Abstract: Optical ear infection treatment device and methods are described where an LED and optical light pipe are used to deliver the light from the LED to the middle ear of a patient to reduce bacterial growth and/or eliminate bacteria. Typically, the device is placed in the ear and then activated by the user by pressing an activation button. Once activated the control electronics will turn on the LED and perform a treatment. The most basic treatment mode comprises turning on the LED at maximum power for a predetermined period, e.g. 30 minutes, 60 minutes. When the preset duration is completed, the device will notify the user by an audible beep or vibration that the treatment is complete. Once completed the user can remove the device, the treatment could be repeated once a day or for extreme cases multiple times during the day.

Abstract: A system and method for ocular surgery includes a delivery system for generating and guiding a surgical laser beam to a focal point in a treatment area of an eye. Additionally, a contact device is employed for using the eye to establish a reference datum. Further, an optical detector is coupled to the beam path of the surgical laser to create a sequence of cross-sectional images. Each image visualizes both the reference datum and the focal point. Operationally, a computer then uses these images to position and move the focal point in the treatment area relative to the reference datum for surgery.

Abstract: A platform Smart Scalpel system using rapid real-time feedback for effecting laser treatment. The platform system includes an imaging system for rapid real-time detection of tissue characteristics, a processing system for processing the detected characteristics, and a treatment system for effecting treatment in accordance with results of the processing. The platform system provides for preprogramming and real-time inputting conditions and parameters for diagnosis using the imaging system and/or treatment using the treatment system.

Abstract: An apparatus for laser processing of a material, in particular the eye cornea, emits on to the material a train (18?) of laser radiation pulses having a pulse duration in the femtosecond range. The pulse train comprises a multiplicity of successive pulse groups, each pulse group comprising at least two laser radiation pulses (20?, 22?). The pulses of a pulse group are directed at substantially the same processing site of the material, but the pulses of successive groups are directed at substantially different processing sites of the material. According to the invention the time interval between successive laser radiation pulses of a pulse group is in the nanosecond range. In particular, the intensity or energy of the pulses within a pulse group is graduated, in such a way that a preceding prepulse (20?) has substantially lower intensity or energy than a following main pulse (22?).

Abstract: The present invention presents novel methods for performing noninvasive vasectomies in animals, including humans, and vasectomy clamps for use in such procedures. The invention further presents an apparatus for use in noninvasive male sterilization procedures. More specifically, the invention presents the application of lasers for noninvasive thermal coagulation and occlusion of the vas. Non-contact cooling of the tissue surface, for example, via cryogen or other cooling spray, prevents scrotal skin burns during the procedure. Both the laser radiation and cooling spray are delivered in a non-contact mode to the tissue. This procedure also preserves the surgical field-of-view, potentially allowing the urologist to visually monitor the skin surface during subsurface heating of the vas and preventing the formation of scrotal skin burns.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus, which allows SLT to be performed by a laser source not having a Q-switch which emits a continuous wave laser beam, has a laser source capable of emitting a continuous wave visible laser beam to be absorbed into pigment cells of trabecular meshwork, an irradiation optical system for directing the laser beam to a patient's eye so as to irradiate the eye with the laser beam, a device for pulsing the laser beam by controlling a driving duration of the laser source or opening and closing durations of a shutter in the irradiation optical system, a device capable of setting an irradiation duration of the laser beam within a range of 0.1 msec to 5 msec in order to perform Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, and a device capable of setting irradiation energy density of the laser beam within a range of 1 J/cm2 to 8.5 J/cm2.

Abstract: A light transmission system to provide photodynamic treatment to a patient includes a single use integrated control module and catheter assembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit light toward target cells within a patient. The integrated light catheter and control module are used in combination with a light activated drug. Selected operating parameters may be programmed into the control module, or it may be wirelessly programmable in situ prior to use to allow user flexibility to tailor treatment for a particular patient or condition. Among the features that prevent reuse are that the control module lacks access to recharge the power source, and it may include a deactivation module that destroys circuitry or software when triggered. To prevent patient interference when in use, the control module may also be configured to selectively deactivate.

Abstract: The invention refers to A system (10) for registering and tracking the position of a person's eye, in particular for refractive ophthalmic surgery. According to the invention, the system is designed such that eye images containing at least the iris and the pupil of the eye are made at a first wavelength of light and that eye images containing scleral blood vessels are made at a different second wavelength of light. The invention furthermore refers to a corresponding method for registering and tracking the position of a person's eye.

