Abstract: A power supply for use with resistively-heated surgical instruments is provided, wherein the desired operating conditions of the surgical instrument are determined by a set-point determination circuit in combination with a set-point indicator element. The power supply includes an impedance matching circuit and current step-up transformer for reducing power loss in the cable connecting the surgical instrument to the power supply. A method of regulating the output of a power supply used with resistively-heated surgical instruments is also provided.

Abstract: A laser delivery system for ophthalmic surgery and the like includes a handpiece terminating distally in a probe, a laser connector, and an optical fiber for transmitting laser light from a laser source to an eye to be treated. The optical fiber extends substantially through the handpiece probe. The probe also includes a fluid path from the distal end thereof to the interior of the handpiece body. The probe has a soft tip to reduce the possibility of injury to the interior of the eye by contact with the metal portion of the probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an arthroscopic spinal laminectomy or similar surgical procedure includes a plurality of cannulas which are individually inserted, in a predetermined sequence, into predetermined areas of a patient's spinal column. The first inserted cannula has a tissue manipulating surface thereon which is used to create a working space adjacent a predetermined area of the patient's spinal column. A viewing device is inserted through this cannula and the fluid used in association therewith is used to maintain the working space. The second and third cannulas are larger in size and are working cannulas in that they provide passageways for instruments used in the surgical procedure. The second and third cannulas are utilized by the surgeon to sequentially remove a portion of the ligamentum flavum necessary to expose the desired area of the patient's spinal bone and, if necessary, to remove any portion of bone necessary to expose the nerve and disc area.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for modifying the corneal curvature by irradiating the cornea to deliver thermal energy to the stroma. The system includes multiple irradiation ports for introducing electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength suitable for absorption in the stroma; positioning means, such as a hemi-spherical dome with several tracks for positioning the irradiation ports, respectively, at locations of a preselected geometric pattern relative to the pretreated cornea, the geometric pattern being selected to correspond to a desired modified shape of the cornea; transmission means adapted to deliver controlled amounts of the radiation from a radiation source to each of the irradiation ports; and the irradiation ports, positioned at the locations of the geometric pattern, constructed to introduce the radiation to treatment volumes of the stroma in a cooperative manner to induce desired shrinkage of the collagenous stromal tissue and cause change in the corneal curvature.

Abstract: The surgical instrument apparatus emits a narrow beam of light that exits a point on the blade. The light crosses in front of the blade at a point predetermined by the surgeon. The light is reflected off the Descemet's membrane when the tip of the blade reaches the proper depth and bounces back into an entrance point on the blade. The reflected light is received by a light sensor that is coupled to a transmitter. The transmitter sends a signal to a receiver coupled to a tone generator. When the tone is generated, the surgeon knows that the incision has reached the proper depth.

Abstract: A fiberoptic diffuser has an optical fiber having a light transmitting core, cladding about the core, and a buffer layer about the cladding. The core at the distal end portion of the fiber is exposed and a diffusing sleeve is disposed thereabout. A transparent cylindrical cap is disposed outwardly of the diffusing sleeve and overlies the exposed core, and a reflector is provided in the cap in axial alignment with the distal end of the core to reflect light rays exiting the core. The light rays exiting the core are reflected by the reflector and are refracted by the sleeve to exit through the cap over substantially the entire length of the exposed core.

Abstract: A fiberoptic diffuser for photodynamic therapy applications comprises an optical fiber having a light transmitting core, cladding about the core, and a buffer layer about the cladding. The distal end portion of the fiber core is free from the cladding and buffer layer, and the exposed distal end of the core has a conical configuration. A cap extends about the distal end portion of the fiber and has a spheroidal end portion of light diffusing material which extends about the exposed conical end of the fiber core. The cap also has a mounting portion engaged with the buffer layer of the fiber, and it provides a cavity in which the exposed core is disposed. Light rays passing through the fiber to its distal end are refracted outwardly at the conical end of the core into the spheroidal end portion of the cap and are further refracted by the cap to exit therefrom over substantially the entire surface of the spheroidal end portion.

Abstract: A medical device has a flexible light guide having a light energy input end adapted for connection to a source of light energy and a light energy output end. The output end outputs a beam of light energy. The device includes a tip for contacting tissue to be treated by the device and irradiating the tissue with light energy. The tip consists essentially of light-transmissive material and has a working region for contacting and irradiating the tissue to be treated. The working region of the tip includes sidewalls. The tip has a bore therein for receiving the output end of the light guide. The output end of the light guide is at least partially surrounded by the light-transmissive material, and is positioned relative to the light-transmissive material so as to define an interface therebetween. The interface is in proximity to and in thermally-conductive relationship with the working region of the tip so that heat energy generated at the interface significantly raises the temperature of the tip's working region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the ablation of hard biological material, such hard dental material, using a rapidly pulsed laser employ a crystal disposed in the propagation path of the laser radiation, the crystal being disposed at the laser output and serving as an interface with an optical conductor which conveys the laser radiation to the treatment site. The crystal smooths the time/intensity characteristics of the pulsed laser radiation to the extent that transmission to the treatment site using optical wave guides is possible. Additional protective features are provided to prevent the ablated biological material to destroy the exposed optical end surfaces of the treatment applicator. Additional design features improve the ergonomic efficiency of the handpiece and its ability to be sterilized.

