Abstract: A system for obtaining serial biochemical, anatomical or physiological in vivo measurements of disease from one or more medical images of a patient before, during and after treatment, and measuring extent and severity of the disease is provided. First anatomical and functional image data sets are acquired, and form a first co-registered composite image data set. At least a volume of interest (VOI) within the first co-registered composite image data set is identified. The first co-registered composite image data set including the VOI is qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed to determine extent and severity of the disease. Second anatomical and functional image data sets are acquired, and form a second co-registered composite image data set. A global, rigid registration is performed on the first and second anatomical image data sets, such that the first and second functional image data sets are also globally registered.

Abstract: A microsurgical laser probe is provided with a distal end portion of an optic fiber that projects from a tubular sleeve of the probe and can be caused to bend relative to the probe sleeve by manual manipulation of a mechanism on a handle of the probe.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the treatment of either endo-cavital infections or abnormal surface tissue conditions, particularly destructive bacterial infections, post major invasive surgery abscesses and skin infections such as vitiligo and psoriasis. If required, a catheter system is used, which allows the simultaneous drainage of an infected locus and irradiation of the infected locus with laser-generated pulsed ultraviolet light. The laser light wavelength is chosen so as to require radiation, which is lethal to the microorganisms causing the infection, at the lowest possible dose which will provide ameliorative therapty. Alternatively, a diode-pumped solid state Raman laser device is used which can be configured to provide in sequence a selected number of output wavelengths in the ultraviolet spectral range.

Abstract: A system for positioning the eye of a patient, relative to a stationary surgical laser unit, includes a chair for moving the patient. An eye stabilizing element is held against the eye, with a tapered receptacle extending outwardly therefrom. Also, an alignment device with a tapered tip is mounted on the surgical laser unit. In operation, the patient is moved to engage the receptacle of the eye stabilizing element with the tip of the alignment device, to thereby align the patient's eye with the surgical laser unit for laser surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved light delivery catheters for use in therapeutic methods, such as PDT, that require illumination of target tissue within a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. An improved catheter includes an optical fiber that transmits light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to a light treatment zone. An occlusion balloon on the distal end of the catheter shaft adjacent to the light treatment zone receives fluid via an inflation lumen in the catheter shaft. An infusion lumen connects with a plurality of infusion ports at the light treatment zone to deliver infusion fluid to the hollow body organ so that blood can be flushed from the region between the light treatment zone and target tissue.

Abstract: A microwave thermokeratoplasty system uses an applicator having embedded sensors that provide feedback signals to a controller. The controller interprets these feedback signals to dynamically adjust or cease a keratoplasty operation. The system uses a microwave applicator that is specially adapted for direct application of energy to an eye in the course of treatment. The applicator is formed of discrete zones or sectors that are selectively controlled in an individual manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of precisely controlling deflection or twisting of a surgical instrument during surgery is applied to a surgical instrument incorporating a shape memory alloy. An example of such an instrument is a Nitinol urological retrieval coil. The shape memory alloy is caused to assume a predetermined shape when heated to a predetermined temperature not more than a few degrees above body temperature, by delivering irrigating fluid having a temperature above the transformation temperature of the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of surgical material removal from a body by optical-ablation with controlled pulse energy from an amplifier including inputting an ablation-threshold-pulse-energy-for-material-being-ablated signal; controlling the energy of a pulse and the pulse repetition rate and by knowing the type of material being removed, the system can control the removal to predetermined rate and, thus knowing the removal rate, it can know how long to run to stop at the predetermined volume.

Abstract: In one aspect, a wound management system is provided. The wound management system includes a multi-lumen cannula adapted to be disposed in a wound site. The multi-lumen cannula includes (1) a fiber optic light distribution system adapted to irradiate the wound site with light; (2) one or more catheters adapted to deliver a fluid to the wound site; and (3) one or more evacuation lines adapted to remove fluid from the wound site. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method of surgical ablative material removal “in-vivo” or from an outside surface with a short optical pulse that is amplified and compressed using either an optically-pumped-amplifier and air-path between gratings compressor combination or a SOA and chirped fiber compressor combination, wherein the generating, amplifying and compressing are done within a man-portable system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming annular lesions in tissue. The methods include introduction of an optical apparatus proximate to a tissue site, via, for example, a catheter. The optical apparatus includes a pattern-forming optical wave guide in communication with a light transmitting optical fiber. Energy is transmitted through the optical fiber, such that radiation is propagated through the optical fiber and the wave guide projects an annular light pattern, e.g., a circle or a halo.

