Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a compact, lightweight, hand-held laser treatment device that combines the emissions of two separate laser energy sources into a common optical pathway for improved therapeutic effect. In some embodiments, the device includes a housing having separate first and second laser sources disposed within the interior thereof. In some embodiments, the laser energy emissions from the two internal laser sources can be individually or concurrently transmitted to a delivery tip of the device via a laser transmission path also defined within the interior of the housing. In some embodiments, the structural and functional features of the first and second laser sources, in concert with the unique architecture of the laser transmission path, can be configured to provide efficacy and efficiency in the operation of the device within the spatial constraints of the lightweight, hand-held housing thereof.

Abstract: A surgical laser system includes a surgical optical fiber optically coupled to a light source and a light detector configured to receive a portion of light reflected from a treatment target and generate optical data corresponding to the portion of the reflected light interacting with the light detector. The system also includes a computing device configured to analyze the optical data relative to characteristic criteria, and based on the comparison of the optical data to the characteristic criteria, control operation of a laser source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a dental network including a portable dental laser station controllable within a remote access system. The dental laser station can include a dental laser, and a dental handpiece assembly coupled to or including the at least one dental laser. Some embodiments include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including a dental laser management process to exchange dentistry-related parameters between the dental laser station or components and a remote network. Some embodiments include a handpiece assembly structured so that any beam size on the output window or surface is greater than any beam size exiting at the input window or surface. Some embodiments include a laser power supply combination with at least one high voltage (HV) power supply, a coupled or integrated simmer supply, a direct current (DC) supply, and at least one laser configured with a power supply.

Abstract: A medical treatment apparatus includes a power and control (PAC) device. The PAC device provides electrical power through a cable to a laser handpiece assembly to electrically power a laser source within the handpiece assembly. The PAC device controls operation of the handpiece assembly and detects an identification of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device also monitors data relating to operation of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device uploads, through a communication network to a user assistance center remote from the PAC device, the handpiece assembly identification and the monitored data.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including urology. The instrument may include both irrigation and aspiration channels, effective attraction and suction of tissue and body stone fragments, enhanced viewing clarity of the operational area, illumination fibers with steering function for flexible version of the scopes. In some embodiments, a distal head is configured to locate a mouth of the working channel within a viewing angle of the visualization system. In some embodiments, a transparent cap is disposed at the distal end of endoscope to provide an enhanced view of the operational area. Irrigation and aspiration channels may be arranged so that consistent water flow will attract tissue and body stone particles and remove heated liquid. Illumination fibers may be utilized as pull linkages or push-pull linkages for deflection and steering of flexible embodiments of the scope.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a dental laser system with a controller coupled to an electromagnetic energy source, where the controller's graphical user interface enables a user to provide input to control operating parameters of the electromagnetic energy source. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface can render a controller enabling user control of a plurality dental laser system parameters with a single action or input. In some embodiments, the user's interaction with a graphical portion of the controller sufficient to control more than one operational parameter of the dental laser system without a requirement for the user to provide an additional or substantially simultaneous interaction with any other controller or portion of the graphical user interface. Further, the graphical content has a graphic indicative of a mode, an operational status, and/or an operational parameter of the dental laser system that is displayed, updated, or animated by the controller.

Abstract: A medical treatment apparatus includes a power and control (PAC) device. The PAC device provides electrical power through a cable to a laser handpiece assembly to electrically power a laser source within the handpiece assembly. The PAC device controls operation of the handpiece assembly and detects an identification of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device also monitors data relating to operation of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device uploads, through a communication network to a user assistance center remote from the PAC device, the handpiece assembly identification and the monitored data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system of controlling a dental laser system. The system can include a dental laser and a control system for controlling certain functions of the dental laser. A graphical user interface can be used to provide input to the control system. The graphical user interface can include a first display and an second display with selectable segments, and a menu navigation portion located adjacent the second display. Treatment categories, procedures or laser control options can be selected using the interface, and the interface can be updated based on data from the station.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system of controlling a dental laser system. The system can include a dental laser and a control system for controlling certain functions of the dental laser. A graphical user interface can be used to provide input to the control system. The graphical user interface can include a first display and an second display with selectable segments, and a menu navigation portion located adjacent the second display. Treatment categories, procedures or laser control options can be selected using the interface, and the interface can be updated based on data from the station.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method of initiating an optical fiber of a tip assembly to form a finished tip assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a distal portion of the optical fiber is coated with an energy absorbing initiating material. In some embodiments, the initiating material is an enamel material including a mixture of brass (copper and zinc) flakes or aluminum flakes in a solution of organic solvents. After the initiating material dries, a diode laser is fired through the optical fiber. The laser energy is at least partially absorbed in the initiating material and ignites the organic solvents. This combustion melts the material of the optical fiber, and impregnates the optical fiber with the metal flakes of the initiating material. The resulting initiated optical fiber is thus permanently modified so that the energy applied through the fiber is partially absorbed and converted to heat.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: Steering handles with manifolds that enable an operator to configure an endoscopic system in situ for a variety of tasks, including irrigation, aspiration, or both. In addition, the disclosed endoscopic systems facilitate rapid reconfiguration of the location of a laser fiber optic within a catheter assembly. The laser fiber optic, for example, can be removed from an irrigation channel of the endoscopic system and reinserted in the aspiration channel during a laser lithotripsy procedure. In some embodiments, the removal and reinsertion can be performed in situ, without removing the catheter from the patient or the treated organ. These aspects of the disclosed system reduce the time required to perform laser lithotripsy procedures, with less trauma to the patient.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a dental laser system with a controller coupled to an electromagnetic energy source, where the controller's graphical user interface enables a user to provide input to control operating parameters of the electromagnetic energy source. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface can render a controller enabling user control of a plurality dental laser system parameters with a single action or input. In some embodiments, the user's interaction with a graphical portion of the controller sufficient to control more than one operational parameter of the dental laser system without a requirement for the user to provide an additional or substantially simultaneous interaction with any other controller or portion of the graphical user interface. Further, the graphical content has a graphic indicative of a mode, an operational status, and/or an operational parameter of the dental laser system that is displayed, updated, or animated by the controller.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system of controlling a dental laser system. The system can include a dental laser and a control system for controlling certain functions of the dental laser. A graphical user interface can be used to provide input to the control system. The graphical user interface can include a first display and an second display with selectable segments, and a menu navigation portion located adjacent the second display. Treatment categories, procedures or laser control options can be selected using the interface, and the interface can be updated based on data from the station.

Abstract: A medical treatment apparatus includes a power and control (PAC) device. The PAC device provides electrical power through a cable to a laser handpiece assembly to electrically power a laser source within the handpiece assembly. The PAC device controls operation of the handpiece assembly and detects an identification of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device also monitors data relating to operation of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device uploads, through a communication network to a user assistance center remote from the PAC device, the handpiece assembly identification and the monitored data.