Abstract: Various embodiments of optical fiber cables and laser probes are disclosed for providing multi-spot laser beams from a single laser beam source. This permits time-intensive but repetitive laser surgical procedures such as panretinal photocoagulation to be performed with increased accuracy and in a fraction of the time currently allotted for such procedures.

Abstract: A medical catheter for treating atherosclerotic plaque and other abnormalities includes optical fibers for applying laser energy to the plaque and an ultrasonic transducer system for sensing the location and configuration of the plaque. The optical fibers and electrical wiring for the transducers extend through a probe which is rotatable inside of the catheter tube to provide universal directional control of the fibers and transducers. A reflective system includes a curved reflector in the probe which can be axially adjusted to vary the directions of the ultrasonic signals. Alternative forms of the invention include different reflector schemes, an angled ultrasonic transducer having a conical signal output that varies with frequency, and various different systems for rotating the transducers and fibers.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering energy to a selected area on a surface. The method includes forming a visually continuous outline on the surface, positioning the visually continuous outline such that the outline surrounds an area to be treated with energy, and delivering energy within the area surrounded by the visually continuous outline. The method may be used to deliver energy to any surface, including surfaces which need to be exposed prior to the delivery of energy. Examples of surfaces that may be treated with energy using the method and apparatus of the present invention include, but are not limited to skin, an exposed area of internal tissue such as muscle or fat tissue, and a surface in an oral cavity such as gum tissue or a tooth enamel.

Abstract: Two or three pulsed laser (3, 4, 20) devices are provided with a system for the automated optimization of the parameters of radiation produced by these lasers as well the types and regimes of processing of each kind of tissue. The outputs of at least one detector (15) of information about the status of tissue (16) that is under processing are connected to the inputs of control unit 1 which output signals are applied to electronic switchers (5, 6, 26) placed in the circuits connecting the power supply (2) with each of lasers (3, 4, 20). The devices also include the controlled system of treatment zone irrigation (17) and a system for laser radiations mixing consisting of reflective (7, 21) and selective (8, 25) mirrors that makes it possible to provide the independent radiation outputs.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for detecting, destroying and removing urinary calculi and other similar structures anywhere within an animal body, and more specifically to a method for locating such structures, fragmenting and vaporizing them and related detection and control schemes.

Abstract: A handpiece for stomatological application of laser light includes a movable light and agent transmission system connected to a proximal side of the handpiece and an application element containing a work tip connected to a distal side of the handpiece. Advantageously, the laser beam in the application element is directed onto an exit location that proceeds essentially transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the application element, and is focused such that the focus of the laser light lies immediately in front of a light exit window.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing brain tumors by vaporizing the tumor tissue with a laser beam in select scan planes of the tumor. A cored hole through the tumor is made by the laser beam, and an endoscope is inserted through the cored hole, which has a mirror mounted at a 45 degree angle near the end of it and mounted within it, that is capable of reflecting the laser beam at a 90 degree angle. The endoscope is inserted all the way through the cored hole, and sucessive scans of the brain tumor are taken perpendicular to the endoscope. The endoscope is then moved axially to position the 45 degree mirror at each scan plane, and the reflected laser beam is then rotated and also oscillated between calculated angles to vaporize the tumor tissue in each scan plane, until the entire brain tumor is vaporized by the laser beam. During this procedure the gas being produced by vaporization of the tumor tissue is suctioned out through the interior of the endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a laser beam to a working surface, by displacing the laser beam to trace a plurality of circular scans over the working surface; and continuously varying the diameters of the circular scans at a rate to produce a substantially homogenous distribution of the laser energy over the working surface.

Abstract: An operating assembly for use in a liquid operating environment includes a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a light reflecting tip mounted thereon for reflecting the light beam laterally. The tip includes a number of features which minimize undesired heating of the tip. The tip is preferably made of solid gold and has a reflecting mirror surface coined on the gold tip. A lateral flushing passageway is disposed through the tip and allows surrounding ambient liquid to flow across the surface of the mirror to aid in cooling the tip and to aid in keeping the mirror clean. The tip is preferably mounted on the fiber by crimping.

