Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for a laser treatment that couples surgical or activating laser power with a biomodulating power to enhance proper tissue healing and regeneration after treatment. This treatment is achieved using an optical fiber system delivering laser power from two separate laser sources. One source provides laser energy at a power level and density suitable for the surgical or activation action desired. The second source produces laser power at a wavelength suitable for producing biomodulating effects in the treated tissue. Biomodulation treatment of the tissue promotes cellular healing and regeneration and ensures that proper healing occurs. In addition, the present invention describes a method by which the device is used for treatment. The surgical or activating laser energy is applied to a site as the device is passed over the treatment area.

Abstract: The invention features systems and tools for controlling the optical penetration depth of laser energy, e.g., when delivering laser energy to target tissue in a patient. The systems and tools control the optical penetration depth (OPD) by controlling the incident angle at which the laser energy is delivered to the target area of the patient. Embodiments of the invention include an optical coupler that permit a user to vary the incident angle and thereby selectably control the OPD of incident laser energy. Fabricating the optical coupler to have a refractive index greater than that of the target tissue can enhance the range of selectable OPDs. The laser energy, which is delivered to the desired depth, can cause alteration of the target tissue by, e.g., heating, ablation, and/or photochemical reaction.

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: The present invention relates to a laser light irradiating apparatus in which the laser light is not liable to act upon the tissue other than the target tissue to be irradiated with Laser light and gives less heat feeling to the living tissue to be irradiated. The laser light irradiating apparatus comprises an optical fiber 3 having its rear end upon which the laser light is incident from said laser light supplying means and its front end from which the laser light is emitted; a handpiece 1 for holding said optical fiber 3; and means for injecting a laser light absorbing liquid in which a laser light absorbing material which causes photodecomposition thereof with said laser light is dispersed toward an target position to be irradiated on which the laser light L emitted from the front end of said optical fiber 3 is impinged.

Abstract: A system for treating a selected dermatologic 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: The present invention provides a medical surgical or dental laser light irradiating apparatus which enables operators as well as third persons to precisely view the treatment. The medical laser light irradiating apparatus of the present invention comprises an optical fiber 3 for emitting from its front end the laser light which is incident upon the rear end thereof from said laser light supply means, a handpiece 1 for holding said optical fiber 3, an light incident face 21 which is made integrally with said handpiece 1 so that it faces at least a laser light irradiated area, imaging means 20 for imaging of at least laser light irradiated area based upon the light which is received through the light incident face 21, display means 30 for displaying a result of imaging from said imaging means 20, and jetting means 40, 40A, 41, 42 for jetting an air to an area in front of said light incident face 21.

Abstract: A laser probe has a central channel running substantially the length of the probe from one portion to a distal portion with an angled-cut section. The angled-cut section has a diameter sufficiently small to be inserted between a tooth surface and adjacent gum tissue. The channel may either include an optical fiber or may be hollow.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: A medical handpiece for transmitting energy from a laser beam into biological tissue. An optical fiber for conveying the laser beam to the handpiece and a light guide for radiating the laser energy into the tissue are arranged in a base body. Means are provided for aligning the optical axis of the light guide in relation to the optical axis of the fiber and means for aligning the optical axis of the light guide in relation to the base body are also provided. The light guide can be displaced in an axial direction in relation to the base body and the alignment can be set according to the direction of displacement or maintained. The light guide is easy to replace and the device is easy to clean in accordance with all hygiene requirements.

Abstract: A laser surgical device for removal of intraocular tissue including a handpiece and a tip. The handpiece has a sleeve that creates a passage way for irrigation fluid. An optic fiber or similar light conveying means is contained within the handpiece. A passageway for aspiration is included in the handpiece and continues into the tip. The tip is configured with a photon trap that captures stray laser light and prevents it from continuing into the eye.

Abstract: A fiber bundle consists of first optical fibers and second optical fibers. At the distal end of the fiber bundle, the first and second optical fibers are bundled in a square close-packed array or a hexagonal close-packed array. The first and second optical fibers are separated from each other at the proximal end of the fiber bundle so that the first optical fibers are tied as a first branch bundle and that the second optical fibers are tied a second branch bundle.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a medical instrument at a desired biological target tissue site is provided. The system includes an elongated sheath having a deflectable distal end configured to deflect or otherwise position at least a portion of a medical instrument during a surgical procedure allowing for the placement of the deflected portion adjacent or proximate to a predetermined target tissue surface. The positioning system may be incorporated into the medical instrument. The medical instrument may be an ablation system.

