Abstract: A method and system are described for performing photorefractive keratectomy procedure employing pulses of photoablative radiation to selectively ablate corneal tissue of a patient's eye in an ablation zone on the anterior corneal surface to produce a desired refractive correction in the corneal tissue. The method and system employ control of the effect of ocular fluid at the corneal surface so as to reduce the disturbance of such fluid on the desired ablation process while maintaining hydration of the corneal tissue.

Abstract: An optical transmissive fiber tip assembly having a radiation-scattering particles incorporated therein and a reflective end surface is disclosed for use in phototherapy. As radiation propagates through the fiber tip, a portion of the radiation is scattered in a cylindrical (or partially cylindrical) pattern along the length of the fiber tip. Radiation which is not scattered during this initial pass through the tip is reflected by at least one surface of the assembly and returned through the tip. During this second pass, the remaining radiation (or at least a major portion of this returning radiation) again encounters the scatterers which provide further radial diffusion of the radiation. In one embodiment, a diffusive tip assembly is disclosed for diffusing radiation from an optical fiber. The tip assembly is adapted to receive the distal end of said fiber in order to direct the radiation outward, and includes a light transmissive tube or housing aligned with the distal end of the fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing personal identifying indicia are disclosed including a protective envelope having a high melting point and substantial corrosion resistance that is dimensioned to fit within a recess formed within a surface of a tooth. Also an identification carrier having identifying indicia placed on it being dimensioned to fit within the protective envelope which is then placed within the protective envelope and bonded within the tooth. The envelope may be constructed from various refractory materials, such as titanium or a zirconium alloys or compounds, in order to provide high temperature and corrosion resistance and the protective envelope can be sealed after the identifying indicia is placed within.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for the laser induced etching of a reactive material, or of a multilayer substrate or wafer comprising layers of materials of different etching characteristics and reactivities, are disclosed. Short wavelength laser radiation and control of the process ambient equalize etch rates of the layers of a multilayer substrate or wafer and allow high-resolution etching. A suppressant gas introduced into a halogen-containing ambient suppresses explosive reactions between the ambient and reactive materials or layers. For less reactive layers or materials, reduced-pressure air is a suitable ambient. The techniques and apparatus disclosed herein are particularly useful in the manufacture of magnetic data transfer heads.

Abstract: A catheter docking system is provided that is easily affixed to a patient and that facilitates the secure connection of an infusion line to an anesthesia-delivering catheter. The system comprises a docking station having an adapter mounted thereon. The adapter includes a first port adapted to communicate with an infusion line and a second port adapted to communicate with an anesthesia-delivering catheter. Valve means may be provided to regulate the flow between the first and second ports. In addition, the system preferably has associated with the docking station a means for relieving any tensile strain on the catheter line.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of volume deficiency disorders of body structures and related syndromes, and more particularly to devices that deliver fluid at a controlled pressure into an interstice of a patient to effect tissue expansion and to surgical procedures for augmenting volumetrically deficient structures or for reconstructing damaged natural body tissue by attachment of tissue segments cultivated by dilation. Methods of delivering fluid at a controlled pressure into an interstice are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cellular telecommunications method for use in a cellular telecommunications network (2) having at least one cluster (4) of adjoining cells (6), the cells being allocated different transmission frequencies, the method including swapping the different frequencies amongst the cells (6). A cellular telecommunications network including at least one cluster (4) having adjoining cells (6) with respective base stations (50), the base stations (50) being allocated different transmission frequencies and having control mechanism for controlling swapping of the different frequencies between the base stations (50).

