Abstract: A multiple wavelength laser system includes an active laser gain medium comprising metal vapor which, when excited, produces laser radiation at a plurality of wavelengths. A plurality of medically useable wavelengths are coaxially transmitted from the laser system for simultaneous use in a medical procedure. One of the wavelengths produced is closely matched to a light absorption peak of either water or Hemoglobin, and another wavelength is matched to the other of these light absorption peaks or a targeted photosensitive agent or chemical. The disclosed laser system can also include a laser gain medium comprising a plurality of metal vapors to produce the plurality of wavelengths desired. In preferred embodiments, the metal vapors can include barium, thulium, and/or samarium. A laser conversion device such as an OPO crystal may also be included to convert a portion of the radiation to one or more additional medically useable wavelengths.

Abstract: An input command controller (A) provides logic function selection signals and proportional signals. The signals are generated by movement of a ball member (12) and socket member (14) relative to two orthogonal axes. When the joystick is implanted, a transmitter (50) transmits the signals to a patient carried unit (B). The patient carried unit includes an amplitude modulation algorithm such as a look-up table (124), a pulse width modulation algorithm (132), and an interpulse interval modulation algorithm (128). The algorithms derive corresponding stimulus pulse train parameters from the proportional signal which parameters are transmitted to an implanted unit (D). The implanted unit has a power supply (302) that is powered by the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal and stimulation pulse train parameter decoders (314, 316, 318). An output unit (320) assembles pulse trains with the decoded parameters for application to implanted electrodes (E).

Abstract: Laser energy produced by a laser operating in the mid-infrared region (approximately 2 micrometers) is delivered by an optical fiber in a catheter to a surgical site for biological tissue removal and repair. Disclosed laser sources which have an output wavelength in this region include: Holmium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Ho:YAG), Holmium-doped Yttrium Lithium Fluoride (Ho:YLF), Erbium-doped YAG, Erbium-doped YLF and Thulium-doped YAG. For tissue removal, the lasers are operated with relatively long pulses at energy levels of approximately 1 joule per pulse. For tissue repair, the lasers are operated in a continuous wave mode at low power. Laser output energy is applied to a silica-based optical fiber which has been specially purified to reduce the hydroxyl-ion concentration to a low level. The catheter may be comprised of a single optical fiber or a plurality of optical fibers arranged to give overlapping output patterns for large area coverage.

Abstract: A pulsed light source for cutting away biological tissue has a control unit that controls the light source in such a way that the light source supplies a series of pulses of predetermined duration and radiation intensity. The control unit may be operated to cause the light source to supply short pulses (10) at a predetermined and/or controllable rate of repetition with a radiation intensity sufficient to cut away the tissues, and radiation followed by light emission (11) or the like with a radiation intensity that is not sufficient to cut away the tissues but is sufficient to generate heat.

Abstract: A method for treating a neoplasm, such as a malignant tumor, in humans and other animals, is disclosed. A chromophore and an immunoadjuvant are introduced into the neoplasm. The neoplasm is then lased at an irradiance sufficient to induce neoplastic cellular destruction and to stimulate the self-immunological defense system against neoplastic cellular multiplication.

Abstract: Improved methods of spherical and astigmatic laser correction. By using an array of micro-charge coupled devices, a spatially-resolved refractive error map is generated which guides the treatment process. Improved astigmatic correction is provided by avoiding laser treatment of the unaffected cornea. Complex astigmatic corrections including lenticular astigmatism and mixed astigmatism are treated by first sphericizing the corneal surface before correcting the residual refractive error.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for thermally obliterating biological tissues by laser radiation introduced into the tissue by means of an optical waveguide. The laser radiation is scattered by means associated with the radiation output surface of the optical waveguide. A biocompatible, medium to highly visquous liquid which does not substantially absorb the laser radiation but scatters it, is injected into the tissue, forming a scattering fluid deposit around the radiation output surface which is not separated from the tissue and which allows the tissue to be heated in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a zoom system for imaging, with a variable scale of imaging, a fixed entrance plane (16) onto a likewise fixed target plane (15). The zoom system includes a proximal partial system (T.sub.1) with variable converging power and a distal partial system with fixed converging power. The proximal partial system itself includes a distal component (10) and a proximal component (8), which respectively have a positive converging power. The converging power of the proximal component (8) is substantially greater than the converging power of the distal component (10). The proximal partial system (T.sub.1) acts as a collimator. The rear focal plane is virtual. Between the proximal component (8) and the distal component (10), two components (9a, 9b) with negative converging power are displaceable along the optical axis for varying the magnification. These displaceable components (9a, 9b) have a high converging power, so that a large variation of the imaging scale between 1.times. and 20.times.

