Abstract: A medical laser system and related methods of utilizing cooling within and around an optical fiber tip to prevent premature failure of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is surrounded by protective jacket assembly including a body tube assembly and a tip cap assembly. The body tube assembly includes an internal fiber jacket and an external body tube with a body tube channel defined therebetween. The tip cap assembly includes an inner cap member and an outer cap member defining a cap irrigation channel therebetween. Together, the cap irrigation channel and body tube channel cooperatively define an internal irrigation channel. The optical fiber can be delivered to a treatment location through a cystoscope. Saline is directed through an external irrigation channel between the cystoscope and the protective jacket assembly as well as the internal irrigation channel to cool the fiber tip and prevent overheating and failure of the optical fiber.

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

Abstract: Fiber optic phototherapy devices include fiber optic light emitters having fiber optic end portions at one or both ends that may be separated into a plurality of groups of end portions that receive light from one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). Lenses may be used to focus the light from one or more LEDs onto the end portions. The LEDs may be mounted to a heat sink to dissipate any excess heat generated by the LEDs.

Abstract: A system and process for thermolytic eradication of bacteria and biofilm in the root canal of a human tooth involve an elongated and flexible optical probe and a laser oscillator that provides the probe with low infrared energy. The optical probe is sufficiently long for insertion into substantially the entire length of the root canal of the tooth. The optical probe causes lateral dispersion of the radiation from the probe throughout the root canal. The radiation is provided at an energy density and for a period of time that are necessary to selectively target bacteria and live biofilm in the dentinal tubules of an entire root canal system, at once, thereby (1) inhibiting creation of a blackbody “hot tip”, and (2) inducing laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) within the root-canal space.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery light transmitting apparatus has an optic fiber having a flexible length with a light source connector mounted on one end of the optic fiber and the opposite end of the optic fiber being adapted to be mounted to an ophthalmic surgery instrument to provide illumination for the instrument. The cross-sectional area of the optic fiber transitions as it extends from the end connected to the light source connector to the opposite end of the optic fiber. The optic fiber transitions from a larger cross-sectional area of the optic fiber at the light source connector to a smaller cross-sectional area of the optic fiber at the opposite end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue-treating device. The device includes a waveguide to guide light, and a medium-control mechanism to change a medium disposed near an area of a tissue to which light from the waveguide is applied. The medium-control mechanism to change the medium may be configured to change the medium such that light energy applied to the area of the tissue with the changed medium results in changes to the area of the tissue that are different from changes to the area of the tissue resulting from application of light energy to the area without changing the medium.

Abstract: An illumination device is described containing optical fibers that transmit electromagnetic energy from a source to a target. Additional optical fibers return reflected electromagnetic energy from the target. High-level electromagnetic energy can be used for cutting, reforming, or treating a surface. Low-level electromagnetic energy illuminates the surface.

Abstract: The surgical instrument comprises a handpiece (1), associated with which is a tip (5) forming a wave guide and terminating with an operating end, intended to act on the tissues and from which a laser radiation is emitted and which receives said laser radiation from fiber optic means (4). The tip is implemented to collect the laser emission coming from a plurality of optical fibers couplable with said tip at a coupling face and to convey said laser emissions towards said operating end.

Abstract: A medical laser unit having a fiber pole tip providing protection and maneuverability to an optical fiber. The fiber pole tip includes a longitudinal channel for retaining the optical fiber so as to limit a bending radius of the optical fiber and prevent the creation of sharp stress risers in the optical fiber. A top surface of the fiber pole tip can include at least one tab projecting over the longitudinal channel to retain the optical fiber within the longitudinal channel. The fiber pole tip is rotatably attached to a fiber pole connected to the laser unit allowing for ease in positioning and manipulating the optical fiber without inducing sharp bends in the optical fiber and to remove stress from the optical fiber.

Abstract: A radiation emitting apparatus is disclosed that emits a substantially homogenous beam of radiation from an irregularly shaped output end. As described herein, a radiation emitting apparatus includes a bundled fiber guide coupled to an energy distribution tuner. The bundled fiber guide is coupled to the energy distribution tuner to receive a substantially uniform distribution of high power energy. The bundled fiber guide is configured to distribute the energy to emit a substantially uniform distribution of lower power energy toward a target surface, such as a body surface. The bundled fiber guide may include a plurality of fused optic fibers, a plurality of beam splitting mirror elements, or tapered waveguides.