Abstract: A method for the photodisruption of tissue using a laser beam for stereotactic laser neurosurgery includes the initial step of positioning the distal end of a probe into the tissue to be photodisrupted. A laser beam having laser pulses of picosecond or femtosecond duration is then directed along a beam path through the probe. Using a focusing lens, which is slidably positioned on the beam path in the probe, and a light reflector, which is slidably positioned on the beam path at the distal end of the probe, the laser beam is focused to a focal point that is located on a line substantially perpendicular to the beam path through the probe. By concerted movement of the lens and mirror, predetermined cylindrical layers of tissue can be photodisrupted. Specifically, a rotation of the mirror causes photodisruption of tissue along a circular arc and a simultaneous movement of the lens and mirror allows for photodisruption of additional arcs on a cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A method of performing endometrial ablation comprising heating entire surface of the endometrium to a temperature of between 45.degree. C. and 70.degree. C. to destroy the cells of the endometrial lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42.degree. C. An apparatus for performing an endometrial ablation comprising an expandable membrane such as a balloon adapted to fit within the uterus and contact the endometrial lining when expanded. A web of light diffusing fiber-optic cables arranged on the outer surface the balloon such that the web contacts the endometrial lining of the uterus when the balloon is expanded. The fiber-optic web is connected to an array of high intensity lamps via a series of fiber-optic cables. The temperature of the endometrium is monitored by a of a series of temperature sensors arranged upon the surface of the balloon.

Abstract: Biological tissue is imaged by non-damaging illumination from a coherent ht source and retroreflective radiation from a phase conjugate mirror without correction for absorption induced distortion. Optics is provided to regulate the illumination and to direct the retroreflective imaging radiation from the targeted biological tissue. Such imaging radiation is maintained substantially at unity reflectivity.

Abstract: A surgical laser scanner having optics that scans a pulsed laser beam onto a target tissue is disclosed. The laser scanner has a lens and a scanning mirror or mirrors located upstream of the lens at a distance substantially equal to the focal length of the lens. The laser beam hits the scanning mirror and is reflected onto the lens in a pattern defined by sequential positions of the scanning mirror. The laser beam is projected onto the target tissue by the lens in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens. The projected pattern has a constant size regardless of the distance between the laser scanner and the target tissue.

Abstract: Procedures using a laser surgical probe are disclosed in which laser energy can be directed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe. In a preferred procedure, the laser probe is inserted into an internal portion of a mammal with a laser light beam being directed into the probe along a longitudinal axis. A reflecting surface on the probe reflects the laser light beam so that the beam exits the probe at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, thereby directing the laser light onto tissue of the mammal. The tissue contacted by laser light can be viewed during the procedure by looking through the reflecting surface. A particularly preferred procedure comprises an anterior capsulotomy.

Abstract: An argon-fluoride excimer laser or other laser source capable of generating far-ultraviolet radiation at 193 nm is pulsed with energy densities of greater than 20 mj per cm.sup.2 at a repetition rate up to 25 pulses per second to direct its radiation through a mask and onto corneal tissue, or other biological matter, to form an ablation therein of predetermined configuration and depth by a process of ablative photodecomposition. The masks are formed with a slit, circular, crescent or other openings of widths between 30 and 800 microns, and may even be formed to provide a graded intensity center to edge. The mask is reflective or composed of or faced with an organic polymer to prevent heat build-up.

Abstract: An endoscopic light delivery system for delivering light to tissue includes a laser source for generating light. Fiber optics encased in a plastic buffer are optically coupled to the laser source for conveying the light generated by the laser source. A tip member secured to the fiber optics positions a mirror adjacent to the light delivery end of the fiber optics. The mirror redirects light conveyed by the fiber optics in a direction lateral to the fiber optics. A heat resistant ring encircling the fiber optics near the light delivery end shields the fiber optics from heat to prevent the plastic buffer near the light delivery end from melting. A lateral extension of the tip member spaces the mirror and fiber optics away from tissue. A band with a circumferential groove encircles the light receiving end of the fiber optics. A connector having a bore is capable of receiving the light receiving end of the fiber optics in the bore and locking the band within the bore by engaging the groove with a locking device.

Abstract: A laser micromanipulator for surgical applications includes an adaptor attachable to a laser and to a microscope which automatically maintains, preferably using phase detection, the laser beam in focus on tissue during any changes in the working distance by the surgeon manipulating the microscope.

