Abstract: Method and apparatus for the ionization of living cells where an optical device (14) delivers an optical pulse having an optical field power which is modified locally by an optical field power modifying means (18) to effect ionization and destruction of living cells (16).

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-purpose light source of a unique design and specialized attachments which are also independently unique that can be used for, but not limited to, Dental, Medical, Cosmetic, and Industrial applications and procedures. Specifically the spectral irradiance of the light source can be controlled in such a way as to allow it to be used for procedures currently performed by lasers, electrosurgical devices, and hand instruments while retaining the benefits of the light source for other uses such as the photo-initiation of resins, tooth whitening, fluorescence, and illumination. The present invention may be used instead of a laser either independently or in conjunction with electrosurgical devices and hand instruments.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used quickly and accurately by surgeons to provide uniform facial tissue planes that are tunnel-free and wall-free thus optimizing face lifting, tightening, and implant delivery. The device is comprised of a shaft with a substantially planar tip further comprised of relative protrusions and energized relative recession lysing segments. Forward motion of the device precisely divides and energizes various tissue planes causing contraction, especially via the fibrous tissues. Other forms of energy and matter can be delivered down the shaft to further enhance desirable tissue modification and contraction.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of detecting and localizing tumor vasculature cells (TVC) and solid tumors; and treating, impeding vascularization of, and determining the stage of solid tumors in a subject, comprising the step of contacting a subject or a TVC with a ligand that binds to a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, or binds to a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for altering an optical and/or mechanical property of a lens that is implanted in an eye, the device including a laser device, which has a laser beam source that provides a pulsed laser beam and an optical unit, which impinges on the implanted lens with the pulsed laser beam. The device also includes a control device, which controls the laser device such that the optical and/or mechanical property of the lens is altered on the basis of non-linear interaction between the laser beam and the lens material.

Abstract: Cardiac ablation systems and methods of their use and manufacture involve an ablation mechanism, a stabilizer mechanism, and a cinching mechanism that urges the ablation mechanism toward a patient tissue. Embodiments encompass methods for administering epicardial and endocardial lesions, including box lesions and connecting lesions, to patient tissue.

Abstract: A medical laser system having a telescope and a laser unit, wherein the laser unit includes an optical fiber for performing medical surgical procedures, and a telescope designed to view a target area during the medical procedure and to illuminate the target area. The telescope includes a tubular case, an optical train, an integrated optical filter, and an optical fiber to provide illumination. The telescope can be connected to a camera to allow for viewing the target area on a monitor. Alternatively, the telescope can end in an eyepiece. The integrated optical filter blocks a selected laser light wavelength such that the laser light does not overexpose or damage the camera. The integrated optical filter can include an integrated flat filter or integrated coated lens.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for human and animal use comprises light emitters for applying light energy to a chosen target area of a patient in combination with target area cooling. Control over the intensity, duration and/or sequencing of the light energy is provided, and the light energy therapy may be combined with other modalities. The device may be in the form of a pad, capable of being affixed against the portion of the body, such as a wrist, ankle or neck by a strap.

Abstract: Light generating devices for illuminating portions of vascular tissue to administer photodynamic therapy, and usable with, or including a distal protection device. A first device includes a hollow tip, a flushing lumen, a guidewire lumen, and at least one of a light source, and a hollow light transmissive shaft that is adapted to accommodate a light source. If desired, the device can include a balloon, so that a portion of a body lumen between the balloon and the distal protection device is isolated when the balloon is inflated. A second device includes inner and outer catheters, the outer catheter including a balloon, and the inner catheter including a light source encompassed by another balloon. Yet another device is a catheter having two balloons and a sleeve extending there between. Within the sleeve, the catheter includes a light source and an expanding member.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of dental tissue has a first laser source optically connected to a first channel and the same first laser source optically connected to a second channel. The second laser source is optically connected to the first channel. That second laser source is designed to be pumped via the first channel by the diode laser to generate a power of radiation sufficient to cut hard dental tissue. The second channel is connected to a device for treatment of soft dental tissue and is designed to transmit radiation from the diode laser sufficient for treating soft dental tissue. In that apparatus the first laser source can be a diode laser designed to emit radiation of a wavelength selected from a range of 700 nm to 2700 nm. The second laser source can be a solid-state or fiber laser designed to emit a wavelength from a range of 2700 nm to 3000 nm.

