Projects / Programmes
Laser-induced subsurface microdestruction of tissue (LasDes)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.06.07 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Systems and cybernetics |
Biomedical technics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T165 |
Technological sciences |
Laser technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.06 |
Engineering and Technology |
Medical engineering
|
Laser therapies
focusing of mechanical waves
optoacoustic lens
laser pulse shaping
target tissue destruction
Researchers (14)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
11905 |
PhD Aleš Babnik |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2019 - 2022 |
103 |
| 2. |
56005 |
Tine Brežan |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 |
0 |
| 3. |
29224 |
PhD Peter Gregorčič |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2019 - 2022 |
263 |
| 4. |
50212 |
PhD Luka Hribar |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2021 - 2022 |
22 |
| 5. |
21238 |
PhD Matija Jezeršek |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Head |
2019 - 2022 |
375 |
| 6. |
38896 |
PhD Matjaž Kos |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2020 - 2022 |
27 |
| 7. |
39927 |
PhD Jure Košir |
Systems and cybernetics |
Researcher |
2020 - 2021 |
14 |
| 8. |
37440 |
PhD Jernej Laloš |
Computer science and informatics |
Researcher |
2019 |
28 |
| 9. |
37513 |
PhD Žiga Lokar |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2020 |
37 |
| 10. |
09757 |
PhD Matjaž Lukač |
Physics |
Researcher |
2019 - 2022 |
184 |
| 11. |
38050 |
PhD Nejc Lukač |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2019 - 2022 |
48 |
| 12. |
34413 |
PhD Urban Pavlovčič |
Computer science and informatics |
Researcher |
2019 - 2022 |
51 |
| 13. |
52342 |
Matej Senegačnik |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Technical associate |
2020 - 2022 |
36 |
| 14. |
39666 |
Blaž Tašič Muc |
Physics |
Researcher |
2019 - 2022 |
34 |
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Laser-induced subsurface microdestruction of tissue emerged from the need for a curative targeted destruction of limited regions of tissue within a volume of less than a cubic millimeter that are situated relatively deep under its surface where damage to the surrounding tissue is highly undesirable. Existing methods are mostly based on the mechanical excitation of focussed ultrasonic waves, but such systems are large and cumbersome, and the affected volume is significantly larger than desired. The combination of fast laser and optoacoustic lens offers the possibility of developing a new method of localized tissue destruction using appropriate transient pressure waves that will significantly reduce the size of the affected volume and the contact surface. Laser-induced pressure wave front will be shaped and directed so that its otherwise moderate and harmless amplitudes are combined in a limited region of the tissue where they culminate with a desired destructive effect. Special shape of such a wave front requires highly adaptable methods of generation so that its energy, spatial distribution and time profile can be precisely and accurately controlled which can only be delivered by the opto-mechanical combination of a fast laser and an optoacoustic lens.
To fulfill this demand, we are going to experimentally develop a novel method for spatially and temporally controlled generation of regions of enhanced laser-induced mechanical waves deep beneath the surfaces of tissues and their substitutes. We are going to exhaustively test, analyze and improve the experimental method to reach the optimal performance for the given task. In order to better understand and explain the observed behavior of laser-induced mechanical waves in tissue, we are going to derive a theoretical physico-mathematical model which is going to employ the known physical mechanisms in action during our experiments. We are also going to use the model to simulate and predict the mechanical wave formation with different parameters and under different circumstances that we are going to create during the experimental phase of our research. Then we are going to develop an innovative demonstrational prototype system for laser induction of subsurface enhanced mechanical waves which is going to use specially designed optoacoustic lens to transform a special space- and time-controlled laser pulse into a desired locally enhanced mechanical wave for targeted destruction of tissue within a volume of less than a cubic millimeter inside the treated material.
