Abstract: Output optical energy pulses including relatively high energy magnitudes at the beginning of each pulse are disclosed. As a result of the relatively high energy magnitudes which lead each pulse, the leading edge of each pulse includes a relatively large slope. This slope is preferably greater than or equal to 5. Additionally, the full-width half-max value of the output optical energy distributions are between 0.025 and 250 microseconds and, more preferably, are about 70 microseconds. A flashlamp is used to drive the laser system, and a current is used to drive the flashlamp. A flashlamp current generating circuit includes a solid core inductor which has an inductance of 50 microhenries and a capacitor which has a capacitance of 50 microfarads.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like.

Abstract: A device and a method for the photolithographic exposure of biological substances is described, which comprises at least one light source, a bundle of optical fibers and a control unit, whereby each of the optical fibers can be controlled by light independently from one another and/or light can be coupled to each fiber independently. The device is particularly suitable for the exposure of DNA, PNA or peptide chips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treatment of hard tissues, such as stones, present in very small a fluid-filled body cavity, such as ducts of the salivary glands, by applying to said hard tissue, or to the proximity of said hard tissue, a laser beam produced by an Er:YAG laser device.

Abstract: This apparatus includes a laser light source S2 which irradiates a spatial light modulator (SLM) 11 with a laser beam LR. Individual optical systems are arranged such that the laser beam reflected by the SLM 11 irradiates a region to be treated. When this configuration is used, the laser beam reflectivity can be made much higher than when a transmitting device is used. This allows high-efficiency laser beam irradiation. A predetermined pattern is written in the SLM 11, and this predetermined pattern is preferably a hologram pattern.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for the site specific enhancement of cytokine release (through chemotaxis) namely beta chemokines and enhance healing via an enhanced overall immune response. The site specific enhancement of cytokine release is achieved by initiating an inflamatory response by laser therapy.

Abstract: A device and a method for treating the human body is provided. The method includes generating electromagnetic radiation for example laser radiation, passing the electromagnetic radiation through a graded index optical fiber, the graded index optical fiber outputting the modified electromagnetic radiation and applying the modified electromagnetic radiation to the human body.

Abstract: An ECG-prep scan is used to set an optimum time phase in both systole and diastole of the heart. At each of the different time phases, an imaging scan is started to acquire a plurality of sets of echo data. An artery/vein visually separated blood flow image is produced from the echo data. The imaging scan uses a half-Fourier technique, for example. This provides high-quality blood flow images with shorter scan time, without injecting a contrast medium. Additionally, with a readout gradient pulse applied substantially parallel with a direction of slowly flowing blood, a scan is performed in synchronism with an optimally determined cardiac time phase. The readout gradient pulse has a dephasing pulse for enhancing differences in a flow void effect depending on blood flow velocities. This enables slow-speed flows, such as blood flows in the inferior limb, to be depicted without fail.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device further include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.

Abstract: Neonatal mice with classic inherited retinal degeneration (Pdebrd1/Pdebrd1) are disclosed which fail to mount reactive retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen-induced proliferative retinopathy. Also disclosed is a comparable human paradigm: spontaneous regression of retinal neovascularization associated with long-standing diabetes mellitus which occurs when retinitis pigmentosa becomes clinically evident. Both mouse and human data indicate that reactive retinal neovascularization either fails to develop or regresses when the number of photoreceptor cells is markedly reduced. The results show that a functional mechanism underlying this anti-angiogenic state is failure of the predicted up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), although other growth factors may also be involved. Preventive and therapeutic methods useful against both proliferative and degenerative retinopathies are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus that efficiently and accurately directs or splits a non-polarized light beam input from a fiber optic into one, two, four or eight output beams wherein the light beam input is passed through a collimator, the apparatus uses non-polarizing beam splitters and the output beams are coupled to fiber optics using a lens matched to divergence of the beam to direct the beam into the fiber optic and uses an iris diaphragm attenuator to adjust the energy of the output beam prior to its entry into the fiber optic.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of measuring analytes in body fluids without the use of a sharp. The method having the steps of irradiating the skin of a patient by focused pulses of electromagnetic energy emitted by a laser. By proper selection of wavelength, energy fluence, pulse temporal width and irradiation spot size, the pulses precisely irradiate the skin to a selectable depth, without causing clinically relevant damage to healthy portions of the skin. After irradiation, interstitial fluid is collected into a container or left on the skin. The interstitial fluid is then tested for a desired analyte to approximate the analyte concentration in other body fluids. Alternatively, after the forced formation of a microblister, the epidermis covering the microblister is lysed and the interstitial fluid is subsequently collected and tested.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for delivering energy to a tissue. The method includes providing an apparatus which includes an energy delivery component and an inflatable member disposed around the energy delivery component. At a minimum, the inflatable member is constructed of a flexible inner wall and a flexible outer wall, which, taken together, enclose a cavity therebetween. The inflatable member is expanded such that the inflatable member's outer wall contacts the tissue's surface. Cooling fluid is disposed in the cavity, and energy is delivered to the energy delivery component so that at least a portion of the energy delivered to the energy delivery component passes through the inflatable member's inner wall, through the cooling fluid disposed in the cavity, through the inflatable member's outer wall, and into the tissue.