Abstract: Laser energy produced by a laser operating in the mid-infrared region (approximately 2 micrometers) is delivered by an optical fiber in a catheter to a surgical site for biological tissue removal and repair. Disclosed laser sources which have an output wavelength in this region include: Holmium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Ho:YAG), Holmium-doped Yttrium Lithium Fluoride (Ho:YLF), Erbium-doped YAG, Erbium-doped YLF and Thulium-doped YAG. For tissue removal, the lasers are operated with relatively long pulses at energy levels of approximately 1 joule per pulse. For tissue repair, the lasers are operated in a continuous wave mode at low power. Laser output energy is applied to a silica-based optical fiber which has been specially purified to reduce the hydroxyl-ion concentration to a low level. The catheter may be comprised of a single optical fiber or a plurality of optical fibers arranged to give overlapping output patterns for large area coverage.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for measuring and providing a visual indication of the temperature of a fluid prior to its delivery to a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, in an irrigation fluid delivery system having a fluid delivery tube adapted to deliver an irrigation fluid to a patient, a temperature sensing device for measuring and for providing a visual indication of the temperature of the irrigation fluid immediately prior to the fluid being delivered to a patient can be incorporated into the fluid delivery tube. In another aspect of the invention, an irrigation fluid delivery system having a heating means and a temperature sensing means can be used for heating the fluid and for measuring and providing a visual indication of the temperature of the fluid prior to the fluid entering the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of IV fluid to an ambulatory patient are disclosed. The system includes a holder (e.g., a pouch, strap or web-sling) that secures the a source of infusion fluid to a patient's body. Alternatively, the holder can be in the form of a back pack or a fanny pack. The invention further includes a means for applying pressure to the IV fluid to induce infusion. For example, a pressure gradient can be supplied by an infuser bag or a mechanical pressure infuser that is present within the holder or otherwise coupled to an IV fluid container to exert compressive force thereon. The infuser bag can be inflated (e.g., by hand) and may include a valve to prevent over inflation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for practicing fluorescence spectroscopy to detect abnormal or cancerous tissue employing an transparent fluoropolymer optical probe to irradiate a target region of biological material and measure the fluorescent response of the target tissue. Based on the spectral response of the target region, the presence (or absence) of abnormal tissue can be determined. Transparent fluoropolymers reduce background fluorescence, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio in spectral analysis, because fluoropolymers have low self-fluorescence and, therefore, do not respond to ultraviolet excitation radiation with significant fluorescence of their own that would otherwise mask or interfere with the fluorescent radiation collected from a target tissue region in response to UV excitation radiation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for warming a typist's hands to provide relief from arthritis, muscle fatigue, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and general discomfort. A radiative hand warming apparatus includes, including a source of hand-warming radiation, and a holder for supporting the radiation source in proximity to a keyboard or other manual operation device, such that the user's hands can be warmed by radiant energy during typing. In one embodiment, the source of hand-warming radiation emits radiation having an intensity of about 10 to about 150 milliwatts/square centimeter as measured at the typist's hands. The radiation source can be, for example, an infrared (IR) radiation source. Such an infrared radiation source preferably emits IR radiation in at least a portion of the spectrum from about 1 to about 30 micrometers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for endoscopic suturing of biological tissue are disclosed. Endoscopic instruments are described which serve to position a suture material at an anastomotic site and deliver laser radiation to the suture material to effect fusion. The suture material includes a structure adapted for positioning at an anastomotic site and has at least a portion of the structure formed by a photoreactive crosslinking agent, such that upon irradiation of the structure the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material. In one embodiment, the suture material can also include a high tensile strength element which is coated with a laser activatable crosslinking agent or glue. Upon activation, the suture material creates a desired closure or joinder of the biological material and is left in place while the endoscope is advanced to another target site or removed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for diffusing radiation from a optical fiber to provide a larger exposure area for phototherapy and to provide a substantially uniform energy distribution to a major portion of the exposure area. The invention is especially useful in constructing and implementing circumferential and/or sideways-emitting diffusive tip assemblies, or quasi-spherical diffusive tip assemblies for optical fibers to direct laser radiation in a radially outward pattern relative to the fiber's axis. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of optically-transmissive fiber tip assemblies are employed to act as diffusers. The two or more fiber tip assemblies are deployed as loops which create a uniform illumination pattern. By "looping" or "folding" the fibers, a plurality of fibers can be deployed in conjunction with one another to create geometric exposure patterns with increased energy density while still avoiding "hot spots.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for radiation treatment of a tumor using an inflatable treatment device placed in an incision adjacent the tumor. The inflatable device is filled with a radioactive treatment fluid.