Abstract: A localized heat applying medical device is provided for applying heat to tissue adjacent a patient's tubal ostia in order to close the patient's fallopian tubes and sterilize the patient. Procedures of performing sterilizations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A localized heat applying medical device is provided for applying heat to tissue adjacent a patient's tubal ostia in order to close the patient's fallopian tubes and sterilize the patient. Procedures of performing sterilizations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A localized heat applying medical device is provided for applying heat to tissue adjacent a patient's tubal ostia in order to close the patient's fallopian tubes and sterilize the patient. Procedures of performing sterilizations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An operating assembly for use in a liquid operating environment includes a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a light reflecting tip mounted thereon for reflecting the light beam laterally. The tip includes a number of features which minimize undesired heating of the tip. The tip is preferably made of solid gold and has a reflecting mirror surface coined on the gold tip. A lateral flushing passageway is disposed through the tip and allows surrounding ambient liquid to flow across the surface of the mirror to aid in cooling the tip and to aid in keeping the mirror clean. The tip is preferably mounted on the fiber by crimping.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's prostate. An endoscopic instrument is inserted through the patient's urethra such that a distal portion of the endoscopic instrument is inserted into the patient's prostatic urethra and engaged with an interior wall of the prostatic urethra. A laterally transmitting laser fiber tip of a laser fiber is placed in the endoscopic instrument adjacent to a window therein such that the tip is spaced laterally from an area of the interior wall of the prostatic urethra. Laser light energy is transmitted laterally from the tip through the window onto the interior wall for treatment thereof. A telescope may be placed adjacent the laser fiber tip so that the interior wall of the prostatic urethra may be viewed. Irrigating fluid may be provided from a source external of the patient through the endoscopic instrument to a proximity of the tip. Excess fluid may be returned through the instrument to a fluid dump zone external of the patient's body.

Abstract: A package for an elongated flexible fiber. The package comprises a pair of package portions which define a fiber receiving cavity therein. Lips around the perimeter of the package allow a fiber to be wrapped thereon and passed between the lips into the fiber receiving cavity. Each package portion defines a fiber end receiving cavity therein, each fiber end receiving cavity being adapted for receiving an end of the fiber. Each fiber receiving cavity may be deflected away from the opposite package portion, thereby freeing the corresponding end of the fiber. The natural spring action of the elastically flexible fiber will cause the end of the fiber to pop radially outwardly from the package. Terminals, operating tips and other devices may be attached to the ends of the fibers.

Abstract: An operating assembly for use in a liquid operating environment includes a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a light reflecting tip mounted thereon for reflecting the light beam laterally. The tip includes a number of features which minimize undesired heating of the tip. The tip is preferably made of solid gold and has a reflecting mirror surface coined on the gold tip. A lateral flushing passageway is disposed through the tip and allows surrounding ambient liquid to flow across the surface of the mirror to aid in cooling the tip and to aid in keeping the mirror clean. The tip is preferably mounted on the fiber by crimping.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a rigid outer sheath having an inner sheath received therein. The outer sheath has a lateral window defined therein near a closed distal end of the outer sheath. The inner sheath carries a telescope and a laterally transmitting laser fiber tip. The laser fiber tip may be extended to a position laterally adjacent the open window while the telescope remains located proximal relative to the tip and the window, so that the tip and the tissue to be treated may be observed with the telescope while both the telescope and the tip remain within the outer sheath.

Abstract: A package for an elongated flexible fiber. The package comprises a pair of package portions which define a fiber receiving cavity therein. Lips around the perimeter of the package allow a fiber to be wrapped thereon and passed between the lips into the fiber receiving cavity. Each package portion defines a fiber end receiving cavity therein, each fiber end receiving cavity being adapted for receiving an end of the fiber. Each fiber receiving cavity may be deflected away from the opposite package portion, thereby freeing the corresponding end of the fiber. The natural spring action of the elastically flexible fiber will cause the end of the fiber to pop radially outwardly from the package. Terminals, operating tips and other devices may be attached to the ends of the fibers.

Abstract: A method is provided for sterilizing a female patient. The method includes inserting into the patient's uterus an elongated light transmitting conduit having a heat generating device on a distal end thereof. The heat generating device has a light transmitting aperture extending through a forward portion thereof. The heat generating device is maintained in fixed contact with an inner wall of the patient's uterus adjacent one of the patient's tubal ostia while transmitting light energy to the heat generating device to coagulate a substantial part of the interstitial portion of the patient's fallopian tube associated with the one of the patient's tubal ostia so that the fallopian tube is closed. A portion of the light energy transmitted through the conduit passes out through the aperture and through the tubal ostia into the fallopian tube to aid in coagulating the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube.