Abstract: An electro-optical patternable mask is provided which is controllable by way of a processor for presenting a variety of patterns to electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the mask, the electro-optical mask includes an electrochromic layer that works in conjunction with deposited electrode layers (at least one with an x-y pixel array) to present a pattern of non-transmission (colored) and transmission (bleached clear) pixel cells. The sandwiched electrochromic material is supported in one embodiment with a UV grade support substrate with the electrochromic cells of the mask being individually (e.g., individual cells or small groups of individual cells in an array) controlled by a processor and interface to achieve a sequence of different or the same patterns to achieve desired ablation volume upon transmitting ultraviolet energy through the mask such as in conjunction with an opthalmic laser surgery process.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for applying light, particularly laser light, to the human or animal body. A tubular shaft is provided into which a flexible light waveguide may be inserted, where a light-emitting end of the waveguide comes to rest at a distal end portion of the tubular shaft. The distal end portion of the tubular shaft is pivotally connected with the remaining portion of the tubular shaft, so that the distal end portion may be pivoted away from the longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Manipulating devices are provided at the proximal end of the tubular shaft for pivoting the distal end portion. The manipulating devices include at least one movable operating element, which is directly connected to the distal end portion by means of an actuator element.

Abstract: A handpiece for projecting laser radiation from a solid-state laser via an articulated arm to biological tissue being treated is disclosed. An optical system in the handpiece provides that the laser radiation is projected in a spot of selectively variable size at a fixed distance from the handpiece. The projected spot can be defined as an image of a characteristic invariant cross-section of the laser beam delivered to the handpiece which has about the same width at a wide range of M2 values of the laser beam. This provides that at any mechanically selected size, the size of the projected spot remains substantially constant over the range of M2 values between about 1 and 15. In one example the handpiece projects 2.94 &mgr;m radiation in a range of spot sizes between about 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Spot size remains substantially constant over a range of M2 values between about 1 and 15.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive surgery using a cutting tool with rotational cutting edges. The surgical instrument includes a tube having a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the tube. Within the tube is a shaft having a longitudinally extending blade at its distal end that is adjacent to the distal end of the tube. The blade is revolvable about the longitudinal axis of the instrument to provide rotational cutting action. One or both of the blade and the cutting edge on the tube can be electrically energized to provide for electrocauterization of the body tissue being cut.

Abstract: A medical device for treating the hemorrhoid, or reducing the dilatation of cellular tissues comprising ligating a hemorrhoid tissue and heating the hemorrhoid tissue. In one embodiment, an elongate tubular shaft comprises at least one coil loop electrode arrangement disposed at the distal end portion of the shaft, a RF energy generating source, and a method for deploying a dilated ligature element to effect the pressure therapy for the hemorrhoid tissues.

Abstract: An endoscope has a removable suction tube to facilitate cleaning and reduce the risk of patient infection. The endoscope includes an elongated flexible probe with a slot extending along its length and an opening on the distal end of the probe. The housing at the proximal end of the probe is used to control the direction and operation of the probe, and for viewing images from the distal end of the probe. The suction tube can be removably inserted into the slot on the probe. Optionally, the distal tip of the probe can be equipped with a connector within the slot that removably secures the distal opening of the suction tube in communication with a suction opening on the distal tip of the probe. A suction tube connector at the proximal end of the suction tube allows the suction tube to be removably secured to the housing and also provides a connector for removable attachment to an external suction line.