Abstract: A hand held microsurgical instrument for applying laser energy to selected locations (sites) in an area under the skin (or other exposed translucent tissue) to provide localized photothermolysis of underlying tissue at these sites, is described. The laser energy is focused into a spot within the tissue. This spot is of sufficiently small size so that the energy density is sufficient to provide surgical or treatment effects within the tissue without damaging the surface tissue. In dermatology, for example, the technique can be used to destroy endothelial cells in blood vessels which are desired to be removed, such spider veins (nevi) in the skin, hair follicles to prevent hair growth therefrom, or other microsurgical procedures. The area is visualized while the laser beam is steered, using a deflection system, in X and Y coordinates.

Abstract: A handpiece for laser apparatus includes a handle having a proximal end connectible to a laser beam source, a distal end through which the laser beam is delivered to a working area, and a passageway connecting the proximal end to the distal end; and a mirror carried at the distal end of the handle and tilted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the passageway to deliver the laser beam to a selected point in the working area. The mirror is elongated along one direction to permit directing the laser beam along a beam axis intercepting the mirror at a first point and reflecting the laser beam to the working area, and to permit viewing the working area along a viewing axis intercepting the mirror at a second point thereof displaced from the first point in the elongated direction.

Abstract: A laser optical fiber probe has a silica fiber core with an end terminating in an inclined surface. A silica capsule encloses the end of the fiber and locates the end of the fiber in a gas chamber. Localized heat fuses the end of the fiber opposite the inclined surface to the capsule thereby eliminating secondary light reflections.

Abstract: A irradiation attachment for an optical fiber which provides an output of light that has a highly uniform intensity. The device includes a hollow spherical shell having a diffusive reflective surface or target supported therein. Light is directed into the hollow spherical shell so that it reflects off the diffusive reflective surface or target. The reflected light is internally reflected off the inner surface of the hollow spherical shell several times before passing through an output aperture. As a result of the internal reflection within the hollow spherical shell, the light leaving the device has a highly uniform intensity. The device is particularly useful for photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: A simultaneously generated caustic surface comprised of high energy photons is created for the purpose of ablating organic materials to within optical accuracies. The apparatus and method are principally for modifying, in vivo, the anterior cornea of the eye to effect refractive correction thereof. A catadioptric system in tandem with a continuously adjustable system of lenses provides a range of spherical or aspherical caustic curvatures throughout which range relatively uniform radiation intensity is maintained over the entire caustic. Ablation monitoring uses both visual and interferometric means; control is performed using interferometry in conjunction with a computer controlled excimer laser.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing a filtering operation for glaucoma. The apparatus is a jig comprising a base for supporting the jig on the eye. An offset aperture in the base above the cornea allows cutting of a flap in the sclera. An arm is provided for supporting an oscillating blade and fiberoptic laser assembly. The blade and laser are mounted on the arm. The arm is located in the base of the jig in a slot. To cut a flap in the sclera, the oscillating blade and laser assembly is slid along the slot in the jig, thereby creating a proper angle of dissection with the blade. After the flap is elevated, the fiberoptic laser burns a hole through the choroid layer. An egress of fluid through the hole eliminates the excess pressure in the vitreous humor.

Abstract: A slit incision handpiece that receives a circular laser beam, reshapes the beam to have an elliptical cross-section, and focuses the beam onto target tissue. Slit incisions of approximately the dimensions of the elliptical beam are formed by stationary exposures on the target tissue from the output of the slit incision handpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering radiant energy beams onto an area of a cornea in a line focus to create a linear incisions. The radiant energy beams may be focused in a linear configuration onto the external surface of the cornea or onto intrastromal areas of the cornea of an eye to ablate the cornea in a radial slot, circumferential curved slot, or lenticular pattern, and thereby modify its curvature and refractive power. The apparatus includes an array of central reflectors and an assembly of peripheral reflectors. Each central reflector is associated with a respective peripheral reflector so that a beam reflected by the central reflector is intercepted by its associated peripheral reflector and is again reflected to precisely incise either external or internal areas of the cornea. Each peripheral reflector has a curved reflective surface to provide a line focus on the cornea, including both rectilinear and curvilinear line focus to create radial and circumferential curved incisions.

Abstract: A slit incision handpiece that receives a circular laser beam, reshapes the beam to have an elliptical cross-section, and focuses the beam onto target tissue. Slit incisions of approximately the dimensions of the elliptical beam are formed by stationary exposures on the target tissue from the output of the slit incision handpiece.