Abstract: An optoacoustic apparatus is disclosed which includes a radiation source of pulsed optical radiation and a probe having a front face to be placed in contact with a tissue site of an animal body. The probe further includes an optical fiber terminating at the surface of the front face of the probe and connected to a pulsed laser. The front face of the probe also has mounted therein or thereon a piezoelectric transducer for detecting an acoustic response to the radiation pulses connected to a processing unit which converts the transducer signal into a measure of hemoglobin concentration and/or hematocrit of blood.

Abstract: A catheter device suitable for shrinking chordae tendineae of the human heart is provided having an energy conduit and a positioning device that facilitates the delivery of thermal energy, including coherent (laser) or non-coherent light, RF, microwave or ultrasound energy, to a predetermined region of the chordae tendineae or other collagen-containing tissue, such as the female urethra or the esophagus near the sphincter. The device comprises a tubular catheter containing an energy conduit, such as a fiber optic cable, adapted for delivering thermal energy to the tissue. The tubular catheter also contain a stabilizing device, disposed at its distal end, such as an asymmetrically shaped balloon or a retractable flexible metal hook. With the distal end of the catheter device positioned within a human heart, application of thermal energy to the chordae tendineae results in a shrinkage of the chordae, providing a treatment for primary mitral valve regurgitation.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide accurate tissue-lifting and tightening maneuvers that uses minimal external incisions, enhances accuracy, reduces inadvertent consequences while speeding the procedure. The device is comprised of a shaft with a relatively planar but possibly lenticulate or even slightly curved tip that can divide and energize various tissue planes causing net contraction via the fibrous tissue modification. Various forms of energy can also be delivered to cause desirable tissue alterations.

Abstract: A cutting blade for a surgical instrument comprising a body formed of diamond, a cutting edge (16), and refracting means (12) through which laser radiation entering the body of the cutting blade is refracted away from a focal point. The cutting blade also includes a reflective surface (14) having a generally parabolic shape formed within the body of the cutting blade which is positioned to reflect laser radiation entering the cutting blade through the refracting means towards the curing edge of the blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system including a side firing laser head to be used in a wide variety of medical, dental and other procedures, the side firing laser head having an elongated spiral slit extending along the laser head, but not extending to the tip portion of the laser head.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for processing biological tissue and dental materials which involves providing or distributing a substance containing abrasive particles to an area in front of at least a portion of a surface of the tissue/material and irradiating both the substance and the portion of the surface with light from a selected source, the light being selected and delivered in a manner such that selective ablation is caused on the substance sufficient to force the abrasive particles under a selected pulse against the portion of the surface. Ablation may be of the particles themselves or the particles may be contained within a shell, with ablation being of the shell. The substance is preferably delivered as a series of distribution pulses with the light being delivered either continuously or as light pulses having a predetermined relationship to the distribution pulses.

Abstract: A device to facilitate ablation of tissue, such as for forming one or more openings in the tissue for transdermal monitoring and/or delivery applications. The device comprises: (a) a support layer having at least one aperture therein, and (b) at least one energy absorbent film layer disposed over the at least one aperture in the support layer for making substantial contact with tissue through the aperture. The at least one energy absorbent film layer is under a tension force and absorbs energy focused thereon to thermally ablate the tissue. After ablation, the layer breaks apart allowing access to the ablated tissue beneath it.

