Abstract: A surgical probe is disclosed that disperses light sideways from its fore end. A light-dispersive and light-transmissive medium is enclosed within a housing. The medium is preferably divided into sections containing different concentrations of a light-dispersing material within a matrix. The sections are preferably separated by non-dispersive spacers. At the tip end of the probe is preferably a mirror to reflect the light back into the dispersive medium. The mirror may consist of layers with multiple indexes of refraction. By these features, especially in combination, the directionality and intensity distribution of the emitted light may be controlled. The present invention is designed to be useful especially in the use of laser energy in the percutaneous, interstitial irradiation of tissue growths.

Abstract: A disposable hand piece providing irrigation and aspiration capability to a surgical field can adaptably hold within itself endoscopes of different manufacturers. Running through the hand piece is a bore; attached at the distal end of the hand piece is a reusable sheath. The tubular shaft of an endoscope is inserted into the bore of the hand piece and the reusable sheath. A first collet at the proximal side of the hand piece securely holds the endoscope by adjusting to the outer diameter of the tubular shaft of the endoscope. A second collet at the distal side of the hand piece holds the reusable sheath in a selected linear extension. The collets, however, permit the tubular shaft and the reusable sheath to be rotated in place and thus adjust the view of the surgical field. An annular space is maintained between the tubular shaft and the reusable sheath so as to provide a channel for irrigation and aspiration. Further aspiration capability is provided by a separate suction device.

Abstract: A laser catheter for the treatment of lesions and plaque deposits in arteries and other narrow paths having a radiation assembly affixed to a flexible conduit. The conduit generally includes multiple lumens for the passage of an optical fiber, a guide wire, a cooling medium therethrough, or fluid for inflating an angioplasty balloon. The radiation assembly is of short longitudinal profile and includes a generally spherical laser contact member retained within a housing, the latter affixed to the flexible conduit. The radiation assembly provides a dual-mode ablation/melting treatment regime. A longitudinal channel is provided through and along one side of the contact member thereby to permit guide wire positioning of the laser catheter while routing the guide wire away from the laser energy to avoid damage thereto. A balloon, in fluid communication with a catheter lumen, may be positioned rearwardly of the radiation assembly for secondary balloon angioplasty operations.

Abstract: A laser photo optic breakdown probe and handpiece system especially suited for small-incision cataract removal including an optical fiber through which a pulsed source of laser energy is delivered to a target spaced from the distal end of the fiber. The fiber is routed through a first guide tube with the target mounted at an angle on the end thereof. Holes are provided in the guide tube for the flow of infusion fluid therethrough. A second aspiration tube surrounds and provides rigidity to the guide tube, shields the distal end of the fiber and target, and serves as a channel for aspirated fluids and dislodged cataractous material. The guide tube is affixed to a transfer housing to which infusion and aspiration connections are made. The aspiration tube forms part of a handle assembly which is detachably coupled to the transfer housing.

Abstract: A method of treating the interior surface of a body cavity of a patient using an optical fiber having at its distal end a tip which partially absorbs and partially emits laser radiation supplied to the tip by the optical fiber. The distal end of the optical fiber is inserted into the cavity. An irrigating fluid is introduced into the cavity, wherein the fluid irrigates the interior surface. The irrigating fluid is in heat-transfer relationship with the tip. The irrigation fluid is heated by supplying laser radiation to the tip whereby laser radiation absorbed by the tip raises the temperature of the tip and the surrounding irrigating fluid. The surface of the body cavity to be treated is selectably exposed with the laser radiation for thermally and optically treating said surface.

Abstract: A laser medical device for delivering energy to tissue to be treated. The device includes a laser energy transmitting conduit having a longitudinal axis, and has a proximal end for connection to a source of laser energy and a distal end from which laser energy transmitted by the conduit is emitted. A laser energy redirecting member is located adjacent the distal end of the conduit for redirecting the laser energy in a lateral direction with respect to the axis of the conduit, and a tissue contact member is provided adjacent the laser energy redirecting member. The tissue contact member has a transverse cross section of preselected shape and a longitudinal axis generally transverse to the axis of the conduit. The tissue contact member further has an input surface for receiving laser energy redirected by the laser energy redirecting member and transmitting the laser energy received from the laser energy redirecting member.

Abstract: A probe for medical use includes a tip portion having a light energy input region for receiving light energy from a light source and a predetermined light energy output region whereby tissue subtended by the region may be irradiated by the light energy. The tip portion consists essentially of light propagating material having inclusions distributed therein for interacting with the light energy to produce a predetermined light energy output pattern. The light propagating material is a light propagating inorganic compound.

Abstract: The surgical tool is used in conjunction with a direct contact laser that is powered through a small diameter laser power tube. In one embodiment, the tool includes a bendable, rigid tube having a lumen sufficiently larger than the laser power tube such that upon application of an axial, inboard directed force, the laser power tube is axially compressed within the lumen of the bendable tube. The contact laser tip, located at the end of the power tube, is powered by a laser core which is retained within the lumen of the laser power tube. The laser core is flooded by irrigation and cooling fluid flowing through the laser power tube. This fluid is ejected or emitted from the distal end of the laser power tube immediately behind the laser contact tip. In one embodiment, the bendable tube includes a handle and a bendable, rigid nozzle made of plastic. A longitudinally actuated suction control valve is disposed in the handle.

