Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument has a shaft and a probe head, the shaft and the probe head have a lumen or channel and a longitudinal axis and the probe head having a distal end face. The probe head has at least one operative surface engageable with organic tissues for the application of ultrasonic vibratory energy to the tissues. The end face is oriented at least partially transversely to the axis. The lumen or channel has a first outlet opening in the end face and at least one second outlet opening in a lateral surface of either the shaft or the probe head at a position spaced from the end face. The probe head has a plurality of teeth extending laterally from the end face, in two rows on opposing side of the end face.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. The apparatus and method, which are appropriate for cardiovascular and peripheral vessels, use a pulling member and a spring member, for example a compression spring, to oscillate a drilling component. The drilling component at the distal end of the catheter tip has combined longitudinal stiffness for penetrating a total or partial occlusion and high axial (lateral) flexibility to improve deliverability and crossability of a catheter through a partially occluded vessel or a tortuous vessel, and may taper distally. The system of the invention includes the apparatus and a control unit to permit adjustment of the frequency or amplitude of oscillation of the drilling component. Also provided is a method for oscillating a drilling component using a pulling member and a spring member and a method of traversing an occlusion.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece includes a housing for receiving an insert, and an ultrasound piezoelectric transducer having a piezoelectric motor placed between a counterweight and an amplifier portion. The piezoelectric transducer is suitable for transmitting ultrasound waves from a distal end of the amplifier portion. The distal end is present in the housing, and rotary drive means is present in the housing. The rotary drive means are movable independently of the ultrasound piezoelectric transducer, and the transducer is static relative to the handpiece.

Abstract: A scaffold is mounted on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The scaffold has closed cells which deform upon balloon expansion and generate forces that cause struts or other components of the scaffold to deflect outwardly to a diameter that is greater than the inflated diameter balloon. The deflected struts apply forces to fracture plaque of other hardened lesions and also form an annular gap surrounding the balloon to provide for bypass flow of blood or other body fluids. A sheath may be located over the deflected struts to protect adjacent tissue structures from the deflected struts and/or to further define the gap.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue from a body lumen includes a tissue-removing element. The tissue-removing element may be coupled to a first longitudinal body portion of the catheter body. The first longitudinal body portion may be rotatable along its length and relative to a second longitudinal body portion to adjust the angular position of the first longitudinal body portion relative to the second longitudinal body portion. An angular-positioning mechanism may be operatively connected to the tissue-removing element for rotating the tissue-removing element relative to the second longitudinal body portion about a rotational axis to adjust an angular tissue-removing position of the tissue-removing element, relative to the longitudinal axis of the body lumen, from a first angular tissue-removing position to a second angular tissue-removing position offset from the first angular tissue-removing position.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue from a body lumen includes a tissue-removing element. The tissue-removing element may be coupled to a first longitudinal portion of the catheter body. An angular-displacement sensor may be coupled to the catheter body for detecting an angular displacement of at least the first longitudinal portion of the catheter body relative to the rotational axis when the first longitudinal body portion is rotated about the rotational axis. The tissue-removing element may be rotatable about a rotational axis to adjust an angular tissue-removing position of the tissue-removing element relative to the body lumen when the catheter body is inserted in the body lumen. An angular-displacement sensor may be generally adjacent the tissue-removing element for detecting an angular displacement of the tissue-removing element relative to the body lumen when the tissue-removing element is rotated about the rotational axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved atherectomy catheter having means for directing particles generated by a cutting element into a collection chamber. Methods of directing the cut material from a blood vessel lumen into a collection chamber are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing the lumen of a vessel includes a handle providing a controller for operating the apparatus, an image capturing instrument secured to the handle, a display secured to the handle, wherein images captured by the image capturing instrument are displayed on the display, and a robotic platform coupled to the handle. The robotic platform includes a body, a first motor coupled to the body, wherein the first motor adjust the robotic platform to achieve a target insertion depth, and a cartridge carrier pivotally coupled to the body, wherein the robotic platform is adjustable to achieve the target insertion depth. The apparatus also includes a disposable cartridge attached to the cartridge carrier. The disposable cartridge includes a needle slideably coupled to the disposable cartridge, wherein the needle slides to extend to the target insertion depth, and a sheath slidably coupled to the disposable cartridge, wherein the sheath slides to extend to the target insertion depth.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having reduced penetration. The device includes a body having a central hollow channel and a piezoelectric transducer received within and secured to the body. The piezoelectric transducer has a hollow portion concentric with the central hollow channel. A tubular member is associated with and in communication with the piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer is adapted for vibrating at a frequency to produce an oscillating displacement of the tubular member against or within surrounding tissue. The tubular member may be a hypodermic needle, a trocar needle, or a catheterization needle.

