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: A photoactivation device for modulating the physiology of a target biological activity by directing a photoactivating beam of light having a predetermined set of photoactivating light parameters on a target surface, the device comprising: a photoactivating light source for emitting the photoactivating beam of light; a positioning means operatively coupled to the photoactivating light source for allowing selective positioning of the photoactivating light source relative to the target surface; a position evaluating means for evaluating the position of the photoactivating light source relative to the target surface.

Abstract: System and methods for minimally invasive treatment of snoring are described. According to one system and method, laser energy is applied to tissue of a soft palate and/or uvula to create a pattern of multiple treatment spots in the tissue. According to another system and method, electromagnetic energy from a filament light source is impinged of soft palate and/or uvula tissue to achieve volumetric heating of the tissue. The systems and methods increase rigidity and/or reduce laxity of the tissue, and/or volumetrically reduce the tissue, thereby diminishing snoring.

Abstract: A methodology and system for lysing adipose tissue including directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes within the region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, thereby to selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the target volumes and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes and computerized tracking of the multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of the body.

Abstract: Devices and methods having a cooling material and reduced pressures to treat biological external tissue using at least one energy source are disclosed. The cooling material may be water, ethyl alcohol, and/or any other material having a vapor pressure below atmospheric pressure. The energy source may be incoherent light, coherent light, a radio frequency, ultrasound, a laser, and/or any other type of energy that can be applied through the device. The features of various embodiments of the device include the generation of positive pressure and/or negative pressure through one or more pressure conduits, the application of an object within a recess of the device, and measurements through various sensors on the device. These sensors may be monitored and/or controlled through a display element having rows and columns of pixels on the device.

Abstract: A system comprises a first signal handling unit sized and shaped for insertion to a reference distance within a first body cavity and a probe sized and shaped for insertion into a second body cavity the probe including an energy emitting head and a second signal handling unit, wherein one of the first and second signal handling units comprises a transmitter and the other of the first and second signal handling units comprises one of a receiver adapted to receive signals from the transmitter and a signal reflecting element, wherein, when the other of the first and second signal handling units comprises a signal reflecting element, the one of the first and second signal handling units comprises a receiver in combination with a controller operatively connected to the receiver, the controller generating an output varying as a distance between the first and second signal handling units varies.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of skin including the steps of determining the skin depth for energy absorption necessary for treatment; and generating a spot size for energy impinging on the skin to provide a desired amount of energy to the desired depth for treatment. In one embodiment the selected spot size has a small diameter. In another embodiment the spot diameter is narrower than the spacing between adjacent hairs on the skin. In another aspect the invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of skin including a source of energy; and a means for selecting a spot size for energy from the source impinging on the skin to provide a desired amount of energy to a desired depth for treatment. In another embodiment the apparatus includes an interlock to prevent the laser from producing light unless the source is positioned to irradiate only the skin.

Abstract: A novel femtosecond laser nano-ablation technique called Plasmonic Laser Nano-Ablation (PLN). The technique takes advantage of surface-enhanced plasmonic scattering of ultrashort laser pulses by nanoparticles to vaporize sub-cellular structures in attoliter volumes. The use of nanoparticles may overcome problems associated with current FLMS techniques and does not rely on heating for nanodisruption. In PLN, the particle acts as a “nano-lens,” restricting laser light to the near-field of the particle, and only photodisrupting structures that are nanometers away. This eliminates the need for a tightly focused beam, while still achieving nanoscale ablation resolution. Moreover, the enhanced scattering around the particles reduces the amount of required laser fluence.

Abstract: A method for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be ‘treated with the radiation includes delivering the radiation onto the tissue in a treatment-spot having a polygonal shape such as a rectangle or a hexagon. The polygonal shape is selected such that a region of the tissue to be treated’ can be completely covered by a plurality of such shapes essentially without overlapping the shapes. The radiation to be delivered is passed through a lightguide having a cross-section of the polygonal shape. Radiation exiting the lightguide is projected onto the tissue via a plurality of optical elements to provide the treatment-spot.

Abstract: Localized strain is effectively eliminated in a shape sensing optical fiber where the fiber exits a link in a kinematic chain. In one aspect, the fiber is positioned in a channel within a fiber fixture portion of the link, and a surface of a lip of the channel is curved. The curved surface of the lip begins tangent to a wall of the channel and has a maximum radius of curvature that is less than the minimum bend radius that the fiber will experience during shape sensing. In another aspect the fiber is positioned within a shape memory alloy tube that extends from the link.

