Abstract: To prevent a halation phenomenon from an endoscopic image of a laser-illuminated body cavity of a biological body under medical examination, an electronic endoscope apparatus comprises an electronic scope unit and a main endoscope unit coupled to the electronic scope unit.

Abstract: Laser energy produced by a laser operating in the mid-infrared region (approximately 2 micrometers) is delivered by an optical fiber in a catheter to a surgical site for biological tissue removal and repair. Disclosed laser sources which have an output wavelength in this region include: Holmium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Ho:YAG), Holmium-doped Yttrium Lithium Fluoride (Ho:YLF), Holmium-doped Yttrium-Scandium-Gadolinium=Garnet (HO:YSGG), Erbium-doped YAG, Erbium-doped YLF and Thulium-doped YAG. Laser output energy is applied to a silica-based optical fiber which has been specially purified to reduce the hydroxyl-ion concentration to a low level. The catheter may be comprised of a single optical fiber or a plurality of optical fibers arranged to give overlapping output patterns for large area coverage. In a preferred application for the removal of atheroscleotic plaque, a Holmium-doped laser operating in the wavelength range of from about 1.9 to about 2.1 micrometers is preferred.

Abstract: A laser beam guidance system comprises a combination of mirrors that establishes an optical channel within which the laser beam is confined for movement. The system also includes means for moving the combination of mirrors to spatially reorient the optical channel. A beam steering scanner located on the path of the laser beam moves the beam within the optical channel onto selected paths which generally follow the longitudinal axis of the channel. Additionally, a focusing element in the system brings the beam into focus at selectable points on the beam. In accordance with a preestablished program, the beam is moved within the channel and focused at points along the beam to photochemically affect cells in the cornea of the eye.

Abstract: Exoscopes for joining tubular like objects has a housing made in two sections which clamp around the objects to be welded together. The end of the objects are held in place by an internal stent which claps the ends of the object together. Optic fibers or the like connected to a laser source terminate in the housing in such a way that the conducted laser beam is directed simultaneously circumferentially around the abutting ends to be welded. There are no moving parts during the welding.

Abstract: Laser catheter delivery system for controlled ablation of atheroma, combining laser angioplasty and intra-arterial ultrasonic imaging. In laser ablation of atheroma, dosage and directing of the laser light beam represent critical problems, since accurate removal of the atheroma is required without damaging of the arterial wall.