Abstract: An improved medical tunnelling device for introducing and positioning a catheter in a patient with a longitudinally extended hollow tube, which has a distal and proximal open end, is characterized in that the distal end is provided with a rounded, rotationally symmetrical thickening.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for performing percutaneous endoscopic therapy (e.g., percutaneous assisted transprosthetic endoscopic therapy). For example, access devices (e.g., inflatable access devices) for performing percutaneous endoscopic therapy are provided.

Abstract: A seal assembly including a septum seal, a lower seal support, an upper seal support and a return spring is disclosed. The septum seal includes an orifice and a plurality of apertures. The lower seal support includes an engagement surface configured to engage a portion of the septum seal. The upper seal support includes a plurality of fingers, wherein each of the plurality of fingers is configured to extend through a corresponding aperture of the septum seal. The return spring includes a collar portion and a plurality of spokes extending radially outward from the collar portion. At least a portion of the return spring may be sandwiched between the lower seal support and the upper seal support. The plurality of spokes is configured to bias the seal assembly toward a radial center of a housing.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a nasal guide. The nasal guide includes a pair of supports adapted to be positioned adjacent nostrils of a nose of a patient. The nasal guide includes a bridge connecting the pair of supports. The bridge is usable to adjust positioning of the pair of supports. Each of the pair of supports forms one or more lumens configured to receive one or more medical instruments. The one or more lumens are shaped for insertion into a nasal cavity of the nose.

Abstract: One aspect provides a multiple access body uniport for performing single site surgery on a body that comprises a one-piece body anchor defined by a longitudinal length and an uppermost surface and a lowermost surface. The uniport includes at least two surgical instrument passageways located through the one-piece body anchor and terminate at an entrance aperture on the uppermost surface and at an exit aperture on the lowermost surface, and also includes at least a third surgical instrument passageway located through the one-piece body anchor and having an elongated access opening extending across a portion of the uppermost surface and having an exit aperture on the lowermost surface.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a system and method for treating cardiac tissue are described. In one embodiment, bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient. The cells are then processed to isolate mononuclear cells, which can then be delivered back near the cardiac tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A circular external fixator, comprising a plurality of rings mutually associated by means of spacer members, each of said rings comprising a plurality of axial bores adapted to engage a fastening means for wire retaining devices. The rings have coupling portions for the connection of the spacer members; each coupling portion has a radial slot adapted to receive a head of one of the spacer member with a snap-on connection.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an orthopedic apparatus that can include a tether member that is capable of engaging a bone using a plurality of coupling members. In some aspects, the tether member can include a central band that may be disposed between a distal member and a proximal member. The proximal member can define a proximal aperture and the distal member can define a distal aperture. Moreover, the distal member can be configured to be engaged to a fixed segment of the bone using at least one of the coupling members and the proximal coupling member can be configured to be engaged to a mobile segment of the bone using at least one other coupling member.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes a first element extending from a first head to a first shaft along a first longitudinal axis and having a first channel extending therethrough. The first head rests against a portion of bone adjacent to a first hole through which the first shaft is inserted. A second element includes a second shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis to a second head and having a second channel extending therethrough, the second head resting against a portion of bone adjacent to a second hole through which the second shaft is inserted. The second channel is dimensioned to receive the first shaft therein. A tensioning element is insertable through the first and second channels so that tension applied at a second end thereof imparts a compressive force to the a bone into which the first and second elements are inserted.

Abstract: A functionally dynamic stabilization unit and system for treatment of spinal instability are provided. Each unit, and collectively, the system, is configured to control flexion, extension and translation of the affected unstable vertebral area, thereby stabilizing the vertebral segments by restoring normal function. This is achieved by providing a unit and system that allow for lateral bending, axial compression, rotation, anterior segmental height adjustment, and posterior segmental height adjustment. The unit and system provide sufficient segmental stiffness, while also limiting, or controlling, the range of motion (i.e., sufficient stiffness in the neutral or active zone, while limiting or preventing motion outside of the active zone) to stabilize the vertebral segments. In use, the system mimics the natural movement of the normal spine. Furthermore, the system includes a rigid, fusion-promoting coupler configured for use in an adjacent level, or as a substitute for the functionally dynamic unit.

