Abstract: A method of reducing sebum production in human skin, used primarily for cosmetic purposes, including the prevention of acne vulgaris, comprising the use of pulsed light having a wavelength, if monochromatic, or a wavelength range, if produced by a filtered non-monochromatic source, which targets the lipids contained within the sebaceous gland, thus destroying the differentiated and mature sebocytes by photothermolysis without damage to the surrounding and overlying tissue or to the basement membrane of the sebaceous gland.

Abstract: A fast and smooth scanning for achieving a uniform ablated surface without relying on any synchronization between the laser pulses and the scanner mirror positions. The scanning takes a series of close loops and the scanning speed on each loop is fine-tuned according to the perimeter of the loop. A uniform and close-packed pulse disposition along each loop can be achieved by multiple successive scans along the loop, while the consecutive pulses of a scan can be well separated. The scanning pattern is designed such that the energy distribution is uniform for every layer and the smoothness of the ablated surface remains substantially unchanged as the number of the layer increases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting at least one component of a light source are provided. The apparatus includes a shield for the component, with this shield having a plurality of locations that are substantially transparent to an emission wave length of the light source. The shield is positioned such that during use of the light source, one of the substantially transparent locations of the shield is disposed between the at least one component of the light source and an object that is to be irradiated. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for advancing the shield upon activation of the light source or an element thereof in order to be able to dispose a different one of the substantially transparent locations of the shield between the at least one component of the light source and an object that is to be irradiated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to cause the cessation of hair growth on a specific area of the body. The area is exposed to a particular pattern of multiple wavelength light generated by flashlamps which are filled with krypton and xenon gas. These flashlamps are connected to separate power supplies to allow simultaneous, overlap, or consecutive firing. The method consists of directing the light by means of a hollow reflective light guide in contact with the skin to prevent the light from escaping. Controlling the intensity of light and the delay between pulses allows treatment to be adjusted to different skin and hair types. Skin damage is virtually eliminated by the length and characteristic shape of the individual pulse in conjunction with consecutive firing of the flashlamps which spreads the energy over a long period of time.

Abstract: A method for joining tissue comprising aligning and abutting edges of the tissue to be joined applying 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 noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus and method for marking a cornea of a patient's or donor's eye in transplanting surgery or keratoplasty, and in incising or excising the corneal tissue in keratotomy, and for tissue welding and for thermokeratoplasty. The noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus comprises a laser source and a projection optical system for converting laser beams emitted from the laser source into coaxially distributed beam spots on the cornea. The apparatus further includes a multiple-facet prismatic axicon lens system movably mounted for varying the distribution of the beam spots on the cornea. In a further embodiment of the method of the present invention, an adjustable mask pattern is inserted in the optical path of the laser source to selectively block certain portions of the laser beams to thereby impinge only selected areas of the cornea.

Abstract: A method 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 of enhancing injury-induced revascularization of a tissue as treatment of a disease, such as coronary artery disease, is described. The method involves (i) creating injury in a tissue (e.g., muscle, such as cardiac muscle) by, for example, use of a laser, an ultrasonic device, or a Thermal probe, and (ii) injecting into the tissue a revascularization-promoting molecule or a nucleic acid molecule encoding a revascularization-promoting molecules Also described is an apparatus that can be used to practice this method.

Abstract: In evaporation of an organic hard tissue, a damage of a light emitting face of an optical fiber composing a laser probe is suppressed. A laser light source 13 outputs pulsate laser light of a wavelength of 1.0 &mgr;m to 5.5 &mgr;m and an output energy of 1 mJ to 2,500 mJ. The laser light is guided to a contact type handpiece 15 via a waveguide 14. The operator makes a light emitting face 17 of an optical fiber 9 of a probe 16 which is detachably attached to the tip end of the handpiece 15 contact with the surface of an organic hard tissue. In the optical fiber 9, an intermediate layer exists between a core 25 and a clad 26. The refractive index of the intermediate layer is smaller than that of the clad. In the refractive index distribution of the core 25, the refractive index is increased as moving from the center axis to the periphery. The laser light guided to the handpiece 15 passes through the optical fiber 9 of the probe 16 and is then emitted from a light emitting face 17.