The research project is going to be executed as a cooperation between the research groups of the Laboratory for Laser Techniques (LASTEH) of The Chair of Optodynamics and Laser Applications at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Ljubljana and of the industrial company Fotona d. o. o. that is specialized in the development and production of medical optoelectronic devices, instruments and accessories. The project research group, headed by assoc. prof. dr. Matija Jezeršek (LASTEH), is made up of several researchers who are key experts in the field of theoretical and experimental light-matter interactions, laser material processing, and development of laser prototype systems that have all the necessary competence, skill, and general know-how to complete the set objectives with numerous references in the applicative research and development of the laser-induced mechanical wave propagation.
The realization of the research project is going to enable further interdisciplinary research of the medical applications of the laser-induced subsurface enhanced mechanical waves in soft tissues. The partnering company is going to have an opportunity to adopt, further develop, and commercialize the newly developed method and the demonstrational prototype system for the clinical use in medicine.
Significance for science
The proposed project is focused on scientific research in the field of photonics, which represent one of the key enabling technologies of factories and a clinic of the future. The development of innovative laser processes for the future clinics is in line with the key development and innovation goals of the Focus Phase Action Plan, "Advanced Photonics Technologies and Intelligent Laser Systems for Factories and Clinics of the Future" in the context of the development of new photon regenerative devices, the development of innovative medical laser systems with time shaped output, adapting to the dynamics of the interaction between laser light and tissue.
In medicine, there is increasing need for curative target destructive action in the limited tissue volumes of size smaller than one cubic millimeter, which are located relatively deep under its surface, whereby the damage to the surrounding tissue is extremely undesirable. In the proposed project, we intend to fulfill the above mentioned goal by developing a new laser based method based on optodynamic conversion and focusing of the resulting pressure waves.
In order to minimize the target tissue size, a number of new solutions will be developed, such as the effective coupling of the highly adjustable laser source, optoacoustic lens and target tissue. Furthermore, an accurate physico-mathematical model will be developed for simulating and predicting the formation of high-intensity mechanical phenomena according to different laser and material parameters. For the observation and evaluation of the developed methods, innovative experimental layouts based on the recording of phenomena with ultra-fast camera, laser sensors and computer processing of images will be developed.
The realization of the project objectives will enable further interdisciplinary research in the direction of the potential medical effects of laser-induced deep-amplified mechanical waves in the soft tissue, and in the direction of further development of basic methods for the formation of deep-amplified mechanical waves and prototype systems for clinical use in medicine.
Significance for the country
Company Fotona builds its global competitive advantage in a deeper understanding of the physics of laser sources and the interaction of laser light with tissues and active ingredients. For the success of this strategy, long-term strategic links with academic research partners are therefore crucial. The objectives of the proposed project are fully in line with Fotona's long-term development goals. The strategy and vision of the company is the development of the world's most powerful and intelligent medical laser systems, which requires an understanding of the mechanisms of laser light interaction with human tissue and active substances, the research and development of measurement methods for pursuing the course of interaction and the research and development of laser sources and systems which are adapted to the measured interaction characteristics.
Fotona has been working with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering for many years, especially in the fields of laser dermatological and endodontic procedures, and the development of monitoring systems for laser procedures. The company's need for highly educated staff is highly desirable, therefore cooperation between the two partners is also taking place in the form of a doctoral study to which employees of Fotona enter. So far, 4 researchers have completed their doctoral studies in the area of ??laser technology, which directly relates to the contents of the company (B. Cencič, Dr. K. Nemeš, Dr. T. Perhavec and Dr. N. Lukač), who successfully using their knowledge in further development activities of the company.
The joint vision of the company and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is also the publication of scientific findings in recognized international journals in the field of laser technology, physics, optomechatronics and biomedicine. We believe that excellent publishing can be achieved by combining basic and applied research, which is ensured by cooperation between the two partners. Unlike the competition, Fotona supports the publication of research results in international magazines, in that way, it builds and maintains the global status of a scientifically oriented medical laser company.
With all of this, we expect that the position of Fotona will be strengthened in the global market for laser medical systems.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