Abstract: A three-dimensional correction of the curvatures of the spine, for reducing spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, uses a pair of pedicle screws placed on each of the spinal vertebrae of the spine to be corrected, in combination with alignment elongated members or extenders temporally fixed by a proximate portion and associated with corrective rods engaged with the extenders, running along a transverse plane. Each of the corrective rods provides implant rods.

Abstract: A spinal rod including an elongated flexible component and a reinforcing component, the reinforcing component being resistant to damage from compressive forces and disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the flexible component so as to define at least one compression slot.

Abstract: A bone fracture plate assembly including female and male plate portions. The female plate portion has a post, a female dovetail, and an extending arm with a group of ratchet teeth. The male plate portion has two upstanding posts, a male dovetail for coupling to the female dovetail so that the plate portions move linearly with respect to each other, a slot for the arm, and a pawl for engaging the ratchet teeth. A spring, coupled to the posts of the plate portions, dynamically connects the plate portions by applying a compressive load therebetween. The spring has a pair of elongated ears, each defining a slot to allow for relative movement of the plate portions. The ratchet teeth are engaged by the pawl to retain the plate portions together, and the spring mounts on the posts of the plate portions such that the spring biases the plate portions together.

Abstract: A device for coaptation of bone parts or bone fragments, including an integral plate obtained by moulding whereof one portion (1) is made from a first biocompatible polymer including at least one or, preferably, a plurality of areas or inserts (2) provided with a through hole (3), the areas or inserts being made from a second biocompatible polymer which is more malleable than the first polymer, the areas or inserts having mechanical properties allowing a self-tapping of the inner surface of the holes, via screws that can be used for securing the plate to bone tissue, the support portion and the areas or inserts having a partial molecular bond between them.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to locking mechanisms for a fastener (e.g., a bone screw) and associated devices, systems, and methods. According to some embodiments, a lockable bone plate assembly may comprise, for example, a bone plate and a bone screw assembly. A bone plate may comprise, in some embodiments, at least one through hole, the at least one through hole having at least one bone plate hole circumferential recess. According to some embodiments, a bone screw assembly may comprise (a) a bone screw, (b) at least one deployable protrusion, and/or (c) a protrusion driver. The present disclosure further relates, in some embodiments, to methods for bone (e.g., vertebral) fixation. For example, a method may comprise contacting at least a portion of a spine (e.g., cervical spine) of a subject with a lockable bone plate assembly.

Abstract: An implantable cervical plate assembly includes a cervical plate, one or more bone fasteners. The cervical plate comprises an elongated asymmetric body having one or more through-openings extending from the front surface to the back surface of the elongated asymmetric body. The one or more bone fasteners are configured to be inserted through the one or more through-openings, respectively. The bone fasteners comprise a threaded main body and a head that includes one or more breakable structures configured to be broken when inserted into a groove and then unflex and remain captured within the groove.

Abstract: Bone plates having an adjustable joint, and methods of using the bone plates to fix bones.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped bone implant, particularly but not necessarily, for fixing bones of the foot is provided. The implant has bone screw bores that are each configured to hold a bone screw at a particular angle for receipt in a foot bone, eliminating the need to also use a plate. The implant can include an opening that extends through the implant body from one tapered side thereof to the other tapered side thereof. This opening allows the introduction and retention of bone graft material to promote bone fusion. One or both tapered sides of the body may also have teeth, serrations or the like. The implant body may include a hole or the like in the distal aspect thereof. This allows for the insertion of a metallic component (e.g. titanium or tantalum) to allow for the visibility of the extent of the implant body in radiography, x-ray, or the like.

Abstract: A tensioning device comprises an elongate member, preferably a band, and a frame having first and second sides. The band has a first end that is attachable to the first side of the frame and a second end that is releasably securable to the second side of the frame. A movable clamping member on the frame secures the second end of the band to the second side of the frame by cinching the second end of the band between an engagement surface on the band and a mating engagement surface on the second side of the frame. A restraining member is provided for restraining the clamping member to a first position spaced from the mating locking surface on the second side of the frame, when the restraining member is in a restraining orientation. The restraining member is movable out of the restraining orientation after the band is tensioned to a predetermined level using the second end.