Abstract: An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound medical treatment system includes an end effector insertable into a patient. The end effector includes a tissue-retaining device. The tissue-retaining device includes a first tissue-retaining member having an ultrasound medical-treatment transducer and includes a second tissue-retaining member. The first and second tissue-retaining members are operatively connected together to retain patient tissue between the first and second tissue-retaining members and to release patient tissue so retained. In one example, the second tissue-retaining member has an ultrasound reflector. In the same or a different example, the ultrasound medical-treatment transducer is an ultrasound imaging and medical-treatment transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides minimally invasive imaging probe/medical device having a frictional element integrated therewith for reducing non-uniform rotational distortion near the distal end of a medical device, such as an imaging probe which undergoes rotational movement during scanning of surrounding tissue in bodily lumens and cavities.

Abstract: A workroom partition divides a workroom interior of a workroom and a workroom surroundings. The workroom is provided with a laser processing device. The workroom partition includes on its inner side facing the laser processing device, a laser beam reflector formed from pre-fabricated reflective sheet of material having a grained reflective surface structure that faces the laser processing device, by means of which the majority of laser radiation incident on the laser beam reflector and originating from the laser processing device is diffusely reflectable.

Abstract: A therapeutic device has a first chamber that retains an oxalic ester solution, and a second chamber that retains a hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution. The therapeutic device is activated by causing the oxalic ester solution to mix with the hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution, which produces chemiluminescent light for treating a wound.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improved minimally invasive vascular treatment. The procedure consists in performing a femoral nerve block, in order to achieve a sensorial block but not a motor block in the lower extremity. A femoral nerve block carries low risk of complications and when combined with block of the sciatic nerve provides anesthesia of almost the entire lower extremity. In a preferred embodiment, 20 ml of about 0.1% to about 0.5% lidocaine are injected under echographic/ultrasound control. After the anesthesia takes effect, a needle or other means is inserted through the skin into the vein to be treated and an optical fiber is introduced inside it. In a preferred embodiment, optical fiber is a radial emitting fiber and wavelength used is 1470 nm. Laser radiation is emitted while withdrawing the optical fiber, choosing appropriate irradiation parameters for each case.

Abstract: At least one electric discharge lamp capable of generating a broadband output pulse of a range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum, the output pulse having a predetermined time interval and a predetermined total electrical energy input for the pulse, has a drive circuit for delivering energy pulses to the electrical discharge lamp, as well as a sensor for sensing an optical output from the discharge lamp; and a control mechanism for operating the drive circuit in response to variations in optical output detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A method for sinus surgery includes piercing first and second access openings into the anatomy of a human subject to access an inaccessible sinus site for cooperatively manipulating respective first and second surgical instruments inserted through the openings. One instrument, for example an endoscope, can permit viewing of the sinus site while the other instrument is manipulated to effect a treatment at the sinus site. The maxillary and other sinuses can be accessed and anti-inflammatory and other treatments can be applied. Systems and instruments for performing such sinus surgery methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent, an antioxidant, and an additive. In certain embodiments, the additive has a hydrophilic part and a drug affinity part, wherein the drug affinity part is at least one of a hydrophobic part, a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by hydrogen bonding, and a part that has an affinity to the therapeutic agent by van der Waals interactions. In some embodiments, the additive is a liquid. In other embodiments, the additive is at least one of a surfactant and a chemical compound, and the chemical compound has one or more hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, acid, amide or ester groups.

Abstract: A novel bulb and bulb assembly. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a shell enclosing a hollow interior, and a tube intersecting with the shell such that the ends of the tube reside outside the shell and a portion of the tube resides within the shell. Each intersection of the tube and the shell in this embodiment is accomplished so that any contents of the hollow interior of the shell are sealed within the shell and any contents of the hollow interior of the shell are segregated from any contents of the portion of the tube residing within the shell. This embodiment may further comprise at least one electrode having at least one end terminating inside the shell. This embodiment may further comprise a source of electromagnetic waves positioned such that electromagnetic waves emanating from the source of electromagnetic waves pass through the shell.

