,
located above the target surface 57. The delivery
system 55 further comprises an atomizer for delivering
user-specified combiriations of atomized fluid particles
into the interaction zone 59. The controller 53
controls various operating parameters of the laser 51,
and further controls specific characteristics of the
user-specified combination of atomized fluid particles
output from the delivei-y system 55.
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
23
Figure 4 shows a simple embodiment of the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
present invention, in which a. fi_beroptic guide 61, an
air tube 63, and a water tube 65 are placed within a
hand-held housing 67. The water tube 65 is preferably
operated under a relatively low pressure, and the air
tube 63 is preferably operated under a relatively high
pressure. The laser energy from the fiberoptic guide 61
focuses onto a combination of air and water, from the
air tube 63 and the water tube 65, at the interaction
zone 59. Atomized fluid particles in the air and water
mixture absorb energy from the laser energy of the
fiberoptic tube 61, and explode. The explosive forces
from these atomized fluid particles impart mechanical
cutting forces onto the target 57.
Turning back to Figure lb, the prior art optical
cutter focuses laser energy on a target surface at an
area A, for example, and the electromagnetically induced
mechanical cutter of the present invention focuses laser
energy into an interaction zone B, for example. The
prior art optical cutter uses the laser energy directly
to cut tissue, and the electromagnetically induced
mechanical cutter of the present invention uses the
laser energy to expand atomized fluid particles to thus
impart mechanical cutting forces onto the target
surface. The prior art optic cutter must use a large
amount of laser energy to cut the area of interest, and
also must use a large amount of water to both cool this
area of interest and remove cut tissue.
In contrast, the electromagnetically induced
mechanical cutter of the present invention uses a
relatively small amount of water and, further, uses only
a small amount of laser energy to expand atomized fluid
particles generated from the water. According to the
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
24
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
present invention, water is not needed to cool the area
of surgery, since the exploded atomized fluid particles
are cooled by exothermic reactions before they contact
the target surface. Thus, atomized fluid particles of
the present invention are heated, expanded, and cooled
before contacting the target surface. The
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
present invention is thus capable of cutting without
charring or discoloration.
Figure 5 illustrates the presently preferred
embodiment of the electromagnetically induced mechanical
cutter. The atomizer for generating atomized fluid
particles compr=ises a nozzle 71, which may be
interchanged with other nozzles (not shown) for
obtaining various spatial distributions of the atomized
fluid particles, according to the type of cut desired.
A second nozzle 72, shown in phantom lines, may also be
used. The cutting power of the electromagnetically
induced mechanical cutter is further controlled by the
user control 75. In a simple embodiment, the user
control 75 controls the air and water pressure entering
into the nozzle 71. The nozzle 71 is thus capable of
generating many different user-specified combinations of
atomized fluid particles and aerosolized sprays.
Intense energy is emitted from the fiberoptic guide
23. This intense energy is preferably generated from a
coherent source, such as a laser. In the presently
preferred embodiment, the laser comprises an erbium,
chromium, yttrium, scandium, galliutn garnet (Er,
Cr:YSGG) solid state laser, which generates light having
a wavelength in a range of 2.70 to 2.80 microns. As
presently preferred, this laser has a wavelength of
approximately 2.78 microns. Although the fluid emitted
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
from the nozzle 71. prefera:bly comprises water, other
fluids may be used and appropriate wavelengths of the
electromagnetic energy source may be selected to allow
for high absorption by the fluid.
5 When fluids besides mere water are used, the
absorption of the light energy changes and cutting
efficiency is thus affected. Alternataively, when using
certain fluids containing pigments or dyes, laser
systems of different wavelengths such as Neodymium
10 yttrium aluminum garnet-Nd:YAG wavelengths may be
selected to allow for high absorption by the fluid.
Other possible laser systems include an erbium,
yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet (Er:YSGG) solid state
laser, which generates electromagnetic energy having a
is wavelength in a range of 2.70 to 2.80 microns; an
erbium, yttrium, aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) solid state
laser, which generates electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength of 2.94 microns; chromium, thulium, erbium,
yttrium, aluminum garnet (CTE:YAG) solid state laser,
20 which generates electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength of 2.69 microns; erbium, yttrium
orthoaluminate (Er:YALO3) solid state laser, which
generates electromagnetic energy having a wavelength in
a range of 2.71 to 2.86 microns; holmium, yttrium,
25 aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) solid state laser, which
generates electromagnetic energy having a wavelength of
2.10 microns; quadrupled neodymium, yttrium, aluminum
garnet (quadi-upled Nd:YAG) solid state laser, which
generates electromagnetic energy having a wavelength of
266 nanometers; argon fluoride (ArF) excimer laser,
which generates electromagnetic energy having a
wavelength of 193 nanometers; xenon chloride (XeCl)
excimer laser, which generates electromagnetic energy
having a wavelength of 308 nanometers; krypton fluoride
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
26
(KrF) excimer laser, which generates electromagnetic
energy having a wavelength of 248 nanometers; and
carbon dioxide (C02), which generates electromagnetic
energy having a wavelength in a range of 9.0 to 10.6
microris. Water is chosen as the preferred fluid
because of its biocompatibility, abundance, and low
cost. The actual fluid used may vary as long as it is
properly matched (meaning i~ is highly absorbed) to the
selected electromagnetic energy source (i.e. laser)
wavelength.
The delivery system 55 of the presently preferred
embodiment for delivering the electromagnetic energy
includes a fiberoptic energy guide or equivalent which
attaches to the laser system and travels to the desired
work site. Fiberoptics or waveguides are typically
iong, thin and lightweight, and are easily manipulated.
Fiberoptics can be made of calcium fluoride (CaF),
calcium oxide (Ca02), zirconium oxide (Zr02), zirconium
fluoride (ZrF), sapphire, hollow waveguide, liquid
core, TeX glass, quartz silica, germanium sulfide,
arsenic sulfide, germanium oxide (Ge02), and other
materials. Other delivery systems can include devices
comprising mirrors, lenses and other optical components
where the energy travels through a cavity, is directed
by various mirrors, and is focused onto the targeted
cutting site with specific lenses. As will be
discussed later with reference to Figures 16-19, the
presently preferred embodirnent cf light delivery for
medical applications of the present invention is
through a fiberoptic conductor, because of its light
weight, lower cost, and ability to be packaged inside
of a handpiece of fan;iliar size and weight to the
surgeon, dentist, or clinician. In industrial
applications, for example, non-fiberoptic systems may
be more particularly suited for delivering
electromagnetic energy to the targeted cutting site.
