Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices for pharmaceutical delivery and fluid removal using laser ablation or alteration. These devices have marking means for marking the ablation or alteration site, the area around the site, or the site and the area around the site. In a preferred embodiment, the mark created by the devices is a physical mark which remains detectable after the marking means is inactivated or redirected away from the site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of collecting biomolecules via permeation through the skin of a subject, by energizing the stratum corneum in conjunction with various collection means including gels and dressing materials. Permeability enhancement or reduced electrical impedance of the skin increases the variety of substances capable of permeation, and increases the permeation rate and the effectiveness of the permeation, including permeation enhanced by iontophoresis. The method allows for the use of improved collection means that were previously unavailable.

Abstract: A method/system to enhance continuous delivery of pharmaceutical compounds in a target by utilizing non-ionizing electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of delivering substances for permeation through the skin of a subject, by energizing the stratum corneum in conjunction with various delivery means including gels and patches. Permeability enhancement or reduced electrical impedance of the skin, increases the variety of substances capable of permeation, and increases the permeation rate and the effectiveness of the permeation, including permeation enhanced by iontophoresis. The method allows for the use of improved delivery means that were previously unavailable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical device/method for enhancing local administration of pharmaceutical compounds and/or collection of biomaterials. Such device/method is used for various situations which require high concentrations of drugs that are delivered locally.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of measuring analytes in bodily fluids without the use of a sharp. The method having the steps of irradiating the skin of a patient by focused pulses of electromagnetic energy emitted by a laser. By proper selection of wavelength, energy fluence, pulse temporal width and irradiation spot size, the pulses precisely irradiate the skin to a selectable depth, without causing clinically relevant damage to healthy portions of the skin. After irradiation, interstitial fluid is collected into a container or left on the skin. The interstitial fluid is then tested for a desired analyte to approximate the analyte concentration in other bodily fluids. Alternatively, after the forced formation of a microblister, the epidermis covering the microblister is lysed and the interstitial fluid is subsequently collected and tested.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and/or methods of monitoring extremely small movements associated with infant breathing and heart rate, therefore monitoring sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Provided is a system for monitoring movement of an infant, comprising: a light source which produces radiant energy; an optical device; and an imaging device. Further provided is a method of monitoring movement of an infant, comprising the steps of: producing radiant energy by a light source; coupling said radiant energy into an optical device so as to create a matrix of images; projecting said images into a field of interest; and detecting movement of said infant using an imaging device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel apparatus for measuring the shape of various parts of anatomy, and alternatively capturing and digitizing an image of the part for the purpose of creating prosthetic or orthotic devices. Also provided are methods of measuring anatomical profiles involving physical contact with the body parts, and methods of manufacturing internal or external prosthetic and orthotic articles which mimic natural body parts in texture and motion characteristics, and in some cases, appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods/systems of optical imaging of subsurface anatomical structures and biomolecules utilizing red and infrared radiant energy. Also provided are various applications of such methods/systems in medical diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an non-invasive and inexpensive method and/or device for detecting a disease in a bone or other tissues using an optical fiber based Raman spectrometer by detecting biochemical changes in the bone or the other tissues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of delivering substances for permeation through the skin of a subject, by energizing the stratum corneum in conjunction with various delivery means including gels and patches. Permeability enhancement or reduced electrical impedance of the skin, increases the variety of substances capable of permeation, and increases the permeation rate and the effectiveness of the permeation, including permeation enhanced by iontophoresis. The method allows for the use of improved delivery means that were previously unavailable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of removing fluids, gases or other biomolecules, or delivering a pharmaceutical composition, through the skin of a patient without the use of a sharp or needle. The method includes the step of irradiating the stratum corneum, an applied pharmaceutical or an absorbing material, using a laser. By selection of parameters, the laser irradiates the selected material or tissue to create pressure gradients, plasma, cavitation bubbles, or other forms of tissue ablation or alteration. These methods increase the diffusion of pharmaceuticals into, or fluids, gases or other biomolecules out of, the body. For this invention, a pharmaceutical composition can be applied to the skin before or after laser irradiation.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to view an anatomical structure such as a blood vessel in high contrast with its surrounding tissue. The system and method may be used to produce an image of an anatomical structure using reflected electromagnetic radiation singularly scattered from target tissue. The system and method may also provide same-side illumination and detection of reflected electromagnetic radiation in a convenient integral imaging device. The system and method may also provide helmet mounted imaging technology in a single integral helmet which allows the wearer to view an anatomical structure located within a patient such that the image is continuously oriented according to the orientation of the helmet wearer's head. The system and method may also be used in the performance of venipuncture. The system and method may provide for improved contrast between any anatomical structure and its surrounding tissue for use in any imaging system.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to view an anatomical structure such as a blood vessel in high contrast with its surrounding tissue. The system and method may be used to produce an image of an anatomical structure using reflected electromagnetic radiation singularly scattered from target tissue. The system and method may also provide same-side illumination and detection of reflected electromagnetic radiation in a convenient integral imaging device. The system and method may also provide helmet mounted imaging technology in a single integral helmet which allows the wearer to view an anatomical structure located within a patient such that the image is continuously oriented according to the orientation of the helmet wearer's head. The system and method may also be used in the performance of venipuncture. The system and method may provide for improved contrast between any anatomical structure and its surrounding tissue for use in any imaging system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of administering a pharmaceutical composition, such as an anesthetic through the skin of a patient without the use of a sharp or needle. This method includes the step of irradiating the stratum corneum of a region of the skin of the patient using a laser. By a selection of parameters, the laser irradiates the surface of the skin precisely to a selectable depth, without causing clinically relevant damage to healthy proximal tissue. A pharmaceutical composition is then applied to the region of irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of measuring analytes in bodily fluids without the use of a sharp. The method having the steps of irradiating the skin of a patient by focused pulses of electromagnetic energy emitted by a laser. By proper selection of wavelength, energy fluence, pulse temporal width and irradiation spot size, the pulses precisely irradiate the skin to a selectable depth, without causing clinically relevant damage to healthy portions of the skin. After irradiation, interstitial fluid is collected into a container or left on the skin. The interstitial fluid is then tested for a desired analyte to approximate the analyte concentration in other bodily fluids. Alternatively, after the forced formation of a microblister, the epidermis covering the microblister is lysed and the interstitial fluid is subsequently collected and tested.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to view an anatomical structure such as a blood vessel in high contrast with its surrounding tissue. The system and method may be used to produce an image of an anatomical structure using reflected electromagnetic radiation singularly scattered from target tissue. The system and method may also provide same-side illumination and detection of reflected electromagnetic radiation in a convenient integral imaging device. The system and method may also provide helmet mounted imaging technology in a single integral helmet which allows the wearer to view an anatomical structure located within a patient such that the image is continuously oriented according to the orientation of the helmet wearer's head. The system and method may also be used in the performance of venipuncture. The system and method may provide for improved contrast between any anatomical structure and its surrounding tissue for use in any imaging system.