Abstract: A method for combining the effective modalities of electrotherapy and phototherapy is provided. A medical electrode assembly is substantially transparent or translucent to visible, infrared and/or ultraviolet light so that light rays emitted by a phototherapy device can shine through and pass transversely across every layer of the medical electrode assembly to impinge upon the skin of the patient to which the assembly is attached. This includes an area of skin located directly underneath the medical electrode assembly and thereby enables the combination therapy to be achieved.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject for a cardiac arrhythmia are provided. Aspects of the methods include thoracoscopically producing a cardiac Cox maze III set of lesions in cardiac tissue of the subject in a manner sufficient to treat the subject for the cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: Methods for increasing trichogenic activity of populations of dermal cells by inducing local trauma to skin tissue that serves as a source of the dermal cells are provided. Methods for obtaining dermal cells with increased trichogenic activity and for using the disclosed dermal cells to implant into a mammalian host at a site of desired follicle generation are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for treating the visual system of a human including the retina, visual cortex and/or other neuro-cellular structures. The method includes the steps of locating and defining a blind zone of deteriorated vision within the human's visual system, defining a treatment area which is located predominantly within the blind zone, and treating the human's visual system by presenting visual stimuli to the human's visual system. The majority of the visual stimuli are presented to at least a portion of the blind zone.

Abstract: A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, and a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision. The viewing element and the reference point indicator define a line of sight. The device further includes a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator is effective to indicate the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator.

Abstract: A tissue closure device including a tissue eversion apparatus, and a first and a second, redundant closure element that are placed on the external surface of a tissue puncture wound to enhance the efficacy of closure. The first closure element and the second closure element closure are left resident on the external surface of or in proximity to the tissue puncture wound in order to provide redundancy of closure.

Abstract: A system and method for using a light source to treat tissue with NIR light. The operation provides for generating higher temperatures in deeper layers of tissue relative to shallower layers of tissue. The increased temperature in dermal layers can operate to induce collagen shrinkage, or remodeling. One of the light sources for providing a broad spectrum of NIR light is a filament light. The light from the filament lamp can be selectively filtered, and after filtering this light is applied to the skin, where the selective filtering can enhance the ability to elevate the temperature of deeper layers of tissue, relative to layers of tissue which are closer to the surface of the skin.

Abstract: A system and method for performing laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB) in corneal tissue of an eye requires calculating a pattern of focal spots. LIOB is then induced at a first focal spot, and is continued at a plurality of interim focal spots within a time period ?. Each focal spot has a diameter “d1” and generates a temporal cavitation bubble of diameter “d2”. It then collapses within time “?” to a substantially stationary diameter “d3”, with (d1?d3?d2). Importantly, each focal spot is located more than “d2” from every other interim focal spot within the time period of “?”. At the time “?”, a second focal spot in the pattern can be generated at a distance “d3” from the first focal spot. This process is then continued with another plurality of interim focal spots being generated within another time period “?”.

Abstract: A flashlamp drive circuit including a storage capacitor which is charged and selectively discharged in order to drive a flashlamp. A capacitor (116) is connected in parallel with each respective flashlamp (106) in a bank of flashlamps. Each capacitor (116) has a comparatively small capacitance so as to be capable of storing only a portion of the total energy pulse required to be delivered to the respective flashlamp (106). A controller, comprising a digital signal processor (118) and a microprocessor (120) is provided to control the operation of all of the flashlamps (106) in the bank via respective switch mechanisms (110). In use, each energy (or drive) pulse delivered to a flashlamp (106) is comprised of a plurality of smaller energy packets resulting from repeated charging and discharging of the respective capacitor (116).

Abstract: A satellite platform facilitates the dividing of a laser system into functional modules, and operates to provide one or more of the functional modules directly into (e.g., closer toward) a user's operational space. In a typical implementation, the satellite platform pairs two or more of the functional modules into a combination and places it in the user's operational space. The two or more functional modules can be two of the major components of the laser-system user interface, namely, the handpiece and the control panel. The combination is provided by way of the satellite platform directly into the user's operational space, while part, all, or a majority of, the laser system may remain away from the use's operational space (e.g., on the wall, on the counter-top or at the walk-way). A particular embodiment of the satellite platform takes the form of an articulated arm similar to that used for components in conventional dental chairs.

Abstract: A system and methods for modeling the death of tissue cells that are thermally treated using thermal treatment devices is disclosed. A cell-death model accurately predicts, in real-time, which voxels of cells are dead or are about to die as the thermal treatment is applied to these cells. The effects of thermal treatment are monitored by a thermal measurement device which feeds thermal information to the cell-death model. The cell-death model accounts for the temperature of each voxel of tissue cells with respect to a temperature threshold value and the duration over which the thermal treatment is applied. When the thermal measurement device is an imaging device, the results of the thermal treatment may be displayed to the user in real-time. As a result, a user of the thermal treatment device can determine, in real-time, which target voxels of cells he has killed and which still need to be killed. The user can also more easily avoid inadvertently killing healthy tissue that he does not intend to kill.

