Abstract: An apparatus for aiding the removal of cataracts in which an optical fiber delivers sufficient optical energy of the correct wavelength, pulse duration to achieve controlled non-thermal and non-acoustic dissolution of hard cataract tissue.

Abstract: Provided are conformable light delivery devices for increasing light penetration depth and related methods. The device may comprise a microarray of tissue penetrating members, each member having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the tissue penetrating members are at least partially optically transparent to provide optical transmission through a surface that extends between the distal and proximal ends of each tissue penetrating member and a substrate that supports the tissue penetrating members, wherein the substrate is optionally a flexible substrate.

Abstract: A cannula mount for a surgical system may include a body having an aperture to receive a portion of a cannula. The cannula mount may further include a pivotable clamping arm to engage the portion of the cannula received in the aperture. The clamping arm may include a cam follower surface. The cannula mount may further include a block moveable between a first position and a second position. The block may include a cam surface. The cam surface of the block may engage the cam follower surface of the clamping arm in the first position to actuate the clamping arm to a closed position in which the clamping arm engages the portion of the cannula received in the aperture. The clamping arm may be permitted to move to an open position in which the clamping arm does not engage the cannula when the block is in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a minimally invasive surgical cannula provided with at least two grooves having a semi-circular profile as a non rotating feature. The non rotating grooves of cannula further accommodates at least one sensor and a strain gauge to detect and measure forces acting on cannula when it is coupled with a modular interfacing arrangement and facilitates maneuvering of surgical instrument inside the body cavity during surgical incision.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure provide an access tube including a wall structure and an optional handle extending from the wall structure. Selectively weakened areas facilitate selective resection of the wall structure to reveal windows that accommodate lateral intrusions by surrounding anatomical structures and/or provide increased access to an intervertebral disc. For example, a first distal weakened portion is configured to form a first window to afford lateral intrusion of a spinous process. A second distal weakened portion is configured to form a second window to afford lateral intrusion of facet. A proximal weakened portion is configured to afford additional angular access on a proximal end of the tube.

Abstract: An end effector includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical staples disposed in a cavity defined therein. The cartridge assembly may include a movable driver or sled configured to deploy the surgical staple from the cavity into tissue. The surgical staple may include a linear leg and an arcuate leg extending therefrom. The linear leg may include a protruding portion to provide pressure to tissue captured by the surgical staple. A three-dimensional and/or self-supporting surgical staple may interlock its two legs upon deployment thereof.

Abstract: Laser needle for performing a combined laser needle/electric acupuncture includes an optical fiber, the optical fiber being configured for transmitting a laser beam. Laser needle includes a current-conducting jacket, the current-conducting jacket being configured for surrounding the optical fiber, and the current-conducting jacket being configured for applying current-conducting stimulation current to tissue of a patient, in use, in addition to a laser beam being applied through the optical fiber, in use. A bottom end of the current-conducting jacket transitioning into a disk, the disk being configured for distributing the stimulation current on a larger area; and the disk being configured for simultaneously serving to attach the laser needle to the body of a patient, in use.

Abstract: The object is to provide a rotation support mechanism capable of adjusting a load acting on an inclinable and rotatable arm section to improve the operability of the arm section. The rotation support mechanism supports a protect pole with respect to a device main body such that the protect pole is inclinable and rotatable about a rotation axis as a rotation center. The rotation support mechanism includes a tensile spring for supplying the protect pole with a rotation urging force for directing the protect pole from an inclined state toward a most upright state in accordance with the inclination angle of the protect pole about the rotation axis as the rotation center, and also includes a cam surface for adjusting the rotation urging force to a desired rotation urging force in accordance with the inclination angle.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal saw blade that includes a guide bar to which a blade head is pivotally mounted. The guide bar includes a bottom bar; an inner bar disposed over the bottom bar; and an outer bar disposed over the inner bar. The inner bar has a distal end face that is curved and that is spaced inwardly of the distal ends of the bottom bar and the outer bar. The blade head has a base that pivots around the curved distal end face of the inner bar.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus comprises: a laser source that emits a laser beam for treatment of an affected part of a patient's eye; an optical fiber that transmits the laser beam emitted from the laser source; and a delivery optical system that irradiates the laser beam emitted from the optical fiber to the affected part of the patient's eye, the delivery optical system including: a plurality of diffraction optical elements each being configured to shape a beam profile of the laser beam at an emission end face of the optical fiber into a beam profile having one of a uniform intensity and a lower intensity in the center than on the periphery on the affected part and also to shape the laser beam to have a different spot size on the affected part of the patient's eye; and a changing unit which selectively disposing one of the diffraction optical elements on an optical path.

