Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment method and device

Abstract

A device and method are provided which achieve tissue ablation as well as tissue coagulation substantially simultaneously during the treatment of BPH by utilizing at least two wavelengths of light. The device and method improve urinary flow and minimize post-treatment blood loss and edema while maintaining a nearly blood-free operating field during treatment by irradiating substantially simultaneously with at least two different wavelengths of light. According to the present invention, tissue ablation is affected by having one wavelength that is highly absorbed in the prostatic tissue while another less highly absorbed wavelength coagulates surrounding tissues while maintaining minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissue. In a preferred embodiment the highly absorbed wavelength is about 1460 nm and the less absorbed by water but with some significant hemoglobin absorption is about 980 nm. This combination aids the patient by reducing blood loss and edema. It can aid the practitioner, especially where imaging is employed, by maintaining a substantially blood-free area during treatment. The present device and method is used in conjunction with optical fibers including side emitting optical fibers to provide a practical, minimally invasive treatment of enlarged prostates.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate by block diagrams medical laser devices of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate by perspective views optical fibers of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates by perspective view the application of the optical fiber of FIG. 2 in the medical laser device of FIG. 1.

Claims

1. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia of a prostate comprising the steps of: providing a medical laser device having two laser sources therein, said laser sources emitting two wavelengths of radiation;selecting a combination of said wavelengths to effect a desired treatment of selected prostatic tissue, a first wavelength selected for its coagulating effect and a second wavelength selected for its ablative effect;delivering said radiation to said selective prostatic tissue by means of an optical fiber system;positioning an distal end of said optical fiber system in or near said selected prostatic tissue; andirradiating said selected prostate tissue of said prostate with said radiation,.

2. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia according to claim 1, wherein said first and said second wavelengths of said radiation are substantially simultaneously delivered.

3. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia according to claim 1, wherein said step of irradiating said selected prostatic tissue includes a pattern of pulses and energy densities so as to achieve an ablative as well as coagulating effect from said radiation.

4. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia according to claim 1, wherein said first wavelength is 980 (±20) nm and said second wavelength is 1460 (±0.60) nm—

5. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia according to claim 1 wherein said optical fiber system includes only one optical fiber for transmitting said two wavelengths of laser radiation to said treatment area.

6. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia according to claim 1 wherein said optical fiber system includes at least one or more optical fibers for transmitting said at least two wavelengths of laser radiation for the treatment.

7. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia according to claim 1 further including a probe for emitting said laser radiation, said probe having a termination selected from the group consisting of a bare fiber, a capped fiber, and a fiber with a shaped end.

8. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia according to claim 5 wherein said optical fiber has a core for transmitting at least said ablative laser radiation and at least one or more cladding layers for transmitting said coagulating laser radiation.

9. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia according to claim 8, further including a probe for emitting said laser radiation, said probe including a side-firing optical fiber tip.

10. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia according to claim 9, further including a probe for emitting said laser radiation, said probe including said side-firing optical fiber tip, said side-fusing optical fiber tip having two output cones of radiation, an inner cone transmitting at least said ablative laser radiation and an outer cone radiation transmitting said coagulating laser radiation.

11. A medical laser device to carry out a treatment according to claim 1 comprising: a laser source capable of emitting at least two wavelengths each having a different effect in tissue;said optical fiber system being a means for transmitting laser radiation, said means emitting at least two wavelengths of laser radiation to an area of treatment;at least one optical fiber capable of transmitting said at least two wavelengths of laser radiation therein; anda tip on said optical fiber for emitting said at least two wavelengths of laser radiation.

12. A medical laser device to carry out a treatment according to claim 11, wherein said two wavelengths of laser radiation include a first wavelength of 980 (±20) nm and the second wavelength of 1460 (±60) nm, wherein said first wavelength provides said coagulating effect and said second wavelength provides said ablation effect.

13. A medical laser device to carry out a treatment according to claim 12 including a single optical fiber to carry both wavelengths of laser radiation.

14. A medical laser device to carry out a treatment according to claim 13 wherein said single optical fiber carries both wavelengths of laser radiation includes a distal tip having a side-firing feature thereon.

15. A medical laser device to carry out a treatment according to claim 14, wherein said single optical fiber carries both wavelengths of laser radiation includes said tip having said side-firing feature thereon and further includes at least two output cones of radiation, an inner cone having at least ablative radiation and an outer cone having at least coagulating radiation.