Abstract: A photothermal structure designed for the uniform application of a photothermal material, such as, for example, a dye or a pigment, to a tissue, e.g., the stratum corneum. In one embodiment, the photothermal structure comprises photothermal material combined with a carrier, such as, for example, an adhesive or an ink, and the resulting combination is applied to a substrate, such as, for example, an inert polymeric substrate to form a photothermal structure. In another embodiment, the photothermal structure comprises photothermal material incorporated into a film-forming polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a surgical system and method of use for treating and removing unwanted tissue, preferably from an organ or other internal part of a patient. The system includes a cryosurgical component for first freezing the unwanted living tissue by forming an ice mass which completely encompasses the unwanted living tissue and means for treating the cryogenically-treated tissue and then removing the tissue while it remains in a frozen state. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic device is used to ultrasonically vibrate the cryogenically-treated tissue to break apart the frozen tissue and the frozen broken-up pieces of tissue are removed using a technique, such as an aspiration process.

Abstract: A device for laser treatment of painful symptomatologies with a first laser source 1, a conveying device for conveying the laser energy to a hand unit 5, and optical structure 11, 13 for defocusing the laser beam.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preforming laser thermal keratoplasty capable of treating treatment areas with shapes that reduce regression. Both contact and non-contact apparatuses and methods are provided. The apparatus includes laser sources, a projection optical system, observation system, and control system. In some embodiments, the projection system uses two steering mirrors or a mask to control laser beam position on the cornea. This projection system enables precise control of the area of corneal heat shrinkage using relatively low-powered lasers, such as diode lasers. Desired changes in corneal refractive power are produced by selected patterns of photothermal shrinkage of corneal collagen tissue. The selected patterns are arrangements of oblong shapes that are preferably tapered at the ends of the long axis. The oblong shape and tapering distribute tension in the cornea over a wider area of collagen shrinkage and improve the stability of refractive correction.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for generating images of portions of the patient's eye, such as the anterior surface of the cornea. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are particularly useful for directly imaging the profile of the ablated region of the cornea during or immediately following a laser ablation procedure, such as photorefractive keratometry (PRK), phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or the like. These methods and apparatus allow the surgeon to precisely image the exterior edge of the eye to characterize the profile of ablated corneas and to determine the spatial variance of tissue ablation rates during the surgical procedures. Methods and apparatus are also provided for generating one or more images depicting the profile of the ablated region of the cornea. The profile is registered with a pre-ablation profile to provide feedback regarding the true ablation properties of the eye.

Abstract: A multitasking optical fiber probe for collecting dosimeter information from more than one position in a sample. The basic principle of the present invention involves using one or more different sensor zones along the length of the fiber each with a different photoactive constituent having a sufficiently unique emission spectra (spectral or temporal) to enable deconvolution of the emission spectra by the computer and therefore correlation of the detected parameter with the position of the sensor zone along the length of the optical fiber. In the broadest form of the invention the probe is embodied by only one sensor zone located at some point along the length of the fiber spaced away from the end face of the fiber.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus and method for treating open angle glaucoma in a human eye comprises thermally ablating a targeted region of the trabecular meshwork of a human eye by irradiating the region with a beam of pulsed laser radiation. The beam of pulsed radiation has a wavelength between 350 and 1300 nanometers, energy of 10 to 500 millijoules per pulse, and pulse duration of 0.1 to 50 microseconds. The beam is non-invasively delivered gonioscopically through the cornea onto a targeted region of the trabecular meshwork. The targeted region of the trabecular meshwork is illuminated at a spot size of between 50 and 300 microns in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stimulator head of a magnetic stimulator used in the stimulation of living tissue such as the human brain. Such a stimulator bead comprises a stimulator head body (3) suited for mounting the stimulator head on the magnetic stimulator equipment, at least one coil (1) which is connected to said stimulator head body (3) and is designed suitable for generating a stimulating magnetic field, and conductors (7) for passing electric current from said magnetic stimulator into any of said at least one coil (1). According to the invention, the stimulator head includes a housing (2) which is connected to said stimulator head body (3) and is designed to enclose at least one air-tight space (5) which further separates each of said at least one stimulator coil (1) from the other parts of said housing (2) facing the object being stimulated.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery apparatus comprising a system for observing an anterior portion of an eye, and an optical system for irradiating a laser beam for treatment to the eye, the apparatus is a corneal surgery apparatus irradiating the laser beam to a cornea and ablating a surface thereof, the apparatus comprising a moving device for moving the optical system relatively against the eye, an illuminating device for illuminating a large area of the anterior portion of the eye, a photoelectric transducing device having a two-dimensional light sensing plane, for sensing distribution of light volume of the anterior portion of the eye, a pupil position sensing device for sensing the position of a pupil, a control device for controlling the moving device based on sensed results, a tracking signal generating device for generating a signal to track movement of the eye, whereby the moving device is controlled by the control device so as to track movement of the eye by inputting a signal generated by the tracking signal g

