Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of uterine tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics comprising LBO or BBO producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 20 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a diode-pumped neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 20 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of uterine tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 run to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A medical laser system is disclosed for generating a pulsed output beam of variable pulse duration and wavelength. The on time of the laser is the pulse duration which is generated by a Q-switch operated in a repetitive mode as a train of micropulses. According to one embodiment, a repetitively Q-switched frequency-doubled solid state laser produces an input beam which is subsequently used to excite a dye laser. An excitation source of the solid state laser is modulated to control the pulse duration of the input beam. The dye laser receives the input beam and responsively generates an output beam of adjustable wavelength having a pulse duration corresponding to the pulse duration of the input beam. The wavelength of the output beam is controlled by adjusting a tuning element of the dye laser. The dye laser is coupleable to a delivery system for directing the output laser beam to a biological tissue target.

Abstract: A fiber optics calibration system (10) incorporated into a laser surgical system (12). A laser light source (14) produces a light beam (16), a portion of which is directed by a first beam splitter (18) into a radiation detector (26) and a further portion of which is directed by a safety detector (28) into a safety detector. A safety shutter (31) is interposed between the radiation detector (26) and the safety detector (28) and controlled by the safety detector (28). During calibration, the light beam is directed through a fiber optic cable (24) and then through a calibration adaptor (34) and calibration receptacle (36) a via a light pipe (38) to the safety detector (28). A calibration switch (40) locks out operation of the safety shutter (31) such that readings of the radiation detector (26) can be compared to those of the safety detector (28) and compensation from an expected standard value be made therefor by a controlling computer (42).

Abstract: A dermatology handpiece delivers a treatment beam of optical energy to a lesion. The handpiece has the ability to selectively determine whether or not the treatment beam is delivering optical energy to a lesion or to healthy tissue. This is achieved without visual inspection of the skin surface by the physician. Slight variations in tissue, not readily discernable by the human eye, can be detected and treated. A base line, or threshold, is established for the treatment area. Normal tissue, falling below the base line, does not receive a dose of optical energy. A threshold or base line signal is created by taking a reading of healthy skin. The dermatology handpiece is adjusted so that the treatment beam is not delivered until a threshold or base line signal is exceeded. Substantially all of a lesion receives the proper amount of optical energy in the treatment beam, while healthy tissue does not receive a dosage of optical energy.