Abstract: Tool force information is provided to a user of a telesurgical system using an alternative modality other than force reflection on a master manipulator, such as providing the information on user-visible, user-audible, or haptic “buzz” or “viscosity” indicators, so as to allow expanded processing, including amplification, of the information, while not significantly affecting the stability of the telesurgical system or any closed-loop control systems in the telesurgical system.

Abstract: A release mechanism (100, 100a) for releasing a medical implant (105) from an insertion device (110), comprising a body (10) having a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14), wherein between the proximal end and the distal end (12, 14) an actuator (16, 16a) is provided, wherein for generating a selective relative displacement between the first and second insertion elements (72; 74) of the insertion device (110), the actuator (16, 16a) has a first and at least a second direction of motion (18; 20), wherein in the first direction of motion (18), the first and second insertion elements (72; 74) can be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction (18), and wherein in the at least second direction of motion (20), the actuator (16, 16a) effects a movement transversely to the longitudinal direction (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterile barrier (S) for a surgical robot (1) comprising at least one joint (12 . . . 15) with two opposing joint members (40, 42) that rotate relative to one another about a common joint axis (16 . . . 19) and a torque sensor (29) comprising: at least two sterile barrier sections (24 . . . 28) each with an end section (38, 39) for sealed attachment to a respective joint end section (41, 43) of the joint member (40, 42); and a sealing arrangement (30) for producing a sterile and sealed rotating connection of the end sections (38, 39) of the at least two sterile barrier sections (24 . . . 28); and a surgical robot (1).

Abstract: A technique for detecting and providing alerts or indications that can be used for controlling or altering the displacement speed of an applicator coupling skin heating energy across a treated skin. A temperature sensor monitors the rate of skin temperature change and provides feedback related to altering the applicator displacement speed according to the rate of skin temperature change. Disclosed is also an applicator for implementing this method.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for the treatment of soft tissue. The apparatus includes a light source and at least two optical assemblies. Each of the optical assemblies includes at least one optical element and a light-transmitting contact surface configured to transmit a substantially uniform distribution of light therethrough. The apparatus further includes at least two optical transmission devices each disposed between the light source and a corresponding one of the at least two optical assemblies. The apparatus also includes a handpiece to which the at least two optical assemblies are attached, and which is adapted to bring the light-transmitting contact surfaces of the at least two optical assemblies in contact with soft tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a housing and an end effector assembly operably connected to the housing. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface, at least one of the first and second jaw members movable between a first, spaced-apart position and a second proximate position, wherein in the second position, the jaw members cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive tissue between the jaw members. The end effector also includes at least one light-emitting element coupled to at least one of the first and second jaw members, the at least one light-emitting element adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue.

Abstract: A method for ablating a presbyopic lens for restoring accommodation in human eye and a system thereof wherein a laser beam is directed obliquely to carry out multiple photoablations in circular way within the lens behind the iris and preferably near the edge or equator of the lens and/or in the vicinity of zonules to re-establish accommodation of the lens lost due to presbyopia.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system is provided that includes an ultrasonic device having an elongated member configured to impart ultrasonic energy to tissue and a resonator configured to impart a frequency to the elongated member. The system also includes an ultrasonic generator configured to supply power to the resonator of the ultrasonic device. The ultrasonic generator has a drive signal generator configured to provide a drive signal, a noise signal generator configure to provide a noise signal, and a controller. The controller receives an output signal from the ultrasonic device and the noise signal from the noise signal generator, calculates a transfer function based on the output signal and the noise signal, and adjusts the drive signal generator based on the calculated transfer function.