Abstract: The present invention employs image intensification for medical procedures within the human body. Methods and systems of the invention utilize infrared radiation (e.g. greater than about 750 nm) illumination and visualization of a surgical treatment area. Preferred methods and systems of the invention incorporate use of an infrared radiation visualization system which may be known as “night vision” systems.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of laser processing of materials, specifically laser induced ablation processes for laser removal of material particularly important in medical and dental applications in which the laser removal of material should be done in such a way as to not damage any of the surrounding soft or hard biomaterial. The ablation process is achieved by impulsive heat deposition (IHD) by direct and specific excitation of short lived vibrations or phonons of the material in such a way as to not generate highly reactive and damaging ions through multiphoton absorption. The heat deposition and ensuing ablation process under prescribed time and wavelength conditions for laser irradiation is achieved faster than heat transfer to surrounding tissue by either acoustic or thermal expansion or thermal diffusion that otherwise would lead to excess heat related damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a control program for ophthalmologic LASIK surgery, with which a pulsed laser system (12, 14, 16) can be controlled for the photodisruptive cutting of a flap, having the following steps: obtaining empirical data, which relate to the effect in particular of flap shapes and ablation profiles on postoperative refractive results, obtaining measurement data relating to the eye to be treated, calculating an optimal cutting shape for the photodisruptive cutting of the flap by taking into account the said empirical data and the said measurement data, and generating the control program on the basis of the calculated cutting shape.

Abstract: In a method of calibrating the pulse energy of a laser device which provides pulsed working laser radiation, by means of the working laser radiation, multiple test ablations, in particular multiple-pulse test ablations, are carried out on one or more test objects, each with different pulse energy. The ablation depth of each of the test ablations is measured, and then, on the basis of the measured ablation depths and a specified setpoint ablation depth, an associated setpoint pulse energy is determined and set on the laser device. According to the invention, the ablation depths are measured by means of a coherent optical interferometric measuring device. The invention also concerns a laser device, in particular to carry out the above method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the safety of a surgical procedure involving delivery of laser energy to a tissue, involves enhancing or increasing the detectability of radiation emitted by the tissue or any portion of a surgical instrument or device by providing a sacrificial material that absorbs radiation emitted during the surgical procedure, increasing the temperature of a surface on which the material is disposed and/or causing damage radiation to be emitted in a way that can be detected by monitoring the temperature of the surface and/or radiation, including infrared and/or visible light, emitted by the surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the radiation absorbing material is a sheath arranged to surround the fiber.

Abstract: A device for ophthalmologically treating the eye has a treatment laser beam (UV) for ablating parts of the cornea (12) and a fixation light beam (24). A fixation light spot in the vicinity of the fovea (30) and the fovea are imaged by means of a camera (40). This makes it possible to check whether the patient has reliably fixated the fixation light source (22). In addition, the pupil can be recorded and both recordings can be superimposed.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for improved minimally invasive vascular treatments. The procedure comprises introducing a mono-channel or multichannel catheter into a vein to be treated, under local anesthesia, where the multichannels can be essentially concentric. This special catheter receives an energy transmitting elongate member in a channel and a fluid in another channel, or in the case of a mono-channel fluid flows around the member. Fluids that can be used, but not limited to, are saline solutions, cooled saline solutions, liquids for vapor generation, vasoconstricting agents, anesthetic agents and/or a formulation containing an ingredient which can be activated by the applied energy. Anesthesia, where used, is introduced into the inside of the vein, thus eliminating the need of external or tumescent anesthesia. In addition, the previously mentioned substances can also be combined according to the treatment requirements for different purposes and effects.

Abstract: An improved dental laser system has been developed to cut enamel quickly and precisely, without detrimental residual energy, to provide a replacement for conventional high speed rotary burrs and commercially available dental laser systems.

