Abstract: A hand-held self-contained nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light source is mounted to the handpiece. Light is passed from the light source through optical tip to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. In some embodiments, the handpiece contains a self-contained power source, such as batteries. In some embodiments, the handpiece is at least in part, activated by remote control in order to prevent moving the handpiece during activation. Some embodiments include a unit operable to sense a response of nerve stimulation and to suppress a laser-ablation surgery operation.

Abstract: An improved procedure for performing liposuction is obtained by utilizing a needle that includes a laser source conductor with one end of the needle being configured for insertion into a target adipose skin volume and the other end being coupled to a laser source. The needle may include one or more channels for extracting the treated adipose area. A vacuum source can be used in the extraction of the treated adipose. Further, the first end of the needle may include a cap or end-piece that reduces the build up of carbon deposits. A temperature sensor may be used as input to adjust the laser power and prevent over exposure.

Abstract: A telemanipulatively controlled guide tube acts as a wrist mechanism for a surgical instrument that extends through the guide tube. The instrument may be removed and replaced with another instrument. In some aspects the instruments are commercial, off the shelf minimally invasive surgical instruments.

Abstract: Methods, software, and systems are provided for determining an ablation target shape for a treatment for an eye of a patient. Techniques include determining wavefront information from the eye of the patient with a wavefront eye refractometer, determining anterior corneal shape information from the eye with a corneal topography device, and combining the wavefront information and the anterior corneal shape information to determine the ablation target shape.

Abstract: A system and method for altering the shape of a lamina of transparent material (e.g. the cornea of an eye), as it is being subjected to a transverse pressure differential, requires a computer controlled laser unit. In accordance with specified input parameters, the computer directs the laser unit to perform LIOB over predetermined surfaces within the lamina. This weakens the material for a desired reshaping of the lamina in response to the pressure differential. With respect to a perpendicular axis that is defined by the lamina, surfaces parallel to the axis (e.g. cylindrical surfaces) are separated from each other by about two hundred microns. For surfaces perpendicular to the axis, the separation is about ten microns. In each instance, the cuts that result from LIOB are only about two microns thick.

Abstract: A medical robotic system and method for controlling the system are provided to precisely measure contact force during the minimally invasive surgery. In one embodiment, a medical robotic system includes an input device, a robotic arm assembly, a surgical instrument operably coupled to the robotic arm assembly, the surgical instrument including a contact detection unit configured to detect a contact of the surgical instrument with tissue of a patient, a current measurement unit configured to measure a joint current in the robotic arm assembly, a position/velocity measurement unit configured to measure a joint position and a joint velocity in the robotic arm assembly, an external force calculation unit configured to calculate size and direction of a contact force caused by the contact of the surgical instrument to the tissue based on the joint currents, positions and velocities measured when the contact is occurred and measured when the contact is not occurred.

Abstract: A remote control system capable of precise operations or treatments in which the visual recognition and operation portions are as close to each other as possible, including: a) an imaging device for taking an image of the object; b) a manipulation tool having at its tip an illuminator for casting a spot light onto the object; c) a driver for changing the position of the manipulation tool; d) an external display unit for displaying an image; e) an input unit for allowing an operator to specify a position corresponding to the display of the external display unit; f) a distance calculator for calculating the distance between the position specified through the input unit and the position of the spot light cast from the illuminator onto the object; and g) a controller for controlling, based on the aforementioned distance, the driver so as to bring the tip of the manipulation tool closer to the specified position.

Abstract: Light-source treatment devices such as dermatological or cosmetic devices include a skin contacting surface layer that is antimicrobial. The antimicrobial skin contacting surface layer enhances the cleanliness of the device and helps reduce infection and contamination risks associated with use of the devices, particularly where the treatment of multiple individuals occurs. The antimicrobial layer may be titanium dioxide.

Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.

