Abstract: Tissue is treated by irradiating it with a sequence of optical pulses that are directed in sequence to various sites on the tissue. During the irradiation sequence, one or more tissue properties are measured at a site(s) that has already been irradiated. These measurements are used to adjust the parameters of subsequent optical pulses in the sequence.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface.

Abstract: A fractional treatment system can be configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue increases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1390-1425 nm). Desirably, the laser wavelength is primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water and has a thermally adjusted absorption coefficient within the range of about 8 cm?1 to about 30 cm?1. An adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. The system may be designed to be switchable between a treatment mode that is semi-ablative and a treatment mode that is not semi-ablative. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a nonlinear waveguide. The nonlinear waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for circulating a fluorescent substance through the nonlinear waveguide. The fluorescent substance is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to apply photo-stimulation, photo-dynamic therapy and/or ablation laser treatment to biological tissue. The apparatus includes a plurality of radiation energy sources, preferably laser beams. Additionally, the apparatus allows either a single wavelength or a combination of various wavelengths, either coincidentally or adjacently, to be utilized to achieve a desired treatment effect. Laser beams are transmitted to the treatment area by one or more fiber optic cables which terminate at an assembly structured to collimate the emitted radiation prior to application to the tissue. In addition, the apparatus includes a focal length setting mechanism which assures that a constant, fixed distance exists between the point of discharge of the laser beam and the biological tissue, thus assuring a constant energy density at the point of application. A method is presented for applying photo-stimulation, photocollagen stimulation and/or ablation laser treatment utilizing the above apparatus.

Abstract: A dermatological treatment device includes a device body; a laser diode bar configured to generate laser radiation for delivery to a target area of tissue, the laser diode bar having a fill factor of at least 50%; a power source; and control electronics configured to provide power from the power source to the laser diode bar such that the laser diode bar generates a laser beam; wherein the device is configured for delivering the generated laser beam to the target area of tissue to provide a dermatological treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of health and skin conditions through the use of a combination of laser systems or a laser system capable of delivering different pulse durations. The laser system being capable of producing both Q-switched short pulsed laser energy and millisecond long pulsed laser energies. Multiple skin conditions would be susceptible to this treatment, including acne, skin aging and textural changes, pigmentary changes, scarring, rosacea, striae, redness and hair removal.

Abstract: A dermatological treatment device includes a handheld device body, and a laser control circuit housed in the device body and configured to generate laser radiation for delivery to a target area of tissue. The laser control circuit includes a multiple-emitter laser diode and a battery source. The multiple-emitter laser diode includes a monolithic stack of layers formed on a substrate, the monolithic stack of layers including a multiple-emitter region defining at least two emitter junctions, each emitter junction configured to emit a laser beam. The battery source provides current to the laser diode such that each of the at least two emitter junctions concurrently emits a laser beam, the at least two concurrently emitted laser beams forming a collective beam. The device delivers the collective beam to the target area of tissue to provide a dermatological treatment.

Abstract: A dermatological treatment method includes directing laser energy having a wavelength of 2.79 ?m onto skin. According to disclosed methods, the energy can function to ablate a first portion of epidermal tissue, coagulate an underlying second portion of epidermal tissue, and promote collagen formation in tissue of the underlying dermis. In an exemplary treatment apparatus, a laser using a YSGG gain medium is mounted in a handpiece. The handpiece may include a two-axis scanner to allow for uniform scanning of the energy over the tissue surface.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed. The optical apparatus includes an optical emitting module, a sensing module, and a processing module. The optical emitting module is used to emit a laser toward a specific region of skin surface. The sensing module is used to sense tissue distribution information under the specific region of skin surface. The processing module is used to adjust at least one laser parameter used during the optical emitting module emits the laser toward the specific region of skin surface according to the tissue distribution information.

Abstract: A self-contained, hand-held device for providing radiation-based dermatological treatments includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a laser device supported in the device body, the laser device including a laser beam source configured to emit laser radiation; an application end configured to be manually moved across the surface of the skin during a treatment session; and electronics configured to control the laser beam source to emit laser radiation toward the skin to provide a dermatological treatment; wherein the device includes no optics downstream of the laser source.

Abstract: An apparatus for observing the appearance of a surface of a sample of semitransparent material, the apparatus comprising a light source for illuminating at least a region of interest of the surface of the sample from a predetermined direction and means for observing a response to the illumination of the region of interest, wherein the illuminated region comprises the region of interest and a region surrounding the region of interest. In this way the influence of emitted scattered light on the accuracy of the observation of the appearance of the sample is minimized.