Abstract: A device and/or method stores, mixes, and applies polymethylmethacrylate bone cement, wherein the device and/or method comprising a first container for a first pasty component, a dispensing plunger that is arranged such that it can be shifted in the first container and serves for extruding the content of the first container through a dispensing tube opposite from the dispensing plunger. The dispensing tube can be rotated and shifted in longitudinal direction through a feed-through in a side of the first container opposite from the dispensing plunger. A mixing facility is arranged in the first container, is secured to the dispensing tube, and is movable in the first container by moving the dispensing tube. At least one second container for at least one second component is arranged on the first container, whereby the internal space of the at least one second container is closed with respect to the internal space of the first container by means of a closure, which is openable.

Abstract: Drill alignment device (6) for use during the removal of bone cement (42) from a cavity (5) resulting from the removal of a cemented prosthetic device (3) from a long bone, such as a femur (2), during the revision of said prosthetic device, wherein the alignment device comprises an elongate body (61) having a size and shape for insertion in the cavity, wherein at least a part of the outer surface of said elongate body is complementary to the corresponding inner surface of said cavity, wherein the alignment device comprises a channel (7) extending through the elongate body between a proximal end (68) and a distal end (64) and wherein said channel is arranged and has a diameter suitable for receiving and guiding a reamer (8) arranged for removing bone cement in a distal part of said cavity

Abstract: A system comprises an inflatable bone tamp including a plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The system further comprises an elongated tubular shaft extending through the plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The elongated tubular shaft includes a shaft wall and an interior partition structure. The system further comprises a plurality of channels extending through the shaft, each of the channels formed by a segment of the shaft wall and the interior partition structure and each of the channels in communication with the respective one of the plurality of expandable bodies via openings in the shaft. Each of the expandable bodies is independently inflatable.

Abstract: A device, system and method for temperature-based lesion formation assessment and mapping functionality using an accessory usable with an over-the-wire balloon catheter. The device may include a first annular element, a plurality of wires coupled to the first annular element, and a second annular element, the plurality of wires passing from the first annular element through the second annular element and into an elongate wire conduit coupled to the second annular element. At least one of the plurality of wires may include at least one temperature sensor and/or at least one mapping electrode. The first annular element coupled to an outer surface of a sheath. As a balloon catheter is advanced out of the sheath lumen, the distal tip of the catheter engages the second annular element and pushes the wires out of the sheath lumen, everting them over the balloon of the catheter.

Abstract: A cryoablation system has a catheter that receives working cryogen, the catheter having a catheter body that has a distal section having a freezing element which delivers the working cryogen to a treatment location, and a balloon enclosing the freezing element. The catheter body includes an outer tube that has two delivery tubes and a guide wire tube positioned inside the outer tube.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system for the treatment of tissue includes an electrosurgical instrument, a source for supplying ionisable gas to said electrosurgical instrument, an electrosurgical generator for supplying high frequency energy to the electrosurgical instrument, and a switch mechanism. The electrosurgical instrument includes one or more conduits and one or more electrodes connected to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical system is movable between at least a first and a second arrangement. The first arrangement is such that one electrode produces a stream of ionised gas exiting one of the conduits, the ionisable gas being capable of the removal of tissue. The second arrangement is such that ionised gas is produced such that it is capable of the coagulation of tissue. The switch mechanism causes the electrosurgical instrument to move between the first and second arrangements.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument, in particular for argon plasma coagulation, includes a handpiece 10, an electrode (11) connected to the handpiece (10), a shaft (12) which surrounds the electrode (11) and is held in the handpiece (10), and an operating mechanism (13), which comprises at least one rotary knob (14) arranged on the handpiece (10). The shaft (12) is axially movable relative to the electrode (11) and a shear force can be applied to it by operating the rotary knob (14). The handpiece (10) has a brake device which exerts a braking force on the shaft (12), and the operating mechanism (13) forms a transmission gear (15) which is connected to the shaft (12) for transferring the shear force.

Abstract: Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Selection of a plurality of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a handle having a shaft extending therefrom defining a longitudinal axis. The handle is selectively movable to translate movement of the shaft along the longitudinal axis to actuate a pair of laterally spaced first and second jaw members pivotably connected to a distal end of the shaft. The first and second jaw members are moveable from an open position, wherein the first and second jaw members are in spaced relation relative to a stationary jaw member, to a closed position wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate with the stationary jaw member to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source to conduct energy through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a tissue seal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective destruction or temporary disruption of nerves and/or conduction pathways in a mammalian body for the treatment of pain and other disorders. Apparatus comprises catheters having electrodes for targeting and affecting nerve tissue at a cellular level to reversible and irreversible nerve poration and incapacitation.