Abstract: A viewing and treatment apparatus for performing minimally invasive surgery through an opening in a patient's chest, the apparatus includes a visualization scope with an elongated portion and a distal end, and a working device such as a tissue ablation energy delivery device. The working device is encompassed within a working channel that communicates with the distal end of the scope. In one embodiment, a bronchoscope is used whose catheter shafting includes an introducer sleeve at the distal section of the scope for providing stability during introduction to a patient's chest while stabilizing the treatment and visualization distal ends of the scope at a treatment site. This embodiment can include a needle piercing assembly that cooperatively works with the work device such as for drug delivery.

Abstract: The disclosed device is used to treat pathological tissues with a noncoherent emission. The device includes an emitter precalibrated to provide a required emission power density. The emitter includes a broad band semiconductor silicon LED including a supershallow “p−n” transition for emitting noncoherent IR emission having wavelengths ranging from 1 to 56 &mgr;m and including wavelengths at least between 26 and 56 &mgr;m. The device further includes a power supply connected along a plane of “p+n” or “n+p” transition to provide electric current inside the “p+n” or “n+p” transition region.

Abstract: Phototherapeutic instruments are disclosed having a light transmitting optical fiber with a flexible portion that facilitates passage of the instrument through a tortuous lumen within a patient and an outer support sheath slidably mounted about the fiber. In one preferred embodiment, the instrument includes a rigid light-emitting tip. The support sheath is configured to protect the more delicate optical fiber and provide support for the flexible portion of the optical fiber during penetration of the light-emitting tip into a patient's tissue. During insertion of the instrument into a tortuous lumen, the optical fiber is covered by the support sheath, allowing the light-emitting tip to deflect with ease as it travels along the tortuous lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for bringing into register for robotic surgery. The device having at least one insert designed to receive at least two distinct support elements, specifically a first support element having at least three marker elements disposed in a non-aligned spaced-apart configuration and made of a material that shows up in an image made with an appropriate imaging device; and a second support element having at least three energy-emitting or receiving elements likewise disposed in a non-aligned spaced-apart configuration. The invention serves to bring equipment for robotic surgery into register in a manner that is simple, safe, and reliable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device including a tube and expandable member and one or more light sources disposed in an elongated member disposed in the tube. The light sources emit energy for photodynamic therapy through a window to the treatment area. The treatment device may further include a heat and/or light dissipating layer, such as a layer of gold alloy paint, or other light blocking material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for fast precise material processing and modification which minimizes collateral damage. Utilizing optimized, pulsed electromagnetic energy parameters leads to an interaction regime which minimizes residual energy deposition. Advantageously, removal of cumulative pulse train residual energy is further maximized through the rapid progression of the ablation front which move faster than the thermal energy diffusion front, thus ensuring substantial removal of residual energy to further minimize collateral thermal damage.

Abstract: A laser insole having one or many vertical cavity surface emitting lasers embedded therein may be worn by a patient and applied to an area of the foot. The device supplies the patient with a preprogrammed laser therapy regimen. A physician programs the device and inserts the device in a patient's shoe. The device is small enough to allow the patient's normal activities. The laser therapy regimen promotes healing of a wound on the foot. Alternatively, the device may adapted as a flexible device applied to the skin, or implanted into the body, or provided in a catheter that is inserted into a body region.

Abstract: Pulsed light source for the removal of biological tissue. The pulsed light source incorporates light means as well as a controller which controls the light means in such a way that the light means generate on the one hand ablation pulses (BA) with an irradiancy sufficient for the ablation of tissue and on the other hand a coagulation radiation (BK) with an irradiance sufficient simply for a heating of tissue, but not for an ablation of tissue. The controller controls the light means in such a way that the light means generate the coagulation radiation (BK) independently in time of the ablation pulses (BA).