Abstract: A self-contained, hand-held device for providing a dermatological treatment includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a radiation source supported in the device body, the radiation source including a beam source configured to generate an energy beam; an application end configured to be manually moved across the surface of the skin during a treatment session; electronics configured to pulse the radiation source during the treatment session such that the beam source emits pulsed energy beams to the skin; and a displacement control system including a displacement sensor configured to determine a displacement of the device relative to the skin, and electronics configured to control at least one operational parameter of the device based on the determined displacement of the device relative to the skin.

Abstract: A self-contained, hand-held device for delivering fractional radiation-based treatment to the skin includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a radiation source supported in the device body, the radiation source including a beam source configured to generate an energy beam; an application end configured to be manually moved across the surface of the skin during a treatment session; and electronics configured to control the radiation source during the treatment session such that the beam source emits a sequence of pulsed energy beams to the skin to generate an array of treatment spots on the skin, wherein adjacent treatment spots generated on the skin are spaced apart from each other by areas of non-treated skin between the adjacent treatment spots. Each energy beam emitted by the pulsed beam source has the same, fixed propagation path with respect to the device body.

Abstract: A device for providing radiation-based dermatological treatments includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a VCSEL laser supported in the device body, the VCSEL laser including multiple spaced-apart VCSEL beam sources configured to generate multiple discrete laser beams for generating multiple discrete treatment spots on the skin; an application end configured to be manually moved across the surface of the skin during a treatment session; and electronics configured to control the multiple VCSEL beam sources to emit the multiple discrete laser beams toward the skin to provide a dermatological treatment.

Abstract: A self-contained, hand-held device for providing fractional treatment to the skin includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a radiation source supported in the device body, the radiation source including a single beam source configured to emit a single energy beam; an application end configured to be manually moved across the skin during a treatment session; and electronics configured to pulse the single beam source to emit a sequence of pulsed energy beams to the skin while the application end is manually moved across the skin, thereby generating an array of treatment spots on the skin, wherein adjacent treatment spots generated on the skin are spaced apart from each other by areas of non-treated skin between the adjacent treatment spots, thereby providing a fractional treatment. Each pulsed energy beam emitted by the beam source has the same, fixed propagation path with respect to the device body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser beam control structure and method. A laser beam control structure of the present invention comprises a handpiece for irradiating laser beams output from a laser beam output device, on a predetermined part; at least one electrode unit positioned at a human body contact portion of the handpiece and receiving hum noise generated from a human body; and a control unit electrically connected to the electrode unit so as to measure the hum noise applied from the electrode unit and to cause the laser beams to be irradiated according to the measured hum noise. According to the present invention, there are advantages in that various types of hum noise generated from a human body are measured without applying an electric current to the human body, and a laser beam is irradiated according to the measured hum noise.

Abstract: A self-contained, hand-held device for providing radiation-based dermatological treatments includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a laser supported in the device body, the laser including a laser beam source configured to emit a laser beam; an application end configured to be manually moved across the skin during a treatment session; and electronics configured to control the laser beam source to deliver the laser beam to the skin at a delivered radiation intensity at the skin sufficient to provide an effective dermatological treatment.

Abstract: Device/system and treatment method of varicose veins and other vein abnormalities are presented. Treatment A comprises combining two wavelengths to occlude abnormal veins. Wavelengths are chosen as effective absorption peaks of hemoglobin and/or water, e.g. 980 nm and 1460 nm. Irradiations of blood, collagen and water in the vessel cause occlusion/shrinkage. Constant power-density is used based on fiber withdrawal speed and structural vein parameters. Treatments employ dual laser wavelengths or highly-controlled vein-wall damage wavelengths. Monitored control parameters and predetermined vein structural parameters. Alternatively, 1460+60 nm laser energy is employed, having high absorption in the vein wall, creating little thermal stress outside the vein, and being effective in initiating damage reaction response. Treating at 1460+60 nm has benefits of high vein closure rates and favorable post-operative results, i.e.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method for treating varices including pelvic varices in females, varicoceles, and also oesophageal varices is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of inserting a catheter device into the blood vessels of a patient and advancing the distal end of the catheter to reach the varix or varices. The insertion may be made in the femoral vein or in other vessels as appropriate. Preferably, x-ray, angiography, or other imaging techniques are used to visualize and position the catheter. An optical fiber or optical fiber bundle is then inserted into the catheter and the distal end is advanced to a predetermined point near the varix or varices. Laser energy of preferably 980 nm is then transmitted to the varix to close the blood vessel. Imaging techniques such as angiographies may again be performed to confirm closure of the vein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that will alter the fibrous strands in the fatty layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively shrink or alternatively photoacoustically ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.

