Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating an infection or sterilization including applying a dye such as methylene blue, toluidene blue, polymyxin B, or combinations thereof to the area of infection or area to be sterilized and exposing the area of infection or area of sterilization with a light having a light wavelength and light dosage and a light dosage rate. The dye may have a concentration ranging from about 10 &mgr;g/ml to about 500 &mgr;g/ml. The wavelength may range from about 610 nm to about 670 nm. The light dosage may range from about 0 J/cm2 to about 200 J/cm2. The light dosage rate may range from about 0 mw/cm2 to about 150 mw/cm2. The treatable infections include staphylococcus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, enterococcus, streptococcus, Pseudomanus aeruginosa, Hemophilus influenzae, or E-coli. The invention also relates to an infection treatment kit.

Abstract: A method of percutaneous and subcutaneous laser treatment of the tissue of a patient is provided. The tip of an optical fiber is passed through the skin, advanced through the tissue subcutaneously to a desired treatment area and withdrawn. Laser energy can be emitted at different levels during any or all of the skin penetration, advancement, tissue treatment and withdrawal phases. The present invention is useful for surgical treatments, and is especially suitable for minimally invasive plastic or cosmetic surgical and dermatological procedures without bleeding and with less edema, erythema and swelling and faster healing than conventional surface laser energy application, abrasion, scalpel surgery or chemical peel procedures.

Abstract: A technique relating to orthokeratology for correcting presbyopic and hyperopic errors by means of a shallow-plane photo-microwelded intralamellar band. The technique is non-contact and is intended to be micro-invasive to allow its frequent repetition as a maintenance therapy. Non-contact photonic energy and a cyro-energy systems are provided in combination for creating an "inverse" thermal gradient in the anterior cornea. A computer-controlled spatial application system is provided for very high speed scanning of a photonic beam over the cornea. A "prosthetic" lens maintains the corneal surface in an optimal condition and prolate curvature. The lens-prosthesis further is adapted to mediate cryo- and photonic energies that propagate through the cornea to create the desired shallow-plane microweld effects.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting growth of unwanted hair. A light-absorbing contaminant applied to the surface of a section of skin so that some of the contaminant infiltrates hair ducts is placed in spaced apart relationship to an illumination source that provides light absorbed by the contaminant. When the light penetrates the section of skin and is absorbed by the contaminant in the hair ducts, the follicles and/or skin tissue surrounding the follicles is heated so as to inhibit hair growth.

Abstract: Pulsed light source for the removal of biological tissue. The pulsed light source incorporates light means as well as a controller which controls the light means in such a way that the light means generate on the one hand ablation pulses (BA) with an irradiancy sufficient for the ablation of tissue and on the other hand a coagulation radiation (BK) with an irradiance sufficient simply for a heating of tissue, but not for an ablation of tissue. The controller controls the light means in such a way that the light means generate the coagulation radiation (BK) independently in time of the ablation pulses (BA).

Abstract: A surgical method comprises successively orienting an ultrasound transmitter (30) to transmit ultrasound from multiple locations (65) adjacent the skin (32) surface and at each of the multiple locations (65) transmitting ultrasound (30), generating a time base, receiving ultrasound echoes, and determining from the time between transmission and reception the depth beneath the skin of tissue to be treated. The depths of the tissue (36) at the multiple locations are stored in a memory (40) associated with a programmable machine (34). The laser (50) is successively targeted on each of the multiple locations (65), and at each of the multiple locations (65) the depth of the tissue (36) to be treated beneath that location (65) is retrieved from the memory (40). The retrieved depth of the tissue (36) to be treated beneath that location determines a laser (50) excitation power that will achieve treatment of the tissue (36) at the retrieved depth. The laser (50) is excited at the determined excitation power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgical and dermatological treatment using a multi-wavelength laser system includes a primary laser beam generator optically pumped by a semiconductor laser diode. A portion or all of the optical pumping energy may be outputted with the primary laser beam output to form a multi-wavelength treatment beam. A frequency doubling medium, such as a KTP or LBO crystal, may be imposed in the output of the laser beam generator to produce an additional wavelength that may be combined into the multi-wavelength treatment beam. To achieve high peak power pulse laser output, a Q-switch element can be placed in front or in back of the laser crystal. Alternatively, the laser system may output only the wavelength of the semiconductor laser diode pumping system. The selection of one or more wavelengths provides a wider range of treatment modalities using a single laser system, without creating problems attendant with the complexity and maintenance of prior art multi-wavelength laser systems.

Abstract: To achieve highly efficient laser irradiation and well-balanced light coagulation treatment within a same treatable site by using laser beam of different wavelengths, an apparatus is disclosed which comprises a plurality of laser light sources for treatment which emit laser beams of different wavelengths, a condition setting device for determining irradiation condition of the laser light sources, a control device for controlling the laser light sources according to the settings determined at the condition setting device so as to sequentially irradiate laser beams, and a guide device for directing emitted laser beams into an eye of a patient.

Abstract: An ophthalmological laser surgery system having a laser, associated elements for delivering an optical beam from the laser to a patient eye location, a control unit for controlling the operation of the system and a system input/output device, is enabled by a patient data card. The data card originally contains both patient background and system control information, which is transferred to the control unit via the input/output device. During system operation, newly generated information, such as laser beam power, is stored in the data card to provide an independent record of the surgical procedure actually performed. After one use, the data card is invalidated to prevent further use.