Abstract: A device for delivering therapeutic energy to tissue is provided. The device includes a proximal segment and a distal segment having one or more electrodes for delivering the therapeutic energy to the tissue. An articulating segment connects the proximal segment and the distal segment such that the distal segment is articulatable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal segment. In one aspect of the invention, the articulating segment includes a living hinge. In another aspect of the invention, at least one electrically conductive articulating cable runs along the articulating segment, wherein the articulating cable is used both to articulate the distal segment and to deliver the therapeutic energy to the one or more electrodes.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation instrument capable of removing blood from a treatment area is provided. The instrument includes a catheter configured to deliver a distal end thereof to a patient's heart. The instrument can also include an expandable element coupled to the distal end of the catheter wherein the expandable member is configured to be positioned adjacent a target area thereby defining a treatment area between the expandable member and the target area. Further, the instrument can include an irrigation mechanism configured to dispense an irrigation fluid from the catheter thereby displacing blood from the treatment area. Additionally, the instrument includes an energy emitter configured to deliver energy to tissue within the treatment area. The instrument can also include a contact sensor configured to determine the presence of such blood within the treatment area. Methods for ablating tissue are also provided.

Abstract: Ablation methods and instruments are disclosed for creating lesions in tissue, especially cardiac tissue for treatment of arrhythmias and the like. Percutaneous ablation instruments in the form of coaxial catheter bodies are disclosed having at least one central lumen therein and having one or more balloon structures at the distal end region of the instrument. The instruments include an energy emitting element which is independently positionable within the lumen of the instrument and adapted to project radiant energy through a transmissive region of a projection balloon to a target tissue site to form a series of lesions on the target tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for correcting refractive errors in a living eye using a laser vision correction system that involves first calculating an amount of sphere based on preoperative manifest refraction and higher order aberrations data associated with the eye, and then correcting for the calculated amount of sphere by ablating at least a portion of the eye. The preoperative manifest refraction may include preoperative manifest sphere, preoperative spherical equivalent, regular astigmatism, and oblique astigmatism, and the preoperative higher-order aberrations may include 4th-order spherical and 3rd root mean square. Other factors may also be used to adjust the calculated amount of sphere. A device readable medium for storing the calculation and instructions for operating a laser vision correction system for practicing the method is also disclosed, as is a method of treating refractive errors.

Abstract: A phototherapy light device for directing light onto an infant. The phototherapy light device has a base containing an illumination source and a gooseneck type of elongated neck that extends outwardly from the base and has a distal end adapted to be positioned to direct the light onto the infant. An optical fiber transmits the light from the illumination source to the distal end through the optical fiber where the light is passed through a light emanating device located at the distal end of the elongated neck. The elongated neck has two flexible sections, one of which has two coaxial springs to provide flexibility in positioning as well as to impart sufficient strength and rigidity to the elongated neck. The dual spring concept provides a system having reduced stresses while creating a double fault structural system without compromising the flexibility of the elongated neck.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy. In one exemplary embodiment, a therapeutic device generally includes one or more light sources for emitting therapeutic light. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device can also include means for applying hot therapy and/or cold therapy to a user's body when the therapeutic device is applied to the user's body. As other examples, various embodiments of therapeutic devices can include massagers and/or adhesive bandage strips for attaching the lighted therapeutic device to the user's body.