Abstract: A wearable hands-free apparatus for providing phototherapy treatment to a number of skin related conditions includes a head unit (e.g., a headset, headphones, headband, or helmet unit) with earphones to allow the user to listen to an audio program during a treatment. The head unit supports a light emitting canopy band that is fitted with an array of light generating sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, or infrared lights, that emit light within a particular wavelength range correlating with the treatment of one or more specific skin-related conditions. The light emitting canopy band is specifically designed for providing complete, uniform and consistent light coverage to a user's face.

Abstract: A system and method for removing a portion of a tattoo using multi-photon ablation is described. A localized, multi-photon processing event is initiated within a vicinity of a pigment in order to remove it. The multi-photon event requires a relatively low energy, but very intense, pulse of light. The low amount of energy per pulse allows ablation of the material to be highly localized, with negligible thermal damage to surrounding material. The multi-photon event may be initiated by focusing a suitable electromagnetic pulse, such as a 2 mJ laser pulse having a pulse duration of 100-300 femtoseconds, into a focal volume small enough that the intensity exceeds 1011 Watts/cm2. A suitably configured Ti:Sapphire solid state laser provides such pulses at 1-10 kHz. By repeating the multi-photon event along the location of a tattoo, the tattoo may be removed with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of human or animal tissue by light includes a light source for directing light towards the tissue in use, an applicator having a tissue-facing surface, a detector for detecting in use proximity of the tissue-facing surface to the tissue, and a control element responsive to the detector for controlling the light source to direct light to be incident on the tissue in use only when the tissue-facing surface is spaced from the tissue.

Abstract: The disclosed technology can be embodied within optical heads or other optical systems adapted for providing a selected dermatologic treatment (e.g., temporary hair growth management). This technology uses a scanner to mechanically change an orientation of an optical element, such as a light pipe, to facilitate the conveyance of light energy to multiple target/treatment locations on a patient's skin.

Abstract: This invention concerns a system for dermatological treatment including an energy source suitable for biochemically activating healing and including at least one means of interaction between the energy source and the patient. The means of interaction is composed of a continuous adhesive support suitable for placement close to the area to be treated, the support having a means of identification and interacting without contact with a sensor allowing the energy source to function only when the distance between the sensor and the means of identification is less than a threshold value. The invention also concerns such a continuous adhesive support and a method of dermatological treatment.

Abstract: A phototherapy garment including a form-fitting bodysuit having a shell made from a stretchable, washable material covering the arms, legs, and torso which provides phototherapeutic light via a layer of cross-woven side-glow optical fibers. The bodysuit has an adjustable fastening system along the arms, legs, and torso to allow for variable sizing and a snug fit. Light is transmitted into the fibers via a waterproof base unit that is detachably attached to a housing dock on the side of the bodysuit. The LEDs emit high-intensity light of a wavelength or wavelengths suitable for treatment of various medical conditions. Each wavelength is transmitted separately into a respective one of a series of cross-woven optical fibers. Optionally, a reflective liner within the bodysuit may redirect irradiation from the fibers back toward the skin so no energy is wasted. Another embodiment includes a transparent liner. The base unit includes a power supply that may includes a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of infrared research and application in biomedicine. In particular, it refers to an apparatus of bio-effect system with the use of controllable infrared wave.

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: Treating skin can include delivering a beam of radiation to a target region of the skin to cause a zone of thermal injury including a lateral pattern of varying depths of thermal injury distributed along the target region. The lateral pattern includes at least one first sub-zone of a first depth of thermal injury laterally adjacent to at least one second sub-zone of a second depth of thermal injury. The first depth is greater than the second depth. The at least one first sub-zone of the first depth and the at least one second sub-zone of the second depth extend from a surface of the target region of the skin to form a substantially continuous surface thermal injury. The at least one first sub-zone of the first depth and the at least one second sub-zone of the second depth are substantially heated to at least a critical temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new low-level laser therapy apparatus and method of treating tissue. The invention includes a laser system that uses laser diodes and/or alternatively light emitting diodes (LED's), or both, and a digital interface that gives the operator the ability to generate sine waves or scalar waves as opposed to the simple on/off square waves. The invention also enables the operator to modulate not only the frequency, but also other wave characteristics such as the amplitude and phase. In one aspect, the invention involves modulating the phase relationship between multiple waves by taking one channel or wave which is pulsed through the laser system and then running a second channel or wave in relationship to the first channel, thereby creating a phased relationship, which has been discovered to provide a therapeutic and quantum healing effect on tissue.