Abstract: An optical localization fiber 20 is provided suitable for preoperative localization of soft tissue lesions by x-ray mammography, CT, MRI, ultrasonography, or nuclear medicine. A hook 28 is carried by the optical fiber for retaining the fiber in soft tissue. The tip 26 of the optical fiber is visible through the soft tissue when the proximal end of the optical fiber is attached to a light source 170. Other embodiments include clad or coated 42 optical fibers, bundled optical fibers 156, hooks which are metallic 82, braided 66, and multiple 128, and a helix 162.

Abstract: Typically, a laser emits significant energy after a control signal is generated to disable the power supply. The inherent delay between generation of a control signal for shutting off a laser power supply and actual termination of an output beam pulse in response to the control signal, is compensated in the context that the control signal is generated automatically upon coincidence of measured output beam power with a preset threshold value. Power supplied to a laser is modulated to cause generation of a pulsed laser output beam. The cumulative energy of each output beam pulse is monitored and a feedback signal indicative of measured output beam pulse energy is supplied to the power supply. The feedback signal is compared with a user-selected threshold value, and a control signal is generated for terminating the output beam pulse (by terminating input power to the laser) when the measured output pulse energy reaches the threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides in various embodiments novel, wearable systems for determining the metabolic condition of an aerobically stressed portion of tissue such as the muscle tissue of an exercising person. Generally, the systems comprise lightweight rugged detectors, worn adjacent the tissue being monitored. The system of the present invention thus minimizes any performance impairment. In preferred systems a wearable power pack and a wearable display means are provided for displaying information indicative of the aerobic metabolic condition of the region being monitored. In a preferred embodiment intended for use while running or engaged in similar athletic activities, the display is worn on the wrist and displays information from a leg-mounted detector. In another embodiment, intended to provide information to coaches, a telemetry system is employed to transmit a signal carrying the data from the detector to a remote location, for processing and display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for superficially ablating and/or photochemically altering a substrate, e.g., a biological tissue, having a first refractive index, e.g., to a desired configuration, including a laser energy source which provides laser energy to an energy coupling wave generator which generates laser energy waves from the laser energy, the generator having a surface adapted to contact and form an interface with the substrate and having a second refractive index higher than the first refractive index, wherein laser energy entering the wave generator impinges on the surface at an angle of incidence greater than or equal to a critical angle for total internal reflection when the surface is not contacting the substrate, and wherein the wave generator couples the laser energy waves, e.g., refracted or evanescent waves, into the substrate at the interface to superficially ablate the substrate when contacting the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for clogging blood vessels of an eye fundus includes an illuminating optical system (1) for illuminating an eye fundus of a subject, who has been given an injection of an infrared fluorescent agent, with infrared rays of light and exciting the infrared fluorescent agent so as to generate infrared fluorescence, a photographic optical system (2) for observing and photographing the eye fundus, and a projecting optical system (21) for projecting a laser beam of light having a specific wavelength onto the subject who has been also given an injection of a photosensitive substance which undergoes a photochemical change by the laser beam. In the apparatus, while a region which emits infrared fluorescence is being observed, the laser beam is projected onto the photosensitive substance so as to clog blood vessels of a diseased part in the depth of the eye fundus.