The various above-mentioned delivery systems may be
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
27
interchanged accJrding to preference and desired
results.
The nozzle 71 is employed to create an engineered
combination of small particles of the chosen fluid.
The nozzle 71 rnay comprise several different designs
including liquid only, air blast, air assist, swirl,
solid cone, etc. When fluid exits the nozzle 71 at a
given pressure and rate, it is transformed into
particles of user-controllable sizes, velocities, and
spatial distributions.
Figure 6 illustrates a control panel 77 for
allowing user-programmabiiity of the atomized fluid
particles. By changing the pressure and flow rates of
the fluid, for example, the user can control the
atomized fluid particle characteristics. These
characteristics determine absorption efficiency of the
laser energy, arid the subsequent cutting effectiveness
of the electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter.
This control panel may comprise, for example, a fluid
particle size control 78, a fluid particle velocity
control 79, a cone angle control 80, an average power
control 81, a repetition rate 82, and a fiber selector
83.
The cone angle may be controlled, for example, by
changing the physical structure of the nozzle 71. For
example, various nozzles 71 may be interchangeably
placed on the electromagnetically induced mechanical
cutter. Alternatively, the physical structure of a
single nozzle 71 may be changed.
Figure 7 illustrates a plot 85 of mean fluid
particle size versus pressure. According to this
figure, when the pressure through the nozzle 71 is
increased, the mean fluid particle size of the atomized
fluid particles decreases. The plot 87 of Figure 8
shows that the mean fluid particle velocity of these
atomized fluid particles increases with increasing
pressure.
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
28
According to the present invention, materials are
removed from a target surface by mechanical cutting
forces, instead of by conventional. thermal cutting
forces. Laser energy is used only to induce mechanical
forces onto the targeted material. Thus, the atomized
fluid particles act as the medium for transforming the
electromagnetic energy of the laser into the mechanical
energy required to achieve the mechanical cutting effect
of the present invention. The laser energy itself is
not directly absorbed by the targeted material. The
mechanical interaction of the present invention is
safer, faster, and eliminates the negative thermal side-
effects typically associated with conventional laser
cutting systems.
The fiberoptic guide 23 (Figure 5) can be placed
into close proximity of the target surface. This
fiberoptic guide 23, however, does not actually contact
the target surface. Since the atomized fluid particles
from the nozzle 71 are placed into the interaction zone
59, the purpose of the fiberoptic guide 23 is for
placing laser energy into this interaction zone, as
well. A novel feature of the present invention is the
formation of the fiberoptic guide 23 of sapphire.
Regardless of the composition of the fiberoptic guide
23, however, another novel feature of the present
invention is the cleaning effect of the air and water,
from the nozzle 71, on the fiberoptic guide 23.
Applicants have found that this cleaning effect is
optimal when the nozzle 71 is pointed somewhat directly
at the target surface. For example, debris from the
mechanical cutting are removed by the spray from the
nozzle 71.
Additionally, applicants have found that this
orientation of the nozzle 71, pointed toward the target
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
29
surface, enhances the cutting efficiency of the present
invention. Each atomized fluid particle contains a
small amount of initial kinetic eriergy in the direction
of the target surface. When electromagnetic energy from
the fiberoptic guide 23 contacts an atomized fluid
particle, the spherical exterior surface of the fluid
particle acts as a focusing lens to focus the energy
into the water particle's interior.
As shown in Figure 9, the water particle 201 has an
illuminated side 103, a shaded side 105, and a particle
velocity 107. The focused electromagnetic energy is
absorbed by the water particle 201, causing the interior
of the water particle to heat and explode rapidly. This
exothermic explosion cools the remaining portions of the
exploded water particle 201. The surrounding atomized
fluid particles further enhance cooling of the portions
of the exploded water particle 201. A pressure-wave is
generated from this explosion. This pressure-wave, and
the portions of the exploded water particle 201 of
increased kinetic energy, are directed toward the target
surface 107. The incident portions from the original
exploded water particle 201, which are now traveling at
high velocities with high kinetic energies, and the
pressure-wave, impart strong, concentrated, mechanical
forces onto the target surface 107.
These mechanical forces cause the target surface
107 to break apart from the material surface through a
"chipping away" action. The target surface 107 does not
undergo vaporization, disintegration, or charring. The
chipping away process can be repeated by the present
invention until the desired amount of material has been
removed from the target surface 107. Unlike prior art
systems, the present invention does not require a thin
layer of fluid. In fact, it is preferred that a thin
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
layer of fluid does not cover the target surface, since
thi_s insulation layer would interfere with the above-
described interaction process.
Figures 10, 11 and 12 illustrate various types of
5 absorptions of the electromagnetic energy by atomized
fluid particles. The nozzle 71 is preferably configured
to produce atomized sprays with a range of fluid
particle sizes narrowly distributed about a mean value.
The user input device for controlling cutting efficiency
10 may comprise a simple pressure and flow rate gauge 75
(Figure S) or may comprise a control panel as shown in
Figure 6, for example. Upon a user input for a high
resolution cut, relatively sntall fluid particles are
generated by the nozzle 71. Relatively large fluid
15 particles are generated for a user input specifying a
low resolution cut. A user input specifying a deep
penetration cut causes the nozzle 71 to generate a
relatively low density distribution of fluid particles,
and a user input speci-fying a shallow penetration cut
20 causes the nozzle 71 to generate a relatively high
density distribution of fluid particles. If the user
input device comprises the simple pressure and flow rate
gauge 75 of Figure 5, then a relatively low density
distribution of relatively small fluid particles can be
25 generated in response to a user input specifying a high
cutting efficiency. Similarly, a relatively high
density distribution of relatively large fluid particles
can be generated in response to a user input specifying
a low cutting efficiency. Other variations are also
30 possible.