Abstract: The present invention comprises an assembly for the single-hand manipulation of a light treatment device and a chilled air supply on a skin light-treatment site. The assembly comprises an elongated frame member having a first end and a second end. The frame member also has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having an elongated channel therealong for receipt of a light emitting optics for emitting a light beam therefrom. The lower portion has a bore extending therethrough for passage of chilled air from a chilled air source. The bore may be arranged to direct chilled air at an angle with respect to the light beam to chill the site. The assembly includes a handpiece tip member arranged at the second end of the frame assembly and maybe integral therewith. A flexible chilled air supply hose made of light weight foam material and reinforced with an expandable sleeve member connects a refrigeration unit to the frame assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating drug-filled pockets within muscle tissue, such as myocardium of the heart for increasing angiogenesis. More particularly, the apparatus has an excising assembly with a dilator tip for penetrating and advancing through the surface and body of a muscle or organ, such as the heart. Preferably, the dilator tip has a low level laser optical fiber emission to ease the passage of the excising assembly and provide thermal damage which also stimulates angiogenesis. More preferably, the dilator tip also disperses a pharmacologically active substance as the apparatus is passed through the tissue and/or creates pockets. The excising assembly is connected to a hand-held control device from which the operator pushes a switch to activate a punching mechanism within the excising assembly. The punching mechanism cuts a discrete piece of muscle tissue and traps it within the excising assembly leaving a pocket in the remaining muscle tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for control contraction of tissue that includes collagen fibers. The apparatus includes a handpiece, and an electrode with an electrode proximal end associated with the handpiece. A distal end of the electrode has a geometry that delivers a controlled amount of energy to the tissue for a desired contraction of the collagen fibers. This is achieved while dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers is minimized. The handpiece, with electrode, is adapted to be introduced through an operating cannula in percutaneous applications. Additionally, an operating cannula may be included in the apparatus and be attached to the handpiece. The apparatus and method provides for a desired level of contraction of collagen soft tissue without dissociation or breakdown of collagen fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenated tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy gently heats fascia and other collagenated support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy will preferably be applied between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces. Such cooled plate electrodes are capable of directing electrical energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia while the cooled electrode surface prevents injury to the intermediate tissue. Ideally, the plate electrode comprises an electrode array including discrete electrode surface segments so that the current flux can be varied to selectively target the fascia.

Abstract: An ophthalmic treatment apparatus uses therapy and diagnostic laser light sources whose beams are deflected two-dimensionally via an optical deflector and a galvanomirror and directed on the eye fundus to produce a fundus image on a display monitor. A photosensitive substance that accumulates specifically in neovascular regions is administered to the patient to define the region where the neovascular tissues are located. When the region is to be treated, the therapy laser light source is activated and its intensity is amplified by a controller and a driver for driving a light modulator. This arrangement assures a reliable definition of the affected region and enables only the neovascular tissues to be destroyed or sealed off because the laser intensity can be amplified at the region concerned.

Abstract: An orthopedic apparatus, for effecting a change in ligaments, joint capsules and connective tissue through the controlled contraction of collagen fibers, includes a trocar. The trocar has a trocar elongated body with a trocar longitudinal axis, a trocar distal end that is laterally deflectable relative to the trocar longitudinal axis, and a trocar proximal end. An electrode is positioned at the trocar distal end. The electrode delivers substantially uniform energy across an energy delivery surface of the electrode. The energy delivery surface is positioned next to an area of collagen fibers to cause a controlled amount of contraction of the collagen fibers while minimizing dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers. A handle is positioned at the proximal end of the trocar. The handle includes an actuating member and a locking member.

Abstract: A photo-thermal epilation apparatus enables the efficient delivery of a high energy light pulse of a sufficiently short duration to a selected follicle to effect permanent hair removal. The apparatus includes a flash lamp powered by a power supply module having an energy storage module interposed between the power supply module and the flash lamp. The energy storage. module, which has an output or network impedance matched to the flash lamp, produces a flattened and extended current pulse that is coupled from the energy storage module to the flash lamp in order to the energize the flash lamp to produce the desired high energy light pulse. An optical system, which includes a tapered needle-less probe, is included to receive the light pulse produced by the flash lamp and efficiently deliver the light pulse to a selected hair follicle to effect the photo-thermal epilation of the associated growth support tissue.

Abstract: Laser surgery is controlled by interferometry.

Abstract: A surface treatment laser beam delivery and tracking system is provided. The laser generates laser light along a original beam path at an energy level suitable for treating (e.g., eroding) a surface. An optical translator shifts the original beam path onto a resulting beam path. An optical angle adjuster changes the angle of the resulting beam path relative to the original beam path such that the laser light is incident on, and spatially distributed, the surface to be treated. A motion sensor transmits light energy to the surface and receives reflected light energy from the surface via the optical angle adjuster. The light energy transmitted by the motion sensor travels on a path that is parallel to the shifted beam as they travel through the optical angle adjuster. The reflected light energy is used by the motion sensor to detect movement of the surface relative to the original beam path and generate error control signals indicative of the movement.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for treating inflammatory, proliferative skin disorders, such as psoriasis, with ultraviolet phototherapy. The methods and systems use optical techniques to scan a patient's skin, designate areas of affected skin, and selectively deliver high doses of phototherapeutic ultraviolet radiation to the designated areas. To insure that only affected areas of skin affected are designated for the high doses of UV radiation, the methods and systems use one or more optical diagnostics that relate to independent physiological features of affected skin.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient comprises selecting a zone of a patient's iris to be treated, monitoring the patient's eye to determine a position of the selected zone, and, in accordance with the determined position of the zone, directing energy of a predetermined type and a predetermined magnitude toward the zone. The iris zone is selected in part by automatically scanning the patient's iris to generate a signal encoding patterns in the iris, and automatically comparing pattern data in the signal with previously stored pattern data to derive diagnostic information pertaining to the individual patient. The diagnosis and treatment selection are made by a computer programmed with statistical data correlating iris patterns of hue and light or darkness levels with physiological states of different organs and with possible treatments to counter undersirable conditions.