Abstract: Embodiments of somatic cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A hand held laser for treating a skin condition includes a housing comprising a first end, a second end and a cavity therein wherein the cavity includes a substantially light reflective surface and wherein the housing comprises at least one fin extending from an exterior surface of the housing. The laser includes a flash lamp having a first axis and being retained within the cavity in a first selected position and a laser rod having a second axis and being retained within the cavity in a second selected position and wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel to each other, wherein as the flash lamp is pumped the laser rod produces a laser beam for treating the skin condition.

Abstract: A method of using a probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted to a shielded, Piezo-electric motor constructed and arranged to move the fiber both longitudinally and rotationally within an optional elongate cannula. An MRI system is arranged to generate a series of output signals indicative of temperature in the targeted area. The application of energy is stopped when the temperature at the boundary of the lesion reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end.

Abstract: A typical treatment system for use with tip embodiments includes an optical energy source, such as, for example, a laser. A set of tips may be interchangeably attached to the treatment system, for example to alter the system parameters and the treatment provided through the individual tips. Embodiments of the present invention include tips with a security chip and/or a memory.

Abstract: A lipolysis system configured for contacting and providing low-power laser irradiation to a plurality of targeted portions of a subject's body surface for the purpose of liquefying fats in subcutaneous regions underlying the targeted body surface portions, and methods for the use of the lipolysis system. The lipolysis system comprises: (a) a first laser applicator comprising a plurality of low-power laser diodes selected for emission of power outputs in the range comprising about 10 mW to about 100 mW with light waves in the range of 635 nm to 680 nm, (b) a second laser applicator comprising at least one low-power laser diode selected for emission of power outputs in the range comprising about 10 mW to about 100 mW with light waves in the range of 635 nm to 680 nm, and (c)a laser control device configured for controllably communicating and cooperating with said first laser applicator and said second laser applicator.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a disposable insert for a laser handpiece providing a hygienic surface for applying monochromatic light to a patient. The disposable insert is configured for providing vacuum to a laser cavity and provides a measure of safety to the user by insuring that the laser will be inoperative in the absence of the insert.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for automatically locating a pupil. Broadly speaking, an optical beam is scanned across the eye. In any given cycle, the reflected light from the eye is detected by a light sensor and data from the sensor processed to locate some geometric feature of the reflected light, such as the centroid. If the distance between the position of the optical beam and the geometric feature is greater than a threshold value, the system determines that the pupil has been located.

Abstract: Sectioning tools that emit self-sterilizing radiation. In one approach, the radiation is ultraviolet and/or plasmonic.

Abstract: Sectioning tools that emit self-sterilizing radiation. In one approach, the radiation is ultraviolet and/or plasmonic.

Abstract: A method of using a probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted to a shielded, Piezo-electric motor constructed and arranged to move the fiber both longitudinally and rotationally within an optional elongate cannula. An MRI system is arranged to generate a series of output signals indicative of temperature in the targeted area. The application of energy is stopped when the temperature at the boundary of the lesion reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end.

Abstract: A positioning system for an applicator includes a glove for being used for a diagnosis of the affected part, a mark body provided on the glove, an applicator for being inserted into a living body, and an energy emitter provided on the applicator for supplying energy to the living body. The positioning system further includes a sensor provided on the applicator which is capable of detecting the distance to the mark body, a control apparatus for discriminating an optimum position of the applicator based on the distance between the sensor and the mark body while the mark body is disposed in the proximity of the affected part based on a diagnosis performed using the glove, and a display apparatus for displaying a result of the discrimination by the control apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating in situ biologic tissue include identifying a patient with a condition susceptible to treatment by forming a lesion in the tissue and accessing a surface of the tissue. A lesion formation tool is positioned against the accessed surface. The tool includes an optical fiber for guiding a coherent waveform of a selected wavelength to a fiber tip for discharge of light energy from the fiber tip. The wavelength is selected for the light energy to penetrate a full thickness of the tissue to form a volume of necrosed tissue through the thickness of the tissue. The tool further includes a guide tip coupled to the fiber tip. The guide tip is adapted to have a discharge bore aligned with the fiber tip to define an unobstructed light pathway from the fiber tip to the tissue surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improved biostimulative effect through the use of low mode/oligomode fibers to transport coherent light to a treatment site. Oligomode fibers or groups/bundles of oligomode waveguides for the relevant irradiation wavelength are used for radiation transport. Selective leakage of the radiation from this delivery system is achieved at the desired application sites of the biostimulation by suitable means, one being evanescent wave decouplers. The result is a low intensity exposure of coherent light to tissue or organic material that is more effective than conventional biostimulative procedures. Delivery systems based on such waveguides can cover large areas due to the low transmission losses of the waveguide. The waveguide can be inserted into hydrocultures or earth to provide radiation and thus biostimulation of seeds and cuttings in situ. Coherent radiation can also improve the health, healing and fertility of animals.