These various parameters can be adjusted according
to the type of cut and the type of tissue. Hard tissues
include tooth enamel, tooth dentin, tooth cementum,
bone, and cartilage. Soft tissues, which the
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
31
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
present invention is also adapted to cut, include skin,
mucosa, gingiva, muscle, heart, liver, kidney, brain,
eye, and vessels. Other materials may include glass
or crystalline materials and semiconductor chip
surfaces, for example. In the case of bone tissues, for
example, a portion of cancer affected bone may be
removed by the electromagnetically induced mechanical
cutter of the present invention. The
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
present invention provides a clean, high-precision cut
with minimized cross-contaminat=ion, and thus allows for
a precise removal of the cancer affected bone. After
the bone is cut, it tends to grow back with an increased
success rate and with a reduction in the likelihood of
cross-contamination.
In the case of glass or crystalline materials, for
example, the surface of the glass or crystalline
material may be conventionally prepared using acid
before silver or other dielectric materials are adhered
to the glass or crystalline material surface to make a
mirror. The conventional use of acid can undesirably
slightly degrade the surface of the glass or crystalline
material by unevenly reacting with the surface and by
changing the structure on the surface. The
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter of the
present invention, however, can be used to remove a thin
layer from the surface in a uniform manner, to thereby
clean and degrease the surface in preparation for
adhesion of the silver or other dielectric material.
Use of the electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter
of the present invention on the surface further does not
change the microscopical structure of the glass or
crystalline material.
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
32
In the case of semi-conductor chips, these chips
are formed from silicon wafers. A silicon crystal is
first grown, before the silicon crystal is sliced into
silicon wafers. Many different fabrication procedures
are available. According to a series of substeps used
in one exemplary procedure, each silicon wafer is coated
with a layer of silicon dioxide using conventional
means. The goal is to selectively deposit dopants into
the silicon wafer, to thereby form conductive paths or
circuits in the silicon wafer. In order to accomplish
this goal, portions of the silicon dioxide layer are
selectively removed in places where the dopant is to be
deposited. The dopant is then deposited over the entire
wafer, but only the portions of the wafer not covered by
the silicon dioxide layer receive the dopant. The areas
covered by the silicon dioxide layer are not penetrated
by the dopant, since the dopant over these areas is
absorbed by the layer of silicon dioxide.
A fairly involved procedure is used to accomplish
the selective removal of the portions of the layer of
silicon dioxide, before the introduction of dopants into
the silicon wafer. The first step required for the
conventional selective removal of portions of the
silicon dioxide layer involves application of a coat of
light-sensitive polymer material commonly referred to as
a resist. A few drops of the resist are conventionally
applied to the wafer as the wafer is spun rapidly, in
order to apply an even coat of the resist and in order
to effectuate drying thereof. Next, a partially
transparent photographic negative or photomask is placed
over the wafer and aligned using a microscope, for
example. The photomask is transparent only in areas
where silicon dioxide is to be removed, for positive
resist, and the opposite stands true for negative
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
33
resist. The photomask is then exposed to ultraviolet or
near ultraviolet light. The transparent portions of the
photomask pass the light onto corresponding portions of
the resist. The regions of the resist that receive the
light are sti-ucturally changed, and the regions of the
resist that do not receive the li_ght (those regions
beneath the photomask) are not affected. For a negative
resist, the molecules of the resist which are
illuminated become cross linked (polymerized). For a
positive resist, the molecular bonds of the resist that
are illuminated are broken. The unpolymerized areas of
the resist can then be dissolved, using a solvent such
as trichloroethylene. The polymerized areas of the
resist are acid-resistant and thus are not affected by
the solvent, so that the photomask is replicated by the
remaining protective coating of oxide.
The remaining resist, however, must then be removed
with a chemical and water compound. Preferably, the
chemical and water compound will completely remove the
resist, and will be completely washed away without any
remnants remaining on the silicon wafer. After the
resist and the chemical and water compound are removed,
the dopants are implanted into the silicon wafer using
ion implantation, for example. Subsequently, a portion
of the silicon wafer, which was originally covered with
the resist and the cl-iemical and water compound, will
have a conductor adhered thereto. A light acid etch may
be applied to these areas before the adhesion of a
conductor thereto, to thereby slightly roughen the
silicon wafer surface and improve adhesion.
In one application of the present invention, the
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter may be
used to directly selectively etch the layer of silicon
dioxide. In such an application, the
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
34
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter is
focussed directly onto the silicon dioxide layer to
thereby remove portions thereof. Resist, photomasks,
ultraviolet light, solvents, chemical and water
compounds, and acids are not needed in this application,
since the portions of the silicon. dioxide layer are
removed directly with the electromagnetically induced
mechanical cutter. The control panel 77 of Figure 6 may
be used to control the cutting resolution and the
cutting depth of the electromagnetically induced
mechanical cutter. Precision equipment for implementing
cutting patterns corresponding to images of the
photomask, for example, are preferably used to control
the removal of portion of the silicon dioxide layer by
the electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter.
In another application of the present invention,
the electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter may be
used in place of the chemical and water compound, to
remove the layer of resist. In this application, the
chemical and water compound is not needed, resulting in
a savings in water, for example. Also, a very good
contaminant-free surface for adhesion ion implantation
is formed, since the chemical and water compound is not
used. This contaminant-free surface is suitable for any
subsequent adhesion of a conductor to a dopant-implanted
portion of the silicon wafer. The electromagnetically
induced mechanical cutter may be used with atomized
fluid particles comprising distilled water, which is
relatively free of contaminants, for example. A very
shallow cut or ablation is preferably generated to
remove only the layer of remaining resist. The use of
precision equipment, in combination with the control
panel 77 of Figure 6, is preferred for implementing
shallow surface layer removal patterns on the silicon
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
wafer corresponding to regions of resist that need to be
removed. The ablating may be done using a focussed
cutting beam of the electromagnetically induced
mechanical cutter, or the cutting beam of the
5 electromagnetically i_nduced mechanical cutter may be
dispersed in order to cover a larger portion of the
chip. For example, a focussed cutting beam may be
rapidly scanned across portions of resist; or a larger
defocussed cutting beam, or a number of beams, may be
10 scanned or applied without scanning onto the portions of
resist.
A wide variety of other semiconductor chip
fabrication procedures are available, including CMOS,
bipolar, C4 and other multi-chip module or flip-chip
15 technologies, which may be used to fabricate various
active and passive components, including resistors,
transistors, and capacitors. Additionally, fabrication
of other non-component elements, such as vias, may be
used with the electromagnetically induced mechanical
20 cutter of the present invention. The
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter may be
used to cut or remove any of a variety of materials in
any of these or other similar procedures.