Abstract: An improved system for cellular surgery which includes a laser for producing a laser beam, and confocal optics for scanning and focusing the laser beam in tissue and generating confocal images of the tissue in accordance with returned light from the tissue. The confocal images are visualized on a display. The system includes a controller for enabling the operator to select one or more cells of the tissue in the displayed confocal images for surgical treatment. The controller operates the laser and confocal optics in a first mode to treat the tissue when the confocal optics focus the laser beam at least one region associated with the selected cells in the tissue, but at all other times operates the laser and confocal optics in a second mode which does not damage the tissue.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device comprised of a hollow undermining shaft with specially designed tip that can safely separate tissue planes and lyse fibrous tissue. Thermal radiation can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control the thermal radiation. Optionally, the device can also use ultrasound or electro surgical energy to improve tissue lysing.

Abstract: A method for treating wrinkles in skin involves the use of a beam of pulsed, scanned or gated continuous wave laser or incoherent radiation. The method comprises generating a beam of radiation, directing the beam of radiation to a targeted dermal region between 100 microns and 1.2 millimeters below a wrinkle in the skin, and thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region. The beam of radiation has a wavelength of between 1.3 and 1.8 microns. The method may include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region while partially denaturing the collagen in the targeted dermal region. The method may also include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region prior to thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region.

Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled generation of ultraviolet rays for a focused micro stimulation of cell structures. The apparatus comprises an ultraviolet ray beam generator, at a frequencies comprised between 200 and 400 nm; means for focusing a ray beam on a selected surface area of the cell structure, and a protective masking member in a non reflective material adhered to the cell structure; the masking member comprises at least one perforated zone to expose the selected surface area of the cell structure, to be stimulated by the focused ray beam, and a programmable control unit for metering the ultraviolet energy of the generator radiated on the selected area during a period of time.

Abstract: A capsule, or a matrix, of a substance, most typically a polymer, that is degraded by a photo-acid or, less preferably, by a photo-base, physically contains or incorporates (i) a photo-acid, or a photo-base, or precursors to same, and (ii) one or more molecular agents, normally drugs. Placed in vivo, the photo-acid or photo-base or its precursors is (are) changed into an acid or base, as the case may be, by impinging radiation, most preferably by one or more light beams of green or longer wavelengths to which tissues are transparent, or else x-rays. The preferred light beams are two in number, spatially and temporally intersecting to produce the acid or base in vivo at precise regions and times by process of two-photon absorption. The photogenerated acid or base ruptures or dissolves the containment capsules or matrix, loosing the contained molecular agents (i) at precise subcutaneous tissue locations (ii) at precise rates (iii) over precise time intervals.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the treatment of diseased tissue in breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube a second passageway. A light transmitting probe is mounted in the second passageway and is connected at the distal end of the guide tube with an energy transmitting device. The light probe is activated to generate light at a particular wavelength to cause the tissue to fluoresce and is again activated to generate light at a specific wavelength to necrose the diseased tissue.

Abstract: Methods of sealing an injection site of a tissue are provided, where therapeutic agent has been injected into tissue, resulting in increased efficiency or agent uptake. Also provided are methods for delivering therapeutic agent to a tissue, which include injecting a therapeutic agent into a tissue and subsequently sealing the injection site, or engaging an injection device with the tissue for a sufficient period of time that sealing is not necessary to avoid leakage of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment radio frequency cautery is used to seal the injection site upon needle removal from the tissue. In other embodiments, the injection site is sealed by resistance heating, laser heating or plugging the site with a solid plug or coagulating material at the site.

Abstract: A method for the reduction of sensory impairment due to peripheral neuropathy comprising placing an apparatus which provides photo-energy in proximity to the skin and/or subcutaneous structures suffering from sensory impairment, and irradiating the skin and/or subcutaneous structures with the apparatus with sufficient duration (total weeks of treatments), intensity (energy in Joules per treatment) and frequency (treatments per week) to reduce sensory) impairment.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation catheter includes a coil-like ablating element that is deployable from an elongate, flexible sheath. The ablating element, while in the deployed position, has a shape with at least one revolution oriented in a plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The catheter system is well-suited to ablate a circumferential region of tissue about a pulmonary vein or the posterior wall of the left atrium proximate the pulmonary vein os. The treated tissue region electrically isolates the atria from the pulmonary vein.

Abstract: A lipoplasty method which includes applying laser energy to the adipose tissue externally through the skin at the same time suction is applied to the targeted tissue. The preferred method includes introducing a solution through an opening in the body to cause the solution to come into contact with adipocytes in the adipose tissue before or simultaneous with applying the laser energy. Optionally, the method can further include reducing inflammation by applying laser energy externally through the skin. Also optionally, the method can include reducing pain by applying laser energy externally through the skin.

