Abstract: Apparatus and methods for laser fusion of biological structures are disclosed employing a laser for delivery of a beam of laser radiation to an anastomotic site, together with a reflectance sensor for measuring light reflected from the site and a controller for monitoring changes in the reflectance of the light of the site and controlling the laser in response to the reflectance changes. In one embodiment, the laser radiation is delivered through a hand-held instrument via an optical fiber. The instrument can also include one or more additional fibers for the delivery of illumination light (which can be broadband or white light or radiation from a laser diode) which is reflected and monitored by the reflectance sensor. Reflectance changes during the course of the fusion operation at one or more wavelengths can be monitored (or compared) to provide an indication of the degree of tissue crosslinking and determine when an optimal state of fusion has occurred.

Abstract: A laser beam from a tunable solid state laser such as an alexandrite laser passes through a Raman shifter to produce a Raman-emitted beam with wavelength shifted so as to be able to activate a preselected photosensitizer for medical treatment. A combination of a laser and a Raman shifter with or without additionally a harmonic generator such as a frequency doubler may be also selected such that radiation with two different wavelengths can be obtained for treatment and detection.

Abstract: A performance tester apparatus and method as disclosed for surgical laser system which permits testing of both the laser aiming a laser cutting beams of the surgical laser system. The laser aiming and laser cutting beams are tested for coincidence with each other and a test is made using a bull's eye type configuration on a target to determine the mode and divergence of the laser cutting beam. A single non-inflammable and preferably removable target is used to test both the laser aiming and cutting beams. Suitable shielding means are also used to shield against possible eye injury to an operator or viewer of the test of either or both the laser aiming beam and the laser cutting beam.

Abstract: A catheter for vascular surgery includes a circular array of lightguides disposed at the distal end of the catheter about an inflatable balloon. Upon pressurizing the balloon the diameter of the catheter expands. The lightguides are bunched at the end of the catheter proximate the source of laser light where shutters are positioned for selecting only those lightguides at the distal end which are needed to remove blockages.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the substantially uniform irradiation of the entire area of cavities from the inside. The apparatus comprises a light source and a layer comprising a material having a high-scatter capability, low transmission and low absorption, wherein said layer fits well to the interior surface of a cavity. The method comprises placing an area-covering layer along rhe cavity wall of the cavity to be irradiated with a material having a high diffusive reflection capability, low transmission, and low absorption capability to obtain a lined cavity; introducing a light source onto the interior of the lined cavity; and irradiating the lined cavity so that the light entering from the area-covering layer into the cavity wall is homogeneously distributed.

Abstract: Restenosis following angioplasty can be inhibited by reducing the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel walls at an angioplasty site, and such reduction in cell proliferation can be accomplished by irradiating the angioplasty site with radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range. The ultraviolet radiation is preferably delivered via an optical fiber or other waveguide incorporated, for example, into a percutaneous catheter. In operation, the ultraviolet radiation kills smooth muscle cells at the site, thereby reducing the risk of restenosis, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and methods for computerized laser surgery. The apparatus comprises apparatus for displaying in real time a visually sensible image of the area of surgery, apparatus for displaying in overlap over the visually sensible image a simulation of the effects of operator indicated laser surgical procedures on the area of surgery and automated apparatus for carrying out the operator indicated laser surgical procedures following the display thereof. The method includes the steps of simulating the effects of operator indicated laser surgical procedures on an area of surgery, tuning parameters of a beam of a surgical laser, aiming the apparatus for transmitting laser energy at each point of the surgery, low energy firing of the low energy laser beam at an operator indicated surgery point thereby to ensure that the surgical laser is correctly aimed and high energy firing of the surgical laser at the operator indicated surgery point thereby to treat the point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclose for transdermal iontophoretic delivery of ionic species, such as a drug in ionic form, in which therapeutic, electrical pulses having controlled, distinctive, dual-segment waveform characteristics are applied which facilitate more efficient drug administration throughout each pulse. The therapeutic pulses are generated at a predetermined frequency and have a predetermined pulse width. A first pulse segment and a second pulse segment comprise each dual-segment, therapeutic pulse. The electrical attributes of each pulse segment, including amplitude and duration, are controlled to produce the desired, pulsed output waveform.

Abstract: The depilating apparatus comprises a series of parallel disks (2) fixed on a hub (3) driven in rotation by an electric motor, and blades (9) arranged between the disks, and rods (10) for bringing said blades (9) into contact with the periphery (2a) of the disks (2).The hub (3) comprises, between the disks (2), a series of notches (11) which each retain one end of a blade (9), each rod (10) comprising a series of notches (12) open towards the notches (11) of the hub, each notch (12) of a rod (10) retaining a part of a blade (9). The notches (11, 12) are shaped so as to permit a pivoting movement of the blades (9) between a position remote from the disks (2) and a position in contact with the periphery (2a) of the latter.Use for removing hair from the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to instruments for preparing a glenoid surface of a scapula to receive a prosthetic glenoid component to replace the natural socket of a shoulder. More particularly, the present invention relates to a drill guide assembly for aligning and guiding a drill bit to form holes in the glenoid surface at predetermined locations to secure the glenoid component to the glenoid surface. A reamer assembly including a ratchet drive mechanism is also included to facilitate preparation of the glenoid surface prior to installation of the glenoid component.

Abstract: An improved handle for a polypectome snare for use in excising polyps from an internal body cavity. The apparatus generally comprises a radio frequency polypectome snare which includes a hand grip assembly, a flexible tubing assembly capable of fitting within an endoscope, an electrode loop portion and a power supply means. The hand grip assembly is made of molded pieces of inflexible plastic comprising a longitudinal housing portion and a slide member having opposing finger grip members. When the slide member is in its most proximal position, the electrode loop portion is withdrawn into the flexible tubing. As the slide member is advanced toward the distal end of the longitudinal housing, the electrode wires are advanced out of the flexible tubing, forming a loop that can be placed around the stem of a polyp. Once again withdrawing the loop into the end of the flexible tubing while simultaneously applying RF voltage shears the polyp at its base.

Abstract: A power control arrangement for an ultrasonic surgical device such as a scalpel which provides power on demand in response to the continuous or periodic sensing of the loading condition (tissue contact or withdrawal) of the blade such that the device goes from a low power, idle state to a selectable high power, cutting state automatically depending on whether the scalpel is or is not in contact with tissue. A third, high power coagulation mode is manually selectable with automatic return to an idle power level when the blade is not in contact with tissue.

Abstract: An bipolar electrosurgical instrument especially designed especially for use in freeing and rerouting of the internal mammary artery during coronary bypass surgery. It comprises a rigid pen-like handle having appropriate cut and coag control switches mounted thereon and a bendable tubular extension projecting from the distal end of the handle member. Mounted on the distal end of the extension is a blade holder designed to contain an ultrasonic transducer as well as the proximal end of the blade itself. The blade comprises a ceramic substrate having a pattern of metallization thereon defining a bipolar cutting gap along the side and end edges of the blade and a bipolar coagulating gap located inwardly from the side and end edges. A cable is used to join the implement to an electrosurgical generator and the individual wires in the cable extend through the pen-like body, the tubular extension and into the blade holder where electrical connections are made to the electrodes on the blade itself.