Abstract: A light energy delivery head is provided which, in one aspect, mounts laser diode bars or other light energy emitters in a heat sink block which is adapted to cool both the emitters and a surface of a medium with which the head is in contact and to which it is applying light energy. In another aspect, various retroreflection configurations are provided which optimize retroreflection of back-scattered light energy from the medium. The size of the aperture through which light energy is applied to the medium is also controlled so as to provide a desired amplification coefficient as a result of retroreflection.

Abstract: A device is disclosed usable for low level laser therapy to induce a photochemical reaction (non-heating) which is used in the treatment of conditions like tendonitis and other soft tissue injuries, wound healing and pain relief. The arrangement proposed will allow the device to be a Class I laser device thus providing long term minimization of the running costs of the device. The device includes a laser generating means (10) for generating a laser beam (14), the laser generating means (10) having an apparent source size and homogenising means (12) for modifying the laser beam (14) for modifying the apparent source size of the laser beam (14).

Abstract: Skin cooling apparatus is provided for use with a medical treatment device such as a hypodermic syringe or a skin ablation laser or other electromagnetic source. The skin cooling apparatus provides selective, localized cooling of the target area that is acted upon by the medical treatment device. Included is a support body engaging at least a portion of the medical treatment device, for supporting and orienting the medical treatment device to the target area. A solid state cooling device such as a thermoelectric or Peltier device is carried by the support body and includes a cooling surface facing the target area of a patient's skin surface. The support body may be flexible so as to allow the medical treatment device to be inclined relative to the skin surface. The support body may also include aiming structure for directing the medical treatment device to a particular point within the target area.

Abstract: The safe therapeutic window for laser medicine (a ratio of the threshold power for detrimental outcome to that of a desired outcome) tends to decrease as pulse length decreases. This problem is addressed by use of beam shapes and/or pulse shapes that improve temperature uniformity in the treated tissue. A beam shape with an adjustable on-axis intensity minimum improves spatial temperature uniformity in treated tissue. A pulse shape with a relatively intense early part (to set the temperature rise), followed by a less intense late part having decreasing intensity with time (to maintain a constant or nearly constant temperature rise) improves temporal temperature uniformity in the treated tissue. A therapeutic window (TW) of at least 3 is often required to provide a sufficient safety margin in practice. In one experiment, it was demonstrated that the minimum pulse length to provide a TW of 3 could be decreased from 20 ms to 10 ms following these principles.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for the treatment of soft tissue. The apparatus includes a light source and at least two optical assemblies. Each of the optical assemblies includes at least one optical element and a light-transmitting contact surface configured to transmit a substantially uniform distribution of light therethrough. The apparatus further includes at least two optical transmission devices each disposed between the light source and a corresponding one of the at least two optical assemblies. The apparatus also includes a handpiece to which the at least two optical assemblies are attached, and which is adapted to bring the light-transmitting contact surfaces of the at least two optical assemblies in contact with soft tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient in a fixed location comprising: a) a locator attachable to a patient and having a registration portion for registration with a portion of a patient's body, and b) means for transmitting information concerning the position of the portion of the patient to an information receiving means, the means being rigidly connected with the locator; a system for positioning a patient in a fixed location comprising the above device in combination with means for receiving said information concerning the position of said portion of said patient; and a method for locating a portion of a patient in a predetermined fixed position comprising: a) affixing to a patient the above device by registering the registration portion of the device with the portion of the patient, b) transmitting information concerning the position of the portion of the patient from the device to an information receiving means, and c) locating the portion of the patient in the predetermined fixed position based o