Abstract: An irradiation device (1) and a method for the treatment of acne and acne scars, comprising at least one source of radiation (2), the source of radiation emitting at least one broadband spectrum in the wavelength range of 320-at least 540 nm and the radiation source (2) being pulseoperable and/or movable relatively to the area to be irradiated, the pulse energy being between 0.05-10 J/cm2 and the peak irradiation intensity being between 0.5 W/cm2 and 100 kW/cm2.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for an interface for providing a user with feedback are presented. Specifically, embodiments of such an interface may include a head-up display unit which is mounted on a microscope utilized by a user when performing a surgical procedure. The heads-up display unit may include an eye-piece ring which is fitted onto or in one of the eye pieces of the microscope. The heads-up unit receives data regarding one or more parameters from a surgical console or other source and produces audio or visual feedback corresponding to a desired parameter. Any visual feedback produced may then be propagated to the eye piece ring allowing a user of the microscope to obtain the feedback when performing a surgical procedure utilizing the microscope and obviating the need to look at a screen of the surgical console to obtain such feedback. Thus, feedback is provided to a user in a non-intrusive manner such that the user can obtain this feedback without distracting from a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method for measuring an optical system comprises transmitting an image with the optical system. Gradients of the optical system can be determined by separating the transmitted image with a lenslet array. An error-correcting change in the shape of the optical system can be mapped by integrating across the gradients. The change in elevation around the path is related to the accuracy of the gradient array. A system for measuring a wavefront of an eye includes an image source for projecting an image into the eye, lenslets, a detector for measuring angles of light rays of an optical surface of an eye, and a computer for mapping the errors of the eye. A tomographic wavefront map is made by deflecting the measurement path of the wavefront sensor. Aberrations are selected for treatment in response to an order of the aberration and a tissue structure corresponding to the aberration.

Abstract: A platform Smart Scalpel system using rapid real-time feedback for effecting laser treatment. The platform system includes an imaging system for rapid real-time detection of tissue characteristics, a processing system for processing the detected characteristics, and a treatment system for effecting treatment in accordance with results of the processing. The platform system provides for preprogramming and real-time inputting conditions and parameters for diagnosis using the imaging system and/or treatment using the treatment system.

Abstract: A medical laser device is described that generates a laser beam controllable with presets as to pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, power and energy per pulse. The device also provides presets with respect to water and air outputs. Parametric values for power, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, and energy per pulse as well as for water and air settings may be programmed by an end user and stored as presets.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method of surgical ablative material removal “in-vivo” or from an outside surface with a short optical pulse that is amplified and compressed using either an optically-pumped-amplifier and air-path between gratings compressor combination or a SOA and chirped fiber compressor combination, wherein the generating, amplifying and compressing are done within a portable system.

Abstract: An instrument for ultraviolet irradiation includes a plurality of light-shielding filters each having different transmittances for ultraviolet radiation emitted from a light source for irradiating the skin of a patient with ultraviolet radiation, and a support member for supporting the light-shielding filters.

Abstract: Provided is a lipolysis device using a low power laser, and more particularly, to a lipolysis device using a low power laser capable of non-invasively irradiating skin with a laser beam which may or may not be condensed through a lens or transparent window to obtain the same effect as lipolysis of adipose tissue exposed through incision using a conventional ultrasonic or low power laser. In addition, the lipolysis device includes a vacuum suction means to readily discharge liquefied fat discharged from an adipose cell and concentrated in a space between cell tissues through the groin area, where lymphatic vessels are abundant, and out of the body. Further the lipolysis device can stably contact human skin to break down fat and thus is convenient to use. Furthermore, the lipolysis device can break down subcutaneous fat by irradiating an abdominal region with a low power laser without skin damage or surgical operation, thereby effectively removing abdominal fat.

Abstract: An optical pattern uses a single rotating component. The rotating component includes a number of deflection sectors. Each sector deflects an incident optical beam by a substantially constant angular amount although this amount may vary from one sector to the next. The rotating component may be combined with an imaging lens group that produces, for example, image points, spots, or lines displaced along a line locus.

Abstract: A system for positioning the eye of a patient in alignment with a laser unit for laser surgery includes an alignment device that is mounted on the laser unit. It also includes a patient interface having a curved contact lens. Additionally, a clamp with an attached suction ring can be engaged with the interface to hold the lens against the eye of the patient. Thus, when the interface is joined with the alignment device, the lens is positioned against the eye of the patient at a predetermined distance from the laser unit for laser surgery.

Abstract: A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a nonlinear waveguide. The nonlinear waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for circulating a fluorescent substance through the nonlinear waveguide. The fluorescent substance is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A laser device that includes a dual pulse-width laser-pumping circuit generates long and short laser pulses. The laser-pumping circuit employs a single power supply with dual high voltage outputs that are selectable under control of a user. The laser device conveniently generates long and short laser pulses or a mix of the two for performing specialized surgical procedures.

