Abstract: The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves. According to some embodiments, the sensory nerves include neurons configured to transmit signals triggered by food passing through the duodenum, such as, but not limited to, neurohormonal signals.

Abstract: Apparatus to treat an eye comprises an annular retention structure to couple to an anterior surface of the eye. The retention structure is coupled to a suction line to couple the retention structure to the eye with suction. A coupling sensor is coupled to the retention structure or the suction line to determine coupling of the retention structure to the eye. A fluid collecting container can be coupled to the retention structure to receive and collect liquid or viscous material from the retention structure. A fluid stop comprising a porous structure can be coupled to an outlet of the fluid collecting container to inhibit passage of the liquid or viscous material when the container has received an amount of the liquid or viscous material. The coupling sensor can be coupled upstream of the porous structure to provide a rapid measurement of the coupling of the retention structure to the eye.

Abstract: An over shoe for use with electrosurgical instruments having a pair of juxtaposed jaw members pivotably associated with one another, at least one of which includes an electrically conductive surface disposed thereon which is in electrical engagement with an electrosurgical energy source. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the over shoe includes a tissue contacting wall configured and dimensioned to selectively and substantially overlie the electrically conductive surface of the electrosurgical instrument. The tissue contacting wall is fabricated from a non-conductive material and includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. In another embodiment, the tissue contacting wall is electrically conductive and is configured for selective engagement atop on of the jaw members.

Abstract: An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body to provide photodynamic therapy comprises: a housing moulded from a resilient material and adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing enclosing an LED lamp system 22 and a power source 41 for powering the LED lamp system 22; wherein the device is independently operational while located in the orifice; characterised in that: the housing comprises a first housing part 2 for holding the power source 41 and a second housing part 4 for holding the LED lamp system 22, the first and second housing parts 2, 4 being separable and being preferably formed separately from the LED lamp system 22; and in that the first housing part 2 consists of a chamber 6 for holding the power source 41 and an opening 26 into the chamber 6 is provided through a resilient opening part 8, wherein the chamber 6 is closed when the first housing part 2 is joined to the second housing part 4.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatuses for phototherapy to treat skin disorders. In particular, described herein are methods, compositions, phototherapy dressings for use with phototherapy UV light applicators (sources) and phototherapy UV light applicators to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis.

Abstract: A device for machining the cornea of a human eye with focused pulsed laser radiation includes controllable components, a control computer for controlling these components and a control program for the control computer. The control program contains instructions that are designed to generate an incision figure in the cornea permitting the insertion of an intrastromal corneal ring implant. The incision figure includes a ring incision situated totally deep within the corneal tissue and an opening incision extending at right angles to the ring plane of the ring incision from the anterior surface of the cornea or from the posterior surface of the cornea as far as at least the ring incision. The ring incision exhibits, assigned to the opening incision, a radial—relative to the ring axis—widening zone in which the opening incision impinges on the ring incision.

Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure includes an articulating probe including inner and outer sleeves, and a surgical tool including a functional element positioned at a distal end of a tool shaft, the tool shaft having an articulation region. The articulating probe and the surgical tool are independently controllable.

Abstract: An aesthetic treatment device including: a multi illumination system having at least one source in the visible region, disposed around a periphery of a predetermined area of skin; an imaging device, sensitive to the illumination system, to discern features on or in the skin within the predetermined area of skin to be treated; multiple treatment light sources mounted on an optical bench and aimed and focused to a point of treatment in the predetermined area of skin; a mechanical guidance system to guide the multiple treatment light sources; and a pulse generator to control power output of the multiple treatment light sources based upon the treatment to be applied to the predetermined area of skin.

Abstract: Providing neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma includes generating a micropulsed laser light beam having parameters and characteristics, including pulse length, power, and duty cycle, selected to create a therapeutic effect with no visible laser lesions or tissue damage to the retina. The laser light beam is applied to retinal and/or foveal tissue of an eye having glaucoma or a risk of glaucoma to create a therapeutic effect to the retinal and/or foveal tissue exposed to the laser light beam without destroying or permanently damaging the retinal and/or foveal tissue and improve function or condition of an optic nerve and/or retinal ganglion cells of the eye.