Abstract: Dental instrument for the treatment of caries and for oral surgery, of the type comprising a laser beam emission source, the said laser radiation being conveyed by optical fibre through the dental instrument (12) up to the zone to be treated, characterised in that it comprises control means enabling the user to vary at will during an operation at least one of the emission parameters of the laser beam chosen from the group comprising: the firing of the laser shot or shots, the energy of the laser beam, the frequency of the shots.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing beams of laser radiation at wavelengths of 1.44 .mu.m and 1.064 .mu.m on demand. Two Nd:YAG lasers are arranged in a side-by-side configuration and operated to provide laser output at wavelengths of 1.44 .mu.m and 1.064 .mu.m, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, a reflective spectral filter comprised of two reflectors reduces the amount of 1.064 .mu.m radiation in the output beam from the 1.44 .mu.m laser by a factor of 100 to 1000, but only reduces the amount of 1.44 .mu.m radiation in the output beam from the laser by less than 2%. The apparatus also provides collinear addition of the output from the 1.064 .mu.m laser. This collinear addition enables output radiation from both lasers to be coupled together into a single optical fiber. In fact, a user can choose to operate either laser separately or to operate both lasers simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing a filtering operation for glaucoma. The apparatus is a jig comprising a base for supporting the jig on the eye. An offset aperture in the base above the cornea allows cutting of a flap in the sclera. An arm is provided for supporting an oscillating blade and fiberoptic laser assembly. The blade and laser are mounted on the arm. The arm is located in the base of the jig in a slot. To cut a flap in the sclera, the oscillating blade and laser assembly is slid along the slot in the jig, thereby creating a proper angle of dissection with the blade. After the flap is elevated, the fiberoptic laser burns a hole through the choroid layer. An egress of fluid through the hole eliminates the excess pressure in the vitreous humor.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for manually manipulating a surgical laser beam is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a mirror nominally positioned at a 45 degree angle to the incident laser beam, a joy stick for manipulating the mirror, and a linkage interconnecting the two. The mirror is mounted to allow it to rotate about two mutually perpendicular and intersecting axes. The linkage operates to direct the reflected laser beam in two orthogonal dimensions such that a ratio between the movement of the reflected beam in each dimension is equivalent to the ratio of the movement of the joy stick in each dimension. This yields a reflected laser beam that moves a distance proportional to the amount of motion input to the joy stick. The reduction or amplification ratio between the input motion and the reflected laser beam motion remains constant, regardless of the direction of motion.

Abstract: An improved microbeam holder to focus and control a laser beam to direct it to a target for laser beam microsurgery. The holder has a simple specular mirror holder and joystick mechanism for ease in laser beam direction. The laser beam holder allows focusing the laser beam during surgery. An attachment is included to hold the microbeam holder on the microscope apparatus being used for surgery and allows the microbeam holder to be rotated relative to the microscope. An adjustable hand rest is provided to allow ease in control of the joystick mechanism for laser beam direction.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for manually manipulating a surgical laser beam is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a mirror nominally positioned at a 45 degree angle to the incident laser beam, a joy stick for manipulating the mirror, and a linkage interconnecting the two. The mirror is mounted to allow it to rotate about two mutually perpendicular and intersecting axes. The linkage operates to direct the reflected laser beam in two orthogonal dimensions such that a ratio between the movement of the reflected beam in each dimension is equivalent to the ratio of the movement of the joy stick in each dimension. This yields a reflected laser beam that moves a distance proportional to the amount of motion input to the joy stick. The reduction or amplification ratio between the input motion and the reflected laser beam motion remains constant, regardless of the direction of motion.

Abstract: An optical fiber tip for use in a laser delivery system comprising a distal end of an optical fiber having an exposed cylindrical core. A flat elliptical surface is formed across a distal end of said cylindrical core and intersects a center line of said cylindrical core at a predetermined angle. In one embodiment, a reflective coating is deposited on said flat elliptical surface such that a laser beam carried by said fiber will be reflected by said reflective coating. In another embodiment, said flat elliptical surface intersects said center line of said cylindrical core at an angle exceeding a critical angle necessary for said flat elliptical surface to totally reflect a laser beam carried by said optical fiber.

Abstract: A light diffuser for simultaneous photodynamic therapy and hyperthermic treatment in the oesophagus has an arrangement (14 to 18) which disperses radially the light (10) fed in by way of an optical fiber (6) and has a tube (12) filled with silicone to which are added concentrations, modulated in the axial direction, of quartz grains having a diameter of approximately 40 .mu.m which bring about a refraction having little dependence on the wavelength.