Abstract: A laser scalpel for cutting biological tissue. The laser scalpel includes a suctioning device with a suction channel which is arranged parallel to a laser fiber. The suction channel protrudes beyond the end of the laser fiber, and the protruding portion of the suction channel includes a suction opening in the wall of the suction channel facing the laser beam. The suction opening is thus oriented towards the laser beam which exits from the distal end of the laser fiber. This prevents the suction channel from becoming blocked.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and flexible apparatus for delivering radiation energy to a radiation-absorbing fluid within the apparatus to generate a series of expanding and collapsing bubbles therein, and thereby generate flow in a fluid surrounding the apparatus. Effective fluid flow is obtained via at least one optical fiber, disposed within the apparatus near a distal opening therein, that, when fired, tends to pump fluid with respect to the apparatus, and at least one other optical fiber, disposed within the apparatus in the vicinity of a side opening thereof, that, when fired, tends to agitate fluid near its distal end. These pumping and agitative actions cause a net fluid motion that is particularly effective in disrupting a partial or total occlusion in a body passage, such as a blood vessel, within which the apparatus is operated.

Abstract: A laser device includes first and second laser transmitting passages. The first laser transmitting passage in the form of tube has an interior opened at its first and second ends. The second laser transmitting passage has first and second ends. The first end of the second laser transmitting passage is spaced away from but optically connected with the second end of the first laser transmitting passage. This allows that laser transmitted through the first laser transmitting passage is guided into the second laser transmitting passage. Air, on the other hand, is transmitted through the first laser transmitting passage to impinge on the first end of the second laser transmitting passage for cooling.

Abstract: An apparatus for the delivery of laser light in a therapeutic environment including: a console; an optical waveguide wherein a first end of the waveguide is conffigured to expose a biological tissue to energy transmitted through the waveguide; a plurality of laser diodes housed within the console such that the light emitted by each of the diodes will illuminate a second end of the optical wave guide; and a power supply for providing electrical power to each laser diode. Preferably each laser diode is configured to produce a unique wavelength of light. The power supply provides an independently controllable output for each laser such that the exposure, both in terms of intensity and duration, to each wavelength of light may be controlled independently of the exposure to each of the other wavelengths of light.

Abstract: An illuminated ophthalmic membrane pick assembly is disclosed having an elongated housing and a throughbore extending between the housing ends. An elongated tubular probe has one end secured to one end of the housing in alignment with the housing throughbore. A membrane pick is secured to the other or free end of the probe so that a free end of the membrane pick overlies the free end of the probe. An optical fiber is longitudinally slidably disposed through the housing throughbore and the probe while a button mechanically secured to the optical fiber and slidably mounted to the housing moves the optical fiber between an extended and a retracted position. In its extended position, the optical fiber laterally outwardly displaces the membrane pick so that the free end of the pick abuts against a side of the optical fiber. Conversely, in its retracted position, the optical fiber is nested within the probe.

Abstract: Surgical ablation instruments are disclosed for creating lesions in tissue, including cardiac tissue for treatment of arrhythmias and other diseases. The hand held instruments are especially useful in open chest or port access cardiac surgery for rapid and efficient creation of curvilinear lesions to serve as conduction blocks. Photoablative instruments are disclosed that can achieve rapid and effective photoablation through the use of distributed (e.g., diffuse or defocused) radiant energy.

Abstract: A medical laser system is disclosed for ablating biological material. The system includes an Erbium:YAG gain medium capable of generating a pulsed output having a wavelength of 2.9 microns. The laser is optimized to generate a pulsed output having a repetition rate of at least 50 hertz and preferably at least 100 hertz. The output is delivered to the target tissue via an optical fiber. Preferably, a suction source is provided to aspirate the tissue as it is being ablated. The erbium laser system provides accurate ablation with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A light delivery system forms a part of an instrument, such as a surgical tool or hand tool, to illuminate a location advantageous to performing a procedure in connection with the instrument. The light delivery system forms a functional part of the instrument. The light delivery system may form an integral part of the instrument structure or alternatively be provided as an external attachable device, easily detachable from the instrument for convenient replacement and disposal.