Abstract: A system for causing uniform ablation of irradiated material of living tissue while not causing damage below a predetermined depth where laser radiation is provided sequentially and continuously in a predetermined pattern is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for astigmatically ablating surfaces in order to impart new profiles and curvatures to such surfaces. A laser means, e.g., a rapidly pulsed laser radiation source, is aligned with a surface to provide photoablative pulses of energy along an optical path to a target region on the surface. A light restricting means, such as an adjustable iris or profiled mask, is disposed within the optical path to spatially control the extent of the laser radiation striking the target surface. The light restricting means is adapted to permit orientation (e.g., tilting) in various planes relative to the optical path in order to modify the symmetry of the laser beam, e.g., from a circular shape to an elliptical shape, and thereby provide astigmatic ablation of the surface in a single step.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the invention use a beam of laser emitted optical energy to effect wound closure and reconstruction of biological tissue. In response to input as to tissue type and thickness, a computer determines the output power, exposure time and spot diameter of the emitted beam to control the application of optical energy to produce thermal heating of biological tissue. The tissue is heated to a degree suitable for denaturing the tissue proteins such that the collagenous elements of the tissue form a "biological glue" to seal immediately and/or to reconstruct the tissue being heated without any injurious tissue shrinkage. In a given embodiment, the computer directly controls output power of the laser by regulating the laser's input current, and limits exposure time by deactivating a shutter mechanism when the predetermined time is reached.

Abstract: A laser operation device for insertion into a region to be irradiated and which is optimally used as an introcular device to treat cataracts, glaucoma or the like. The device has a hand piece and a probe which is to be inserted into the region to be irradiated. A first fiber portion guides light from a laser light source to the hand piece, a second fiber portion connected with the first fiber portion at a connection surface thereof introduces light from the first fiber portion to the region to be irradiated. A first terminal formed to an end of the first fiber portion and a second terminal formed to an end of the second fiber portion are connected by a split sleeve, so that alignment between the first fiber portion and the second fiber portion is facilitated. Buffers around the first fiber and the second fiber protect the respective fibers from damage. Even if the second fiber portion were destroyed, safe and accurate incising operation can be applied to eye tissue or the like.

Abstract: A laser surgery method is disclosed for use in efficient ablation of tissue with little or no thermal damage to adjacent tissues. The wavelength of the surgical laser is tuned to an absorption peak of a proteinaceous material or functional groups contained therein, the amides for example. A suitable power level is chosen to either vaporize or liquify the targeted tissue.

Abstract: A submersible lens fiberoptic assembly for PDT treatment includes an optical fiber, a fiber jacket, a ball lens made of zirconia and a housing. This fiberoptic assembly is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and has a high quality of output light beam. A submersible lens fiberoptic assembly for PDT treatments is also disclosed which uses a hemisphere ball lens for treatment of areas inaccessible to a normal "forward looking" lens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful handpiece for use in connection with a orbicularly tipped contact surgical laser. The handpiece has a handle portion and an extended portion. The handle portion is sized for comfortable handling and is of sufficient strength to accommodate the stresses incident to use in rigorous applications such as orthopedic surgery. The extended portion is connected to the handle portion, and is sized so as to be inserted into the surgical site. The extended portion of the handpiece is adapted to enclose and support the orbicular tip of the optical fiber. An introducer which fits snugly to the outside of the extended port,on may be utilized to ease the task of placing the contact tip within the surgical site and also to restrict loss of cooling liquids from the insertion incision.

Abstract: A slit incision handpiece that receives a circular laser beam, reshapes the beam to have an elliptical cross-section, and focuses the beam onto target tissue. Slit incisions of approximately the dimensions of the elliptical beam are formed by stationary exposures on the target tissue from the output of the slit incision handpiece.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the correction of presbyopia by reprofiling the cornea to create at least one region having a different focal point, and thereby assist the eye in accommodating for close-viewing conditions. According to the invention, at least one region of different curvature is created by photoablation of the cornea to permit the eye to accommodate for near objects. This "add" region is preferably located near the center of the optical zone and preferably within Bowman's membrane or the adjacent upper portions of the stroma, which lies directly below Bowman's membrane. Apparatus is disclosed, including a laser means and a beam-shaping means, disposed between the laser means and the surface of the cornea, which imposes a defined ablation profile upon the cornea. The system can also include a feedback control means for measuring the effectiveness of the laser during operation and for controlling the laser. The beam-shaping means can include either an aperture e.g.

Abstract: A pair of surgical in situ rod benders having keyhole notches to prevent slipping off the rod while in use. The in situ benders also have a 20.degree. offset angle to allow a criss-cross pushing tension during bending. A flat tapered handle helps the surgeon counter rotational torques during bending.

Abstract: A device and a method for use in transplantation of bone tissue material in a cavity (7) in bones (6) so as to give the cavity a desired shape with a required thickness of the bone material forming the wall of the cavity, is based on the use of a means (3) for compacting the bone tissue material (15) in the cavity. A guide pin (1) is adapted to be applied substantially centrally in the cavity (7). The compacting means (3) has an opening (10) for passage of the guide pin (1) so as to obtain guiding of the compacting means by the guide pin on movement of said means with respect thereto. The compacting means (3) has a jacket (12) delimiting an inner hollow space (13). The jacket (12) is provided with an opening (16) for allowing liquid to pass through the jacket and into the hollow space.