Abstract: A method for hair removal from a skin area by selective photo-inactivation of the pilo-sebaceous apparatus using derivatives of ALA with alkylene-glycol chains. Selectivity of the method is further enhanced by treatment of the epidermis by agents reducing PpIX levels in the epidermis. Side effects are diminished by using short drug/light intervals.

Abstract: A device of guiding a multiple area dermatologic care process. The device comprises a carrier which supports a drive of a dermatologic care tool over a skin area while the dermatologic care tool intermittently performs a plurality of dermatologic care sessions each in one of a plurality of skin subareas of the skin area and a brake unit which regulates a movement of the carrier from a first skin subarea to a second skin subarea during the drive of the dermatologic care tool.

Abstract: A method for protecting mammalian skin against photodamage caused by an exposure to a damaging radiation. The method includes irradiating the mammalian skin before the exposure to the damaging radiation with a protective radiation, the protective radiation including radiation having a wavelength larger than the wavelength of the damaging radiation, the protective radiation being irradiated onto the mammalian skin under conditions suitable for reducing photodamage to the mammalian skin caused by the damaging radiation.

Abstract: Contemplated methods and compositions use selected agents to clarify biological tissues, and particularly tissues in vivo. In especially preferred aspects, the clarification agent is topically applied to clarify a plurality of layers, wherein the dermal layer that includes a target object remains unclarified. Light energy is then applied to the skin in an amount and under a protocol effective to destroy or alter the target object such that all skin layers avoid thermal damage. For example, hair follicles, collagen, and/or tattoo pigments located in the dermal reticular layer of skin are irradiated under a protocol in which the dermal papillary layer and all epidermal layers are clarified while the dermal reticular layer remains unclarified. Remarkably, such protocol significantly reduces thermal damage in the dermis, epidermis, and hypodermis.

Abstract: A skin treatment apparatus that includes, a disposable electrode carrier with a plurality of voltage-applying dome-shaped elements protruding from the surface of the electrode carrier. Further, the protruding elements are spaced apart in a pattern. The apparatus operates to apply a voltage to at least some of the protruding elements. The apparatus applies a voltage to the protruding elements with a magnitude that is sufficient to result in an electrical break down of the skin and thereby cause electric current enabling the desired treatment.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a radiation source to generate a beam of radiation, a modulator for modulating the power of the beam of radiation as a function of the position of the beam within a field-of-view to maintain the beam's power within a desired exposure level as the beam scans the field-of-view, and a reflector oscillating in a sinusoidal manner to direct the beam of radiation onto a field-of-view.

Abstract: A hair removal device and single-emitter diode based light homogenizing apparatus for use therewith, the homogenizing apparatus including a light guide having oppositely tapered walls, and a plurality of single-emitter laser diodes mounted to a carrier plate and optically coupled to an input end of the light guide. The housing of the device has an arcuate and ergonomic shape so as to be capable of being gripped by a user. A diffuser is applied to an output window of the device in order to produce a safe divergence of light exiting the device. Beams emitted from the diodes and coupled into the light guide are totally internally reflected to enhance the uniformity of the output beam exiting the light guide.

Abstract: An apparatus and process using a high-power, short-pulsed thulium laser to output infrared laser pulses delivered through an optical fiber, for cutting and ablating biological tissue. In some embodiments, the pulse length is shortened sufficiently to keep inside the stress-confined ablation region of operation. In some embodiments, the pulse is shortened to near the stress-confined ablation region of operation, while being slightly in the thermal-constrained region of operation. In some embodiments, the laser is coupled to a small low —OH optical fiber (˜100 ?m diameter). In some embodiments, the device has a pulse duration of about 100 ns for efficient ablation; however in some embodiments, this parameter is adjustable.

Abstract: Skin tissue is subjected to thermal energy that creates heating of the area being treated causing pores and follicle ducts to open so that excess oil, sebum, fatty deposits, or other unwanted deposits can be removed. A vacuum device is used to direct suction to the treated skin area helping to remove the unwanted deposits. Patterned thermal modification of tissue is used to expedite healing and minimize pain. The heating is controlled so that no skin tissue is damaged while still providing enough heat to the skin to alter the flow of sebum and destroy bacteria in the treated area.