Abstract: An artificial heart has a driving section, a nozzle section, a pump section for insertion into a ventricle of a human heart, and a sealing section forming a seal for a driving shaft extending from the driving section for driving the pump section. A sealing liquid chamber filled with a sealing liquid is formed around the driving shaft between the sealing mechanism and the driving section. The sealing liquid in the sealing liquid chamber maintains the sealing mechanism in a liquid-tight state and lubricates the sealing mechanism, whereby blood is prevented from entering the driving section. Even if blood happens to enter the driving section, the blood is mixed with the sealing liquid and does not coagulate. Thus, the operation of the artificial heart is not suppressed.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: A device that simultaneously incises an area and cauterizes the desired tissue. The device incorporates laser energy by some means into a mechanical scalpel so that the incised area is cauterized as well. For example, a laser source is coupled by some means to an optically transparent blade such as a diamond knife. The diamond knife is appropriately coated so that radiation only exits at desired areas. In another example, optical fibers are embedded into a sharp edge blade scalpel with means to couple to a suitable radiation source.

Abstract: A device for the irradiation of internal cavities of the body includes a flexible catheter, made of a transparent material, containing a fiber optic of which the section at one end is designed to radially diffuse light coming from a source arranged at the other end. An inflatable balloon fixed to one end of the catheter surrounds the diffusing section of the fiber optic. The balloon is made of an elastomeric material that diffuses the light and is prefabricated by molding based on the shape of the cavity to be treated. The balloon presses against the cavity wall and, with the thickness of its surfaces remaining constant after inflation, the pressure needed for inflation is low and cannot damage the cavity tissues.

Abstract: An medical instrument for diffusing light from an optical fiber is provided. The medical instrument includes an optical fiber having a proximal portion including a cladding layer surrounding the core and a distal portion having a diffuser tip comprising a protective coating made of acrylic or methylpentene surrounding the core, an optical coupling layer, and a sleeve. The protective coating strengthens the distal end of the optical fiber so that it can withstand a higher bending moment at failure than the uncladded core. At the same time, the protective layer has an index of refraction that is between the indices of refraction of the core and the optical coupling layer to direct light out of the core through to the optical coupling layer.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft includes an optical fiber and a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide an optical fiber shaft that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: Devices and methods for increasing the volume of blood pumped by a heart muscle are disclosed. A therapeutic catheter in accordance with the present invention may comprise an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending through at least a portion thereof. The therapeutic catheter may further include a cutter having a cutter lumen fixed to the distal end of the elongate shaft, and a mooring shaft slidingly disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft. A method in accordance with the present invention may include the steps of engaging a muscle of a donor site with a portion of the mooring shaft, penetrating the muscle of the donor site with the cutter to form a muscle tendril, withdrawing the muscle tendril from the muscle of the donee site, positioning the distal end of the therapeutic catheter proximate a pit defined by the tissue of a donee site, inserting the muscle tendril into the tissue of the donee site, and disengaging the mooring shaft from the muscle tendril.

Abstract: Briefly stated, the present invention provides a medical laser delivery system that incorporates fluid delivery channels within the optical fiber structure so as to bring fluids directly to the site of laser power delivery. The channel or channels may pass through either the fiber core or the cladding. The fluids delivered to the site may serve to cool or irrigate the tissue during high power laser treatment. In addition, the fluid passed through the channel can be a drug or any substance that increases the tissue's photosensitivity to the laser energy. The need for an external fluid delivery device is eliminated. Treatment with the system is minimally invasive. Treatment and irrigation of the treatment site can be administered through a single fiber thereby limiting the entry puncture to the gauge of the fiber. The solid core fiber coupled with direct irrigation allows effective high-power density laser treatment.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for irradiating a treatment part with a laser beam for treatment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treatment light irradiation unit including a treatment light source which emits the treatment laser beam, an irradiation optical system which delivers the treatment laser beam emitted from the light source to irradiate the treatment part, and a laser emission end unit internally provided with a part of the irradiation optical system. The apparatus further includes a movement unit which moves the emission end unit with respect to the treatment part, a determination unit which determines an irradiation position of the treatment laser beam, and a control section which transmits a control signal to the movement unit based on a determination result by the determination unit and controls laser irradiation.

Abstract: A curing light system useful for curing light activated composite materials is disclosed. The system may be a hand-held portable curing light system operated by batteries or a chair side curing light system operated by AC power. The curing light system includes a light source which may be one or more light emitting diode chips or one or more diode laser chips. The chips of the light source are located on a single heat sink for heat dissipation. The heat sink and chips are located in an encasement that may include a focus dome or transparent window through which light travels to reach light activated composite materials. In the preferred embodiment, the light travels from the light source directly to a curing surface without first going through a light guide or fiber optic cable. The light source is preferably located in a handle that is manipulated by a user in order to direct light emitted by the light source to composite materials to be cured.

