Abstract: A system allows treatment of sublayers of tissue lying beneath an outer layer of tissue. The system includes an energy emitter able to heat predetermined areas of the tissue sublayers. The energy for heating typically is generated by a laser or lamp able to produce electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region to thereby cause tissue at the predetermined areas to heat and shrink. The shrinkage causes the shape of the outer layer or surface to change in a controlled manner that corrects the problematic surface formation, e.g., refractive error. An energy absorption modifier is used to avoid damage to the outer layer of tissue as energy is passed therethrough.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a vein to improve its structural integrity. Heating the vein causes at least a portion of the cross links of the collagen in the vein to unlink/open and subsequently form new cross links after the collagen fibers have realigned. The procedure produces a vein that is less flaccid and more resilient. The lumen can have a larger diameter and a shaped smoother inner surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic nucleus replacement comprises a solid flattened oval disk. The top surface of the disc is domed and has a crest that is about three times higher than the crest on the domed bottom surface. Both top and bottom surfaces are therefore convex. A peg extends down from the middle of the bottom domed surface and is used to pin the disc to the lower of two vertebrae it fits between. Metal markers are inserted into the peg and an outside edge of the disc so that radiographs can be used to determine the disc's in situ position. The prosthetic nucleus replacement is surgically implanted into the hollowed out intervertebral space through a flap cut in the natural annulus fibrosis. The lower vertebrae is prepared to receive the peg by clearing the material covering the top of the bone matrix. Bone cement is used around the peg to ensure a tight fit and immobile attachment of the disc to the lower vertebrae.

Abstract: A new method for the preparation and sterilization of skin allografts is presented. Human skin allografts are radiated in the present invention and applied as a temporary wound dressing on a graft dome. The invention is particularly useful for wound and burn therapies and presents a low cost, safe, and effective treatment that can be widely used with extensive storage capability.