Abstract: A device to measure the relative location in three dimensional space of anatomical structures by injecting a beam of light into an optical imaging device and projecting the beams of light onto the object being imaged. By virtue of the change in the image of the light beam, as a function of changes in the position and/or direction of the injected beam, and knowing the optical transfer function of the imaging device, the position of the anatomical structure can easily be calculated.

Abstract: A vibrometer which detects the variation of the speckle interference pattern of reflected waves as a means of determining the amplitude and frequency of vibrations of structures, including small anatomical structures. A wave source such as a laser delivers wave radiation to the object whose vibration is to be measured. The diffuse reflectance from the textural surface of the object reflects the incident wave radiation as a speckle interference pattern which is detected by a detector, such as a photodetector. The wave radiation source may be a continuous-wave laser, and the photodetector detector may be a phototransistor connected to a wide-bandwidth amplifier. As the object vibrates, the speckle interference pattern moves. The variation in the speckle interference pattern across the detector carries amplitude and frequency information regarding the vibrating object.

Abstract: This invention provides a device and method for perforation of skin for the purpose of drawing blood or administering pharmaceuticals. The device incorporates a laser which produces a laser beam at an appropriate wavelength which is specifically focused to perforate the skin of a patient. Optionally a container can be incorporated in the device for collection of blood from the perforated tissue.