Abstract: A reach extending device for extending the reach and effective positioning of a therapy device comprises a holder portion configured to grip a therapy device and a handle portion releasbly mounted on the holder portion. The holder portion comprises a mounting element removably mountable on the handle portion, and a movable element for removably mounting on the therapy device. The movable element may be movably mounted on the mounting element to permit movement of the movable element with respect to the handle portion. The handle portion comprises at least two sections, and includes a base section and at least one extension section extendable from the base section. The at least one extension section may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phototherapy equipment, provided with at least one super LED of high luminous radiation, whose application is the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia, constituted by a luminous source formed by a split compact and elongated housing, provided, in its lower and front portion, with a cover containing internally adjustable lenses having one or more phototherapic sources with very high luminous irradiation at blue spectral range, more accurately in the wavelength of 450 nm, containing in the upper part a fan and electrically connected with a microprocessed circuit, which is able to be adjusted through control and programming actuators, having its functions monitored by means a display and a connector for any sensor, or digitized through a connection with a microcomputer.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and method for the removal of diseased cells during surgery.

Abstract: An eye surgical instrument, comprising at least one optical fiber for lighting of the interior of the eye, which at least one optical fiber, at a free end thereof, is provided with a light exit and with a stop situated at a distance from the free end, which stop defines an insertion part situated between the end and the stop, and at an other end is connectable to a light source, while the stop forms a separate element which is arranged so as to be slidable along the at least one fiber.

Abstract: A beauty device includes a light irradiation section having a blue LED, a yellow LED, a red LED, and near infrared LED each of which emits light with a predetermined wavelength to a face A, and an oxygen supply section 2 that supplies oxygen to the face A.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation instrument includes a catheter body and a tear-shaped balloon that is connected to the catheter body. The instrument further includes a radiant energy emitter that is axially movable within a central lumen of the catheter body. A radiant energy transparent body surrounds the energy emitter and includes a plurality of illumination fibers disposed circumferentially about the energy emitter. A detector communicates with a contact sensing element and is configured to determine an amount of at least one color component of the reflected light The amount of the at least one color component being indicative of contact between the balloon and a target tissue site.

Abstract: A laser surgical apparatus for performing treatment by irradiating a part to be treated by a laser beam is disclosed. This apparatus includes a laser source which emits the treatment laser beam; a multi-articulated arm for delivering the treatment laser beam emitted from the laser source, the arm including a plurality of light delivery pipes, a joint part for jointing the light delivery pipes, the joint part being rotatable with respect to at least one of the pipes jointed by the joint part, a reflection mirror disposed in the joint part; and a surgical instrument is connected to an end of the arm and used for irradiating the treatment laser beam delivered therein through the arm to the treatment part.

Abstract: A jointed mirror arm includes at least two tubular pieces, connected to each other by a joint with a reflecting mirror, which, as a result of the joint, may be arranged in varying configurations and which form a beam path for the radiation, with a fixed inlet on a first tube piece for the introduction of radiation from a stationary optical source and a position different from the position of the inlet for the outlet from the intermediate joint arm on a final tube piece for emitting said radiation. The jointed mirror arm is characterized in that a scanner for the radiation is arranged before the inlet into the intermediate jointed arm and an optical imaging system is provided in the at least two tube pieces of the intermediate jointed arm, for imaging the scanner after the output from the intermediate jointed arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing light to an eye for exciting a photosensitizer includes a high output or super bright LED and an optic that receives light from the LED and concentrates the light so that it is nearly collimated. The LED is a single light source that is used for both therapy and for diagnostics or aiming.

Abstract: An insertion device for an intraocular lens includes a lens-holding section having a cavity for accommodating an intraocular lens, a deforming section for deforming the lens to a reduced size, an insertion tube through which the deformed lens is inserted into an eye, a pusher mechanism for pushing and inserting the lens into the eye, and a lens-moving mechanism for moving the lens from a standby position to an insertion position at which the pusher mechanism can push and insert the lens into the eye. A lubricant is injected into the interior of the insertion tube and/or the cavity of the lens-holding section for smooth insertion of the lens. The insertion device has an indicating mark for indicating quantity of the injected lubricant. Further, the insertion device includes an erroneous operation prevention member for preventing accidental operation of the lens-moving mechanism.