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: A system for treating a selected dermatological problem and a head for use with such system are provided. The head may include an optical waveguide having a first end to which EM radiation appropriate for treating the condition is applied. The waveguide also has a skin-contacting second end opposite the first end, a temperature sensor being located within a few millimeters, and preferably within 1 to 2 millimeters, of the second end of the waveguide. A temperature sensor may be similarly located in other skin contacting portions of the head. A mechanism is preferably also provided for removing heat from the waveguide and, for preferred embodiments, the second end of the head which is in contact with the skin has a reflection aperture which is substantially as great as the radiation back-scatter aperture from the patient's skin.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus is disclosed for harvesting anatomical structures such as tendons, fine muscles, nerves and blood vessels, where the apparatus includes an elongate member having two longitudinally extending tubes or tubular apertures extending from the member's proximal end to its distal end. The distal end includes opposing heads and an arcuate base. The anatomical structure is placed on the arcuate base and a flexible cutting member is threaded through one tube over the anatomical structure and into and through the other tube. The elongate member is then directed into an animal or human body along the structure to a position where the anatomical structure is to be cut. Then the cutting member is pulled back and forth at the distal end causing into to cut the anatomical structure at the distal head.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a double bevel-cut 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: A light diffusing tip is provided. The light diffusing tip comprises a housing and a monolithic light scattering medium disposed within the housing. The monolithic light scattering medium comprises a first scattering region at a first position, the scattering region having a first scattering property and a second scattering region at a second position, the second scattering region having a second scattering property different from the first scattering property, wherein the first scattering region and the second scattering region are coextensive along a substantial portion of a length of the housing. A light diffusing applicator also is provided. The light diffusing applicator comprises at least one optical waveguide, a first termination coupled to a first end of the at least one optical waveguide, the first termination to couple to a light source and a light diffusing tip coupled to a second end of the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: A therapeutic coiffuring instrument has a light source disposed with the therapeutic coiffuring instrument to produce light selected to produce therapeutic effects to scalp and hair. Elongate members forming part of the instrument are configured to contact hair and scalp and to conduct the light from the source of light into contact with the hair and scalp.

Abstract: A microsurgical laser probe is provided with a distal end portion of an optic fiber that projects from a tubular sleeve of the probe and can be caused to bend relative to the probe sleeve by manual manipulation of a mechanism on a handle of the probe.

Abstract: A radiation emitting apparatus is disclosed that emits a substantially homogenous beam of radiation from an irregularly shaped output end. As described herein, a radiation emitting apparatus includes a bundled fiberguide coupled to an energy distribution tuner. The bundled fiber guide is coupled to the energy distribution tuner to receive a substantially uniform distribution of high power energy. The bundled fiber guide is configured to distribute the energy to emit a substantially uniform distribution of lower power energy toward a target surface, such as a body surface. The bundled fiber guide may include a plurality of fused optic fibers, a plurality of beam splitting mirror elements, or tapered waveguides.

Abstract: One exemplary method for removing and/or inhibiting unwanted molecular structures and/or cells from or at human or animal tissue, can include the steps of a) supplying fluid medium so that the fluid medium is adjacent to or covers the molecular structures and/or cells that are to be removed and/or inhibited, b) generating pressure pulses in the fluid medium, wherein preferably each pressure pulse comprises a pressure current and/or a pressure wave and/or a shock wave and/or wherein preferably the pressure pulses have the form of a pressure jet of the fluid medium that is or can be directed onto the molecular structures and/or cells, and/or exhibit at least one preferential direction or main propagation direction, c) removing the molecular structures and/or cells from the tissue by the impacting pressure pulses and/or inhibiting molecular structures and/or cells which remain at the tissue by the impacting pressure pulses, d) wherein the pressure pulses are so formed or selected that during removing and/or inh