Abstract: A skin proximity sensor and method are disclosed in a dermatologic treatment device that includes a bezel or similar surface, and a treatment source capable of being activated to supply a dermatologic treatment through the bezel or surface, such as a window or similar port. A plurality of contacts leading to remotely located capacitors, in some embodiments, or a plurality of capacitive sensors in other embodiments, is positioned in or under the bezel and around the window, and control circuitry coupled to the plurality of capacitors senses the change in capacitance due to skin and inhibits activation of the dermatologic treatment device unless the proximity of skin is sensed. The presence of skin is detected, for example, by measuring changes in charge and discharge times, indicating a variation in capacitance.

Abstract: A cryoablation catheter assembly includes a catheter that defines at least one coolant outtake region and receives a rotatable guide tube and a coolant transfer tube. The coolant transfer tube receives and transfers coolant from a coolant source to a distal end of the coolant transfer tube. An expansion element is coupled to a distal portion of the catheter and defines an inner expansion-element space. The inner expansion-element space is in fluid communication with the at least one coolant outtake region and the distal end of the coolant transfer tube. A distal end of the expansion element couples to the guide tube. A rotation system is coupleable to, or coupled to, a proximal end of the guide tube and rotates the distal end of the expansion element relative to the proximal end of the expansion element by rotating the guide tube relative to the catheter.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a main arm, of which the proximal end bears a drive, and a proximal manipulation structure, and of which the distal end bears a controlled distal structure that may itself bear a surgical tool. The main arm passes through a surgical trocar. The proximal manipulation structure includes two opposed contact zones and stress sensors positioned in a central zone between the two opposed contact zones. The stress sensors operate the drive as a function of the stresses applied to the contact zones in order to produce the pivoting and rotating movements of the surgical tool with respect to the main arm. This ensures that there is optimal decoupling of the movements in the various degrees of freedom, thus making it easier to obtain movements through stressing operations that are natural to the operating surgeon.

Abstract: An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad.

Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion, and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A device and method for restoring functionality of blood vessels are disclosed. Laser energy is accurately and precisely applied in order to restore vessel functionality. This is accomplished by a controlled, reliable and specific shrinkage and/or strengthening of the vessel structure by controlled transport of laser radiation via an optical fiber to the treatment site. Laser wavelength is chosen according to the required penetration depth in tissue. In a preferred embodiment, wavelength of approximately 1470 nm is used. A mini-endoscope is preferably used to control the process by visual inspection from the inside of the vessel but other means may also be combined to control the procedure. Full 360° radial emission, i.e., delivery of laser radiation perpendicularly or fairly inclined relative to the veins axis, is beneficial, and is accomplished by means of a radial emitting fiber.

Abstract: In a method of ablating a tunica of a patient, a laser fiber is inserted into the tunica of the patient. Portions of the tunica are exposed to laser light discharged from the laser fiber. The portions of the tunica that are exposed to the laser light are ablated. In one embodiment, a device is used to control the exposure of the tunica to the laser light. In one embodiment, a penile prosthesis is implanted in the ablated tunica.

Abstract: In a method of ablating a tunica of a patient, a laser fiber is inserted into the tunica of the patient. Portions of the tunica are exposed to laser light discharged from the laser fiber. The portions of the tunica that are exposed to the laser light are ablated. In one embodiment, a device is used to control the exposure of the tunica to the laser light. In one embodiment, a penile prosthesis is implanted in the ablated tunica.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of wireless communication in a robotic surgical system comprises providing a carriage link of a robotic manipulator including a printed circuit assembly and a link communication device, positioning a sterile drape over the robotic manipulator, mounting a removable surgical instrument on the carriage link, and passing data wirelessly in either or both directions through the sterile drape between the link communication device and the surgical instrument along with power for electrical circuitry on the instrument. A robotic manipulator and robotic surgical system are also provided.

Abstract: A medical device for fragmenting objects and aspirating remaining debris enables a physician or other medical personnel quickly and easily remove objects, such as kidney stones, from a patient. The medical device can include a dual-lumen elongated member and a handle coupled to the elongated member. A first one of the lumens provides a suction passageway, and a second one of the lumens receives a laser fiber for delivering laser energy to an object, such as a kidney stone, within the patient. The handle can include a positioning mechanism to enable the physician by manual manipulation to move and hold in place the laser fiber longitudinally within the second lumen.