Abstract: A multifunction surgical probe is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: a handpiece, operable to receive a light beam from a laser; and a firing switch operable to provide a firing control signal to cause the laser to fire and emit the light beam. The surgical prove can further comprise an interface communicatively coupled to the firing switch and operable to communicate the firing control signal to the laser. The laser can be operably coupled to a surgical console operable to control the laser, and the interface can be communicatively coupled to the firing switch and operable to communicatively couple the surgical probe to the surgical console and to communicate the firing control signal to the surgical console. The surgical console can be operable to control the laser based on the firing control signal.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for providing for pulses or relatively low energy light to an area of skin being treated. Typically, these low energy pulses will include shorter wavelength light, and will provided for multiple pulses of light for the area being treated. The pulse width is determined by the characteristics of a storage capacitor and the flashlamp. The overall system design can be relatively simple, and the operation of such a system can allow for operation by relatively inexperienced users. Due to the low energy pulse, it can be necessary to apply a greater overall amount of energy per treatment area relative to other previous systems, but due to the relatively long period of time between pulses the operation is such that risk of injury is significantly reduced relative to prior systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a hard material, for example a hard biological material such as dental enamel or bone, with optical radiation. A treatment zone of the material is selectively cleaned of ablation products and other dirt to enhance processing efficiency, and a tip through which the optical radiation is applied to the treatment zone of the hard material is spaced slightly from the treatment zone during at least a portion of the time that hydrating fluid is being applied to the zone and/or while air or another gas is applied to the zone to clean the surface thereof.

Abstract: Light generating devices for illuminating portions of vascular tissue, to render photodynamic therapy. In one embodiment, a light source array preferably including a plurality of light emitting diodes, a focusing lens, and a light diffusing element are included in a distal end of a catheter. A balloon is optionally provided to interrupt blood flow that can block the transmission of light, and to center the apparatus in a blood vessel. Optical fibers optionally direct light from the light source to the diffusing element. The light source array can have a radial or linear configuration and can produce more than one wavelength of light for activating different photoreactive agents. Linear light source elements are particularly useful to treat elongate portions of tissue in a vessel. One embodiment intended for use with a conventional balloon catheter integrates light sources into a guidewire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a body tissue in situ (e.g., an atrial tissue of a heart to treat atrial fibrillation) include a lesion formation tool is positioned against the heart surface. The apparatus includes a guide member having a tissue-opposing surface for placement against a heart surface. The guide member also has interior surfaces and a longitudinal axis. A guide carriage is sized to be received with the guide member and moveable therein along the longitudinal axis. An optical fiber is positioned within the guide carriage with the carriage retaining the fiber. The carriage receives the fiber with an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and bends the fiber to a distal tip with an axis of said fiber at said distal tip at least 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis and aligned for discharge of laser energy through the tissue opposing surface.

Abstract: System and method for treating a skin target. A temperature effector creates a temperature difference between the target and the skin tissue surrounding the target such that the target is at a higher temperature than the surrounding tissue by at least 5° C. One or more RF electrodes are attached to the skin and RF energy is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a lesion in tissue along a desired ablation path with treating a body tissue in situ (e.g., an atrial tissue of a heart to treat) atrial fibrillation include a lesion formation tool including is positioned against the heart surface. The lesion formation tool includes a guide member having a tissue-opposing surface for placement against a heart surface. An ablation member is coupled to the guide member to move in a longitudinal path relative to the guide member. The guide member includes a track. A carriage is slidably received with the track. The ablation member is secured to the carriage for movement therewith. The guide member includes a visualization component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handheld dermatological device for visualizing a skin treatment region prior to, during, or after therapeutic treatment with therapeutic energy. An apparatus according to the teachings of the invention can include an image capture device and a display device mounted to the apparatus and electrically coupled to the image capture device. The display device is capable of displaying images of the treatment area captured by the image capture device. The apparatus can further include a head capable of transmitting therapeutic energy to a treatment area, which can be precisely aligned by the user to a desired portion of the treatment area through the use of the display device. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include one or more illumination sources for illuminating a skin target region, and shield for shielding the image capture device from direct reflection of the illuminating radiation from a selected skin surface portion.