Abstract: A process is disclosed for thermally obliterating biological tissues by laser radiation introduced into the tissue by means of an optical waveguide. The laser radiation is scattered by means associated with the radiation output surface of the optical waveguide. A biocompatible, medium to highly visquous liquid which does not substantially absorb the laser radiation but scatters it, is injected into the tissue, forming a scattering fluid deposit around the radiation output surface which is not separated from the tissue and which allows the tissue to be heated in a controlled manner.

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 mechanically disrupting the occlusive material.

Abstract: An optical localization fiber 20 is provided suitable for preoperative localization of soft tissue lesions by x-ray mammography, CT, MRI, ultrasonography, or nuclear medicine. A hook 28 is carried by the optical fiber for retaining the fiber in soft tissue. The tip 26 of the optical fiber is visible through the soft tissue when the proximal end of the optical fiber is attached to a light source 170. Other embodiments include clad or coated 42 optical fibers, bundled optical fibers 156, hooks which are metallic 82, braided 66, and multiple 128, and a helix 162.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for superficially ablating and/or photochemically altering a substrate, e.g., a biological tissue, having a first refractive index, e.g., to a desired configuration, including a laser energy source which provides laser energy to an energy coupling wave generator which generates laser energy waves from the laser energy, the generator having a surface adapted to contact and form an interface with the substrate and having a second refractive index higher than the first refractive index, wherein laser energy entering the wave generator impinges on the surface at an angle of incidence greater than or equal to a critical angle for total internal reflection when the surface is not contacting the substrate, and wherein the wave generator couples the laser energy waves, e.g., refracted or evanescent waves, into the substrate at the interface to superficially ablate the substrate when contacting the substrate.

Abstract: A medical laser treatment device comprises a handpiece having a handpiece body and a laser probe to be attached to the handpiece body, a laser light source, and a light transmission member which guides laser light to the handpiece. The laser probe has a fiber probe having an emission face through which the laser light is emitted to an irradiation region, an annular protection tube which covers the peripheral face of the fiber probe, and a holder which holds the fiber probe and the protection tube. The protection tube has a curved part extending with being curved. A first fiber curved part is formed in the fiber probe by passing the fiber probe through the protection tube. A second fiber curved part having a radius of curvature is smaller than that of the first fiber curved part is disposed in a tip end portion of a fiber probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for open-heart surgery includes a suture-needle holding tip (10) or a stapler and a handle (100). The tip is driven to oscillate relative to the handle in the same motion as the surface of the heart, which is being operated on. This cancels the motion of the heart, effectively stopping it, so that the surgeon (S) need not compensate for heart beats. The tip can grasp or release the needle (N) with a mechanism (300) under control of a switch (330) through a flexible cable 120. Independently, a drive mechanism 200 causes a cam (230) to be turned by a motor 213 for driving the needle-holding tip by means of a flexible cable 120. The cam is shaped so that the pattern of the platform oscillation follows the beating heart's motion. A momentary-contact switch triggers a pacer, which paces the heart to beat in synchrony with the motion of the needle-holding tip. The rate is set slightly above the un-paced heart beat rate.

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: A method of identifying vasculature including the steps of introducing an indicator in a peripheral vessel, and advancing a portion of the indicator into an internal vessel to identify said vessel. A catheter for identifying vasculature is also disclosed. The catheter is adapted to be introduced into a peripheral vessel and a portion thereof advanced into an internal vessel. The catheter includes a light delivery portion at a distal end thereof and an expandable member located proximal to the light delivery portion.

Abstract: A laser surgery apparatus including a contact tip comprising an input face having a surface for receiving laser energy from an optical waveguide directed along an axis of propagation. The surface is inclined relative to the axis of propagation such that an angle of incidence between the laser light and the surface is approximately equal to Brewster's angle. Another aspect of the invention includes coating a portion of the tip body with a coating that is reflective to the laser energy. One preferred embodiment comprises a tip body coated with a single coating consisting essentially of a material which is biologically compatible with tissue to prevent generation of a toxic tissue response. A further aspect of the invention includes a tip configuration having a generally conical exterior with a substantially flat surface disposed obliquely to a core axis of the tip body.

