Abstract: A medical device applies localized heat to a site in a patient's body by irradiation with light and by conduction. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, typically an optic fiber, that carries radiant energy, typically high intensity light such as laser, into a body cavity, typically the uterus, from an energy source, typically a laser source, that is located exterior to the body. At the operative head of the device within the body cavity a portion of the transmitted radiant energy is absorbed and converted to heat. This heat is radiated or conducted from the device head substantially omnidirectionally in order to aid in destruction of tissue. Meanwhile, another portion of the transmitted radiant energy is emitted through an aperture in the device head as light energy suitable for more localized and intense heating and destruction of tissue or other organic matter. This light emission is preferably directionally transverse to an elongate body of the device head.

Abstract: A medical device applies localized heat to a site in a patient's body by irradiation with light and by conduction. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, typically an optic fiber, that carries radiant energy, typically high intensity light such as laser, into a body cavity, typically the uterus, from an energy source, typically a laser source, that is located exterior to the body. At the operative head of the device within the body cavity a portion of the transmitted radiant energy is absorbed and converted to heat. This heat is radiated or conducted from the device head substantially omnidirectionally in order to aid in destruction of tissue. Meanwhile, another portion of the transmitted radiant energy is emitted through an aperture in the device head as light energy suitable for more localized and intense heating and destruction of tissue or other organic matter. This light emission is preferably directionally transverse to an elongate body of the device head.

Abstract: A dispensing package for a fiber-optic cable comprised of two mating members and a separator disposed therebetween. The two mating members have centrally located openings and are joined at their mating edges and define a cavity therebetween. The separator is secured between the mating members to divide the cavity into first and second cable receiving chamber. Each cable receiving chamber accommodates a circularly coiled cable portion. A fiber-optic cable passes through the separator and opposite cable ends exit respectively from the central apertures of each mating member to allow cable to be payed out from opposite sides of the package. A series of apertures in the mating members and separator define a plurality of flow passages through the package for sterilization purposes.

Abstract: A medical device for applying localized heat to a site in a patient's body is described. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, e.g., a fiber optic, and a heat generating element which converts the transmitted radiant energy into heat. A suitable exterior guide member can also be provided for positioning the heat generating element. An opening can be provided in the heat generating element to enable a portion of the radiant energy to impinge directly upon the site. The medical device can be used to cauterize or destroy tissue, or to alter or remove undesirable deposits from lumens. The medical device can also serve as part of a system which provides the radiant energy and measures the temperature of the heat generating element while within the patient.

Abstract: A medical device for applying localized heat to a site in a patient'body is described. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, e.g., a fiber optic, and a heat generating element which converts the transmitted radiant energy into heat. A suitable exterior guide member can also be provided for positioning the heat generating element. An opening can be provided in the heat generating element to enable a portion of the radiant energy to impinge directly upon the site. The medical device can be used to cauterize or destroy tissue, or to alter or remove undesirable deposits from lumens. The medical device can also serve as part of a system which provides the radiant energy and measures the temperature of the heat generating element while within the patient.