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: An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for haemostasis of cutaneous blood vessels. The device comprises at least one light-emitting diode (“LED”), a power supply unit for operating the LED and a member for cooling and heat dissipation of the LED. The LED a emits light in the blue-violet spectral band (generally within a range of 390 nm and 470 nm). The device can also be fitted with an optical focusing system and with a member for fibre-optic coupling of the focused light.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for treatment of the human or animal body by mechanical pressure waves or shock waves, comprises a device designed to generate the pressure waves or shock waves. The device for generating the pressure waves or shock waves have at least one applicator part which can be subjected to impacts at a proximal end in order to generate the pressure waves or shock waves and, at a distal end, applies the pressure waves or shock waves into the body. The apparatus is additionally designed to generate outside the body, and to apply into the body, at least one further physiological action parameter chosen from the group consisting of electrical current, electro-magnetic waves, in particular light, ultrasound and/or a further mechanical action.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sheath having a lumen and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the sheath. The elongate member is moveable relative to the sheath and includes a retrieval assembly. The retrieval assembly has a collapsed position within the lumen of the sheath and an expanded position when extended beyond a distal end of the sheath. The elongate member defines a lumen configured to receive a laser.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for controlling the release of a substance at a site of interest in a biological membrane comprising a means of monitoring a physiological state at the site of interest; and a means of releasing a variable amount of the substance to the site of interest where the amount varies in response to the status of the monitored physiological state. Also provided are methods of using the device.

Abstract: Consistent with the present invention, a tube is provided that contains both a sensing and a laser delivery fiber to the target area. The length of the tube can be varied to any desired length. The end portion of the tube includes a second piece, which is a cap having two through holes or passages. These holes can be formed by standard machining or micromaching methods. The first hole can accommodate the sensing fiber, while the second hole contains the laser delivery fiber. The first and second holes extend in first and second directions, respectively, and form an angle therebetween such that the sensor fiber viewing area is within the radiation area created by the laser delivery fiber. Accordingly, the sensor fiber receives energy emitted from a central portion of the radiation area so that the temperature of the exposed tissue can be accurately determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for laser surgery and growth factor stimulation for ultra-precision surgery with healing. The method is achieved by cutting biological tissue using an ultrafast laser, which produces laser pulses less than 10 picosecond in duration, to induce a cold ablation process in order to avoid the formation of carbonaceous or other materials that cannot be removed efficiently or completely from the wounded area through natural healing mechanisms. By use of femtosecond lasers, a negligible amount of debris is generated and an outer layer of intact but non viable cells are created principally through shock wave induce damage and ionizing radiation effects induced by multiphoton absorption of ultrashort laser pulses. The normal healing process is blocked by this outer layer of cells as all cell contacts are still intact. Therefore the healing process must be stimulated.

Abstract: An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.

Abstract: An MRI guided surgical apparatus includes a heat source formed by a laser and an optical fiber carrying the heat energy into a part to be coagulated by hyperthermia with an end reflector to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted in a shielded, Piezo-electric motor which causes movement of the fiber longitudinally and angularly within a rigid elongate cannula. A magnetic resonance imaging system is arranged to generate a series of output signals over a period of time representative of temperature in the part as the temperature of the part changes during that time. The heat source is controlled in heat energy applied and location and orientation of the beam to stop heating when the temperature at the boundary of a tumor reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid in gaseous form through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-tool instrument for use in surgical procedures. The tools can be rapidly deployed and retracted during a surgical procedure without requiring exchange of instruments, without compromising the integrity of the anatomical entry site, without obstructing the surgical field of view, and without harming the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying energy to an object, wherein the apparatus comprises an arrangement (7) of energy emitting elements (19) for outputting energy to the object. At least some of the energy emitting elements (19) are adapted for emitting energy to the object independently from each other.

Abstract: An articulated arm for applying a laser beam to a treatment zone has an arm section and a horizontal pivot joint. A spring arrangement acts on the pivot joint and has a cam disk and a pressure member following the cam disk contour as the arm section pivots. The arm section has, relative to a vertical direction, positive and negative pivot angle ranges. In the positive range the spring arrangement relieves the pivot joint from weight forces. When a resting angle in the negative range is reached the articulated arm rests in a support device. A total moment resulting from a weight force moment of the articulated arm and a restoring moment of the spring arrangement acts on the articulated arm about the pivot joint; cam disk contour and spring pretension are matched such that for the resting angle the total moment is oriented toward the support device.

Abstract: A medical light device includes a main body, a light source, a filler, and a contact part. A cavity, receiving a light source, is disposed on the main body. The filler is composed of transparent material, filled inside the cavity, and covers the light source. The contact part, composed of soft and transparent material, is placed adjacent to the filler, covering the surface of the filler. The refractive index difference between the contact part and the filler is smaller than the refractive index difference between the filler and air.