Abstract: Apparatus for external medical treatment with the aid of light, including a light-emitting device to be held against or in close proximity to a patient's body. The device includes light-emitting diodes that emit monochromatic light over one or more predetermined time periods and that pulsate the emitted light in accordance with a predetermined pulse frequency or a series of pulse frequencies over the predetermined time periods. The light-emitting device includes a casing and a plate that carries the light-emitting diodes. An eccentric drive arrangement is provided and includes a first part that is fixed relative to the casing and a second part that is connected to the plate. A spring prevents rotation of the plate. An electric motor powers the eccentric drive arrangement to cause the plate carrying the light-emitting diodes to execute an oscillatory movement.

Abstract: A wound disinfecting device without using liquid disinfectant includes a main body, a control unit, a fan, an ozone generating unit, an ultraviolet generating unit, and an anion generating unit, which are all received in the main body. The main body has a front air outlet, and a rear air inlet. The fan is disposed adjacent to the rear air inlet. When the device is activated, ozone generated by the ozone unit is blown to outside by means of the fan such that a wound can be disinfected by the ozone, ultraviolet rays generated by the ultraviolet ray generating unit, and anions generated by the anion generating unit when the front air outlet is held close to a wound without coming into contact therewith.

Abstract: A method for joining tissue comprising aligning and abutting edges of the tissue to be joined applying a biodegradable, biological solder or an analogue thereof, across the edges and exposing the solder to an energy source under conditions which provide transfer of energy from the source to the solder to cause the solder to bond to the tissue surface adjacent the edges to provide a weld holding the edges together.

Abstract: A radiation delivery module (8) includes a body (48) supportable on a patient's skin and defines a skin surface plane generally aligned with the patient's skin surface (40). A radiation source (22) is mounted to the body and produces a beam (34) of tissue-damaging radiation directed transverse to and at the skin surface plane. The radiation beam creates a radiation spot (42) having a length (36) and a width (44) at the skin surface plane, the length being at least about 5 to 10 times the width. A number of scanned diode laser radiation sub-sources (64) each directing a radiation beam component (66) at the radiation spot may be used. The radiation source may include a rod lens as a focusing optical element. The radiation delivery module may also include a radiation source translator (18) so that the radiation spot moves in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the radiation spot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing biological tissue and other materials which involves providing or distributing a substance containing abrasive particles to an area in front of at least a portion of a surface of the material and irradiating both the substance and the portion of the surface with light from a selected source, the light being selected and delivered in a manner such that selective ablation is caused on the substance sufficient to force the abrasive particles under a selected pulse against the portion of the surface. Ablation may be of the particles themselves or the particles may be contained within a shell, with ablation being of the shell. The substance is preferably delivered as a series of distribution pulses with the light being delivered either continuously or as light pulses having a predetermined relationship to the distribution pulses.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating prostate glands or other targeted soft tissue using a solid-state laser. The laser can be operated to generate a pulsed output beam having pulse durations of between 0.1 and 500 milliseconds. The output beam is delivered to the targeted tissue through an optical fiber, preferably terminating in a side-firing probe or diffusing tip. By operating the laser in a long-duration pulse mode, charring of the targeted tissue is initiated quickly, thereby increasing ablation rates and reducing overall procedure time.

Abstract: A photosensitizer suitable for use in administering photodynamic therapy (PDT), conjugated with antibodies that are targeted to antigens on abnormal tissue and polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other polymer that extends the residence time of the conjugate within a patient's body. The resulting pegylated targeted conjugate is administered to a patient, and after the antibodies have had sufficient time to bind with the antigens, light from an external or internal source having a waveband corresponding to an absorption waveband of the photosensitizer is administered. Use of an external light source that emits relatively long wavelength light enables the light to pass through any intervening dermal layer and normal tissue between the external light source and the treatment site. Since the photosensitizer in the conjugate is bound to the abnormal tissue, the light therapy has minimal effect on the intervening normal tissue.

Abstract: A photosensitizer together with complementary light energy are used to prevent the development of infection associated with an indwelling medical catheter or device. Light of a selected wavelength or wavelength band is coupled to the catheter or device and transmitted by a wall or walls thereof to one or both of the external and internal surfaces thereof. The catheter or device also incorporates at least one photosensitizer which releases a toxic substance when activated by the light energy which destroys bacteria on or around the catheter or device. A method of preventing infection using photosensitizers and complementary light energy is also disclosed.

