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: An apparatus for lowering the temperature of skin on a patient during treatment applying electromagnetic energy to the skin comprising a window of a first thermally conductive material through which electromagnetic energy can pass for placement against the epidermis of the skin. A reservoir of coolant is spaced from an edge of the window. A non-flowing second thermally conductive material connects the window and the reservoir to transfer heat from the window to the coolant in the reservoir.

Abstract: A desktop medical laser generator (10) for laser surgery has a base plate (12) and an optical assembly (14) mounted thereon. The optical assembly (14) has an improved lamp housing (16) having two identical shell sections (44) and associated components for housing a YAG rod (60) and a lamp (58). Light emitted from the lamp housing (16) is doubled in frequency by a KTP crystal (26), monitored by two power detectors (32,34) and emitted through an output connector (36). A line power control system (90) insures the current drawn from a standard wall receptacle (80) does not exceed accepted limits. An output power detection system (90) closely monitors output power.

Abstract: A fiber optics calibration system (10) incorporated into a laser surgical system (12). A laser light source (14) produces a light beam (16), a portion of which is directed by a first beam splitter (18) into a radiation detector (26) and a further portion of which is directed by a safety detector (28) into a safety detector. A safety shutter (31) is interposed between the radiation detector (26) and the safety detector (28) and controlled by the safety detector (28). During calibration, the light beam is directed through a fiber optic cable (24) and then through a calibration adaptor (34) and calibration receptacle (36) a via a light pipe (38) to the safety detector (28). A calibration switch (40) locks out operation of the safety shutter (31) such that readings of the radiation detector (26) can be compared to those of the safety detector (28) and compensation from an expected standard value be made therefor by a controlling computer (42).

Abstract: The BTR device of the present invention preferably comprises a housing chamber with an attached hand grip and actuating ringlet positioned to be grasped and pulled toward the hand grip. Inside the housing chamber is a hollow, open-ended, helically-slotted cylindrical element having a diagonal groove formed within the outer surface. A travelling pin, attached to the actuating ringlet, is fitted within the diagonal groove such that movement of the actuating ringlet simultaneously moves the travelling pin and rotates the helically-slotted cylindrical element. Gear teeth on the helically-slotted cylindrical element engage gear teeth on an inner shaft element rotatably positioned within the helically-slotted cylindrical element such that rotation of the helically-slotted cylindrical element is transferred to the inner shaft element.

Abstract: A dermatology handpiece delivers a treatment beam of optical energy to a lesion. The handpiece has the ability to selectively determine whether or not the treatment beam is delivering optical energy to a lesion or to healthy tissue. This is achieved without visual inspection of the skin surface by the physician. Slight variations in tissue, not readily discernable by the human eye, can be detected and treated. A base line, or threshold, is established for the treatment area. Normal tissue, falling below the base line, does not receive a dose of optical energy. A threshold or base line signal is created by taking a reading of healthy skin. The dermatology handpiece is adjusted so that the treatment beam is not delivered until a threshold or base line signal is exceeded. Substantially all of a lesion receives the proper amount of optical energy in the treatment beam, while healthy tissue does not receive a dosage of optical energy.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing an output beam from a laser system on a body which provides for a uniform fluence level throughout an entire treatment region. A first structure receives the laser beam and aims it along a propagation axis. A scanner scans the propagation axis of the laser beam at a controlled scan velocity, so that the laser beam essentially continuously scans a treatment pattern on the body. The treatment pattern can consist of an essentially straight line, or a ring, or other pattern which can be easily fitted together with other patterns to fill in a treatment area.The method includes the steps of:supplying a laser beam,directing a laser beam along a propagation axis to the body, andscanning the propagation axis of the laser beam at a controlled scanned velocity, so that the laser beam essentially continuously scans the treatment pattern on the body.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber for laterally directing a laser beam having a waveguide including a tip for communicating electromagnetic radiation in a propagation direction to the tip of the waveguide, a transmitting surface on the tip of the waveguide, a reflecting surface on the tip of the waveguide for internally reflecting electromagnetic radiation communicated by the waveguide in a direction lateral to the propagation direction toward a particular area on the transmitting surface, and wherein the particular area and the reflecting surface are disposed so that substantially all electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reflecting surface is incident on the particular area at below a critical angle for transmission through the transmitting surface in the lateral direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical instrument. Specifically, a surgical instrument is disclosed which dispenses incising, transecting, or tissue treating energy to a body site or part undergoing an operation or treatment where energy is discharged from a conduit to effect the treatment. The disclosed instrument is inserted to an operative site that effectively rules out proximal manipulation of the instrument. Therefore, proximal insertion with subsequent distal manipulation excluding proximal side-to-side or up and down manipulation is disclosed. The disclosure further includes a deployable shield and is ideal for operative engagement to surgical sites on the body such as the carpal tunnel, tarsal tunnel, the wrist, temporomandibular joint, or scar tissue capsules forming around implants of the breast.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for incising the transverse carpal ligament in the hand for relief of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. More specifically, a process is disclosed in which incising energy, preferably laser energy, is introduced from under the ligament for transecting the transverse carpal ligament while permitting the surgeon to view the interface of transection. A probe, preferably attached to a pistol-type grip, includes at least one tube containing an optic viewing device (preferably fiber-optic), and a conduit for directing incising radiation for the ligament transection. The fiber-optic viewing device, energy conduit, and an optional suction tube commence at the pistol grip where they are connected to the requisite viewing device, energy source, and suction pump. The fiber-optic viewing device terminates at a sufficient distance from the pistol grip to permit extension from the insertion at the wrist to pass under the entire length of the transverse carpal ligament.