Abstract: Modified red blood cells are described. In an embodiment, the modified red blood cell includes a target-binding agent. Targeted delivery of imaging agents, drugs, and peptide and protein pharmaceuticals using modified red blood cells are described. Processes for preparing the modified red blood cells, pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions containing the same and methods of diagnosis and treatment involving the modified red blood cells are described.

Abstract: A tip (8) comprising a first portion (8r) that is configured to be removably coupled to a laser porator (10) and a second portion (8h) defining an aperture (8x) and comprising a tissue biasing element (8a) that is configured to deform at least a portion (1a) of a tissue (1) that is subject to a laser treatment.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods relating to delivery systems suitable for positioning various medical components within a patient's body and, more specifically, to delivery systems designed to cooperate with certain therapeutic and diagnostic devices.

Abstract: A method of cutting tissue for use as an implantable medical device employs a laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source tissue according to predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the tissue segments are fused, melted or welded to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the tissue adjacent the edge.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for correlating or aligning pre-surgical image(s) with image(s) observed during a surgical procedure to aid in orientation of tissues and devices for performing a surgical procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides devices and methods for aligning pre-surgical image(s) of optical tissues or structures, e.g., the retina, with real-time images observed or obtained with a slit lamp, or other optical viewing device. The ability of the subject invention to correlate these images can advantageously provide the physician with greater accuracy when administering surgical treatment, such as with a laser, and can significantly reduce surgery time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro laser beam irradiation structure and method for micro fractional ablation. A micro laser beam irradiation structure for micro fractional ablation comprises a scanner for enabling laser beams received from a light source for generating the laser beams to be irradiated in predetermined directions; and an interface unit for representing an accumulated density of the laser beams irradiated from the scanner. A micro laser beam irradiation method for micro fractional ablation comprises randomly irradiating, by a scanner, micro laser beams introduced into a handpiece, within the coverage of the area of a tip of the handpiece. According to the present invention, heat generated on the skin through random laser beam irradiation in a micro fractional ablation treatment using a laser can be prevented from being accumulated, and at the same time, damage to the skin due to heat accumulation can be minimized by accurately representing a total amount of laser treatment.

Abstract: A medical tool for dental treatments by means of a laser, the light guide of which runs in a hand piece. The light guide is provided with a laser module including power circuitry and a second laser module is provided with the first laser module, operating at a different wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that uses at least one low power optical radiation source in a suitable head which can be held over a treatment area for a substantial period of time or can be moved over the treatment area a number of times during each treatment. The apparatus, a hand held light emitting applicator (LEA) or light emitting skin applicator (LESA), can be in the form of a brush or roller adapted to be moved over the patient's skin surface as radiation is applied to the skin. The skin-contacting surface of the LEA or LESA can have protuberances such as projections or bristles that can massage the skin and deliver radiation. In addition, an apparatus which delivers optical radiation to a treatment area is disclosed that contains a retrofit housing adapted to be joined to a skin-contacting device.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a non-cylindrical shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side-fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating an organic material, in particular a biological material, in which the organic material is irradiated with laser light in the form of ultrashort pulses at a defined energy input, which pulses are adjusted with regard to a respective pulse length and pulse energy for the organic material such that an energy density of from around 100 mJ/cm2 to around 100 J/cm2 is created, wherein at least two pulses or a pulse sequence are irradiated consecutively onto a surface of the organic material and wherein a time interval between a preceding pulse/pulse sequence and a following pulse/pulse sequence is less than or equal to picoseconds, and the following pulse/pulse sequence hits the organic material again where the change effected by means of the preceding pulse/pulse sequence has taken place, with the result that a permanent change in the organic material is created.

Abstract: Output optical energy pulses having relatively high energy magnitudes and short durations are combined with optical energy pulses having relatively low energy magnitudes and long durations.