Abstract: A laser handpiece using an optical system such as a prism. The laser handpiece includes a laser fiber for irradiating laser beam output from a laser generating device, a first beam path changing portion for changing a traveling path of the laser beam output from the laser fiber, a second beam path changing portion for changing finally the traveling path of the laser beam output from the first beam path changing portion, a focus lens for focusing the laser beam output from the second beam path changing portion onto a point, and a main body for containing the laser fiber, the first beam path changing portion, the second beam path changing portion and the focus lens. Thus, an optical axis can be easily aligned and the traveling path of the laser beam can be easily changed within a small space, so the laser handpiece can be manufactured in a convenient shape for use.

Abstract: A light diffusing device for the irradiation of biological tissues in photodynamic treatment includes a light guide having an unclad section at its distal tip, the unclad section being surrounded with at least one layer of diffusing substance for diffusing the light circulating in the light guide. The diffusing layer includes a prefabricated tubular piece having walls of constant thickness in which the unclad section is inserted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for tracking the operation of a light beam, preferably a laser light beam, which operates to treat the skin of the patient. The apparatus includes plurality of markings in accordance with the light beam impinges on the locations to be treated. The apparatus including the plurality of markings may be a cooling apparatus which also cools the skin during the treatment.

Abstract: A bendable medical, dental and surgical illuminating appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a light-conducting rod, at least a portion of which is light projecting. The rod is flexible and comprises a self-sustaining shape. The rod also includes a light inlet that is operably engaged with the outlet of a fiberoptic conductor. The opposite, inlet end of the conductor is optically interengaged with a fiberoptic illuminator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for irradiating a living body with laser light. The system is excellent in treatment effect by enhancing the absorption efficiency of laser light at a target area of the living tissue. The system comprises a target means located on the surface or in the inside of a living tissue to be treated including a material which absorbs the laser light to generate heat; and means for irradiating said target with the laser light to generate heat.

Abstract: There is provided a cancer therapeutic instrument for use in treatment of cancer and tumor. According to such an instrument, the affected part is irradiated effectively with activation light thereby obtaining an effect of the light treatment. The cancer therapeutic instrument is equipped with a tube of which a tip is closed, a tip end of the tube being adapted to be inserted into a subject to be treated, and an optical fiber of which a tip end is adapted to be disposed slidably inside the tube.

Abstract: A controlled advancement laser ablation device is provided for precise ablation of body matter. The laser ablation device includes a laser energy transmission mechanism such as, e.g. a fiber optic fiber mounted for controlled translational longitudinal movement relative to a housing structure. A laser energy generator is optically connected to the laser energy transmission mechanism. A controlled advancement mechanism is provided in engagement with the laser energy transmission mechanism for advancing the mechanism through the housing structure at a controlled rated coordinated with the laser energy generator output to ablate body tissue. Controlled advancement mechanisms include constant and/or variable rate springs, motors, and other mechanisms which can be coordinated with the laser energy generator to advance the laser energy transmission mechanism as the targeted substance is ablated. The device is particularly suitable for use in transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) and angioplasty procedures.

Abstract: A hand-held surgical light assembly is provided with a light source, and a handpiece which is adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a user. The handpiece has a light guide with a proximal end optically connected to the light source, and a distal end which projects outwardly from said handpiece so as to direct light guided thereby onto a field of view determined by manipulation of the handpiece by the user. The handpiece includes a switch assembly which is operatively coupled to the light source to allow user selection between at least two different light intensities (e.g., essentially on/off) discharged by said light guide onto the field of view. In preferred forms, the switch assembly includes an electrically conductive inner core and an electrically conductive outer tubular elastomeric member concentrically positioned in surrounding, but spaced relationship, with the inner base.

Abstract: In the present invention a laser treatment system is provided that can be used in any clinical environment without the necessity of personal safety equipment. Furthermore, the present invention provides a large amount of control to the operator/technician and the patient. The present invention combines mechanical and optical methods to protect operators and patients from undesired exposure to laser radiation. According to this approach, safe, portable and fixed embodiments that are useful in a large variety of applications, which are now possible. Several examples are described.

