Abstract: A side fire optical fiber tip is provided for use in high power laser applications having outputs of greater than or equal to 50 Watts. A predetermined length of an output tip on the distal end of the optical fiber is formed with an optical fiber core and cladding layer of preselected thickness wherein the cladding to core diameter ratio is at least as great as 1.2. A side fire surface is formed on the distal end of the core/clad output end. Over this optical fiber output end, a pure silica capillary tube is fused to the predetermined length of exposed cladding where the outermost cladding is also pure silica to reduce thermal mismatch during the fusion process. By having the refractive index at the fusing interface matched, and bubbles or gaps eliminated or prevented, it is possible to substantially eliminate Fresnel reflection losses at this interface.

Abstract: An optical fiber treatment system is provided for high power laser transmission to an area of medical treatment. A side fire optical fiber tip for use in high power laser applications having outputs of greater than or equal to 50 Watts is a key to the system. Embodiments are particularly appropriate for the medical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with a side fire optical fiber tip using a Holmium:YAG laser or a high power diode laser. Such procedures can be done with only local anesthesia A predetermined length of an output tip on the distal end of the optical fiber of the present invention is formed with an optical fiber core and cladding layer of preselected thickness wherein the cladding to core diameter ratio is at least as great as 1.2. A side fire surface is formed on the distal end of the core/clad output end.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for the treatment of early stage wounds, i.e. those wounds that have resulted in little or no breach of the skin tissue. The invention utilizes non-ablative laser or non-coherent electromagnetic radiation applied to a stage one or two wound to stimulate wound healing, destroy viral and bacterial bodies, and prevent the development of such wounds into higher stage wounds. An appropriate wavelength is chosen from the range of 193 nm to 10.6 microns, and is delivered at a power density of about at least 1 W/cm2 over a predetermined treatment duration typically in the range of 1 second to 3 minutes. To achieve the desired energy density, radiation is typically delivered at a power between 1 Watt and 15 Watts, with an average power of 5–10 Watts. Early stage wounds that can be addressed with this invention include but are not limited to spider or other insect bites, bee stings, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and poison ivy.

Abstract: An expendable optical fiber suitable for use in endoscopic medical treatments with a variety of light sources is described. The inventive fiber has means for determining the fiber's cumulative use history and means for enhancing visualization at the treatment site. The means for determining the fiber's cumulative use history and the means for enhancing visualization are located along predetermined portions of the fiber's surface. The inventive fiber provides for optimal color contrast and background for performing medical procedures and allows for the rapid determination of a fiber's cumulative use history by visual inspection.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for wound debridement and wound healing that is equally effective for both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. A non-ablative laser beam or non-coherent radiation of a wavelength between 193 nm and 10.6 microns, preferably between 400 and 1350 nm, is applied in combination with a mechanical or laser debriding apparatus. The radiation is delivered at a power density of at least approximately 1 W/cm2 over a time period ranging from 1 second to 3 minutes. Typically, radiation power is in the range of 1 Watt to 15 Watts. Power density and treatment duration are adjusted to the parameters of the individual wound. Delivery means include, but are not limited to, optical fibers, articulating arms or direct exposure to radiation-emitting sources. In a preferred embodiment, pulsed or continuous wave high power radiation of an appropriate wavelength and a laser or mechanical scraping apparatus are intermittently or simultaneously applied to a wound.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for the treatment of early stage wounds, i.e. those wounds that have resulted in little or no breach of the skin tissue. The invention utilizes non-ablative laser or non-coherent electromagnetic radiation applied to a stage one or two wound to stimulate wound healing, destroy viral and bacterial bodies, and prevent the development of such wounds into higher stage wounds. An appropriate wavelength is chosen from the range of 193 nm to 10.6 microns, and is delivered at a power density of about at least 1 W/cm2 over a predetermined treatment duration typically in the range of 1 second to 3 minutes. To achieve the desired energy density, radiation is typically delivered at a power between 1 Watt and 15 Watts, with an average power of 5-10 Watts. Early stage wounds that can be addressed with this invention include but are not limited to spider or other insect bites, bee stings, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and poison ivy.

Abstract: A laser system and method are described that will improve dental treatments in small animals, particularly in situations where periodontal disease has progressed to the advanced stages of periodontitis and when dental pulp is exposed by fracture or disease. A laser system is employed to achieve enhanced precision by selectively ablating affected tissue without damaging the collateral tissue. The laser system is also capable of sealing the tubules and eradicating bacteria within the periodontium to significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additional pre-treatment methods may be employed to further enhance the laser therapy.

Abstract: A laser system and method are described that will effectively interrupt the progression of periodontal disease in felines, particularly in situations where the disease has progressed to advanced stages of periodontitis and feline lymphocytic-plasmacytic gingivitis stomatitis. A laser system is employed to achieve precision in surgical procedures where the working field is limited due to the anatomical structure of a feline's mouth. The laser system is also capable of effectively sealing tubules and of eradicating bacteria in the periodontium to significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, the laser therapy can be preceded by pretreatment methods to effectively interrupt the progression of periodontal diseases.