Abstract: A decoupled dual-beam control system for a compact micromanipulator unit for a surgical laser system includes a focusing mechanism for focusing a first laser beam of a first wavelength at a predetermined focal point; and a control mechanism for directing a second laser beam of a second wavelength onto the focusing mechanism; the control mechanism includes a device for varying the diameter and wavefront of the second laser beam at the focusing mechanism for enabling the focusing mechanism to focus the second beam in the same focal plane as the first beam. The control mechanism further includes a device for translating the second beam relative to the focusing mechanism for enabling the focusing mechanism to coincidentally position the foci of the surgical and aiming beams in the focal plane.

Abstract: A dental laser assembly having a housing with a first and second laser cavity. The housing also includes an optical output port and a dental optical delivery system optically connected to the port. A first laser is contained within a first laser cavity which, when activated, generates a first laser beam while, similarly, a second laser is contained within a second laser cavity which, when activated, generates a second laser beam. Only one laser, however, is activated at a given time and the output beam from the activated laser is directed to the optical output port in the housing for use in dental applications. The first laser has optical qualities sufficient to perform a first set of dental procedures while the second laser has optical qualities sufficient to perform a second and different set of dental procedures.

Abstract: The invention contemplates controlled ablation of the cornea, using ultraviolet laser radiation, wherein irradiated flux density and exposure time are so controlled as to achieve desired depth of the ablation. Sculpturing action results from precharacterized distribution of flux density across the cross-section of laser-beam projection, in the context of beam size, at cornea incidence, to match the area to be ablated, and the duration of exposure determines the extent of curvature change. Illustrative techniques and situations are disclosed, for myopia correction, for hyperopia correction, and for astigmatism correction.

Abstract: An endoscopic mirror laser beam delivery system, e.g., for laser surgery, comprises a beam splitting module (22) for optical connection to a laser beam source (14) which supplies a low-power aiming beam (12) and a high-power surgical beam (10) to the splitting module (22); a two-mirror focusing unit (24) optically connected to the splitting unit (22); and an endoscopic tube (20) for guiding the beams focused by the focusing unit (24) to a target point (P). The system also comprises a method for checking alignment of the optical system by observing the positions of two visible beam spots. In case of misalignment, these two spots do not coincide in a single point, thereby indicating misalignment which can be then corrected. The system and the method eliminate central obscuration and misalignment of the laser beams on an operation site, thereby enabling a surgeon to be able to be confident that the surgeon beam will impinge precisely upon the spot delineated by the aiming beam.

Abstract: A noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus and method for marking a cornea of a patient's or donor's eye in transplanting surgery or keratoplasty, and in incising or excising the corneal tissue in keratotomy, and for tissue welding and for thermokeratoplasty. The noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus comprises a laser source and a projection optical system for converting laser beams emitted from the laser source into coaxially distributed beam spots on the cornea. The apparatus further includes a multiple-facet prismatic axicon lens system movably mounted for varying the distribution of the beam spots on the cornea. In a further embodiment of the method of the present invention, an adjustable mask pattern is inserted in the optical path of the laser source to selectively block certain portions of the laser beams to thereby impinge only selected areas of the cornea.