Abstract: A system for and method of performing laser assisted surgery is disclosed. Laser radiation is preferably delivered to a target area of tissue using a Er:YAG laser source. The laser radiation is delivered to the target area in bursts of laser radiation comprising sets of laser pulses. The bursts of laser radiation are preferably delivered to the target area at a repetition rate in a range of 10 to 40 Hz and with sufficient pulse fluences to cut and/or dissect. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, interchangeable and flexible endo-probes are configured with shield features. The shield features control the emission of laser radiation from the optical fiber while bending the flexible probes allow surgeons to access a range of approach angles for the laser treatment of biological tissue enclosed or within a cavity of a body. The probes can also be configured with mechanical cutters or other structures which allow for the mechanical manipulation of tissue during laser treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displacing an area of the macula of an eye, including the steps of placing a substance below the surface of the retina, folding the retina to form a folded portion of the retina, and affixing the folded portion, so that the folded portion substantially maintains a folded shape.

Abstract: A coaxial illuminated laser endoscopic probe and active numerical aperture control apparatus and method of use, succinctly known as an illumination and laser source, capable of selectively providing illumination light and laser treatment light through a single optical fiber. The apparatus and method is especially useful during ophthalmic surgery. The present art is capable of providing the aforesaid through an optical fiber of such small size that heretofore said fiber was only useable for laser treatment light only. The present art also, with its unique optical system, allows for two illumination light outputs from a single illumination source. The apparatus utilizes a phototoxicity risk card to calibrate the system to prior art or safe illumination levels since the unique optical system provides illumination light of greater intensity than the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser treatment method and a laser treatment apparatus which can cause thermal damage, such as evaporation or necrosis due to coagulation of organic tissue which is to be subjected to thermal damage, in a sure manner regardless of an absorption percentage of laser beam due to a color tone or composition of the organic tissue, thereby enabling diffusion of cancer cells, due to an abnormally high pressure from evaporation of diseased tissue or the like, to be prevented.

Abstract: A device for performing acupuncture on a patient using laser radiation as a device for producing laser radiation and a handpiece (1) which is connected thereto and which is brought into contact with the body of the patient in order to apply the laser radiation. The handpiece (1) has at least one light conducting fiber (4) which is connected to the device (7) for producing laser radiation and which is in contact with the body of the patient during the acupuncture and applies the laser radiation thereto.

Abstract: A dental laser arrangement switchable between different modes of operation, the arrangement including a laser device operable as a laser oscillator and as a laser amplifier. The laser device includes a laser resonator having a pump unit and an active modelocker as well as an optic loss element that introduces selective losses in the resonator. The laser arrangement further includes a laser beam-out-coupling unit. The modelocker is connected to a control circuit for switching between a CW-mode of operation for coagulating soft tissue, in which the modelocker is switched off, and two short-pulse modes of operation in which high frequency signals of equal frequencies, but different powers are applied by the control circuit to the modelocker so as to generate laser pulses of a pre-determined duration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating skin disorders includes a source of pulsed near black body electromagnetic energy and a means of delivering this energy to a treatment site. A means for cooling the treatment site is described. The number of pulses and intensity of the energy can be varied. Optical filters are used to limit the spectrum of energy emitted and the filters are cooled to allow high-energy operation. The size of the treatment spot is controlled by a series of apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus for operation on a cornea by ablating with a laser beam for correcting ametropia; the apparatus comprising an input device utilized for inputting each data necessary for correction, a first correcting device for irradiating a laser beam for correcting myopic astigmatism, a second correcting device for irradiating a laser beam for correcting hyperopic astigmatism, a calculating device for calculating each correction-data based on the each inputted data in case of combining the first and second correcting means, and a control device for ablating the cornea by controlling the first and second correcting means based on results calculated by the calculating device.

Abstract: A dermatological treatment apparatus is disclosed that is cordless and sufficiently compact as to be hand-held. A self-contained housing is configured for gripping by a person's hand for cordless manipulation in a dermatologic treatment procedure. A light source and electrical circuit are contained within the housing. The circuit includes one or more batteries and an electronic control circuit for energizing the light source to produce output light pulses. A light path is within the housing including an aperture through which the output light pulses are propagated out of the housing having properties sufficient for providing efficacious treatment.