Abstract: A liposuction cannula having a water source, a laser source, and a suction source. Water is released into an active area within the cannula, and laser energy is directed onto the water molecules within the active area to energize the water molecules. The energized water molecules escape from the active area into the surrounding fatty tissue to break down the fatty tissue and release liquid fatty material, which is removed by aspiration via the cannula.

Abstract: A controlled process for thoroughly curing light-activated surgical and dental composites and a process for tissue sterilization is presented using a hand-held, self-contained, cordless, rechargeable laser instrument. At least one solid state microchip laser is pumped by at least one diode laser to generate blue laser light of at most 480 nm. Q-switched, pulsed laser light output enhances efficiency and control of the curing. Another microchip laser within the instrument generates 210-360 nm wavelength of UV laser light for the sterilization process which differentially kills micro-biological life forms contaminating a repair site without killing healthy tissue. The process of use includes switching from sterilization mode to curing mode of operation of the instrument to save time during surgical and dental procedures.

Abstract: A percutaneous method treats degenerate disc disease characterized by a circumferential bulge. The method provides a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis, the distal end having an intradiscal section with at least one energy delivery device. The next step is applying a force longitudinally to the proximal end of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through a nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus, but which force is insufficient for the intradiscal section to puncture the annulus fibrosus. Next the energy delivery device is positioned at a selected location of the annulus by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter. The thermal energy delivery device is positioned adjacent the annulus and used to heat and stiffen the disc. Optionally, there is an additional step of adding a substance to reinforce the area.

Abstract: A method for treating an area of skin or nail affected with a pathogen, the method comprising the step of irradiating the area of skin or nail with a light beam having at least one wavelength absorbable by the pathogen.

Abstract: A laser system and method are described that will improve dental treatments in small animals, particularly in situations where periodontal disease has progressed to the advanced stages of periodontitis and when dental pulp is exposed by fracture or disease. A laser system is employed to achieve enhanced precision by selectively ablating affected tissue without damaging the collateral tissue. The laser system is also capable of sealing the tubules and eradicating bacteria within the periodontium to significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additional pre-treatment methods may be employed to further enhance the laser therapy.

Abstract: A device for removing material from a workpiece, in particular for removing a hard substance, such as tooth enamel or dentine from a tooth, or for removing ceramic materials, has a laser for irradiating the workpiece in a locally limited ablation area where material is removed, and a handling part (1) which receives the laser or is connected thereto by an optical fiber element or by a mirror arrangement. The handling part (1) is used to position the laser beam (3) in the ablation area and has a distance measurement device (11 to 15, D1, D2) to monitor the depth of material removal. While the material is being removed, the distance measurement device (11 to 15, D1, D2) measures the distance to the workpiece surface in the ablation area and therefore the depth of material removal by means of the material-removing laser or of a measurement beam (11) generated by another laser.

Abstract: A method of removing hair or blood vessels from the skin of a patient using a flashlamp, a sequence control device and an optical delivery system, and includes the steps of controlling the flashlamp to sequentially emit a series of pulses of incoherent light energy, transmitting the series of pulses of incoherent light energy through the optical delivery system to the same spot on the skin containing the hair or blood vessels with the sequential pulses of incoherent light energy transmitted through the optical delivery system from the flashlamp, and pulsing the flashlamp at least two times at a wavelength in the range 550 to 1200 nm, at a power level in the range of 4 to 25 Joules/cm.sup.2, each pulse having a duration in the range of 1/2 to 10 milliseconds, a delay between pulses in the range of 1 to 10 milliseconds, and having a beam diameter on the treatment area in the range of 4 to 50 millimeters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively engaging and disengaging an anchor to fix a medical device at a selected site within a patient's body. A shape memory alloy (SMA) such as Nitinol is used to fabricate one or more anchors for the medical device. The shape memory effect exhibited by the SMA is thermally activated. One embodiment of the anchor has a substantially circular shape when at its martensite temperature and reverts to an elliptical shape at its austenite temperature. Another embodiment is a substantially straight strip at its martensite temperature and has an end that curls to engage tissue when at its austenite temperature. Still another embodiment includes a pair of anchors that extend outwardly from each side of an elongate probe at their austenite temperature and retract inwardly against the sides of the probe at their martensite temperature. The change in the shape of the SMA elements tends to anchor the medical device or probe at the treatment site.