Abstract: Devices and methods for thermally-mediated treatment of blood vessels to elicit an immune response to cause rapid endothelial growth over at least portions of an implant or stent to prevent adverse events such as restenosis.

Abstract: By tightening string of a musical instrument musician can change the tone and pitch of sound. The more tightening is the sting the stronger is the sound. The more tightening are our vocal cords the high tone and pitch of our voice will be. With the state of art of medical technology laryngologist can burn vocal cords with Laser beam or other heating source to created minimum scars to tighten vocal cords to enhance voice.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) according for treating a patient (12) by applying visible light to the body of the patient for stimulating the skin of the patient and producing a therapeutic effect. The apparatus (10) comprises a body (13) enclosing a treatment station (14) at which the patient (12) can be located in an extended condition. In the extended condition, the patient (12) can be upright or recumbent. In the arrangement where the patient is recumbent, the patient is supported on a bed (15) which is transparent to the light used for treatment purposes. The apparatus (10) is able to dispense light therapy to the entire body in a single treatment session. The apparatus (10) includes a plurality of arrays (16) of light emitting diodes (17) configured to provide a therapeutic treatment to the patient (12).

Abstract: A system for applying a polymer (hydrogel) to the inner surface of a vessel by photopolymerization includes an inner catheter received within an outer catheter and a fluid channeling structure mounted on the catheters with its proximal end attached to the outer catheter and its distal end attached to the inner catheter. The fluid channeling structure includes an elastomeric sleeve sandwiched between an inner elastic coil and an outer light emission coil. Light emission coil loops are interspaced with elastic coil loops. The light emission coil has a smaller diameter than the elastic coil, drawing the elastomeric sleeve down between loops of the elastic coil to form a helical channel. The coils and sleeve are stretched to provide a narrowed crossing profile for delivery, and are contracted at a treatment site to form a helical cavity between the sleeve and the vessel wall within which to perform interfacial photopolymerization.

Abstract: Products, compositions, systems, and methods for modifying a target structure which mediates or is associated with a biological activity, including treatment of conditions, disorders, or diseases mediated by or associated with a target structure, such as a virus, cell, subcellular structure or extracellular structure. The methods may be performed in situ in a non-invasive manner by application of an initiation energy to a subject thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure directly or via a modulation agent. The methods may further be performed by application of an initiation energy to a subject in situ to activate a pharmaceutical agent directly or via an energy modulation agent, optionally in the presence of one or more plasmonics active agents, thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure. Kits containing products or compositions formulated or configured and systems for use in practicing these methods.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for irradiating at least a portion of a patient's brain with electromagnetic radiation to treat stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, or depression. The apparatus includes a source of the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus further includes an output optical element including a rigid and substantially thermally conductive material and a surface configured to be in thermal communication with the patient's body. The apparatus further includes a cooler thermally coupled to the output optical element to remove heat from the output optical element. The apparatus further includes a heat sink thermally coupled to the cooler, wherein the heat sink is positioned so that the electromagnetic radiation from the source propagates through the heat sink and through the output optical element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying cancerous cells or tumors includes placing fiber needles into the human body adjacent cancerous cells or tumors that have been biologically stained and exposing the cells or tumors to low-energy laser energy light emitted through the fiber needles so that the laser energy destroys the cancer cells or tumors through carbonization and/or vaporization without destruction of surrounding healthy tissue. The stain is specifically selected to have an absorption efficiency of greater than 90% for energy emitted by a given laser such that it greatly enhances absorption of the laser energy over surrounding unstained tissue. Appropriate stain and laser selection can allow treatment through an intact column of living tissue as laser energy to which living tissue is transparent may be used in combination with a stain that makes targeted tissue opaque to that energy.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating cancer using a porous silicon nanobomb. The porous silicon nanobomb can be exploded by NIR light irradiation at a low intensity to selectively destroy cancer cells. Also, porous silicon itself shows good biocompatibility and biodegradability. Thus, the present invention can be used as an efficient method for treating cancer without the accumulation of toxic side effects.

Abstract: A therapeutic device has a first chamber that retains an oxalic ester solution, and a second chamber that retains a hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution. The therapeutic device is activated by causing the oxalic ester solution to mix with the hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution, which produces chemiluminescent light for treating a wound.

Abstract: The invention provides a hand held hair treatment device for the stimulation of hair growth on the scalp, which device comprises: a housing which includes a handle portion and a head portion; a plurality of hollow tines, each tine having a proximal end affixed to the head portion, a longitudinal length extending from the head portion and a distal end terminating in a tip section; a light source disposed within the housing and configured to output light; light guide means for channelling the light from the light source through the tines and along a light guide means axis; and optical devices which are located at the distal ends of the tines; characterised in that the optical devices are configured to vector light which is incident upon them transversely to the general light guide means axis.