Abstract: An interface which allows a surgeon to operate multiple surgical devices from a single input device. The input device may be a foot pedal that provides output signals to actuate a number of different surgical devices. The surgical devices may include a robotic arm, a laser, an electrocautery device, or an operating table. The interface has an input channel that is coupled to the input device and a plurality of output channels that are coupled to the surgical devices. The interface also has a select input channel which can receive input commands to switch the input channel to one of the output channels. The select channel may be coupled to a speech interface that allows the surgeon to select one of the surgical devices with a voice command. The surgeon can operate any device by providing an input command which switches the input channel to the desired output channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for delivering energy to a tissue. The method includes providing an apparatus which includes an energy delivery component and an inflatable member disposed around the energy delivery component. At a minimum, the inflatable member is constructed of a flexible inner wall and a flexible outer wall, which, taken together, enclose a cavity therebetween. The inflatable member is expanded such that the inflatable member's outer wall contacts the tissue's surface. Cooling fluid is disposed in the cavity, and energy is delivered to the energy delivery component so that at least a portion of the energy delivered to the energy delivery component passes through the inflatable member's inner wall, through the cooling fluid disposed in the cavity, through the inflatable member's outer wall, and into the tissue.

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

Abstract: An optical fiber for use with a laser device including a source of light energy, as well as a method of making such optical fiber, where the optical fiber has a proximal end in communication with the light source and a diffuser portion positionable at a treatment site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that prevent or inhibit functional regression caused by the stromal remodeling resulting from epithelial or fibroblastic apoptosis or necrosis in patients who will undergo or have undergone a thermal ciliary muscle tendinoplasty or scleral collagen shrinkage procedures. Methods and compositions are provided that prevent apoptosis in epithelial cells by stromal cooling during thermal tendinoplasty procedures; that create or restore stabilizing molecular cross-links between scleral stromal lamellar fibers; and that interrupt at least one step in the stromal remodeling response including inhibition of apoptosis, fibroblastic proliferation and migration, and inhibition of collagenesis.

Abstract: An aperture card is provided for insertion into a laser refractive ablation system for use in laser ablating the cornea. The aperture card is designed for single surgical use for surgical precautionary considerations and to achieve the highest quality ablations, in addition to reproducibility. The aperture card is loaded into the laser refractive ablation system in a path between the laser system and the eye. The aperture card is precisely located by positioning means and ablative lasing action is inhibited if the card is not positioned within tolerance. Alternatively, the laser system can determine the position of the aperture card and adjust a computed ablation profile or otherwise adjust the optical system to adapt for any misalignment of the apertures in the aperture card. The card contains a “soft spot” aperture capable of shaping a spatial intensity distribution with a unique profile.

Abstract: A compact excimer laser system is provided that includes argon fluoride laser gas, electronic, and laser head all compactly arranged such that the patient bed can rotate over all of these components. This allows the patient bed to be rotated for easy egress of the patient without striking the head against an optical extension through which the excimer laser is fired onto the patient's eye. Further, an automated lamellar keratoplasty system is incorporated into the electronics and components of the laser system so that laser in situ keratomileusis can be easily performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing a therapeutic treatment on a patient's skin by concentrating applied radiation of at least one selected wavelength at a plurality of selected, three-dimensionally located, treatment portions, which treatment portions are within non-treatment portions. The ratio of treatment portions to the total volume may vary from 0.1% to 90%, but is preferably less than 50%. Various techniques, including wavelength, may be utilized to control the depth to which radiation is concentrated and suitable optical systems may be provided to concentrate applied radiation in parallel or in series for selected combinations of one or more treatment portions.

Abstract: A method of modifying a cornea of an eye to reduce refractive error, the cornea having a surface and a main optical axis, including the steps of aiming and firing a laser at the cornea of the eye. The laser first separates an internal portion of the cornea forming a first internal surface and a second internal surface, the first internal surface facing in a posterior direction of the cornea and the second internal surface facing in an anterior direction of the cornea, with the first and second internal surfaces forming an internal pocket therebetween. An incision is then made from the surface of the cornea to the internal pocket, and an ocular implant is introduced through the incision and into the internal pocket of the cornea.

Abstract: A method and surgical technique for corneal reshaping and for presbyopia correction are provided. The preferred embodiments of the system consists of a scanner, a beam spot controller and coupling fibers and the basic laser having a wavelength of (190-310) nm, (0.5-3.2) microns and (5.6-6.2) microns and a pulse duration of about (10-150) nanoseconds, (10-500) microseconds and true continuous wave. New mid-infrared gas lasers are provided for the corneal reshaping procedures. Presbyopia is treated by a method which uses ablative laser to ablate the sclera tissue and increase the accommodation of the ciliary body. The tissue bleeding is prevented by a dual-beam system having ablative and coagulation lasers. The preferred embodiments include short pulse ablative lasers (pulse duration less than 200 microseconds) with wavelength range of (0.15-3.2) microns and the long pulse (longer than 200 microseconds) coagulative lasers at (0.5-10.6) microns.