Abstract: A medical laser system for scanning a beam of laser light including an oscillating mirror that repeatedly scans a laser beam in a cyclical pattern, such as a circle or an ellipse, or in a zig-zag pattern within a defined boundary. The oscillating mirror can be included in a myringotomy instrument. Also, the oscillating mirror can be included in a joystick-controlled medical laser system, or in any other system where a cyclically scanned laser beam is useful.

Abstract: A microscope attachment assembly is provided for pivotably mounting a surgical laser to a microscope. A micromanipulator housing is adapted to swing away to an off-axis position to facilitate exchanging the objective lens of the microscope. The spot size of the laser is controlled by shifting the position of a field lens included in a field lens assembly which is shifted along the laser beam by a stepper motor. By toggling a cut/coagulate switch, the field lens is moved between a presetable cut-mode position and a presetable coagulate-mode position.

Abstract: A compact laser includes an inner quartz tube defining a central bore coaxially disposed within an outer quartz tube sealed with respective end cap assemblies. Each end cap assembly is bonded to a respective end of the outer quartz tube and includes an electrode which at least partially surrounds or is proximate to a corresponding end of the inner quartz tube. Each end cap assembly also supports a mirror element and includes means for adjusting the angular orientation of the mirror elements to bring them into mutually parallel optical relationship. An opening is provided at at least one end of the inner tube proximate to the corresponding electrode which serves to provide a path of lower resistance to direct the region of gas discharge away from the mirror element so that the resulting sputtering is substantially restricted to a region that does not contain the mirror element. The end cap assemblies are fabricated of one or more materials which are thermally compatible and bondable with quartz.

Abstract: A microscope attachment assembly for mounting a portable surgical laser directly to a surgical microscope to permit the laser to be rotated with respect to the optical axis of the microscope to various physical positions so that if the position of laser obstructs visual or physical axis to the surgical site it may be quickly and conveniently moved with a minimum risk of misalignment.