Abstract: A coupler 30 for use with medical laser delivery systems is disclosed. The delivery system includes an articulated arm and an endoscope 42. The coupler 30 connects the arm to the endoscope. The coupler includes an axially extending tube 46 receivable in the bore 48 of the endoscope. The tube facilitates alignment of the coupler with the endoscope. The coupler is also provided with a telescope optical system (50, 52) for adjusting the diameter of the beam at the entrance to the endoscope to reduce clipping of the beam thereby enhancing transmission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transforming and steering laser beams directed from a laser sources onto a target area and composed of a visible guide beam and an invisible power beam which is guided and aimed by observing the position of the visible beam on the target area. The optical system of the apparatus (10) consists of a concave mirror (42) and a convex mirror (76). Both mirrors face each other. A hole (43) is made in the concave mirror (42) to ensure unobstructed passage of both beams to the convex mirror (76) from which the beams are reflected in a diverging pattern onto the concave mirror (42). The latter reflects the beams in a converging form onto a beam reflecting unit, such as beam splitter (84). The beam splitter is connected to a steering mechanism, which allows manipulation of the beams reflected from the splitter so that the position of the beams on the target area can be controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus having a first generator designed to produce a first beam of coherent light, the energy of which is concentrated in a succession of impulses each capable causing a microexplosion in organic tissue at the point to be treated, a second generator designed to produce a second beam of coherent light able to penetrate the thickness of this organic tissue, an optical system designed to focus the first or the second beam on the point to be treated and a beam switch able to selectively direct the first or the second beam towards the optical system. The second beam enables ophthalmologists to perform operations that could not hiterto be performed with know apparatuses, notably operations involving the penetration of a treatment beam into the thickness of the tissues of the eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying corneal refractive properties includes a laser source and an ring-like deflector positioned about the cornea. The ring-like deflector is contoured and positioned about the cornea. The contour of the deflector is selected to affect the desired post-operative corneal curvature. A beam emitted from the laser source is deflected in a (predictable) controlled manner by the ring-like deflector at any desired point such that the beam strikes the cornea tangentially, ablating or lathing the contacted corneal surface. A masking device or an axicon can be provided in cooperation with a wide-body laser beam to deliver a ring of laser light to the deflector causing the light to strike the cornea tangentially in a ring-like pattern substantially centered about the visual axis.

Abstract: A method for performing percutaneous diskectomy using a laser applies a laser beam from the laser to vaporize nucleus pulposus in the nucleus of the herniated disc. The wavelength of the laser beam will vary and depend on the laser system used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering radiant energy beams onto the cornea of an eye to ablate the cornea in a radial slot or lenticular pattern and thereby modify its curvature and refractive power. The apparatus includes an array of central reflectors and an assembly of peripheral reflectors. Each central reflector is associated with a respective peripheral reflector so that a beam reflected by the central reflector is intercepted by its associated peripheral reflector and is again reflected to precisely incise the cornea. In a modified embodiment, the assembly of peripheral reflectors and the array of central reflectors rotate to permit lathing of the cornea. Each peripheral reflector has a curved reflective surface to provide a line focus on the cornea.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ophthalmologic apparatus which includes a laser module which permits microsurgery with pulsed radiation as well as coagulation therapy by means of continuous-wave radiation.

Abstract: A microscope attachment assembly is provided for pivotably mounting a surgical laser to a microscope. A micromanipulator housing is adapted to swing away to an off-axis position to facilitate exchanging the objective lens of the microscope. The spot size of the laser is controlled by shifting the position of a field lens included in a field lens assembly which is shifted along the laser beam by a stepper motor. By toggling a cut/coagulate switch, the field lens is moved between a presetable cut-mode position and a presetable coagulate-mode position.

Abstract: An instrument for the surgical removal of a conical piece of tissue having an aperture from a human or other animal body using a laser beam has a laser beam guide housing which is made up of a tube, through which the inlet laser beam passes, of an inlet deflecting member for deflecting the laser beam from its inlet direction and of an outlet deflecting member, arranged at a lateral distance from the latter, to deflect the beam along an outlet direction thereof so that on twisting the guide housing about the inlet direction the emerging laser beam sweeps out a conical surface. The outlet deflecting member is arranged on a boom member extending laterally from the tube. The instrument furthermore has a guide pin which centers the guide housing by being inserted in the tissue aperture. The guide pin and the guide housing are able to be rotated in relation to each other.

Abstract: Vascular catheters include ultrasonic imaging capability and optical waveguides for delivering laser energy for ablating vascular obstructions. The ultrasonic imaging capability comprises a fixed ultrasonic transducer which directs ultrasonic energy at a reflective surface on a rotating element. The rotating element allows the interior of the blood vessel to be scanned prior to the application of laser energy to ablate the obstruction.

Abstract: A method for tracking an object in a sequence of images is described. Such sequence of images may, for example, be a sequence of television frames. The object in the current frame is correlated with the object in the previous frame to obtain the relative location of the object in the two frames. An optical joint transform correlator apparatus is provided to carry out the process. Such joint transform correlator apparatus forms the basis for laser eye surgical apparatus where an image of the fundus of an eyeball is stabilized and forms the basis for the correlator apparatus to track the position of the eyeball caused by involuntary movement. With knowledge of the eyeball position, a surgical laser can be precisely pointed toward a position on the retina.