Abstract: Systems and methods supply ablation energy to an electrode in contact with tissue to form a tissue-electrode interface. The system and methods sense, simultaneously with ablation, at least two tissue temperature conditions using at least two tissue temperature sensing elements which are held within a carrier that is substantially isolated from thermal conductive contact with the electrode. The carrier holds the tissue temperature sensing elements in a spaced apart relationship in thermal conductive contact with tissue at different depths beneath the tissue-electrode interface. The systems and methods control the supply of ablation energy to the electrode based, at least in part, upon temperatures sensed by the tissue temperature sensing elements.

Abstract: A method for corneal laser surgery includes directing the focal point of a focused laser beam at a start point in the stroma. The focal point is then moved along a predetermined path in the cornea to photodisrupt tissue and to create a flap or a plug of corneal tissue. Specifically, the flap or plug is crated with an undercut region that interlocks with an overlap region to restrain movement of the flap or plug in an anterior direction. Stromal tissue under the flap or plug can then be removed when the plug or flap is forceably lifted from the cornea. The flap or plug is subsequently replaced in its interlocking relationship with the remainder of the corneal tissue. The diminished stromal tissue reshapes the cornea in a manner which improves the vision of the patient.

Abstract: A laser surgery apparatus including a contact tip comprising an input face having a surface for receiving laser energy from an optical waveguide directed along an axis of propagation. The surface is inclined relative to the axis of propagation such that an angle of incidence between the laser light and the surface is approximately equal to Brewster's angle. Another aspect of the invention includes coating a portion of the tip body with a coating that is reflective to the laser energy. One preferred embodiment comprises a tip body coated with a single coating consisting essentially of a material which is biologically compatible with tissue to prevent generation of a toxic tissue response. A further aspect of the invention includes a tip configuration having a generally conical exterior with a substantially flat surface disposed obliquely to a core axis of the tip body.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for template-controlled, precision laser interventions is described that greatly improves the accuracy, speed, range, reliability, versatility, safety, and efficacy of interventions such as laser microsurgery, particularly ophthalmic surgery, and industrial micromachining. The instrument and system are applicable to those specialties wherein the positioning accuracy of laser lesions is critical, wherever accurate containment of the spatial extent of a laser lesion is desirable, and/or whenever precise operations on a target or series of targets subject to movement during the procedure are to be effected.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for controlling an apparatus for removing tissue from the eye performs various types of corrections using a relatively large beam, but oscillating, or dithering, that being to prevent reinforcing ridges from being formed during the tissue removal process. Further, various types of correction, such as hyperopia and astigmatism correction, are performed using a large beam that is scanned over the area to be ablated using overlapping shots. Further, the epithelium in the area to be treated is removed using an infrared fluorescent dye to dye the epithelium, and then observing the fluorescent patterns from the epithelium area to be removed. Once a certain area is no longer fluorescent after laser shots, smaller shots are then applied, selectively removing the epithelium from the remaining regions. Again, the fluorescence patterns are observed, and the process is repeated until no epithelium remains.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing cataracts in which a flexible line preferably is inserted through an incision into the anterior chamber until its end is adjacent the cataract. Ultrasonic energy, preferably up to 100 Mhz, is coupled to the cataract by an optical fiber in the line. An irrigation sleeve provided about the optical fiber and an aspiration sleeve extending partially around the irrigation sleeve conduct irrigating liquid to and remove the fragmented/emulsified material from the anterior chamber and form with the fiber the flexible line.

Abstract: A process for destroying relatively deep formations of unwanted sub-epidermal tissue by heating water in the formations with a laser to denature proteins therein. In an exemplary embodiment, a laser beam is operated to irradiate a target region of highly vascularized dermal tissue in a blood-circulating living being, such as a human. The laser light preferably has a wavelength of about 1.45-1.68 .mu.m. This operating parameter provides the laser beam with a low enough water absorption coefficient to facilitate adequate penetration in to the target area while still providing enough energy to heat water to a temperature capable of spatially conforming vascularized tissue in the target area.