Abstract: A wearable hands-free apparatus for providing phototherapy treatment to a number of hair, scalp and skin related conditions includes a head unit (e.g., a headset, headphones, headband, or helmet unit) with earphones to allow the user to listen to an audio program during a treatment. The head unit supports a light emitting canopy band that is fitted with an array of light generating sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, or infrared lights, that emit light within a particular wavelength range correlating with the treatment of one or more specific hair, scalp and/or skin-related conditions. The light emitting canopy band is specifically designed to conform to the shape of the human scalp for providing complete, uniform and consistent light coverage to the areas of the scalp that are most commonly affected by hair loss in men and women.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multi-photon processing treatment to a patient. A localized, multi-photon processing event is initiated within a vicinity of an unwanted pigment in order to remove the pigment. The multi-photon processing event requires a relatively low energy, but very intense, pulse of light. The low amount of energy per pulse allows ablation of the material to be highly localized, with negligible thermal damage to surrounding material. The multi-photon event may be initiated by focusing a suitable electromagnetic pulse, such as a 2 mJ laser pulse having a 100 to 300 femtoseconds pulse duration, into a focal volume small enough that the intensity exceeds 1011 Watts/cm2. A suitably configured Ti:Sapphire solid state laser may provide such pulses at 1-10 kHz. By repeating the multi-photon processing event along the location of a tattoo, the tattoo may be removed with no damage to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A pulsed radiation beam is directed toward a body structure having a configuration or physical characteristic that changes over time, the radiation being pulsed at a pulse modulation frequency. A detector detects acoustic oscillations set up in the body resultant from the incident pulsed radiation and produces an output signal representative of one or more parameters of the acoustic oscillations. A control system controls operation of the radiation delivery and a processor to process the detector output signal. The pulse modulation frequency of the pulsed radiation is changed over a predetermined range of modulation frequencies and the processor determines the structure resonant frequency from the detector output.

Abstract: Photocosmetic device for use in medical or non-medical environments (e.g., a home, barbershop, or spa), which can be used for a variety of tissue treatments. Radiation is delivered to the tissue via optical systems designed to pattern the radiation and project the radiation to a particular depth. The device has a variety of cooling systems including phase change cooling solids and liquids to cool treated skin and the radiation sources. Contact sensors and motion sensor may be used to enhance treatment. The device may be modular to facilitate manufacture and replacement of parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light application apparatus (1) for applying light to an object (3). A light source (4) generates processing light (2) and sensing light (5), which are coupled into the object (3). A light detector (8) detects the sensing light (5) after having left the object (3), and a control unit (9) controls the light source (4) such that processing light (2) in a processing time interval and sensing light (5) in a sensing time interval are alternately generated. Since processing light and sensing light are generated alternately, the generation of the processing light and of the sensing light is decoupled, i.e. the processing light can be optimized for processing purposes and the sensing light can be optimized for sensing purposes. This allows improving the quality of sensing the object and, thus, the quality of controlling the application of light depending on properties of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for photothermolysis including a removable and disposable cartridge mounted in a hand-held housing, the cartridge including a light source connectable to a power supply external to the cartridge, a reflector arranged with respect to the light source to direct light emanating from the light source towards skin via an opening formed in the cartridge to cause removal of hair on the skin by photothermolysis, and a spectral filter for filtering the light before the light exits the opening.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating skin for aesthetic or health purposes are described. According to various embodiments, photoresponsive materials and light are delivered in a controlled fashion to produce a patterned distribution of a material in the skin.

Abstract: A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanical degradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amount of a crosslinking reagent. Methods and devices for enhancing the body's own efforts to stabilize discs in scoliotic and other progressively deforming spines by increasing collagen crosslinks. This stability enhancement is caused by reducing the bending hysteresis and increasing the elasticity and bending stiffness of progressively deforming spines, by injecting non-toxic crosslinking reagents into the convex side of discs involved in the potential or progressing deformity curve. Alternatively, contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-release delivery system directly into or onto the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of laser treatment of tissue, and particularly, to a system and method for creating microablated channels in skin. The present invention is more particularly directed to treating subsurface tissue through the created channels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for treating bladder cancer. Example apparatus include a laser or other source that generates visible or near-infrared radiation and a cytoscope to deliver and apply the radiation to a treatment site, such as the urothelial surface of the bladder. The radiation alters the permeability of at least one layer of the bladder wall, allowing more efficacious administration of chemotherapeutic or anticancer agent to the bladder lumen during or after application of the radiation. Permeability of the bladder wall may be altered by damaging suburothelial blood vessels, such as those of the lamina propria of the bladder wall, or by damaging the urothelium and suburothelial blood vessels of the bladder in a patient with bladder cancer. Damage to the urothelium induced by the radiation may be of a continuous or discontinuous nature. Treatment may also cause regression or destruction of (pre)malignant tissue in the urothelium and suburothelium.