Abstract: A system for welding tissue by irradiation with laser energy, includes a laser for generating a beam of laser energy and directing the beam toward the tissue so as to irradiate the region to be welded. The laser has a control input and is responsive to a control signal supplied to said control input to adjust the power of the beam of laser energy. An infrared sensor senses the temperature of the tissue in the region to be welded by sensing infrared radiation coming from this region. The sensor provides a sensor output indicative of the temperature. A computer control arrangement is responsive to the sensor output. The computer control arrangement supplies a control signal to said laser such that the region to be welded is heated to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A disposable fiber diverter probe is provided that eliminates many of the typical problems associated with conventional fiber diverter probes that are designed to be used multiple times and must be sterilized between each use. The present invention utilizes thermoplastic materials in many of the components that traditional designs require to be made of metal in order to perform the required functions of a fiber diverter probe. The improved design of the present invention enables less complex, low cost parts to be used in a fiber diverter probe, wherein the probe still provides expanded capabilities over conventional, more expensive fiber diverter probes, such as more accessible and user-friendly controls for the surgeon. Moreover, the reduced cost of the fiber diverter probe provided by the present invention enables a medical facility or a private physician to make disposable fiber diverter probes economically feasible, thus eliminating the risk of exposing patients to a contaminated probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of aspirating vapors during laser surgery couples a vaporizing device with a source of vacuum. The apparatus includes an aspiration connector insertable into the vaporizing device and coupled to an optical waveguide disposed along a bore of the device. An aspiration pathway extends along with the optical waveguide in the bore of the vaporizing device forming a compact single passageway vaporizing device with aspiration capability. Vacuum control points are provided along the aspiration pathway to adjust the vacuum at an end where the vapors are formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing light at an angle provides an optical fiber with a bevelled end which internally reflects light or refracts light from the bevelled end at an angle to the fiber's axis depending on the bevelled angle. The apparatus also includes a cylindrical probe for surgical applications having a central bore and a cut-out in a side of the probe near one end. The cylindrical probe may have a sharp tip at the one end for penetrating tissue. The optical fiber having a bevelled end is insertable into the cylindrical probe. The bevelled end of the optical fiber is aligned with the cut-out in the cylindrical probe. Light transmitted through the optical fiber is directed from the bevelled end and through the cut-out to provide light at an angle to the axis of the fiber. A bevelled end plug is positioned adjacent to the bevelled end of the fiber. A housing holds the optical fiber and cylindrical probe and limits axial travel. An aspiration connector is coupled to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A laser system provides output wavelengths at near 1.06 and near 1.44 micron from an Nd:YAG gain medium, along with a frequency doubled output of the 1.06 micron line. This system is based on a laser resonator with a plurality of turning mirrors, each transmissive at a selective subset of the characteristic wavelengths of Nd:YAG and reflective at a selected output wavelength. The mechanism is coupled with the turning mirrors for selectively positioning one of the plurality of turning mirrors in the optical path, directing the beam on an output coupler having a fixed position with respect to a string of components for delivering the output beam to a surgical site. Also, the mechanism can selectively remove the turning mirror from the optical path. In this case, the beam is supplied to a frequency doubling alternate resonator design and output at the second harmonic of the 1.06 micron line is generated.

Abstract: Power output and power conversion efficiency of an intracavity non-linear optical laser is substantially increased by reducing the effect of thermal focussing per unit of pump energy enabling a stable resonator cavity at high input powers by utilizing a closely coupled reflector, multi-gain media configuration, and various pump source filters and/or semiconductor laser diode pumping.

Abstract: An elongated tube for inserting instrumentation during a percutaneous diskectomy using a laser introduces an optical guide into the nucleus of a herniated disc. The optical guide is disposed along the elongated tube and guides a laser beam. The laser beam which is guided by the optical guide is not aligned with at least a portion of the elongated tube.

Abstract: A crystalline slab laser system with an intracavity non-linear optic comprising one of a group of KTP and its isomorphs provides high power frequency summing or doubling. The optical path of the laser travels through the slab shaped gain media in a zigzag pattern.

Abstract: A method for performing percutaneous diskectomy using a laser applies a laser beam from the laser to vaporize nucleus pulposus in the nucleus of the herniated disc. The wavelength of the laser beam will vary and depend on the laser system used.

Abstract: A retention catheter comprises a length of flexible tubing having first and second ends, including first, second, and third axial lumens running therethrough. The first lumen includes first and second apertures located proximately to the first and second ends of said tubing, and is adapted to conduct fluid therethrough to or from a body cavity or vessel through the catheter. First and second inflatable balloons are circumferentially disposed about the outside of the tubing located proximate to a first end thereof. The first and second balloons are separated by a selected distance, and communicate with the second lumen through the tubing. The third lumen through the tubing terminates at a first end in a first aperture located on the outer wall of the tubing between the first and second balloons and at a second end in a vacuum aperture located proximate to the second end of the tubing opposite to the balloon end.