Abstract: A treatment method using a novel combination of non-invasive near infrared light (NIR)/laser therapy and the pharmacological agent ketamine, to more efficaciously upregulate neurotrophins and improve mitochondrial function. The NIR therapy is characterized by wavelengths of 200-2000 nm at surface wattage of 0.01-50.00 watts delivered by stationary emitters. The method can employ active circular motion techniques which involve moving the infrared light applicator manually, and/or by computer-controlled apparatus, conducted in conjunction with ketamine pharmacological therapy. In addition, a novel method of targeting NIR treatment of and characterizing central nervous system disorders using SPECT functional neuroimaging followed by quantitative analysis and a novel method of targeting NIR treatment of and characterizing spinal cord or nerve-related disorders using neurophysiological testing followed by quantitative analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating incisions in a human cornea comprises: a source of pulsed laser radiation; a scanner device for scanning the laser radiation; and a control computer for controlling the scanner device based on a control program, the control program containing instructions that, when executed by the computer, bring about the creation in the cornea of: a flap cut defining a corneal flap that is connected to surrounding corneal tissue through a hinge; and one or more auxiliary cuts in connection with the flap cut for removing gas generated during creation of the flap cut, the one or more auxiliary cuts defining a first channel extending from the flap cut to an anterior surface of the cornea and a reservoir located at least partially deeper within the cornea than the flap cut.

Abstract: Catheter devices for ablation and removal of occlusions from blood vessels and methods of using the same are provided. Catheter devices are useful to ablate, cut, dislodge, and otherwise remove occlusions within a blood vessel that may limit or prevent proper circulation. Distal features of the catheter devices comprise arrangements of laser ablative or mechanical cutting features that generally provide enhanced surface areas and cutting functions. Spiral or helical arrangements are provided to aid in cutting operations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided that includes a first input mechanism having axial slots formed in a periphery and a second input mechanism having helical slots formed in a surface. The instrument also includes an insert having pins extending from a surface thereof, the insert coupled to the second input mechanism such that the one or more pins extend into the helical slots, and a surgical device coupled to an end. The surgical device is moved in a first degree of freedom in response to a mechanical driving force applied to both the first input mechanism and the second input mechanism, respectively, and the surgical device is moved in a second degree of freedom in response to a mechanical driving force applied to the second input mechanism while the first input mechanism is held stationary.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An extension of the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A retraction of the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an offset catheter are provided. In some embodiments, an offset catheter includes a guidewire tube and a catheter coupled with an elastic and/or compressible rib. The compressible rib provides an offset or separation between the catheter and the guidewire tube in its resting state. The rib has an initial resting state, but may be forced into a compressed state. When released from the compressed state, the rib returns to its resting state. An offset catheter may be compressed and slid through a sheath. When the offset catheter emerges from the sheath, the distal tip will return to its resting state providing an operation offset.

Abstract: A dermatologic treatment device having a source of electromagnetic radiation beneficial to a dermatologic treatment, and a contact element facilitating conveyance of at least some of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source to a skin surface. The contact element includes a hydrophilic portion that facilitates movement of the contact element to the skin surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact lens assembly and to an ophthalmic treatment apparatus comprising same. The contact lens assembly according to the present invention comprises: a housing arranged on the cornea of an eyeball so as to guide the treatment beam radiated onto the eyeball; and a reflection unit arranged inside the housing so as to radiate the treatment beam guided to the inside of the housing to a plurality of irradiation points along the outer circumferential direction of the eyeball around the pupil of the eyeball.

Abstract: A light therapy bed including multiple LEDs positioned in individually controllable modules is disclosed. The modules of LEDs are configured to have direct contact or in close proximity to the skin or tissue of the user, through an acrylic or similar cover. The LEDs light the surface and underlying layers of tissue for photodynamic stimulation of the cells. Iterations of the device utilize light known to have a bactericidal effect in the case of acne, MRSA, etc. The bed is fabricated and formed in a curved configuration to optimize contact between the LEDs and the skin of a user. Each of the LED modules may be mounted on a PCB in an arrangement to provide even lighting and temperature upon the skin or tissue surface of a user. Each module also has one or more thermal sensors that evenly and quickly heat all of the areas of a user's body.

Abstract: A method of removing tattoos or pigmented lesions by generating at least two laser pulses having a pulse width in the picosecond range, where the peak power of each pulse is less than 15 GW/cm2 and where the spacing between the pulses is less than ten nanoseconds, and directing the pulses to the tattoo or pigmented lesion to be removed.

Abstract: A device and method for applying light to the cornea of the eye as, for example, to promote crosslinking of collagen in the cornea for vision correction. The device may include a structure having form and size similar to a conventional contact lens. The structure may include an optically dispersive element such as a mass of an optically dispersive material that may be contained in a cavity of a reflective element. Light applied to the dispersive mass as, for example, by an optical fiber connected to the structure is dispersed in the structure and passes into the cornea. The patient may blink or close the eye during the procedure, which increases patient comfort and aids in maintaining hydration of the cornea.