An improved model of surgical CO₂ laser unit

Abstract

This paper describes our current model of CO₂ laser apparatus. It was designed and produced under a close co-operation between the ENT Department of Kurume University Hospital and Asahi Optic Company. The apparatus is our third model and much improvement with respect to safety, stability and maneuverbility was brought about in it as compared to the previous models.
The apparatus can be used for both gross surgeries and microsurgeries. The output power is 25 Watt at the distal end of the manipulator. The mode structure is single mode. The entire apparatus is small (110cm×69cm×55cm) because the cooling, the gas supplying and the electric systems are all built in a single console. Therefore, it does not take much space in the operating room and it is moved easily.
A great maneuverbility of the manipulator was obtained by employing an electric motor drive system and a counter-balanced multi-articulated arm.
For the purpose of security, an automatic check system was employed. When any important problem occurs in the laser production system, the high voltage electric circuit is automatically turned off immediately. There are several alarm lamps which indicate varying problems. Corresponding to the problems, some of the lamps are lighted on forthwith.
The power indicator depicts the effective power at the distal end of the manipulator. A built-in power meter and a micro computer were adopted for this function. When the distal end of the manipulator is coupled to the built-in power meter, the ratio of the power at the end to that of the generator is calculated and memorized in the micro computer. Then, the computer always calculates value of the power at the end of the manipulator from the value of the power of the generator.