Abstract: A laser hand-piece for irradiating a treatment laser beam to a part to be treated is disclosed. The laser hand-piece includes: a main body including an end portion with a bend and a grip portion to be held by an operator's hand, the end and grip portions each having an inner optical path communicating with each other for guiding the laser beam; a laser guiding pipe pivotally mounted on the end portion of the main body and provided with an inner optical path communicating with the inner optical path of the end portion to guide the laser beam, an opening, and a mirror for discharging the laser beam having been guided through the inner optical path to outside through the opening; a rotary knob rotatably attached to the grip portion; and a rotation transmitting mechanism, disposed between the rotary knob and the laser guiding pipe, for transmitting rotation of the rotary knob to the laser guiding pipe to change a laser irradiation direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for effecting a bloodless incision of soft tissue within the oral cavity. A standard laser is converted into an isotopic laser replacing the gas in the discharge tube of the standard laser with isotopic gas without replacing other constituents of the gas of the standard laser. The thickness of anti-reflection coating on the windows of the discharge tube is increased and the reflectivity of the reflectors is increased to a maximal value. The pulse duration of the laser is decreased and the converted laser directing to a desired target location of soft tissue within the oral cavity. The target location is at a penetration depth deep enough to avoid bleeding and distant enough from the soft tissue to minimize collateral damage. The converted laser fired to the target location at a wavelength and at an energy level suitable to effect the bloodless incision.

Abstract: An improved articulating device for use with a medical insertion instrument comprising in part a first tube having a plurality of ribs defining a plurality of bending segments, a second tube axially disposed within the first tube, and means for transmitting an axial deflecting pull load. Such device has improved controlled for positioning an end of the device at a selected position within the body. The articulating device has a generally constant moment of inertia and a polar moment of inertia that generally decreases from its proximal to distal end.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for performing treatment by irradiating a part to be treated by a laser beam for treatment is disclosed. This apparatus includes a laser source which emits the treatment laser beam; a multi-articulated arm for delivering the treatment laser beam emitted from the laser source, the arm including a plurality of light delivery pipes at least one of which is axially extensible, a joint part for jointing the light delivery pipes, the joint part being rotatable with respect to at least one of the pipes jointed by the joint part, a reflection mirror disposed in the joint part; and a hand-piece connected to an end of the arm and used for irradiating the treatment laser beam delivered therein through the arm to the treatment part.

Abstract: A robotic system that moves a surgical instrument in response to the actuation of a control panel that can be operated by the surgeon. The robotic system has an end effector that is adapted to hold a surgical instrument such as an endoscope. The end effector is coupled to a robotic arm assembly which can move the endoscope relative to the patient. The system includes a computer which controls the movement of the robotic arm in response to input signals received from the control panel. The robotic system is mounted to a cart which can be wheeled to and from an operating table. The cart has a clamping mechanism which attaches the cart to the table. The system also contains a spring loaded mount plate that allows the robotic arm to be rotated and adjusted relative to the cart and the patient. Both the robotic arm and the control panel are encapsulated by protective bags that prevent the system from being contaminated.

Abstract: A TMR system including a handpiece with a barrel having a passage for transmitting a laser beam, a heart tissue contacting portion at one of the barrel, and at least one ECG electrode associated with the handpiece. An ECG unit is responsive to the ECG electrode for generating an ECG signal, a laser provides the laser beam, and a processing circuit is configured to fire the laser in response to the ECG signal.

Abstract: A radiation device for therapeutic use in the human body allows the application of light waves to an affected area the body. A bulb, preferably a xenon bulb, produces light which is passed through a lens module having silicon and carbon granules therein. By applying different lenses to the device, a variation in the wavelength of light and radiation applied to an area is achieved. Each lens corresponds to a Shakra energy center. The device has a pistol-like housing to allow for controlled application of the radiation.

Abstract: A pivot port that can provide a pivot point for a surgical instrument. The pivot port may be held in a stationary position by a support arm assembly that is attached to a table. The pivot port may include either an adapter or a ball joint that can support the surgical instrument. The pivot port allows the instrument to pivot relative to a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal treatment apparatus capable of irradiating targeted lesions with energy to obtain good treatment results. The invention displays the diagnostic images 2201 of the lesion overlaid upon the laser irradiation areas a, b, c, and d and is capable of setting up the laser emission angle, output and time using the graphical user interface displayed on the touch panel.