Abstract: A biostimulative illumination apparatus for treating patient tissues includes at least one light emitting diode which can generate at least one narrow-pulse focused wave band suitable to be used as low-power and non-parallel focused light beams for biostimulative illumination. The wave length of the focused light beam is from 600 nm to 850 nm, the energy density of the focused light beams is from 2 Joule/cm2 to 16 Joule/cm2 and the divergence angle of the light beams is lower than 16°. In addition, the invention also provides a biostimulative illumination treatment method.

Abstract: A mechanical element allows the tip of the handpiece of a dermatological treatment system to rotate to adjust for deviations in handpiece angle with respect to the surface of the treatment area. The tip may glide over the surface of the skin, the tip may include wheels or rotating cylinders on which the tip rolls across the skin, or the tip may be removed from the skin and placed in a new location in a stamping motion. The tip of the handpiece rotates around a single axis, or around two perpendicular axes, so that pressure on the tip moves the flat surface of the tip into proper orientation for planar contact with the skin. An element can be included in the handpiece to apply a restoring force on the tip so that the tip rests in its optimal position in the absence of external forces.

Abstract: A method of scanning a laser beam across a set of cells includes during a first interval, causing a galvanometric scanner to scan a laser beam across a set of cells; and during a second interval, causing the galvanometric scanner to deflect the laser beam away from the set of cells. The first interval is selected to cause microcavitation in at least a portion of the cells from the set of cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a supply unit (2) for supplying ablation energy to a material (4), and a stimuli-responsive substance (3?) for controlling a level of the ablation energy deposited into the material (4). The device allows to limit a temperature of the material (4), so that risks associated to ablation at too high temperatures can be eliminated. The device may comprise at least one illumination unit (7) for illuminating the material (4), and at least one reception unit (8a, 8b) for receiving reflected light in order to obtain information about a state of the material (4). The obtained information can be used to regulate the supplied ablation energy.

Abstract: A fractional treatment system can be configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue increases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1390-1425 nm). Desirably, the laser wavelength is primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water and has a thermally adjusted absorption coefficient within the range of about 8 cm?1 to about 30 cm?1. An adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. The system may be designed to be switchable between a treatment mode that is semi-ablative and a treatment mode that is not semi-ablative. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a component for use with a surgical device are disclosed. A component of a surgical device includes an identifier, such as a RFID tag. Data from the RFID tag is transmitted to a RFID reader operably coupled to the device. A controller identifies the component based on the received data and determines whether the component can be used with the surgical device based on criteria, such as whether the received data is an authorized code that matches data stored in memory or whether the received data solves or satisfies an algorithm. The authorized codes are selected from a larger set of available codes. The controller can enable or disable the operation of the device with the component based on whether the criteria is satisfied and can cause the surgical device to be configured for use with the component.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a compact surgical device include a laser unit and one or more laser outlet assemblies. The laser unit has a power regulator, one or more diode laser assemblies, each having a single diode laser source, and a laser trigger mechanism. The laser unit can emit an aiming light beam and a treatment laser beam either both from the same single diode laser or from two separate single diode lasers. The beam can pass through the one or more laser outlet assemblies. The aiming light beam can have a first energy level. The treatment laser beam can have a second energy level that is substantially greater than the first energy level of the aiming light beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer in a cornea irradiate a region of the epithelial layer with a pulsed beam of ablative radiation. The ablative radiation is scanned to vary the location of the beam within the region in accordance with a pulse sequence. The pulse sequence is arranged to enhance optical feedback based on a tissue fluorescence of the epithelial layer. The penetration of the epithelial layer is detected in response to the optical feedback. The use of scanning with the pulse sequence arranged to enhance optical feedback allows large areas of the epithelium to be ablated such that an operator can detect penetration of the epithelial layer.

Abstract: Described are a handpiece, a coupling, and a device with a laser source and handpiece for emitting a laser beam for dental treatment. In order to avoid damage to the healthy tooth tissue, an improved determination of the tooth temperature by measurement of at least part of the heat radiation emitted from the treatment area using a temperature sensor, preferably an infra-red sensor, is carried out. Upon reaching or exceeding a temperature threshold, the emission of the laser beam to the treatment area is interrupted or the power output of the laser source reduced or the user made aware of the violation of the threshold value using an acoustic or visual signal. The temperature sensor can be located, e.g., on the handpiece or on the coupling, such as on the coupling tube.