Abstract: A variable pulse width lasing device for selectively reducing the amount of laser energy provided during a surgical procedure is described. The device includes a central processing unit, a laser resonator, pulse width detector and a pulse modulator. The central processing unit provides a switch activation command to the modulator. The modulator also receives a laser pulse produced by the laser resonator which has an initial pulse width and a wavelength which is compatible for transmission through an optical fiber. The modulator varies the width of the laser pulse for providing an output pulse at a selected pulse width and energy level.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of wrinkles on human skin, by stimulating collagen growth beneath the epidermis layer, comprising the steps of: arranging a pulsed dye laser generator in light communication with a pulsed dye laser delivery device. The pulsed dye laser delivery device is applied against tissue having wrinkles. The pulsed dye laser generator generates a pulsed dye laser light. A pulsed dye laser light from the pulsed dye laser delivery device is directed onto the tissue, to reach hemoglobin in a collagen layer up to about 1.2 mm. beneath the surface of the tissue to effect growth changes therein.

Abstract: A laser lancet tip and method for controlling laser incisions for the purpose of taking blood samples from patients in a variety of body locations and age groups. A removable tip on a laser is used to mask a laser pulse and modify the length and width of an incision made by the laser by only allowing a portion of the laser beam to contact the target surface. The depth of the incision may be controlled by either a lens or filter which is optically aligned with the laser beam.

Abstract: An adaptor attachable to a laser apparatus and to a microscope for directing a laser beam from the laser apparatus onto an object in a working plane as viewed via the microscope. The adaptor includes an optical system located in the path of the laser beam for focusing the laser beam onto an object in the working plane. The optical system includes a number of mirrors. The adaptor also includes a manipulatable mirror located between the optical system and the working plane. The manipulatable mirror is selectively manipulatable to direct the laser beam to any desired location in the working plane. Further the adaptor includes a focusser coupled to the optical system that is capable of selectively focusing and defocussing the laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating drug-filled pockets within muscle tissue, such as myocardium of the heart for increasing angiogenesis. More particularly, the apparatus has an excising assembly with a dilator tip for penetrating and advancing through the surface and body of a muscle or organ, such as the heart. Preferably, the dilator tip has a low level laser optical fiber emission to ease the passage of the excising assembly and provide thermal damage which also stimulates angiogenesis. More preferably, the dilator tip also disperses a pharmacologically active substance as the apparatus is passed through the tissue and/or creates pockets. The excising assembly is connected to a hand-held control device from which the operator pushes a switch to activate a punching mechanism within the excising assembly. The punching mechanism cuts a discrete piece of muscle tissue and traps it within the excising assembly leaving a pocket in the remaining muscle tissue.

Abstract: Laser ablative radiation is used to remove the epithelial layer from over the stromal layer in a cornea. While uniform exposure of a single or scanned ablative beam will generally remove peripheral portions of the epithelial layer faster than central portions, such non-uniform removal is corrected by patterning the beam to reduce peripheral exposure relative to central exposure.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus which performs a medical or surgical treatment using laser-beam irradiation, The apparatus has a solid-state laser medium for obtaining a laser beam and an excitation light source for exciting the solid-state laser medium. The apparatus further has a first optical system having a Q-switch which emits light oscillated by the solid-state laser medium as a pulse wave laser beam, and a second optical system which emits the light oscillated by the solid-state laser medium as a continuous wave laser beam. An optical path for the light oscillated by the solid-state laser medium is switched to one of optical paths of the first and second optical systems. With this apparatus, plural oscillation modes and wavelengths can be switched over in accordance with the treatment object, and the load on the user is reduced.