Abstract: A system and method for the delivery of a medical device to a treatment location. The device may include an elongate body, the elongate body including a plurality of annular segments and a jacket disposed about the plurality of annular segments and defining an interior space, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the interior space of the jacket. When a vacuum is applied to the interior space of the jacket, the jacket may constrict about the plurality of annular elements, thereby increasing the frictional forces between the plurality of segments and between the plurality of segments and an inner surface of the jacket.

Abstract: A device for mapping and ablating the renal nerves distributed on the renal artery is provided, said device comprising a guide catheter (11), a mapping-ablation catheter (12), a handle (13) and a connector (15). The guide catheter (11) had at least one lumen and a distal end with adjustable curvature. The mapping-ablation catheter (12) is housed in one of the lumens of the guide catheter (11) and its distal end has one or more electrodes (22) and one or more detecting devices (23). The distal end of the mapping-ablation catheter (12) is curved, rotatable, and can be extended out of or retracted into the guide catheter (11). The handle (13) connects the guide catheter (11) and mapping-ablation catheter (12), and comprises one or more controlling components for controlling the movement of the guide catheter (11) and mapping-ablation catheter (12). The connector (15) is designed to supply energy to the electrodes (22).

Abstract: A medical device for tissue ablation may include a catheter shaft, an expandable member disposed on or coupled to the catheter shaft, and a plurality of elongate electrode assemblies each constructed as a flexible circuit. The expandable member may be configured to shift between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The plurality of electrode assemblies may be disposed on an outer surface of the expandable member. Each of the plurality of electrode assemblies may include a temperature sensor aligned with two or more electrodes.

Abstract: A method is described for decreasing activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating at least one blood vessel in the pulmonary vasculature of a patient to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension. In one embodiment, the method may involve advancing an intravascular treatment device to a target location in a target blood vessel within the pulmonary vasculature of the patient and using the treatment device to decrease activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating the target blood vessel at or near the target location to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract: An insertion device is configured to access a disc positioned between adjacent vertebrae. The insertion device includes a cannula having a passage formed therein. The cannula has an exit aperture. An obturator is substantially positioned within the passage formed in the cannula. One end of the obturator has a probe and the other end of the obturator has a head. An impaction cap is in contact with the cannula and is positioned to cover the head of the obturator. The impaction cap is configured to allow at least a portion of the cannula to be inserted through a portion of one vertebra without deployment of the probe of the obturator through the exit aperture of the cannula.

Abstract: An ablation device includes a handle portion, a shaft, and at least one cable. The shaft extends distally from the handle portion and includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the inner conductor. The cable extends from the handle portion along at least a portion of the shaft. The distal tip of the inner conductor is positionable distally beyond a distal-most end of the outer conductor. In response to movement of the at least one cable relative to the handle portion, the distal tip of the outer conductor is movable form a first position wherein the distal tip is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis defined by the outer conductor to at least a second position wherein the distal tip is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An ablation probe which includes a probe body with a distal and proximal end, an ablation tip at the distal end of the probe body, an anode provided proximate to the ablation tip, a coaxial cable disposed within the probe body and coupled to the ablation tip and anode so that electromagnetic energy of a predetermined frequency is communicated thereto for dielectric heating of tissue, and a Parylene C coating on at least the ablation tip and anode to electrically isolate the ablation tip and anode from tissue without interference with microwave energy transmission through the probe to the tissue. The Parylene C is a vapor deposited coating on at least the ablation tip and anode to electrically isolate the ablation tip and anode from tissue.

Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a treatment device and corresponding treatment method for laser wound healing, the device and method making use of the simultaneous action of multiple laser types and laser wavelengths which are applied at human tissue. The treatment device generally includes a laser system and a hand-piece which is coupled to the laser system. The hand-piece is designed so that one or multiple laser beams are applied at relatively small spot and at a relatively high power level, and are surrounded by a relatively large spot of another laser beam with a relatively low power level. In a preferred implementation, the hand-piece is adapted to facilitate the emission of first and second laser beams together with a third laser beam which is delivered at a different spatial profile in comparison to the first and second laser beams.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating tissue by directing light pulses using bubbles generating in tissue using previously transmitted light pulses are disclosed. Systems and methods for treating tissue using a lens array comprising a pitch or separation distance sized to overlap sonoporation induced shockwaves are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the shockwaves are generated in response to incident light pulses directed through adjacent lenses in the array. Systems and methods can improve porosity of the cellular membrane. Systems and methods for creating channels in tissue by using stacked pulses are also disclosed.