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of ischemic limbs. An energy source, which will typically be a laser energy source deployed through an optic fiber, is deployed subcutaneously to a site of ischemic skeletal muscle. At the site, a plurality of channels are preferably systematically formed with an appropriate amount of activated energy, which in turn can facilitate the restoration of blood flow through new blood vessel formation. Optionally, a needle or cannula can be deployed in conjunction with the energy source to help facilitate the formation of channel formation and/or deliver a therapeutic agent at the sight of channel formation. A sheath may also be utilized to house the optic fiber and deliver a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A microsurgical laser probe primarily used in ophthalmic surgery provides both laser light and illumination light to a surgical site from a single light source. The laser probe has a dual core optic fiber that transmits both laser light and illumination light to the surgical site. A center core of the optic fiber transmits the laser light through the optic fiber and emits the laser light at the surgical site. The center core of the fiber is surrounded by an outer fiber core. The outer fiber core has an interior bore that contains the center core optic fiber. The outer fiber core transmits illumination light through the optic fiber and emits the illumination light at the surgical site.

Abstract: The invention described here is an improved fiber optic probe. The tip of the probe is made from a transparent fill material that is connected to the end of a conventional optical fiber. The optical fiber is tapered, the fill material is connected thereto, and typically extends outwardly from the fiber as though it is a continuous part of the fiber. The outer diameter of the fill material is preferably essentially the same as the optical fiber. The fill material may contain light-scattering elements that disperse light as it exits the fiber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for high-resolution microscopic imaging in laser endoscopy based on laser-induced object reaction radiation and for performing microscopic cuts in biological tissue. In using multiphoton processes for endoscopic applications in biological materials with an accuracy of under one millimeter, radiation of a pulsed femtosecond laser is focused into an object by means of a transmission focusing optics unit comprising a transmission system and miniature focusing optics having a high numerical aperture greater than 0.55 to trigger a local object reaction radiation in the micrometer to nanometer range, and the distal end of the transmission focusing optics unit is moved in at least two dimensions for highly spatially resolved scanning of the object and for transmitting object reaction radiation which is scanned in a locally progressive manner to an image-generating system with a photon detector.

Abstract: A device used to treat heart disease by decreasing the size of a diseased heart, or to prevent further enlargement of a diseased heart. The device works by limiting the volume of blood entering the heart during each cardiac cycle. The device partitions blood within the heart, and protects the heart from excessive volume and pressure of blood. The device is placed within the interior of the heart, particularly within a ventricular cavity. The device is a hollow sac, with two openings, which simulates the shape and size of the interior lining of a ventricle of a normal heart. It allows the ventricle to fill through one opening juxtaposed to the annulus of the inflow valve to a predetermined, normal volume, and limits filling of the heart beyond that volume. It then allows blood to be easily ejected through the second opening through the outflow valve.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for laser surgery comprising a laser and means for coupling laser light of the laser into an optical fiber, wherein the laser is a solid-state layer, which may emit laser light which at maximum intensity has a wavelength in the ragne of 1100 and 1400 nm, wherein the laser has an output power of at least 25 W.

Abstract: Fiber optic phototherapy devices include fiber optic light emitters having fiber optic end portions at one or both ends that may be separated into a plurality of groups of end portions that receive light from one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The fiber optic end portions of different segments of the light emitters may also be grouped together in different groups and lighted by different LEDs for selectively lighting any or all of the segments of the light emitters at the same or different types as desired. Lenses may be used to focus the light from one or more LEDs onto the end portions of each group. The LEDs may be mounted to a heat sink to dissipate any excess heat generated by the LEDs.

Abstract: An illumination device is described containing optical fibers that transmit electromagnetic energy from a source to a target. Additional optical fibers return reflected electromagnetic energy from the target. High-level electromagnetic energy can be used for cutting, reforming, or treating a surface. Low-level electromagnetic energy illuminates the surface.