A user may adjust the combination of atomized fluid
25 particles exiting the nozzle 71 to efficiently implement
cooling and cleaning of the fiberoptics 23 (Figure 5).
According to the presently preferred embodiment, the
combination of atomized fluid particles may comprise a
distribution, velocity, and mean diameter to effectively
30 cool the fiberoptic guide 23, while simultaneously
keeping the fiberoptic guide 23 cl.ean of particular
debris which may be introduced thereon by the surgical
site.
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
36
Looking again at Figure 9, electromagnetic energy
contacts each atomized fluid particle 101 on its
illuminated side 103 and penetrates the atomized fluid
particle to a certain depth. The focused
electromagnetic energy is absorbed by the fluid,
inducing explosive vaporization of the atomized fluid
particle 101.
The diameters of the atomized fluid particles can
be less than, almost equal to, or greater than the
wavelength of the incident electromagnetic energy. In
each of these three cases, a different interaction
occurs between the electromagnetic energy and the
atomized fluid particle. Figure 10 illustrates a case
where the atomized fluid particle diameter is less than
the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy (d<k).
This case causes the complete volume of fluid inside of
the fluid particle 101 to absorb the laser energy,
inducing explosive vaporization. The fluid particle 101
explodes, ejecting its contents radially. Applicants
refer to this phenomena as the "explosive grenade"
effect. As a result of this interaction, radial
pressure-waves from the explosion are created and
projected in the direction of propagation. The
direction of propagation is toward the target surface
107, and in the presently preferred embodiment, both the
laser energy and the atomized fluid particles are
traveling substantially in the direction of propagation.
The resulting portions from the explosion of the
water particle 101, and the pressure-wave, produce the
"chipping away" effect of cutting and removing of
materials from the target surface 107. Thus, according
to the "explosive grenade" effect shown in Figure 10,
the small diameter of the fluid particle 101 allows the
laser energy to penetrate and to be absorbed violently
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
37
within the entire volume of the liquid. Explosion of
the fluid particle 101 can be analogized to an exploding
grenade, which radially ejects energy and shrapnel. The
water content of the fluid particle 101 is evaporated
due to the strong absorption within a small volume of
liquid, and the pressure-waves created during this
process produce the material cutting process.
Figure 11 shows a case where the fluid particle 101
has a diameter, which is approxiniately equal to the
wavelength of the electromagnetic energy (d-k).
According to this "explosive ejection" effect, the laser
energy travels through the fluid particle 101 before
becoming absorbed by the fluid therein. Once absorbed,
the fluid particle's shaded side heats up, and explosive
vaporization occurs. In this case, internal particle
fluid is violently ejected through the fluid particle's
shaded side, and moves rapidly with the explosive
pressure-wave toward the target surface. As shown in
Figure 11, the laser energy is able to penetrate the
fluid particle 101 and to be absorbed within a depth
close to the size of the particle's diameter. The
center of explosive vaporization in the case,shown in
Figure 11 is closer to the shaded side 105 of the moving
fluid particle 101. According to this "explosive
ejection" effect shown in Figure 11, the vaporized fluid
is violently ejected through the particle's shaded side
toward the target surface 107.
A third case shown in Figure 12 is the "explosive
propulsion" effect. In this case, the diameter of the
fluid particle is larger than the wavelength of the
electromagnetic energy (d>?,,). In this case, the laser
energy penetrates the fluid particle 101 only a small
distance through the illuminated surface 103 and causes
this illuminated surface 103 to vaporize. The
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
38
vaporization of the illuminated surface 103 tends to
propel the remaining portion of the fluid particle 101
toward the targeted material surface 107. Thus, a
porti.on of the mass of the initial fluid particle 101 is
converted into kinetic energy, to thereby propel the
remaining portion of the fluid particle 101 toward the
target surface with a high kinetic energy. This high
kinetic energy is additive to the initial kinetic energy
of the fluid particle 101. The effects shown in Figure
12 can be visualized as a micro-hydro rocket with a jet
tail, which helps propel the particle with high velocity
toward the target surface 107. The exploding vapor on
the illuminated side 103 thus supplements the particle's
initial forward velocity.
The combination of Figures 10-12 is shown in Figure
13. The nozzle 71 produces the combination of atomized
fluid particles which are transported into the
interaction zone 59. The laser 51 is focused on this
interaction zone 59. Relatively small fluid particles
131 explode via the "grenade" effect, and relatively
large fluid particles 133 explode via the "explosive
propulsion" effect. Medium sized fluid particles,
having diameters approximately equal to the wavelength
of the laser 51 and shown by the reference number 135,
explode via the "explosive ejection" effect. The
resulting pressure-waves 137 and exploded fluid
particles 139 impinge upon the target surface 107.
Figure 14 illustrates the clean, high resolution
cut produced by the electromagnetically induced
mechanical cutter of the present invention. Unlike the
cut of the prior art shown in Figure 15, the cut of the
present invention is clean and precise. Among other
advantages, this cut provides an ideal bonding surface,
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
39
is accurate, and does not stress remaining materials
surrounding the cut.
Turning to Figure 16, the presently preferred
embodiment of light delivery for medical applications
comprises a fiberoptic conductor or trunk fiber 201,
housed within a medical handpiece 203. The medical
handpiece 203 comprises a sleeve housing 205 having an
elongate aperture 207 for accommodating a shaft assembly
209. The shaft assembly 209 accommodates the trunk
fiber 201, which is wrapped with one or more jackets 211
in the presently preferred embodiment. The jackets 211
are snugly formed around the trunk fiber 201. In
addition to the jackets 211, an inner protective tube
213 and an outer protective tube 215 are disposed around
the trunk fiber 201. In contrast to the jacket 201,
both the inner protective tube 213 and the outer
protective tube 215 are slidably disposed over the trunk
fiber 201. According to the present invention, the
inner protective tube 213 and the outer protective tube
215 add strength to the trunk fiber 201 and prevent the
trunk fiber 201 from being damaged or breaking as a
result of bending or other stresses placed on the tz-unk
fiber 201. For example, the permanent ferrule 217, as
presently embodied, houses only the trunk fiber 201 and
the jackets 211, and comprises a rigid material. Any
bending or other stresses placed on the trunk fiber 201
would, conventionally, put the trunk fiber 201 at a high
risk of breaking either within the permanent ferrule 217
or at the proximal end 219 of the ferrule 217. The
inner protective tube 213 and the outer protective tube
215 distribute bending and other stressful forces on the
trunk fiber 201 across a larger surface area of the
trunk fiber 201, to thereby attenuate risks of breaking
of the trunk fiber 201. As presently embodied, the
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
inner protection tube 213 is secured (preferably glued)
to both the permanent ferrule 217 and the SMA connector
341, but the outer protective tube 215 is secured to
only the SMA connector 341 and abuts against the
5 permanent ferrule 217. The inner protection tube 213 is
preferably secured to both the permanent ferrule 217 and
the SMA connector 341 to prevent rotation of the trunk
fiber 201, when the permanent ferrule 217 and the SMA
connector 341 are rotated relative to one another.