Abstract: Ear observation apparatus for self-inspecting the external auditory meatus and/or the tympanic membrane, characterized in that it comprises inspection means (2) for the external auditory meatus associated to reflection means (3) able to reflect the image of said external auditory meatus and/or tympanic membrane, illumination means (6) being provided for illuminating said external auditory meatus and/or tympanic membrane, said reflection means (3) being angularly set with respect to said inspection (2) means such as to reflect the image of the external auditory meatus and/or tympanic membrane on an external mirror.

Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus comprises a control unit 251a that stops issuing a signal for laser beam activation transmitted over the foot switch signal cable 291 when the temperature obtained by the mirror temperature sensor 111 that detects the temperature of the laser emission part 122 provided at the laser irradiation unit 1 exceeds a predetermined value. This stops the output of the laser beam from the laser generator 3. Alternatively, the control unit can adjust the output value of the laser beam generated by the laser beam generator 3 by transmitting a signal via the communication cable 293 to change it in accordance with the detection signal of the mirror temperature sensor 111.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for performing treatment by irradiating a part to be treated by a laser beam for treatment is disclosed. This apparatus includes a laser source which emits the treatment laser beam; a multi-articulated arm for delivering the treatment laser beam emitted from the laser source, the arm including a plurality of light delivery pipes at least one of which is axially extensible, a joint part for jointing the light delivery pipes, the joint part being rotatable with respect to at least one of the pipes jointed by the joint part, a reflection mirror disposed in the joint part; and a hand-piece connected to an end of the arm and used for irradiating the treatment laser beam delivered therein through the arm to the treatment part.

Abstract: Laser eye surgery systems, methods, and devices makes use of a two-pivot scanning system for laterally deflecting the laser beam across the corneal surface to provide X-Y scanning. An imaging lens pivots about two eccentric axes extending along, but disposed beyond the laser beam. As the lens pivots, the beam will follow a substantially arc-shaped path. The eccentric axes are offset about the laser beam axis by about 90°, and the system controller can compensate for the arc-shaped path deflections by adjusting the angular position of the imaging lens about complementary stage.

Abstract: A laser hand-piece for irradiating a treatment laser beam to a part to be treated is disclosed. The laser hand-piece includes: a main body including an end portion with a bend and a grip portion to be held by an operator's hand, the end and grip portions each having an inner optical path communicating with each other for guiding the laser beam; a laser guiding pipe pivotally mounted on the end portion of the main body and provided with an inner optical path communicating with the inner optical path of the end portion to guide the laser beam, an opening, and a mirror for discharging the laser beam having been guided through the inner optical path to outside through the opening; a rotary knob rotatably attached to the grip portion; and a rotation transmitting mechanism, disposed between the rotary knob and the laser guiding pipe, for transmitting rotation of the rotary knob to the laser guiding pipe to change a laser irradiation direction.

Abstract: In a system and a method for remotely controlling a slave manipulator easily and highly accurately, operations of three master manipulators are consolidated, and one slave manipulator is remotely controlled in accordance with the consolidation result, thereby ensuring that the slave manipulator is moved along a target path.

Abstract: The methods and devices of the invention include an encoder, an endoscopic robotic instrument, and an encoder/robotic instrument interface. A preferred embodiment of the encoder has a chest/shoulder plate provided with telescoping tubes and joints. Each joint is provided with a direct drive potentiometer to monitor movement and provide a corresponding signal. The chest plate is preferably adaptable to a large range of human-chest sizes and the telescopic segments are strapped to the arms of the practitioner at the elbows. A pistol grip is provided at the wrist end of the telescopic segments. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the encoder encodes flexion and rotation at the shoulder, elbow and wrist of each arm in addition to gripping at each hand. The encoding device is coupled to a circuit which operates a servo system. The servo system includes a series of servo motors. A series of pulleys corresponding to the number of servo motors are arranged in a housing.