Abstract: A multi-component sterile, disposable tip apparatus for laser surgical devices is provided and features assembly for alignment of a self-contained optical fiber to the surgical device and releasably locking assembly between the tip and device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to a system that produces an ionized gas flows that are configured to function as an electrode arrangement. A working end of an elongated member can use spaced apart conductive gas flows to coagulate or ablate tissue interstitially, intraluminally or topically.

Abstract: A handpiece for a medical laser comprising an inner channel (6, 8, 8.1) into which a laser fiber (7) is fitted and protrudes with a free end portion of length (1) from a channel mouth (10), the length (1) of the laser fiber (7) protruding from the channel mouth (10) is adjustable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying tissue use a pressurized fluid stream carrying coherent light energy. The methods and systems may be used for resecting and debulking soft and hard biological tissues. The coherent light is focused within a stream of fluid to deliver energy to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for performing selective ablation of a corneal surface of an eye to effect a desired corneal shape, particularly for correcting a hyperopic/astigmatic condition by laser sculpting the corneal surface to increase its curvature. In one aspect of the invention, a method includes the steps of directing a laser beam onto a corneal surface of an eye, and changing the corneal surface from an initial curvature having hyperopic and astigmatic optical properties to a subsequent curvature having correctively improved optical properties. Thus, the curvature of the anterior corneal surface is increased to correct hyperopia, while cylindrical volumetric sculpting of the corneal tissue is performed to correct the astigmatism. The hyperopic and astigmatic corrections are preferably performed by establishing an optical correction zone on the anterior corneal surface of the eye, and directing a laser beam through a variable aperture element designed to produce a rectangular ablation (i.e.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a laser handpiece (1) for the treatment of deep regions of the human body. There is provided a plurality of emitters (30) arranged so that the emission cones remain disconnected at least up to the treatment depth. Moreover, the object of the present invention is a method for controlling the emission of laser radiations, which comprises the step of determining the emission parameters (switch on frequency and/or switch on time and/or emission intensity modulation) based on the patient's biological parameters (heart rate and/or breathing rate and/or blood pressure).

Abstract: In some embodiments, without limitation, the invention comprises a catheter having an elongated housing with a channel disposed therein. A laser delivery member is movable and at least partially disposed within the channel. A ramp is disposed within the housing at an angle to its central axis and proximate to its distal end. The ramp is adapted to move the distal end of the laser delivery member outwardly from the central axis of the housing. A guidewire biases the distal end of the laser delivery member generally inwardly toward the central axis of the housing. In some embodiments, without limitation, the offset of the central axis of the tip of the laser delivery member from the central axis of the housing is determined by adjusting the extent to which the laser delivery member travels on the ramp, and disposition of the laser delivery member on the guidewire maintains the offset tip substantially parallel to the central axis of the housing.

Abstract: A method of locating and ablating a target tissue is described. The method includes providing a catheter that has at least one light guide, where the light guide is adaptable to receive light from a light source. A distal portion of the catheter is advanced through vasculature of a patient towards the target tissue. A nanoparticle dye is introduced into the patient, where the nanoparticles selectively bind to the target tissue. The target tissue is mapped by detecting fluorescence light emitted from the nanoparticle dye bound to the tissue. The distal tip of the catheter is positioned adjacent to the mapped target tissue, and a light pulse is transmitted through the light guide to ablate at least a portion of the target tissue.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for navigating through bone. In one embodiment, a bone navigation device is provided and includes a bone penetrating member configured to be implanted in bone and having at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough. The optical waveguide is adapted to illuminate tissue surrounding the device and to receive reflected/transmitted light from the tissue to determine the optical characteristics of the tissue, thus facilitating navigation through the tissue. At least one window can be formed in the bone penetrating member for allowing light from the at least one optical waveguide to illuminate the tissue, and for receiving the reflected light.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (20) for depth-resolved measurements of properties of tissue (114). The apparatus comprises illumination means (112) adapted to illuminate the tissue (114) with light, collector means (115) for collecting light which has not been absorbed by the tissue (114), determination means (108) for determining properties of the tissue (114) in different depths from the collected light, and a casing (121), in which at least a part of the illumination means and the collector means are located, for advancing into a hollow object. The illumination means (112) and the collector means (115) are adapted to collect light depth-resolved, and the determination means (108) is adapted to determine depth-resolved properties of the tissue (114) from the light, which has been collected depth-resolved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling temperature of a fluid used with electromagnetic energy in medical and dental laser procedures. Received fluid is passed through a heat exchanger, and heat is added to or removed from the fluid depending upon a desired effect, which may be influenced by a temperature setting. Temperature of output fluid is sensed, and heating or cooling is controlled in order to maintain output fluid temperature in a desired range. Ultraviolet radiation is used to sterilize the fluid.