10 These two protective tubes 213 and 215 are therefore
able to slide over both one another and the jacket 211.
Although two protective tubes 213 and 215 are presently
embodied, a single protective tube may be used, or three
or more protective tubes may used, according to desired
15 operational parameters. The protective tubes preferably
comprise a plastic material, but may also comprise
metals or Teflon.
The permanent ferrule 217 is secured to the shaft
assembly 209 via an outer housing, which defines an air
20 conditioning input chamber 221. The air conditioning
input chamber 221 is similar to the air knife line 11 of
Figure lb in that the air conditioning input chamber 221
provides air to the interface 223 for cooling the distal
end of the trunk fiber 201, the permanent ferrule 217,
25 the intermediate ferrule 225, and the proximal end of
the bent fiber tip 227. The permanent ferrule 217 and
the intermediate ferrule 225 are separated by a spacer
226. Air travels through the air conditioning input
chamber 221 in the direction of the arrows Al and A2 and
30 passes through a plurality of drilled apertures, shown
generally at 231 and 233, within the permanent ferrule
217. The air from the air conditioning input chamber
221 exits from the drilled apertures 231 and 233 into
the interface 223, and passes from the interface 223
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
41
into the air cooling exhaust chamber 241. The air
travels through the air cooling exhaust chamber 241 in
the directions of the arrows A3 and A4 back out of the
medical handpiece 203. As presently embodied, the air
conditioning input chamber 221 and the air cooling
exhaust chamber 241 are both angularly shaped and
concentric.
According to the present invention, the permanent
ferrule 217, the intermediate ferrule 225, and the
spacer 226 comprise a heat resistant material, such as
ceramic. This heat resistant material facilitates
greater operating temperatures of the permanent ferrule
217, the intermediate ferrule 225, and the spacer 226
and, consequently, requires less air flow through the
air conditioning input chamber 221 and the air cooling
exhaust chamber 241. The permanent ferrule 217, the
intermediate ferrule 225, and the spacer 226 may also
comprise a crystalline material, such as sapphire. A
fiber-to-fiber coupler 246 surrounds the intermediate
ferrule 225, and may comprise any heat resistant
material similar to that of the intermediate ferrule 225
or, alternatively, may comprise a metal such as aluminum
or stainless steel.
Optical energy is coupled from the distal end of
the trunk fiber 201 into the proximal end of the bent
fiber tip 227. The bent fiber tip 227 provides a
desirable curvature, and, consequently, does not require
the fiberoptic to be stressed or strained from bending,
for example. According to the present invention, the
bent fiber tip 227 is manufactured of a crystalline
material, and is pre-formed before installation into a
bent configuration having a predetez-nined angle.
As illustrated in Figure 18, the presently
preferred embodiment of the bent fiber tip 227 has a
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
42
first length 256 of approximately 30 millimeters, a
second length 259 of approximately 20 millimeters, and
an angle 261 of approximately 90 degrees. A radial
length 263 is preferably 10 millimeters. According to
the present invention, the crystalline fiber 227 is bent
by hand under a flame of approximately 2000 degrees
Fahrenheit. The bent fiber tip 227 fits within a cavity
270 (Figure 16), which has an enlarged cavity area at
the bending portion 272 to accommodate bent fiber tips
227 having slight manufacturing deviations. The bent
crystalline material must subsequently be tested to
insure that the bent crystalline material has ideal
optical qualities. Although the presently preferred
embodiment of the bent fiber tip 227 comprises an angle
of approximately 90 degrees, other bent tips may be
manufactured having one or more angles from zero to 180
degrees, and different shapes, according to design
preference. Also, although the bent fiber tip 227 of
the presently preferred embodiment extends from the
intermediate ferrule 225 to a tip ferrule 275, a variety
of other configurations are possible. As just one
example, a small-diameter, flexible bent crystalline
fiber may extend from the laser source (not shown) and
standard miniature type-A (SMA) connector 341 (Figure
19) to the tip ferrule 275. As presently embodied, the
bent fiber tip 227 comprises sapphire which, according
to the present invention, is ideal for carrying
wavelengths on the order of approx.icnately 3 microns. In
the presently preferred embodiment, the bent fiber tip
227 formed of sapphire conducts wavelengths of 2.78 and
2.94 microns. In addition to sapphire, any other
crystalline materials suitable for conducting optical
energy may be used, according to design parameters.
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
43
The tip ferrule 275 holds the bent fiber tip 227
securely in place near the radiation delivery end of the
medical handpiece 203. The tip ferr-ule 275 may comprise
a heat resistant material, such as described above with
reference to the permanent ferrule 217 and the
intermediate ferrule 225. An air line 277 and a water
line 279 disposed within the sleeve housing 205 output
air and water into the mixing chamber 281, which is
defined by the radiation delivery end of the sleeve
housing 205 and the cap 284. The air and water from the
air line 277 and the water line 279 form an air assist
spray within the mixing chamber 281. The air assist
spray exits the mixing chamber 281 in the directions of
the arrows A5 and A6 along the output end of the bent
fiber tip 227.