Abstract: A light diffusing tip is provided. The light diffusing tip comprises a housing and a monolithic light scattering medium disposed within the housing. The monolithic light scattering medium comprises a first scattering region at a first position, the scattering region having a first scattering property and a second scattering region at a second position, the second scattering region having a second scattering property different from the first scattering property, wherein the first scattering region and the second scattering region are coextensive along a substantial portion of a length of the housing. A light diffusing applicator also is provided. The light diffusing applicator comprises at least one optical waveguide, a first termination coupled to a first end of the at least one optical waveguide, the first termination to couple to a light source and a light diffusing tip coupled to a second end of the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: A novel optical fiber, and a method for its production, having a diffuser portion and continuous unitarily-constructed outer sleeve, which is adapted for the transmission of light to a treatment locale. More particularly, a medical instrument has an optical fiber including a diffuser portion at a distal end wherein an alignment sleeve for the optical fiber extends uninterruptedly in a single piece from a connector for a laser light source to at least the distal end of the core of the optical fiber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an integrated apparatus for delivering energy to a tissue. The integrated apparatus included a housing having a distal end and a tubular structure located within the housing forming a first annulus between the tubular structure and the housing. The tubular structure is configured to accept an energy delivery component and is configured to form a second annulus between the tubular structure and the energy delivery component. The first annulus and the second annulus are configured to communicate with each other proximate to the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a fiber optic end having a non-cylindrical shape and further including a reflector surrounding a portion of the fiber optic end. The reflector is shaped to direct laser energy emitted from the fiber optic end in a direction away from the laser handpiece and toward a treatment site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating atrial tissue include positioning a lesion formation tool against the atrial surface. An optical fiber of the tool is energized at a wavelength is selected to form a volume of necrosed tissue through the thickness of the atrial tissue. A guide member is attached to the tip of the fiber. The guide member is slidable along the surface of the atrial tissue in atraumatic sliding engagement.

Abstract: A disposable or reusable surgical laser handpiece having an extendable and retractable active laser fiber tip and housed in a body comprising an actuating handle for use in various surgical laser procedures. The fiber tip when extended can be given a specific configuration by associating the fiber with a shaped memory member. The housing can also be constructed to incorporate bipolar or unipolar electrosurgical electrodes.

Abstract: A fiber tip fluid output device is provided for holding a fiber tip in an electromagnetic energy cutting apparatus and for directing water particles over a radiation delivery end of the fiber tip. The fiber tip fluid output device includes a generally cylindrical body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The lumen is sized and shaped to accommodate a fiber tip therethrough so that the fiber tip extends through the lumen from the proximal end to the distal end of the generally cylindrical body. The fiber tip fluid output device further includes a plurality of apertures extending around the generally cylindrical body, with each of the apertures of the plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the outer surface to the lumen. Fluid is mixed around the cylindrical body, before entering the lumen through the plurality of apertures for additional mixing.

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: An apparatus for treating a biological tissue of a patient in situ includes an optical fiber for guiding a coherent waveform of a selected wavelength to a fiber tip. The wavelength is selected to have a low absorption in water. The fiber tip is contained within a guide member having a discharge bore to define an unobstructed light pathway. The guide member is adapted to be slidable along a tissue surface in atraumatic sliding engagement with the discharge bore opposing the surface. The guide member is carried on an elongated flexible member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating atrial tissue include positioning a lesion formation tool against the atrial surface. An optical fiber of the tool is energized at a wavelength is selected to have a low absorption in water.

Abstract: An infrared-transmitting glass material consists essentially of 35.3% wt. arsenic and 64.3% wt. selenium and has an expansion coefficient of 27×10?6/° C.

Abstract: Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patient's skin. The dosage exceeds 1 MED as determined for the particular patient and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are preferably restricted to diseased tissue areas. A specialized handpiece provides a beam profile especially suitable for application of controlled doses. A specialized delivery device is useful for UV treatment of tissue within the mouth.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a lesion in cardiac tissue includes an optical fiber for guiding a coherent waveform of a selected wavelength to a fiber tip. The wavelength is selected to have a low absorption in water. The fiber tip is contained within a guide member having a discharge bore for a direction of energy discharge to define an unobstructed light pathway from the fiber tip through a discharge end of the discharge bore. A fluid pathway is in fluid flow communication with the guide member to admit a bio-compatible flushing fluid to the discharge bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy delivery device for use with a medical treatment system for the more efficacious treatment of patients during laser surgery which limits the number of uses or prevents reuse of the energy delivery device after a certain threshold limit has been reached. The energy delivery device comprises a diffusing optical fiber and a memory device having data programmed therein and being operatively connected to an energy generator the optical fiber includes a temperature sensor for generating a temperature signal in a closed loop manner. The data stored in the memory device includes a multiplicity of use parameters, usage limits, usage counts, and count limits all relating to the properties of the medical treatment system. The use parameters may include an elapsed time, a total treatment time, and a number of treatment sites.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for coupling focused radiant energy from a laser to a fiber optic conductor includes a secondary transmission path, one or more diffusers and, optionally, one or more internal heat sinks for diffusing radiant energy so as to and thereby minimize damage to the connector. In addition, coupling of the radiant energy to the cladding of the fiber is minimized by stripping or at least partially removing the cladding to reduce the amount of cladding in the area that extends to the focal plane of the radiant energy source, while reduction of higher order propagation modes may optionally be achieved by tapering a section of the fiber in such a manner that light entering the fiber at large critical angles are effectively collimated, i.e., bent towards the axis of the fiber.