Abstract: Handpieces which comprise characteristic data storage systems electronically storing characteristic data, devices comprising these handpieces, methods of characterizing the device components, and methods of adjusting the device components based on stored characteristic data are described. The handpieces can be repeatedly connected to, disconnected from, and reconnected to an optical energy system comprising at least one optical energy source and at least one controller by a treatment provider. When the handpieces are connected to an optical energy source and a controller, the component characteristic data is accessed and used to adjust one or more of the components in order for the components to function together within a pre-determined tolerance. Once the components are connected and adjusted, the device can be used to provide an optical energy based medical and/or cosmetic treatment to a tissue such as, for example, human skin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing a root canal system by targeting the water content of disease and debris in the canals. The laser technique of employs a frequency of the wavelength emissions between about 930 to about 1065 nanometers with an optimum of 980 nm. This range of wavelengths targets the water content of tissue cells and pathogens as well as any residual organic debris in water within the root canal system after its preparation while being poorly absorbed by the surrounding dentin. The selection of the optimum wavelength produces significant effects generating and advancing treatment to the targeted aqueous environments. This is due to the rapid energy absorption by the water and the subsequent creation of gas bubbles, liberation of heat and subsequent propulsion of waves of heat and gas that impact along the canal walls and ramifications resulting in an enhanced bacterial kill and cleaning of the canal walls and ramifications.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for Near Infrared Microbial Elimination laser Systems (NIMELS) are disclosed that can apply near infrared radiant energy of certain wavelengths and dosimetries capable of impairing biological contaminants, for example fungus, without intolerable risks and/or adverse effects to biological moieties other than a targeted biological contaminant. Lasers including diode lasers may be used as one or more light sources. A delivery assembly can be used to deliver the optical radiation produced by the source(s) produced to an application region that can include patient tissue. A flat top lens can be included to produce a flat top beam distribution. Exemplary embodiments utilize laser light in a near infrared range of 850 nm-900 nm and/or 905 nm-945 nm at suitable NIMELS dosimetries. For certain applications, laser light in two spectral ranges including 870 nm and 930 nm, respectively, can be utilized.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices that facilitate release of nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors.

Abstract: Disposable light sources are disclosed herein. A device for connecting a fiber to a light source includes a light source, light director to focus light from the light source, the light director surrounding at least a portion of the light source, a power source providing energy to the light source, and a connector communicating light from the light source to a catheter.

Abstract: A laser perforator for perforating skin of a patient and obtaining of blood samples consists of laser light source for producing an output laser beam, a focusing arrangement for focusing the output laser beam at a skin area selected for perforation, a guiding arrangement, a power supply unit and a retaining arrangement for retaining the skin area. The retaining arrangement is formed to intensify blood circulation in the skin area selected for perforation.

Abstract: A laser-assisted method for fully or partially separating tissue such as collagen-containing tissue is provided. In one embodiment, the method pertains to a capsolurorhexis whereby the laser-assisted method is applied to the lens capsule. A light-absorbing agent is added into or onto the tissue. A light beam with a wavelength capable of being absorbed by the light absorbing agent is then directed at the tissue to cause a thermal effect at the tissue following a predetermined closed curve with the goal to avoid irregularity or potential tears in the resulting rim of the tissue.

Abstract: This invention discloses a laser apparatus to be used pre, during, and/or post medical injections for the reduction of pain caused by the injection. Applications include cosmetic injections such as Botox or dermal filling, mesotherapy, immunization shots, etc. The laser apparatus may comprise a wand or pad/bandage through which laser treatment can be applied to the injection area.