Abstract: A borehole inspection device and method of using the same to measure the condition of the bottom extent of a borehole, the system having a head unit assembly with top and bottom sides and including at least one downwardly extending force sensor configured to measure a reaction force applied to the at least one sensor as it engages a bottom extent of the borehole, the inspection device being configured to be lowered into a borehole and to bring the sensor(s) into contact with the bottom extent wherein continued downward movement of the head unit creates the reaction force on the sensor(s) to determine at least one of a location of an associated debris layer, a bearing capacity of the associated debris layer, the thickness of the associated debris layer, the location of an associated bearing layer and/or the bearing capacity of the associated bearing layer.

Abstract: For an interstitial thermotherapeutic treatment of biological tissue in which, for generating a coagulation necrosis, the radiation of the laser within a radiation period is guided into the tissue by way of a fiber optic waveguide, the laser power is reduced continuously or in steps during the radiation period.

Abstract: A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia employs the steps of inserting a diffusing light guide into a prostrate lobe and providing laser power to the diffusing light guide in order to necrose surrounding tissue. The diffusing light guide can be inserted into the central or lateral prostrate lobes by inserting a needle and a trocar transperineally into the middle of the lateral lobe, removing the trocar, inserting the diffusing light guide, and monitoring the position of the needle, trocar, and diffusing light guide using ultrasound. The diffusing light guide can also be inserted into the central or lateral prostrate lobes transurethrally and positioned with the aid of an urethroscope.

Abstract: A shock wave generator for the fragmentation of concrements, having a light-pulse-transmiting light guide and a converter arranged at the distal light guide end and having an ionization surface which, when a light pulse impinges, initiates a shock wave in the surrounding fluid, as well as having a shock wave outlet zone. In order to increase its efficiency and durability, the generator is constructed such that the ionization surface extends obliquely sloped with respect to the beaming axis of the impinging light pulse and the shock wave outlet zone is arranged in the direct shock wave beaming area of the ionization surface, thereby permitting a largely unhindered, low-loss propagation for the shock wave to the application point.

Abstract: A device for allowing the adjustment of the length of a fiber optic waveguide is disclosed. The device couples casings of different inner and outer diameters together, while allowing for the movement of the fiber optic waveguide within the casings. The device is useful for adapting the fiber optic guide to different instruments, such as endoscopes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an application part for rigid or flexible endoscopes having a viewing channel and a working channel extending parallel to the viewing channel, with the working channel being equipped with a guide as well as a defined stop for a fiber optic waveguide, which can be inserted and coupled with a laser light source, and the working channel having optics for concentrating the laser light emerging from the fiber optic waveguide onto a punctiform area. The part of the working channel surrounding the punctiform area is formed as shock wave reflector. Further, a flushing channel is provided, the outlet opening of which is at least partially directed onto the face of the optics from which the light emerges.

Abstract: For operating a laser at different wavelengths, at least one of the two mirrors of the oscillator is subdivided into two or more regions with different spectral reflectivity, where each region reflects only one of the emission wavelengths of the laser medium and is largely permeable for the remaining emission wavelengths. Each such region can be inserted separately into the ray path of the laser.

Abstract: The present endoscopic apparatus with a laser light conductor is used for irradiating bladder tumors in man with a laser light beam. For this purpose a jacketed light conducting fiber is arranged in parallel to an optical viewing device. A rigid bushing is secured to the output end of the light conducting fiber. The bushing includes a hinging member connected to a push rod or cable pull for remote manipulation of the output end of the light conduct ng fiber. Preferably, the light conducting fiber is axially shiftable in its jacket. For this purpose a shifting device, located at the input or operating end of the apparatus is operatively connected to the light conducting fiber.