Abstract: A probe for medical use includes a tip portion having a light energy input region for receiving light energy from a light source and a predetermined light energy output region whereby tissue subtended by the region may be irradiated by the light energy. The tip portion consists essentially of light propagating material having inclusions distributed therein and generally throughout the tip portion between the light energy input region and the light energy output region for interacting with the light energy to produce a predetermined light energy output pattern. The light propagating material is a light propagating inorganic compound.

Abstract: A medical device has a flexible light guide having a light energy input end adapted for connection to a source of light energy and a light energy output end. The output end outputs a beam of light energy. The device includes a tip for contacting tissue to be treated by the device and irradiating the tissue with light energy. The tip consists essentially of light-transmissive material and has a working region for contacting and irradiating the tissue to be treated. The working region of the tip includes sidewalls. The tip has a bore therein for receiving the output end of the light guide. The output end of the light guide is at least partially surrounded by the light-transmissive material, and is positioned relative to the light-transmissive material so as to define an interface therebetween. The interface is in proximity to and in thermally-conductive relationship with the working region of the tip so that heat energy generated at the interface significantly raises the temperature of the tip's working region.

Abstract: A laser medical probe adapted for direct contact with, or insertion into, tissue undergoing laser treatment. The probe includes a laser energy transmissive surface for emitting radiation from the probe. The probe surface includes a layer of laser transmissive particles for diffusing laser energy passing therethrough and an affixing material for affixing the particles to the probe surface. Laser energy emitted from the surface may be coupled into the particles and irregularly refracted and reflected thereby causing a wide laser energy radiation profile. The affixing material and the particles form a tissue contact surface for directly contacting the tissue undergoing treatment. A substantial number of the particles partially extend from the affixing material. The resultant tissue contact surface is rough. The affixing material may be a ceramic bonding agent.

Abstract: A handpiece for use with laser surgical contact scalpels having a housing or handle portion with a laser enabling button thereon whereby a surgeon may expeditiously cycle the laser between its on and off conditions. The handpiece further including a mechanism for facilitating the longitudinal and rotational adjustment of the surgical scalpel with respect to the handle whereby optical fiber torque may be relieved and whereby the surgical tip may be oriented properly with respect to the laser actuation button. The adjustment mechanism includes torsional and longitudinal travel limits to protect button interconnect wires and means for locking the mechanism thereby to fix the relative positions of the scalpel and handle. The laser enabling button and associated circuitry including a low voltage self-contained power source and, further, optical isolation from the laser source whereby the laser may be cycled by the surgeon through use of the handpiece button without danger of electrical shock to the patient.

Abstract: A unitary contact laser scalpel for orthopedic or other operative procedures. The scalpel comprises a tapered conical member in part of ceramic or similar material characterized by high strength and low coefficient of thermal conductivity. A cylindrical passage is formed along and through the central axis of the ceramic member into which an optical fiber is secured. The distal end of the optical fiber may be oriented flush with the tapered end of the conical member or it may define a tapered extension of the ceramic material. The tapered end of the conical member may have a narrow diameter generally in the order of twice that of the optical fiber and may be coated with an enamel material. Alternatively, a larger diameter optical fiber may be employed with the combination of ceramic and fiber being formed as a conical contour.

Abstract: A two component laser delivery system for surgical and endoscopic applications including a reuseable head portion for insertion into the laser generating apparatus and a disposable optic guide portion. The disposable optic guide portion is provided with a cylindrical retainer adapted to be received and locked into the reuseable portion. The reuseable portion includes a housing and a lense barrel, the lense barrel adapted to automatically retract into the housing when the disposable optic guide is removed thereby to preclude actuation of the laser interlock switch.

Abstract: A fluid supply system for gas and sterile liquids consisting of a disposable sterile cartridge that is connected to gas and liquid sources and a common exhaust. The cartridge cooperates with a rotating bearing assembly which pumps the liquid through the system without ever contacting the liquid. The gas sources are provided with means for supplying the gas under pressure to the cartridge. A suitable control selects either the gas or liquid source and a pair of gauges monitor the flow rates of the fluids.

Abstract: A two component laser delivery system for surgical and endoscopic applications including a reuseable head portion for insertion into the laser generating apparatus and a disposable optic guide portion. The disposable optic guide portion is provided with a cylindrical retainer adapted to be received and locked into the reuseable portion. The reuseable portion includes a housing and a lens barrel, the lens barrel adapted to automatically retract into the housing when the disposable optic guide is removed thereby to preclude actuation of the laser interlock switch.

Abstract: A medical laser probe for contact laser surgery wherein a surgical incision, for example, is made by direct and indirect laser heating of the tissue. Direct heating is achieved in the conventional manner by direct laser irradiation of the subject tissue. Indirect heating is achieved through the use of a probe tip specially coated with infrared absorbing material. This material serves to partially absorb and partially transmit the laser energy. The absorbed laser energy heats the probe tip thereby facilitating tissue vaporization when the probe is brought into contact with the tissue. The transmitted laser energy vaporizes the tissue by the conventional irradiation thereof. The tip surface is roughened prior to application of the infrared material to enhance adhesion while an optically transparent material is placed over the tip to preclude material damage or erosion during normal tip use.

Abstract: A medical and surgical laser probe comprised of a quartz optical fiber and a laser rod member optically connected thereto which is made of an artificial saphire and has a tapered portion so as to emit the incident laser beam from the tip end of the rod member without leaking it out from the tapered face. With this laser probe, laser irradiation in contact with the tissue is enabled and any desired medical and surgical treatment such as incision, coagulation, hemostasis can be attained effectively.