According to another feature of the present
invention, another crystalline material suitable for
conducting optical energy may be disposed around the
bent fiber tip 227 near the interface 223. This
additional crystalline material may comprise the
intermediate ferrule 225 or, alternatively, may be a
cylindrical crystalline material disposed around the
bent fiber tip 227 near the interface 223 and also
surrounded by the intermediate ferrule 225. In some
instances, it may be desirable to form the bent fiber
tip 227 with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the
trunk fiber 201. The trunk fiber 201 may be formed of a
relatively large diameter, for example, for added
strength. If the bent fiber tip 227 is very small in
diameter, such as, for example, 50 microns, then the
proximal end of this bent fiber tip 227 near the
interface 223 may be damaged from a relatively large
amount of energy output from the distal end of the trunk
fiber 201. The additional annular crystalline fiber
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
44
disposed around the bent fiber tip 227 near the
interface 223 helps to protect the bent fiber tip 227
from damage. Orie or more annular crystalline fibers may
be disposed around the proximal end of the bent fiber
tip 227, and each of these annular crystalline fibers
may extend along the length of the intermediate ferrule
225 or longer. When one or more of these annular
crystalline fibers are used, as presently preferred, any
of the sealed passages 301, 303, :304, 306, 309, and 311
may be opened to facilitate additional air flow and
cooling therethrough. Opening of any of these passage
301-311 further facilitates an air flow path leading
along the bent fiber tip 227 and into the mixing chamber
281, according to the present invention.
Figures 17a and 17b illustrate the medical
handpiece 203 with the shaft assembly 209 removed from
the elongate aperture 207 of the sleeve housing 205,
according to the present invention. As presently
embodied, a collar 316 (Figure 16) is provided with
threads 318. The threads 318 of the collar 316 engage
threads 320 of the proximal end of the sleeve housing
205 and allow the collar 316 to exert radially inwardly
directed forces onto the sleeve housing 205. These
radially inwardly directed forces from the collar 316
onto the sleeve housing 205 frictionally engage the
shaft assembly 209 within the elongate aperture 207 and
prevent the shaft assembly 209 from movement within the
elongate aperture 207 of the sleeve housing 205.
Figure 19 illustrates many of the components which
supply resources to the medical handpiece 203 of Figure
16. The water line 326 is adapted for supplying water
to the water line 279 of the medical handpiece 203.
Similarly, the air line 328 is adapted for supplying air
to the air line 277, and the air conditioning line 330
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
is adapted for supplying air to the air conditioning
input chamber 221. An illumination and/or medication
cable 332 provides illumination and/or medication to the
illumination and/or medication line 334 of the medical
5 handpiece 203. Although the medical handpiece 203 is
illustrated for operation with a laser-cutting assembly,
such as that shown in Figure lb, the presently preferred
embodiment of the medical handpiece 203 operates in
combination with an electromagnetically-induced
10 mechanical cutter having a head similar to that shown in
Figure 5. According to the presently preferred
embodiment, the air line 277 and the water line 279
preferably correspond to the air tube 63 and the water
tube 65 of the head assembly shown in Figure 5. In this
15 presently preferred embodiment, the cap 284 of Figure 16
is not necessarily required. In one embodiment, the air
line 277 corresponding to the air tube 63 is not used.
Since the distal end of the bent fiber tip 227 of
the presently preferred embodiment is placed into close
20 proximity of the target surface, a source of coherent or
non-coherent illumination through the illumination line
334 (Figure 16) can be quite advantageous. On the other
hand, when a traditional laser cutting mechanism is
used, the illumination from the illumination line 334
25 may not be as advantageous and a conventional aiming
beam may be routed through the illumination line 334.
The illumination and/or medication line 334 may
comprise only a medication, or may comprise both an
illumination line and a medication line. The medication
30 line facilitates introduction of medications, such as
anesthetics, to the target area of the patient.
Looking at Figure 19, the trunk fiber 201 and the
jackets 211 are secured within a sum miniature type A
(SMA) connector 341. The SMA connector facilitates
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
46
introduction and securing of the trunk fiber 201 and the
jacket 211 into a laser source (not shown).
The inner protective tube 213 and the outer
protective tube 215 extend from the medical handpiece
203 all of the way to the SMA connector 341 and provide
similar protection functions to the trunk fiber 201 at
the interface of the SMA connector 341. As mentioned
previously, only one protective tube may be used or,
alternatively, three or more protective tubes may be
used. In the presently preferred embodiment, a metal
tube 352 surrounds the inner protective tube 213 and the
outer protective tube 215, and an additional outer
plastic tube covering 355 surrounds the metal tube 352.
A plastic protective covering 357 encases these
elements surrounding the trunk fiber 201. In the
presently preferred embodiment, the plastic protective
covering 357 is secured to the water line 326, the air
line 328, the air conditioning line 330, and the
illumination and/or medication cable 332 and routed into
close proximity to the medical handpiece 203. The metal
tube 352 and the outer tube covering 355 do not extend
to the medical handpiece and preferably terminate at a
short distance from the SMA connector 341. Of course,
other distances may be set according to design
parameters. A power cap 372 and a grippable knob 374
further facilitate the attachment of the trunk fiber 201
to the laser source.
The dental/medical work station 1111 of the present
invention is shown in Figure 20. The dental/medical
work station 1111 comprises a conventional air line 1113
and a conventional water line 1114 for supplying air and
water, respectively. A vacuum line 1112 and an
electrical outlet 1115 supply negative air pressure and
electricity to the dental/medical unit 1116, similarly
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
47
to the vacuum 8 and electrical 14 lines shown in Figure
la. The fluid conditioning unit 1121 may,
alternatively, be placed between the dental/medical unit
1116 and thQ instruments 1117, for example. According
to the present i-nvention, the air line 1113 and the
water line 11_14 are both connected to a fluid
conditioning unit 1121.
A controller 1125 allows for user inputs, to
control whether air from the air line 1113, water from
the water line 1114, or both, are conditioned by the
fluid conditioning unit 1121. A variety of agents may
be applied to the air or water by the fluid conditioning
unit 1121, according to a configuration of the
controller 1125, for example, to thereby condition the
air or water, before the air or water is output to the
dental/medical unit 1116. Flavoring agents and related
substances, for example, may be used, such as disclosed
in 21 C.F.R. Sections 172.510 and 172.515, the details
of which are incorporated herein by reference. Colors,
for example, may also be used for conditioning, such as
disclosed in 21 C.F.R. Section 73.1 to Section 73.3126.