Abstract: An Intense Pulsed Light apparatus for cosmetic or therapeutic treatment of the skin having a light source is provided with a light guide having an entry face in a rigid light guide component and an exit face in a flexible light guide component adapted to conform to highly curved parts of the body of a patient.

Abstract: A biological optical measuring instrument comprising a measuring probe (101) for collecting light from a plurality of portions of a subject (214) transmitted through the subject (214) by means of an optical fiber (108) by guiding light emitted from a light source (102) by an optical fiber (107), and irradiating the light to the subject (214) so as to create a living body transmitted light intensity image of the subject (214) from the transmitted and collected light. The measuring probe (101) further comprises optical fiber fixing members (201, 210, 211) for fixing the optical fibers (107, 108) at a predetermined interval and support members (202, 204, 205) for rockably supporting the optical fiber fixing members. Thus, it is possible to provide a technique of performing living body optical measurement while the living body lies in lateral decubitus.

Abstract: To provide a medical energy irradiation apparatus which, having a simple and inexpensively manufacturable structure, enables a doctor using it in the heat curing of prostatic hypertrophy or the like to accurately and stably irradiate a prescribed site deep in a living body with a laser beam and, even if its observation window is smeared, to observe tissues of a living body. An inserting portion of the medical energy irradiation apparatus to be inserted into a living body according to the invention has an emitting portion for emitting a laser beam toward tissues of the living body; an observation window, provided near the tip of the inserting portion in its inserting direction, for observing the tissues of the living body; and a hollow pipe for supporting a supporting member, which supports the emitting portion, shiftably in the lengthwise directions of the inserting portion and feeding detergent to the observation window.

Abstract: A laser system is provided that includes a laser unit, an incoupling means for coupling the laser radiation into a light-guide, and an outcoupling means for coupling the laser radiation out from the light-guide. A data transmitting means is coupled to the incoupling means or outcoupling means and produces optical signals which are coupled into the light-guide via the incoupling means or the outcoupling means. These optical signals are received by a data receiving means at the other end of the light-guide. The laser system can be used for realizing a data communication between the hand-piece and the stationary unit of the laser system in the case of which additional cables between the hand-piece and the laser are not necessary for transmitting data.

Abstract: An infrared-transmitting glass material consists essentially of 35.3% wt. arsenic and 64.3% wt. selenium and has an expansion coefficient of 27×10?6/° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for transporting fluid between different locations within a body cavity and, in one particular application, systems and methods for transporting fluids to maintain at least partial blood flow through a protected blood flow path within the right and/or left side of the heart during surgery. The protected blood flow path may be established by positioning one or more conduits within at least a portion of the right and/or left sides(s) of the heart. At least partial blood flow may be maintained through the protected blood flow path by the pumping action of a blood pump disposed within the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method according to the invention combine more than one optical modality (spectroscopic method), including but not limited to fluorescence, absorption, reflectance, polarization anisotropy, and phase modulation, to decouple morphological and biochemical changes associated with tissue changes due to disease, and thus to provide an accurate diagnosis of the tissue condition.

Abstract: In the region of a distal end at its circumference the waveguide is formed transparent to the radiation which impinges onto the surface of the waveguide at suitable angles, and in the region of the distal end in the inside of the waveguide there are arranged scatter elements which scatter radiation transmitted by the waveguide in the direction of the distal end in a direction with a proximally directed component which exits the circumference of the waveguide. Alternatively, radiation entering into the waveguide at the circumference of the waveguide in a direction with a distally directed component is transmitted by the waveguide in the direction of the proximal end, as well as to its use and to a method for its manufacture.