Abstract: An x-ray catheter has an x-ray tube having an x-ray source therein and an x-ray transparent window through which x-rays may pass is positioned with retractable needles or suction. The needles, if present, are retractably attached to a hinge which is operatively connected to a control that extends or retracts the needles from the device, the needles positioned adjacent the x-ray transparent window so as not to impede the flow of x-rays. Alternatively, suction opening operatively connected to a vacuum source positions the x-ray source at the desired site.

Abstract: A laser therapy assembly (1) for the revascularization of muscular tissues (t), especially cardiac muscular tissue, with a laser source (2) and an optical coupling unit (9, 11) for transmitting the laser beam (L) into the muscular tissue, with an ultrasound generator (6) connected to the optical coupling unit for a transfer of heat to the muscular tissue, which can be regulated independently from the laser beam with the purpose of producing a thermal effect that can be separately adjusted, especially a marginal thermal necrosis, in a channel generated in the muscular tissue.

Abstract: A photothermal structure designed for the uniform application of a photothermal material, such as, for example, a dye or a pigment, to a tissue, e.g., the stratum corneum. In one embodiment, the photothermal structure comprises photothermal material combined with a carrier, such as, for example, an adhesive or an ink, and the resulting combination is applied to a substrate, such as, for example, an inert polymeric substrate to form a photothermal structure. In another embodiment, the photothermal structure comprises photothermal material incorporated into a film-forming polymeric material.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and apparatus for pumping fluid from one location to another through the repetitive expansion and collapse of bubbles generated as a result of the absorption of repetitive pulses of radiation in a fluid. This pumping phenomenon can be used to aid removal of a total or partial occlusion in a body passage by emulsifying the occlusion with acoustic shock and pressure waves or by causing mechanically disrupting the occlusive material.

Abstract: The present invention features various methods and systems for performing radiation treatment of skin in connection with dynamic cooling of tissue, while minimizing or preventing occurrence of light flash during the treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the meaningful suppression of the growth potential of a pathogen in-vivo, the apparatus including an electromagnetic radiation source capable of providing broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation, wherein the broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation has wavelengths of from about 190 nm to about 1200 nm, the broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation having an intensity sufficient to achieve meaningful suppression in the growth potential of the pathogen in-vivo and wherein at least part of the apparatus is adapted for placement proximate to the in-vivo location of the pathogen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device comprised of a hollow undermining shaft with specially designed tip that can safely separate tissue planes and lyse fibrous tissue Thermal radiation can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control the thermal radiation. Optionally, the device can also use ultrasound or electro surgical energy to improve tissue lysing.

Abstract: Laser systems medical or cosmetic applications, comprising diode lasers or diode lasers with other solid state lasers which can deliver up to 30 cw or more, and which generally operate at more than wavelength within the range of 1000 to 1300 nm are presented. Individual emitter or emitter groups within the diode laser system can be powered independently. These laser systems provide maximum penetration depths for procedures such as Laser-induced Interstitial Tumor Therapy, alone or in conjunction with other therapies such as PhotoDynamic Therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Where beneficial for the procedure, the operating wavelength of the system can be changed without interruption. In some variants, active tissue cooling at the distal end of the delivery fibers is incorporated as well as individual feedback loops to control and stabilize the temperature induced in the tissue.

Abstract: A quartz crystal scepter which includes a conventional flashlight and a hollow casing which houses a lens, a concave washer, and a quartz crystal sphere. The flashlight and hollow casing may be one structure or separate structures that are attached. The quartz crystal scepter generates light energy of various colors which are filtered through a lens into a quartz crystal sphere. The quartz crystal sphere is rolled along the surface of a person's body part emitting a predetermined color of light. The second and third example of the quartz crystal scepter differ in how they are attached to the end of a flashlight.

Abstract: A system for laser treatment of the eye comprises one or more diffractive optical elements for producing unique treatment segments within an ablation zone on the eye. The treatment segments may be annular, pie-shaped, or have other geometries or patterns selected to apply energy in a particular manner, usually in a non-overlapping manner so that energy dosages can be precisely controlled. In a first embodiment of the system, a single diffractive optical element is used and a beam expander expands or converges the beam to achieve the different treatment segments. In a second embodiment, a plurality of diffractive optical elements are used, each of which produces a single treatment segment.