Similarly to the instruments 18 shown in Figure la,
the instruments 1117 may comprise an electrocauterizer,
an electromagnetic energy source, a laser, a mechanical
drill, a mechanical saw, a canal finder, a syringe,
and/or an evacuator. All of these instruments 1117 use
air from the air line 1113 and/or water from the water
line 1114, which may or may not be conditioned depending
on the configuration of the controller 1125. Any of the
instruments 1117 may alternatively be connected directly
to the fluid conditioning unit 1121 or directly to any
of the air 1113, water 1114, vacuum 1112, and/or
electric 1115 lines. For example, a laser 1118 and
delivery system 1119 is shown in phantom connected to
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
72299-13D
48
the fluid conditioning unit 1121. The laser 1118a and
delivery system 1119a may be connected to the dental/medical
unit 1116, instead of being grouped with the instruments
1117.
The block diagram shown in Figure 21 illustrates
one embodiment of a laser 1151 directly coupled with, for
example, the air 1113, water 1114, and power 1115 lines of
Figure 20. A separate fluid conditionirig system is used in
this embodiment. As an alternative to the laser, or any
other tool being connected directly to any or all of the
four supply lines 1113-1115 and having an independent fluid
conditioning unit, any of these tools may instead, or
additionally, be connected to the dental/medical unit 1116
or the fluid conditioning unit 1121, or both.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown in
Figure 21, an electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter
is used for cutting. Details of this cutter are disclosed
in U.S. Patent No. 5,741,247, assigned to the assignee of
this application. The electromagnetic cutter energy
source 1151 is connected directly to the outlet 1115
(Figure 20), and is coupled to both a controller 1153 and a
delivery system 1155. The delivery system 1155 routes and
focuses the laser 1151. In the case of a conventional laser
system, thermal cutting forces are imparted onto the
target 1157. The delivery system 1155 preferably comprises
a fiberoptic guide for routing the lase:r 1151 into an
interaction zone 1159, located above the target 1157. The
fluid router 1160 preferably comprises an atomizer for
delivering user-specified combinations of atomized fluid
particles into the interaction zone 1159. The atomized
fluid particles are conditioned, according to the present
invention, and
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
49
may comprise flavors, scents, sali_ne, and other agents,
as discussed below.
In the case of a conventional laser, a stream or
mist of conditioned fluid is supplied by the fluid
router 1160. The controller 1153 may control various
operating parameters of the laser 1151, the conditi.oning
of the fluid from the fluid router 1160, and the
specific characteristics of the fluid from the fluid
router 1160.
Although the present invention may be used with
conventional drills and lasers, for example, one
preferred embodiment is the electromagnetically induced
mechanical cutter. Other preferred embodiments include
an electrocauterizer, a syringe, an evacuator, or any
air or electrical driver, drilling, filling, or cleaning
mechanical instrument. Figure 4 shows a simple
embodiment of the electromagnetically induced mechanical
cutter, in which a fiberoptic guide 61, an air tube 63,
and a fluid tube 65 are placed within a hand-held
housing 67. Although a variety of connections are
possible, the air tube 63 and water tube 65 are
preferably connected to either the fluid conditioning
unit 1121 or the dental/medical unit 1116 of Figure 20.
The fluid tube 65 is preferably operated under a
relatively low pressure, and the air tube 63 is
preferably operated under a relatively high pressure.
According to the present invention, either the air
from the air tube 63 or the fluid from the fluid tube
65, or both, are selectively conditioned by the fluid
conditioning unit 1121, as controlled by the controller
1125.
A mechanical drill 1161 is shown in Figure 22a,
comprising a handle 1162, a drill bit 1164, and a water
output 1166. The mechanical drill 1161 comprises a
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
motor 1168, which may be electrically driven, or driven
by pressurized air.
When the motor 1168 is driven by air, for example,
the fluid enters the mechanical drill 1161 through the
5 first supply line 1170. Fluid eritering through the
first supply line 1170 passes through the motor 1168,
which may comprise a turbine, for example, to thereby
provide rotational forces to the drill bit 1164. A
portion of the fluid, which may not appeal to a
10 patient's taste and/or smell, may exit around the drill
bit 1164, coming into contact with the patient's mouth
and/or nose. The majority of the fluid exits back
through the first supply line 1170.
In the case of an electric motor, for example, the
15 first supply line 1170 provides electric power. The
second supply line 1174 supplies fluid to the fluid
output 1166. The water and/or air supplied to the
mechanical drill 1161 may be selectively conditioned by
the fluid conditioning unit 1121, according to the
20 configuration of the controller 1125.
The syringe 1176 shown in Figure 22 comprises an
air input line 1178 and a water input line 1180. A user
control 1182 is movable between a first position and a
second position. The first position supplies air from
25 the air line 1178 to the output tip 1184, and the second
position supplies water from the water line 1180 to the
output tip 1184. Either the air from the air line 1178,
the water from the water line 1180, or both, may be
selectively conditioned by the fluid conditioning unit
30 1121, according to the configuration of the controller
1125, for example.
Turning to Figure 23, a portion of the fluid
conditioning unit 1121 (Figure 20) is shown. This fluid
conditioning unit 1121 is preferably adaptable to
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
51
existing water lines 1114, for providing conditioned
fluid to the dental/medical unit 1116 as a substitute
for regular tap water in drilling and cutting
operations, for example. The interface 1189 connects to
an existing water line 1114 and feeds water through the
fluid-i_n line 1181 and the bypass line 1191. The
reservoir 1183 accepts water from the fluid-in line 1181
and outputs conditioned fluid to the fluid-out line
1185. The fluid-in line 1181, the reservoir 1183, and
the fluid-out line 1185 together comprise a fluid
conditioning subunit 1187.
Conditioned fluid is output from the fluid
conditioning subunit 1187 into the combination unit
1193. The fluid may be conditioned by conventional
means, such as the addition of a tablet, liquid syrup,
or a flavor cartridge. Also input into the combination
unit 1193 is regular water from the bypass line 1191. A
user input 1195 into the controller 1125, for example,
determines whether fluid output from the combination
unit 1193 into the fluid tube 1165 comprises only
conditioned fluid from the fluid-out line 1185, only
regular water from the bypass line 1191, or a
combination thereof. The user input 1195 comprises a
rotatable knob, a pedal, or a foot switch, operable by a
user, for determining the proportions of conditioned
fluid and regular water. These proportions may be
determined according to the pedal or knob position. In
the pedal embodiment, for example, a full-down pedal
position corresponds to only conditioned fluid from the
fluid out-line 1185 being output i.nto the fluid tube
1165, and a full pedal up position corresponds to only
water from the bypass line 1191 being output into the
fluid tube 1165. The bypass line 1191, the combination
unit 1193, and the user input 1195 provide versatility,
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
52
but may be omitted, according to preference. A simple
embodiment for conditioning fluid would comprises only
the fluid conditioning subunit 1187.