Abstract: Procedures, techniques, and systems for in vivo monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of tissue during the same or concomitant medical procedure. In disclosed embodiments, during a same or concomitant procedure or examination, tissue can be scanned on a localized level using a real-time optical biopsy system. The real-time optical biopsy system may involve angle-resolved and/or Fourier domain low coherence interferometry (LCI). Because the scanning can be performed in real-time, diagnosis can also be performed in real-time and during the same or concomitant medical procedure. As a result, therapy, if needed, can also be administered to the tissue during the same or concomitant medical procedure. Monitoring of the tissue after therapy can be performed during the same or subsequent procedure.

Abstract: A laser system for a spectroscopic catheter system uses multiple semiconductor gain media having gain peaks at different wavelengths. The output from the gain media is preferably coupled into single-mode fiber using conventional opto-electronic packaging techniques. As a result, the laser oscillator source has a spectral output that is wider than the gain bandwidth of a single medium to enable it to access the entire spectrum of interest, which is presently in the near infrared. Moreover, the semiconductor gain media can be packaged in a stable and controlled environment for long-term performance.

Abstract: A method elucidates reaction dynamics of photoreactive compounds from time-resolved optical signals affected by an external magnetic field. A coil or magnet applies a magnetic field at a region of interest (ROI). A light or laser illuminates the ROI with a probe beam. An optical fiber collects light emitted by the probe beam; and a computer analyses the collected light.

Abstract: A system for applying a polymer (hydrogel) to the inner surface of a vessel by photopolymerization includes a catheter having a first inflatable member and a guidewire having a second inflatable member. The catheter has an extended tip distal to the first inflatable member that includes multiple perfusion ports. A light emission coil is disposed on the extended tip with individual coil loops interspaced with the perfusion ports. In a method, the guidewire is delivered to a treatment site within a vessel. The catheter is delivered to the treatment site over the guidewire. The inflatable members are inflated to form an enclosed treatment space within the vessel. A photoinitiator is delivered to the enclosed treatment space. Excess photoinitiator is flushed from the treatment space, and a prepolymer is delivered. The prepolymer is cured by light delivered by the light emission coil.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the ionization of living cells where an optical device (14) delivers an optical pulse having an optical field power which is modified locally by an optical field power modifying means (18) to effect ionization and destruction of living cells (16).

Abstract: A device is described that can be used quickly and accurately by surgeons to provide uniform facial tissue planes that are tunnel-free and wall-free thus optimizing face lifting, tightening, and implant delivery. The device is comprised of a shaft with a substantially planar tip further comprised of relative protrusions and energized relative recession lysing segments. Forward motion of the device precisely divides and energizes various tissue planes causing contraction, especially via the fibrous tissues. Other forms of energy and matter can be delivered down the shaft to further enhance desirable tissue modification and contraction.

Abstract: A surgical probe apparatus is disclosed including a handpiece which includes an optical system configured to deliver therapeutic light to provide treatment of an area of tissue; and at least one suction port configured to remove a byproduct of the treatment from the area of tissue in response to an applied vacuum.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel method and a novel device for In-Situ replacement of abnormal biomaterials with regenerated new biomaterials having preserved its original functionalities. For example, a scalp tissue with lost hair cells is replaced with a new regenerated scalp tissue having hair cells. The device comprising of an intrusive means to remove or destroy abnormal biomaterials from a body of an individual and a regenerative means to stimulate function-recognitive biomaterials in the body in places where was removed abnormal biomaterials, and then use the stimulated function-recognitive biomaterials to enable or to accelerate regeneration processes of new normally functional biomaterials. The described In-Situ biomaterial regeneration is performed without need of the use of the function-recognitive biomaterials harvested from other places in the body than from the places where were removed abnormal biomaterials.

Abstract: An additive, preferably in the form of metal nanoparticles or nanodomains, greatly improves a laser-based method and system for inducing optical breakdown. The use of ultrashort laser pulses to induce laser-induced breakdown (LIB) in metal nanoparticles or nanocomposites makes it possible to reduce significantly the threshold laser energy required for LIB. Such nanoscale (submicron) metallic particles allows one to control the LIB process. The nanoparticles can be synthesized so as to target specific biological structures or tissues (dendrimer nanoparticles are one system for which this has been demonstrated). This opens up the possibility of performing LIB for targeted cancer treatment or microsurgery.