Abstract: A method for conducting laser energy to a site includes steps of bringing the proximal end of a flexible tube near the site, filling at least a proximal portion of the tube with a liquid by introducing the liquid into the tube, allowing a portion of the liquid to flow out from the proximal end of the tube toward the site, and directing laser energy from a laser energy source into the distal end of the tube, whereby a portion of the laser energy emerges from the proximal end of the tube at the site. Also, such a method in which the liquid is a radiographic contrast medium. Also, such a method for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel in an animal.

Abstract: A method for treating a corneal abnormality. A marked corneal surface is formed by applying a pigment to an outer surface of the cornea over the corneal abnormality. The marked corneal surface is preferably centered about the corneal abnormality. Thereafter, the marked corneal surface is illuminated with laser light for a period sufficient to treat the corneal abnormality.

Abstract: Guidance systems for guiding a catheter through tissue within a body are described. In one form, the system is implemented in connection with a catheter which includes a catheter body having a optic fibers extending between a first end and a second end thereof. The guidance system is coupled to the catheter body and includes a first optic fiber, a second optic fiber, and a detecting element. The first optic fiber includes a first end and a second end, and is coupled to the catheter body so that the first optic fiber second end is adjacent the catheter second end. The second optic fiber also includes a first end and a second end, and a reference mirror is positioned adjacent the second optic fiber second end. The first optic fiber first end is communicatively coupled to the detecting element and the second optic fiber first end is communicatively coupled to the detecting element.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus and method for treating open angle glaucoma in a human eye comprises thermally ablating a targeted region of the trabecular meshwork of a human eye by irradiating the region with a beam of pulsed laser radiation. The beam of pulsed radiation has a wavelength between 350 and 1300 nanometers, energy of 10 to 500 millijoules per pulse, and pulse duration of 0.1 to 50 microseconds. The beam is non-invasively delivered gonioscopically through the cornea onto a targeted region of the trabecular meshwork. The targeted region of the trabecular meshwork is illuminated at a spot size of between 50 and 300 microns in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of measuring analytes in bodily 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 bodily 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: A medical apparatus including implantable elongate probes for emitting diffused light energy within the interior of a tissue body to provide a uniform light dosage to the tissue body. In one particular embodiment, the probes may include a plurality of LEDs or VSCEL devices interspaced along the probe shaft. The invention further provides an planar or shaped alignment grid for aligning one or more probes within the tissue body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a very simple easily administered skin treatment process for (1) the removal of superficial epidermal skin cells in the human skin (2) the reduction or removal of unwanted hair and (3) the mitigation of skin conditions such as acne and seborrhea. A contaminant having a high absorption at at least one wavelength of light is topically applied to a section of the surface of the skin. A preferred contaminant is a mixture of 20% by weight of one micron graphite particles in mineral oil. Graphite is a very strong absorber of 1.06 micron light produced by the Nd:YAG laser. Portions of the contaminant are forced to infiltrate into spaces between the superficial epidermal cells, into hair ducts in the skin and into and/or adjacent to sebaceous glands. The skin section is illuminated with short laser pulses at the matching wavelength, so as to impact sufficient energy to the contaminant to cause explosion in the contaminant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dilating blood vessels in vasospasm through the use of high frequency wave, e.g., hydraulic or acoustic waves. The invention is suitable to treat any vasospasm, including any vasospasm intractable to medication, including cerebral vasospasm, which currently is not susceptible to any mechanical or chemical treatments. The apparatus for dilating blood vessels includes a catheter having a fluid-filled lumen, a wave generator arranged within the catheter lumen for generating a wave front that propagates through the fluid in the lumen and is transmitted from the distal end of the catheter to propagate through the fluid in the blood vessel, and an energy source connected to the wave generator to provide energy to produce the wave front.

Abstract: A method of hair removal, used primarily for cosmetic purposes, comprising the transcutaneous use of laser light having a wavelength which targets the sebum found in the follicle and coating the hair, heating the sebum which transfer heat first to the hair and hair root and then to the papilla and papillary blood vessels via conduction, thus destroying the hair by photothermolysis while avoiding significant damage to surrounding skin or tissue.