An alternative embodiment of the fluid conditioning
subunit 1187 is shown in Figure 24. The fluid
conditioning subunit 1287 inputs air from air line 1113
via an air input line 1281, and outputs conditioned
fluid via a fluid output line 1285. The fluid output
line 1285 preferably extends vertically down into the
reservoir 1283 into the fluid 1291. located therein. The
lid 1284 may be removed and conditioned fluid inserted
into the reservoir 1283. Alternatively, a solid or
liquid form of fluid conditioner may be added to water
already in the reservoir 1283. The fluid is preferably
conditioned, using either a scent fluid drop or a scent
tablet (not shown), and may be supplied with fungible
cartridges, for example.
The fluid 1291 within the reservoir 1283 may be
conditioned to achieve a desired flavor, such as a fruit
flavor or a mint flavor, or may be conditioned to
achieve a desired scent, such as an air freshening
smell. A conditioned fluid having a scent, a scented
mist, or a scented source of air, may be particularly
advantageous for implementation in connection with an
air conditioning unit, as shown in Figure 25 and
discussed below. In addition to flavor and scents,
other conditioning agents may be selectively added to a
conventional water line, mist line, or air line. For
example, an ionized solution, such as saline water, or a
pigmented solution may be added, as discussed below.
Additionally, agents may be added to change the density,
specific gravity, pH, temperature, or viscosity of water
and/or air supplied to a drilling or cutting operation.
Medications, such as antibiotics, steroids, anesthetics,
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
53
anti-infl.ammatories, disinfectants, adrenaline,
epinephrine, or astringents may be added to the water
and/or air used in a drilling or cutting operation. For
example, an astringent may be applied to a surgical
area, via the water line to reduce bleeding. Vitamins,
herbs, or minerals may also be used for conditioning the
air or water used in a cutting or drilling procedure.
An anesthetic or anti-inflammatory applied to a surgical
wound may reduce discomfort to the patient or trauma to
the wound, and an antibiotic or di.sinfectant may prevent
infection to the wound.
The air conditioning subunit shown in Figure 25 is
connectible into an existing air line 1113, via
interfaces 1386 and 1389. Conventional air enters the
conditioning subunit via the ai.r input line 1381, and
exits an air output line 1385. The air input line 1381
preferably extends vertically into the reservoir 1383
into a fluid 1391 within the reservoir 1383. The fluid
1391 is preferably conditioned, using either a scent
fluid drop or a scent tablet (not shown). The fluid
1391 may be conditioned with other agents, as discussed
above in the context of conditioning water. According
to the present invention, water in the water line 1131
or air in the air line 1132 of a conventional laser
cutting system (Figure lb) is conditioned. As presently
preferred, either the fluid tube 65 or the air tube 63
(Figure 4) of the electromagnetically induced mechanical
cutter is conditioned. In addition to laser operations,
the air and/or water of a dental drilling, irrigating,
suction, or electrocautery system may also be
conditioned.
Many of the above-discussed conditioning agents may
change the absorption of the electromagnetic energy into
the atomized fluid particles in the electromagnetically
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
54
induced mechanical cutting environment of the presently
preferred embodiment. Accordingly, the type of
conditioning may effect the cutting power of an
electromagnetic or an electromagnetically induced
mechanical cutter. Thus, in addition to the direct
benefits acliievable through these various conditioning
agents discussed above, such as flavor or medication,
these various conditioning agents further provide
versatility and programmability to the type of cut
resulting from the electromagnetic or
electromagnetically induced mechanical cutter. For
example, introduction of a saline solution will reduce
the speed of cutting. Such a biocompatible saline
solution may be used for delicate cutting operations or,
alternatively, may be used with a higher laser-power
setting to approximate the cutting power achievable with
regular water.
Pigmented fluids may also be used with the electro-
magnetic or the electromagnetically induced mechanical
cutter, according to the present invention. The
electromagnetic energy source may be set for maximum
absorption of atomized fluid particles having a certain
pigmentation, for example. These pigmented atomized
fluid particles may then be used to achieve the
mechanical cutting. A second water or mist source may
be used in the cutting operation, but since this second
water or mist is not pigmented, the interaction with the
electromagnetic energy source is minimized. As just one
example of many, this secondary mist or water source
could be flavored.
According to another configuration, the atomized
fluid particles may be unpigmented, and the
electromagnetic or the electromagnetically induced
energy source may be set to provide maximum energy
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
absorption for these unpigmented atomized fluid
particles. A secondary pigmented fluid or mist may then
be introduced into the surgical area, and this secondary
mist or water would not interact significantly with the
5 electromagnetic energy source. As another example, a
single source of atomized fluid particles may be
switchable between pigmentation and non-pigmentation,
and the electromagnetic energy source may be set to be
absorbed by one of the two pigment states to thereby
10 provide a dimension of controllability as to exactly
when cutting is achieved.
Disinfectant may be added to an air or water source
in order to combat bacteria growth within the air and
water lines, and on surfaces within a dental operating
15 room. The air and water lines of the dental unit 1116,
for example, may be periodically flushed with a
disinfectant selected by the controller 1125 and
supplied by the fluid conditioning unit 1121. An
accessory tube disinfecting unit 1123 may accommodate
20 disinfecting cartridges and perform standardized or
preprogrammed periodic flushing operations.
Even in a dental or medical pr.ocedure, an
appropriate disinfectant may be used. The disinfectant
may be applied at the end of a dental procedure as a
25 mouthwash, for example, or may be applied during a
medical or dental procedure. The air and water used to
cool the tissue being cut or drilled within the
patient's mouth, for example, is often vaporized into
the air to some degree. According to the present
30 invention, a conditioned disinfectant solution will also
be vaporized with air or water, and condensate onto
surfaces of the dental equipment within the dental
operating room. Any bacteria growth on these moist
CA 02586117 2007-05-11
56
surfaces is significantly attenuated, as a result of the
disinfectant on the surfaces.
Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention
has been shown and described, many changes,
modifications and substitutions may be made by one
having ordinary skill in the art without necessarily
departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