Abstract: Optical correction methods, devices, and systems reduce optical aberrations or inhibit refractive surgery induced aberrations. Error source control and adjustment or optimization of ablation profiles or other optical data address high order aberrations. A simulation approach identifies and characterizes system factors that can contribute to, or that can be adjusted to inhibit, optical aberrations. Modeling effects of system components facilitates adjustment of the system parameters.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm.

Abstract: A stand-alone laser device that provides low level laser therapy using one or more laser sources. The laser sources are attached to one or more arms which can be positioned to cause the laser light to impinge on a desired area of a patient's body. A scanning apparatus is attached to the arms which comprise structures that cooperate to cause an optical element to be able to simultaneously rotate about a central axis and move in a linear motion along that axis to achieve any desired scan pattern. Laser light of different pulse widths, different beam shapes and different scan patterns can be applied externally to a patient's body. In the preferred embodiment, red light having a wavelength of about 635 nm is used to stimulate hair growth on a patient's scalp.

Abstract: Laser treatment apparatus includes one diode-laser providing infrared radiation for the treatment and another diode-laser for providing visible radiation. A lens launches the infrared and visible radiations from the diode-lasers into the entrance face of the optical fiber for transporting the radiations to a treatment location.

Abstract: A method for the topical treatment of nail diseases, e.g. onychomycosis, after preparation of the infected nail with a laser beam.

Abstract: A laser system (10) is disclosed comprising a laser device (1) for emitting laser radiation and an optical fibre (2) adapted to connect, in use, to the laser device (1) for delivering the laser radiation. The optical fibre contains a label (3), such as an RF identification tag, a barcode or a colour code. The laser device (1) interrogates the optical fibre (2) and receives information back from the optical fibre (2). If the usage of the optical fibre (2) has exceeded safety limits then the laser device (1) may be prevented from operating. The laser device (1) on receiving information from the optical fibre (2) may also be configured to deliver laser radiation having a specific power, pulse width, pulse interval and treatment duration.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a gas-delivery device to supply a noble gas or other inert gas to a tissue-treatment region and a rinsing device for rinsing a target region, in particular a tissue-treatment region. In the instrument the rinsing pressure is generated by the inert gas supplied by the gas-delivery device.

Abstract: A photoactivation device for modulating the physiology of a target biological activity by directing a photoactivating beam of light having a predetermined set of photoactivating light parameters on a target surface, the device comprising: a photoactivating light source for emitting the photoactivating beam of light; a positioning means operatively coupled to the photoactivating light source for allowing selective positioning of the photoactivating light source relative to the target surface; a position evaluating means for evaluating the position of the photoactivating light source relative to the target surface.

Abstract: A system and method for resecting corneal tissue is disclosed. A resection pattern is selected for resecting corneal tissue. The resection pattern is incised in a cornea using a surgical laser, leaving one or more uncut gaps in the incised resection pattern. Any uncut gaps left in the resection pattern may thereafter be incised using an alternate surgical instrument.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling multiple medical devices. Included in the system are at least a first medical device and a second medical device, each of which are capable of performing one or more functions. Also included is a remote control unit having at least a first switch and a second switch. Connected to each of the medical devices is a controller that can simultaneously dispatch one or more device command signals to each of the medical devices in response to receiving one or more remote command signals from the remote control unit, thereby allowing a user to remotely and simultaneously control one or more functions associated with each of the medical devices.

Abstract: A laser treatment device and process with controlled cooling. The device contains a cooling element with high heat conduction properties, which is transparent to the laser beam. A surface of the cooling element is held in contact with the tissue being treated while at least one other surface of the cooling element is cooled by the evaporation of a cryogenic fluid. The cooling is coordinated with the application of the laser beam so as to control the temperatures of all affected layers of tissues. In a preferred embodiment useful for removal of wrinkles and spider veins, the cooling element is a sapphire plate. A cryogenic spray cools the top surface of the plate and the bottom surface of the plate is in contact with the skin. In preferred embodiments the wavelength of the laser beam is chosen so that absorption in targeted tissue is low enough so that substantial absorption occurs throughout the targeted tissue. In a preferred embodiment for treating large spider veins with diameters in the range of 1.