Abstract: A performance tester apparatus and method as disclosed for surgical laser system which permits testing of both the laser aiming a laser cutting beams of the surgical laser system. The laser aiming and laser cutting beams are tested for coincidence with each other and a test is made using a bull's eye type configuration on a target to determine the mode and divergence of the laser cutting beam. A single non-inflammable and preferably removable target is used to test both the laser aiming and cutting beams. Suitable shielding means are also used to shield against possible eye injury to an operator or viewer of the test of either or both the laser aiming beam and the laser cutting beam.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the substantially uniform irradiation of the entire area of cavities from the inside. The apparatus comprises a light source and a layer comprising a material having a high-scatter capability, low transmission and low absorption, wherein said layer fits well to the interior surface of a cavity. The method comprises placing an area-covering layer along rhe cavity wall of the cavity to be irradiated with a material having a high diffusive reflection capability, low transmission, and low absorption capability to obtain a lined cavity; introducing a light source onto the interior of the lined cavity; and irradiating the lined cavity so that the light entering from the area-covering layer into the cavity wall is homogeneously distributed.

Abstract: Structure is provided for inspecting a lithotripter ellipsoidal reflector. In one form of the invention a narrow light beam such as a laser light beam is projected through the first focus point of the reflector as relfects on to a target on the axis of reflection, thereby indicating visually the location of the second focus point. The target preferably is a rod lying on the axis of rotation. Preferably the light source is movable in a vertical plane, and the reflector is rotatable about its axis of rotation to provide redundancy in location of the second focus point. In a further form of the invention the target comprises a photocell so that the accuracy and reflectivity of the reflecting surface can be measured.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for protecting patients and equipment from the damaging effects of stray laser light emissions. Porous barrier materials are selected to have a pore geometry functionally related to the wavelength of emitted laser so as to cause destructive interference of the light beam when the beam encounters the porous material.

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), Erbium-doped YAG, Erbium-doped YLF and Thulium-doped YAG. For tissue removal, the lasers are operated with relatively long pulses at energy levels of approximately 1 joule per pulse. For tissue repair, the lasers are operated in a continuous wave mode at low power. 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.

Abstract: A catheter for medical or veterinary use is provided which is especially adapted for gentle and pristine introduction into a body cavity or vasculature. The catheter includes an outer and inner tube with a cylindrical membrane connecting distal ends of the two tubes. A fluid may be introduced into an annular space between the tubes to inflate the membrane, which may have a variable thickness to inflate into various configurations within the body cavity. The catheter may be advantageously provided with a guide wire for directing the catheter during insertion into the body cavity by diverting the distal end of the outer tube. The invention hereof also includes a method of using the catheter including the steps of inserting, directing and locating the catheter, extending inner tube beyond the outer tube, isolating the body cavity or vessel and then withdrawing the catheter from the body cavity or vessel.

Abstract: A surgical laser backstop instrument comprising a rod, a backstop pivotally mounted to one end of the rod, and a backstop adjustment mechanism mounted to the other end of the rod. The backstop is comprised of a non-reflective material. The backstop adjustment mechanism controls the movement of the backstop. The backstop is a flat section of titanium-coated material and is movable between a position longitudinally aligned with the axis of the rod and a position transverse to the axis of the rod. The backstop adjustment mechanism comprises a body connected to the other end of the rod, a line fastened at one end to the backstop and extending through the rod, and a movement actuator mechanism connected to the other end of the line for controlling the pivotal movement of the backstop.

Abstract: The invention comtemplates promotion or enhanced promotion of vascular or other growth in living body tissue through effectively concurrent in-vivo delivery of at least two beams of laser irradiation at an affected area of body tissue, wherein the irradiation (a) is of low intensity at tissue impingement and (b) is also of spectral wavelength that is preferably in the visible red or in the infrared. Perturbations result in affected cells either directly by reason of differences in the physical properties of the respective beams or indirectly by reason of interaction between the two beams at or near the situs of delivery to the affected body tissue.

Abstract: A laser shield is constructed from a non-linting fabric sheet and a metal layer. The shield can be used as a laser-resistant surgical drape during laser surgery to protect the patient from aberrant laser strikes. The laser shield resists penetration by commonly-used surgical lasers, is non-reflective and flame resistant, and provides ready detection of any laser beam which strikes it.

Abstract: A fluid supply system for gas and sterile liquids consisting of a disposable sterile cartridge that is connected to gas and liquid sources and a common exhaust. The cartridge cooperates with a rotating bearing assembly which pumps the liquid through the system without ever contacting the liquid. The gas sources are provided with means for supplying the gas under pressure to the cartridge. A suitable control selects either the gas or liquid source and a pair of gauges monitor the flow rates of the fluids.

Abstract: A system for selectively releasing materials, such as drugs or dyes, at a specific site in the body of an animal. The system uses laser radiation to rupture laser light-absorbing and heat-sensitive lipid vesicles containing the drugs or dyes, thereby releasing these materials at the specific site irradiated by the laser. By using this system, the location and concentration of the materials are controlled as well as the duration of the materials' release and the release can be triggered repetitively. The laser beam used is visible or its location can be made visible to the naked eye so that the location and size of the beam's contact with the irradiated tissue can be observed and adjusted.