Abstract: A method of hair removal, used primarily for cosmetic purposes, comprising the transcutaneous use of laser light having a wavelength which targets the keratin component of hair, thus destroying the hair by photothermolysis without damage to surrounding skin or tissue; this primary method may be supplemented by the use of intrafollicular hair removal methods utilizing a second wavelength of light produced by the same source used to generate the primary light wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a male for impotence, i.e., for enabling, or improving the ability of, the male to achieve or maintain a penile erection of adequate rigidity for sexual intercourse, by applying monochromatic light radiation, preferably low-power laser radiation of a wavelength of 440 nm, to the penis of the male, sufficient to induce relaxation of the walls of the blood vessels supplying blood to the corpora cavernosa of the penis.

Abstract: The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft includes a optical fiber, and at least one coaxial layer of heat shrink polymer disposed over the optical fiber of a length shorter than the optical fiber, to provide variations in stiffness along the length of the shaft. The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft preferably includes a plurality of coaxial layers of heat shrink polymer encapsulating the optical fiber, extending from the proximal end of the optical fiber toward the distal end, the plurality of coaxial layers having different lengths to provide said optical fiber shaft with varying stiffness over the length of the optical fiber shaft. The plurality of coaxial layers can be arranged in successive progressively shorter coaxial layers, and can be formed of heat shrink polymeric material, such as polyethylene, PTFE, PEEK, PET or PPS.

Abstract: A device for the ablation of biological substances by laser radiation, especially for stomatologic treatment, comprises a pump laser and a laser converter for converting the pump laser radiation into a laser radiation having the wavelength range of 3 &mgr;m±0.2 &mgr;m, wherein the laser converter is accommodated in a treatment head which is separated from the pump laser by a fiber-optic device. There is provided in the laser converter a metal-holmium-fluoride crystal with an alkaline or alkaline-earth ion as metal ion with partial substitution of the holmium (Ho) ions, namely one of the following compounds: Me(Ho1-xPrx)F4 with a metal ion of lithium (Li) or sodium (Na), a fluorine ion, and with components of praseodymium of x=0.001 to 0.03, or Ba(Ho1-xPrx)2F8, where Ba is a barium ion, F is a fluorine ion, and with components of praseodymium of x=0.0005 to 0.015.

Abstract: Devices and methods for effective administration of therapeutic drugs or gene therapy to the myocardium is achieved by creating a trap or pocket within the myocardium for confining the injected therapeutic. The pocket can be created using mechanical and light energy, or other means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for medical treatment and in particular to an apparatus for medical treatment which is miniaturized to such a size that it can be used together with an endoscope and is capable of incising living tissue with less bleeding. The apparatus for medical treatment is characterized in that said apparatus includes: an outer probe which is in a form of hook; an inner probe which faces said outer probe and is capable of being in and out of contact with said inner probe in a longitudinal direction by the operator's actuation; and heating means for heating a target tissue to be treated which is disposed between said outer and inner probes.

Abstract: An arm device for retaining and positioning an optical fiber unit for medical examination and treatment, so as to easily operate the same. The arm device is provided with flexible arm parts and a lockable, rotatable joint assembly for easy manipulation and positioning of the optical fiber unit.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and method for permanently removing a plurality of hair follicles from the skin of a patient. The laser apparatus includes a housing having first and second lasers contained therein for emitting at least first and second pulses of coherent light energy; first and second fiber optic bundles connected to the first and second lasers, respectively, for transmitting the pulses of coherent light energy from the first and second lasers; the first and second fiber optic bundles connected to a common fiber optic bundle for combining and transmitting at least first and second pulses of coherent light energy from each of the first and second lasers through the common fiber optic bundle; and a sequence control device for controlling the first and second lasers to emit at least first and second pulses of coherent light energy either sequentially or simultaneously, with a time delay of less than 20 milliseconds between the sequential pulses from the first and second lasers.

Abstract: A surgical laser system combines a laser diode array remotely connected to a hand-held surgical probe by a fiber bundle. The surgical system has a which includes a laser head which produces a laser beam for surgical tissue ablation that is delivered through a disposable intraocular probe tip. The probe tip is made of a short section of optical fiber. Preferably, the laser head is an Er:YAG rod pumped by energy from the laser diode array to operate at a wavelength of 2.94 microns. Auxiliary water and thermal electric cooling integral to the hand piece cools the laser head.

Abstract: Apparatus for pumping fluid from one location to another via generation of bubbles in fluid, and expansion and callapse thereof, are described. These apparatus deliver repetitive pulses of radiation to a fluid to form bubbles therein. The expansion and collapse of the bubbles cause fluid motion or pumping. This pumping can be used to facilitate removal of a total or partial occlusion in a body passage by a variety of mechanisms. The apparatus are flexible to facilitate use within a body passage.