Abstract: A method for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue, comprises the step of providing laser pulses with a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency from 50 kHz to 1 MHz and with a wavelength between 600 and 2000 nm for acting on the material to be worked. Apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue comprising a pulsed laser, wherein the laser has a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency of from 50 kHz to 1 MHz is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for treating tissue in a region at depth by applying optical radiation thereto of a wavelength able to reach the depth of the region and of a selected relatively low power for a duration sufficient for the radiation to effect the desired treatment while concurrently cooling tissue above the selected region to protect such tissue. Treatment may be enhanced by applying mechanical, acoustic or electrical stimulation to the region.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus is provided for isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) having a catheter shaft, a probe disposed within the catheter shaft, and a control mechanism coupled to both the catheter shaft and the probe. The catheter shaft includes a main body with a distal tip section. The tip section can be deflected from the shaft's central axis in a controlled manner. The probe can be extended outward from the catheter shaft and has a distal end that is brought into contact with the LAA. The control mechanism controls the catheter shaft's rotational and longitudinal movement, the tip section's degree of deflection, and the probe's axial movement with respect to the catheter shaft. Preferably, the distal end is able to form a pre-stressed loop selected to have a size allowing it to substantially encircle the LAA's base. A method for epicardial isolation of the LAA is also provided.

Abstract: A method of using a probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted to a shielded, Piezo-electric motor constructed and arranged to move the fiber both longitudinally and rotationally within an optional elongate cannula. An MRI system is arranged to generate a series of output signals indicative of temperature in the targeted area. The application of energy is stopped when the temperature at the boundary of the lesion reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end.

Abstract: A positioning system for an applicator includes a glove for being used for a diagnosis of the affected part, a mark body provided on the glove, an applicator for being inserted into a living body, and an energy emitter provided on the applicator for supplying energy to the living body. The positioning system further includes a sensor provided on the applicator which is capable of detecting the distance to the mark body, a control apparatus for discriminating an optimum position of the applicator based on the distance between the sensor and the mark body while the mark body is disposed in the proximity of the affected part based on a diagnosis performed using the glove, and a display apparatus for displaying a result of the discrimination by the control apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for aesthetic manipulation of the skin having a large pulsator with plurality of light emitting diodes of at least two different wavelengths and a small pulsator with one light emitting diode. A frequency modulating means automatically modulates the emitting frequency of the light emitting diodes to a plurality of different frequencies. A power output modulating means modulates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A phase switching means allows selection between a plurality of operating phases, each operating phase operating the frequency modulating means and power output modulating means in a different predetermined manner. Calibration means connected in circuit with the light emitting diodes calibrates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A vibration means vibrates the large pulsator. A vibration switching means selectively activates the vibration means.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment. The apparatus includes multiple sources of optical energy or several blades that are scanned along a region of skin to form micro-line patterns of damaged tissue. The micro-lines are small in at least one dimension, having a width of less than about 1 mm, and the wounded regions promote beneficial results by stimulation of wound healing and tissue remodeling.

Abstract: An intravascular device for the formation of linear lesions which has particular utility in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter. The intravascular device has an outer delivery member with a distal section which has an elongated opening and a support element coextending with the opening. An EP device having a plurality of electrodes on its distal section is slidably disposed within the inner lumen of the delivery member but it is secured by its distal end within the distal extremity of the delivery member at least while in operation. In this manner an axial force in the proximal direction on the proximal extremity of the EP device, which extends out of the patient during the procedure, will cause the distal shaft section of the EP device to arch outwardly out of and away from the distal section of the delivery shaft along an inner side of the curved distal section and engage the surface of the patient's heart chamber.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of wrinkles on human skin, by stimulating collagen growth beneath the epidermis layer, comprising the steps of: arranging a pulsed dye laser generator in light communication with a pulsed dye laser delivery device. The pulsed dye laser delivery device is applied against tissue having wrinkles. The pulsed dye laser generator generates a pulsed dye laser light. A pulsed dye laser light from the pulsed dye laser delivery device is directed onto the tissue, to reach hemoglobin in a collagen layer up to about 1.2 mm. beneath the surface of the tissue to effect growth changes therein.