Abstract: A method for inducing dilation of a blood vessel, e.g., of an obstructed blood vessel, includes irradiating the vessel with a pulse of light or its equivalent at a low energy fluence.

Abstract: A mapping and ablating catheter having a short distal tip electrode comprising a bio-compatible outer surface and a thermal dissipating mass for dissipating heat received by the electrode. The outer surface may be formed by plating a thin layer of gold or platinum on the dissipating mass, or the entire electrode may be formed of a homogenous material such as a gold alloy that is bio-compatible thereby forming the outer surface with the mass itself. An alloy having a thermal conductivity greater than pure platinum is used so that the ablation procedure can be completed before exceeding the temperature limits. In one case, the entire electrode was formed of a 88% gold 12% nickel alloy. The electrical feed to the electrode is oversized to also dissipate heat received by the electrode. The electrode is no greater than five mm in length yet produces an ablation volume equal to or greater than longer electrodes. One or more band electrodes may also include thermal dissipating masses.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus includes a mobile support station configured to receive medical equipment thereon. The mobile support station includes at least one gas outlet and at least one electrical outlet for supplying gas and electricity to an operating room. The apparatus also includes a flexible umbilical line having a first end coupled to the mobile support station and a second end configured to be coupled to a ceiling of the operating room. The umbilical line is configured to route medical gases and electrical lines from a gas supply and an electrical power supply, respectively, through the ceiling and to the mobile support station.

Abstract: A solid state laser source for surgical applications which produces short-pulse, mid-infrared radiation. Specifically, the laser preferably emits radiation near the absorption peak of water, with energy levels up to 20 mJ, pulse durations shorter than 50 ns and preferably shorter than 30 ns, with beam quality of less than 8 times the diffraction limit. The short pulses reduce unwanted thermal effects and changes in adjacent tissue to potentially sub-micron levels. The laser source produces pulse repetition rates in excess of 10 Hz when pumped by a flashlamp, but in a diode pumped embodiment, the repetition rate may exceed 30 Hz. Of particular interest is an erbium-doped YAG laser which is especially well suited to the needs of mid-infrared corneal ablation procedures for correcting refractive errors, when constructed according to principles disclosed by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resectoscope and a method for lasing, coagulating, resecting, removing and retrieving prostate tissue. The resectoscope of the invention includes an interstitial laser fiber as a laser directing system and a unique configuration of an extensible and retractable plurality of thin blades which are capable of forming a plurality of elliptical shapes. Laser radiation sources are to be used with the device. This combination provides a more efficient and safer surgical method and provides the additional benefit without impairing the cellular integrity of the tissue. Thus, the retrieved tissue is preserved for histological analysis.

Abstract: An intraocular light probe has a slit-shaped mask or cannula affixed at a distal end thereof which forms a slit-shaped light beam for intraocular slit-illumination of target features within the eye. A hood at a distal tip portion directs light in a particular direction. A distal flange retains the instrument within the eye. In a second embodiment, a light probe for intraocular application of a slit-shaped light beam is created by forming a slit shape at a distal end of an optical fiber bundle. A third embodiment provides a surgical instrument, such as a phacoemulsifier or vitrector, having an infusion sleeve which incorporates a slit illuminator for intraocular application of a slit-shaped light beam to target tissues. The device of the invention is preferably introduced into the eye via the primary or side-port incision to provide intraocular cross-lighting of tissues during surgical procedures such as cataract extraction, vitrectomy, intraocular lens implantation, refractive surgery, and glaucoma surgery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of, and at least inhibiting the regrowth of, unwanted hair by applying optical radiation to the follicle, including the hair shaft therein, of an energy, a duration and wavelength to enhance the optical absorption characteristics of at least some component, (i.e., melanosomes, tissue, etc.) of the follicle without appreciably damaging skin outside the follicle; and subsequently applying optical radiation to the follicle of a wavelength which is more readily absorbed by the components of the follicle having optical absorption characteristics enhanced during step (a) then by unenhanced components and of an energy and duration to heat such enhanced components sufficiently to substantially destroy the follicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for use in transcutaneous surgical procedures, such as transcutaneous catheterization and surgical biopsy.To provide that the operative parts of instrumentation to be introduced into the patient's body are shielded from contact with the patient's skin, and thereby to inhibit transfer of micro-organisms from the skin into the body, there is provided a transcutaneous indwelling shield device for insertion into a skin aperture, comprising a transcutaneous distal portion providing an instrument access port, connecting to a proximal portion of shallow dished form of substantially greater dimension than said access port, the proximal portion tapering inwardly to said distal portion to readily guide the distal tip of the instrument to said access port.

Abstract: A laser lancet tip and method for controlling laser incisions for the purpose of taking blood samples from patients in a variety of body locations and age groups. A removable tip on a laser is used to mask a laser pulse and modify the length and width of an incision made by the laser by only allowing a portion of the laser beam to contact the target surface. The depth of the incision may be controlled by either a lens or filter which is optically aligned with the laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue treatment is provided, comprising a light emitter for emission of a first light beam, director for directing the first light beam towards a target area to be treated, detector for detecting at least one tissue parameter at the target area, and first light beam controller for controlling at least one parameter without interruption of the propagating light beam. The tissue parameter may be selected from the group of texture, elasticity, size and shape. The apparatus may be used for ablating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. as well as warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc. may be ablated or treated.

Abstract: A system for causing uniform ablation of irradiated material of living tissue while not causing damage below a predetermined depth where laser radiation is provided sequentially and continuously in a predetermined pattern is disclosed.