Abstract: A device for irradiation of the eye of a living subject with light such as UV light includes a structure (20) adapted to overlie the outer surface of the eye, the structure having an axis (28, 128) extending in a downward direction (D) towards the eye when the structure overlies the eye. A light scattering element (70, 158, 141) within the structure includes a peripheral portion remote from the axis and a central portion adjacent the axis. A plurality of transmission optical fibers (42, 157) in optical communication with the peripheral portion of the light scattering element at a plurality of locations spaced around the axis.

Abstract: A change in the response of the cornea to ultrasonic energy directed into the cornea is monitored during irradiation of the cornea to bring about corneal crosslinking. Because the change in ultrasonic response is correlated with the degree of crosslinking achieved, a desired degree of crosslinking can be achieved by terminating the irradiation when the change reaches a threshold. The change in ultrasonic response can be determined by taking a baseline measurement before irradiation and additional measurements during irradiation using the same ultrasonic transducer (47). The transducers may be carried on a device (30) resembling a contact lens which overlies the eye and which transmits the light used in the irradiation step to the eye.

Abstract: A change in the response of the cornea to ultrasonic energy directed into the cornea is monitored during irradiation of the cornea to bring about corneal crosslinking. Because the change in ultrasonic response is correlated with the degree of crosslinking achieved, a desired degree of crosslinking can be achieved by terminating the irradiation when the change reaches a threshold. The change in ultrasonic response can be determined by taking a baseline measurement before irradiation and additional measurements during irradiation using the same ultrasonic transducer (47). The transducers may be carried on a device (30) resembling a contact lens which overlies the eye and which transmits the light used in the irradiation step to the eye.

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.

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.

Abstract: A change in the response of the cornea to ultrasonic energy directed into the cornea is monitored during irradiation of the cornea to bring about corneal crosslinking. Because the change in ultrasonic response is correlated with the degree of crosslinking achieved, a desired degree of crosslinking can be achieved by terminating the irradiation when the change reaches a threshold. The change in ultrasonic response can be determined by taking a baseline measurement before irradiation and additional measurements during irradiation using the same ultrasonic transducer (47). The transducers may be carried on a device (30) resembling a contact lens which overlies the eye and which transmits the light used in the irradiation step to the eye.

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.

Abstract: A change in the response of the cornea to ultrasonic energy directed into the cornea is monitored during irradiation of the cornea to bring about corneal crosslinking. Because the change in ultrasonic response is correlated with the degree of crosslinking achieved, a desired degree of crosslinking can be achieved by terminating the irradiation when the change reaches a threshold. The change in ultrasonic response can be determined by taking a baseline measurement before irradiation and additional measurements during irradiation using the same ultrasonic transducer (47). The transducers may be carried on a device (30) resembling a contact lens which overlies the eye and which transmits the light used in the irradiation step to the eye.

Abstract: A device for irradiation of the eye of a living subject with light such as UV light includes a structure (20) adapted to overlie the outer surface of the eye, the structure having an axis (28, 128) extending in a downward direction (D) towards the eye when the structure overlies the eye. A light scattering element (70, 158, 141) within the structure includes a peripheral portion remote from the axis and a central portion adjacent the axis. A plurality of transmission optical fibers (42, 157) in optical communication with the peripheral portion of the light scattering element at a plurality of locations spaced around the axis.

Abstract: A change in the response of the cornea to ultrasonic energy directed into the cornea is monitored during irradiation of the cornea to bring about corneal crosslinking. Because the change in ultrasonic response is correlated with the degree of crosslinking achieved, a desired degree of crosslinking can be achieved by terminating the irradiation when the change reaches a threshold. The change in ultrasonic response can be determined by taking a baseline measurement before irradiation and additional measurements during irradiation using the same ultrasonic transducer (47). The transducers may be carried on a device (30) resembling a contact lens which overlies the eye and which transmits the light used in the irradiation step to the eye.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablating tissue surrounding a tubular anatomical structure such as the wall of a blood vessel or prostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic emitter such as a cylindrical emitter and an inflatable annular lens balloon surrounding the ultrasonic emitter. The lens balloon is inflated with a liquid having acoustic velocity different than that of the surrounding medium, so as to form an annular refracting surface. The acoustic energy from the emitter is focused into an annular focal region.

Abstract: A collapsible ultrasonic reflector incorporates a gas-filled reflector balloon, a liquid-filled structural balloon an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the structural balloon. Acoustic energy emitted by the transducer is reflected by a highly reflective interface between the balloons. In a cardiac ablation procedure, the ultrasonic energy is focused into an annular focal region to ablate cardiac tissue extending in an annular path along the wall. Devices for stabilizing the balloon structure and for facilitating collapse and withdrawal of the balloon structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible ultrasonic reflector incorporates a gas-filled reflector balloon, a liquid-filled structural balloon an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the structural balloon. Acoustic energy emitted by the transducer is reflected by a highly reflective interface between the balloons. In a cardiac ablation procedure, the ultrasonic energy is focused into an annular focal region to ablate cardiac tissue extending in an annular path along the wall. Devices for stabilizing the balloon structure and for facilitating collapse and withdrawal of the balloon structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high intensity focused ultrasound applicator includes a frame, ultrasonic emitters mounted on the frame and a bag containing a substantially air-free fluid permanently connected to the frame. The frame, the bag, the fluid within the bag and the emitters constitute a permanently connected unit which can be releasably connected to an ultrasonic actuation apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic emitting apparatus (10) for cauterizing and ablating tissue. Ultrasonic waves are focused at an intended region of operation by an elongated waveguide (15), thus reducing damage to adjacent unintended tissue. The waveguide (15) can be inserted into structures of the body through overlying organs. The device may be used, for example, to ablate protruding portions of spinal disks.

Abstract: A method of treating cardiac arrhythmias by ablating a portion of the myocardial fibers within a pulmonary vein. Myocardial fibers within a pulmonary vein are located and ablated to block conduction of electrical signals to the heart from ectopic foci within the pulmonary vein. The myocardial fibers are located and selectively ablated so as to avoid having to create a circumferential conduction block around the pulmonary vein or ostium. Devices for locating the myocardial fibers, selectively ablating such fibers, and directing ablative energy, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter carrying a radially-expansible ultrasonic transducer is threaded into the circulatory system and then the transducer is actuated to provide ultrasonic energy in a ring-like zone surrounding a blood vessel. Desirably, the transducer is arranged to focus the ultrasonic energy into a narrow, ring-like focal zone having an extent, in the axial direction along the catheter, less than the axial extent of the transducer. The transducer desirably is expanded after threading so that during application of the ultrasonic energy, the transducer bears on the interior wall of a blood vessel through a balloon covering the transducer. The transducer may include one or more resilient spiral elements carrying a flexible piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A collapsible ultrasonic reflector incorporates a gas-filled reflector balloon, a liquid-filled structural balloon an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the structural balloon. Acoustic energy emitted by the transducer is reflected by a highly reflective interface between the balloons. In a cardiac ablation procedure, the ultrasonic energy is focused into an annular focal region to ablate cardiac tissue extending in an annular path along the wall. Devices for stabilizing the balloon structure and for facilitating collapse and withdrawal of the balloon structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for determining the disposition of a probe within the body of a patient includes a probe having probe field transducers and a plurality of reference field transducers. The reference field transducers are independently movable with respect to one another to desired, customizable positions close to the body of the patient. Calibration transducers determine the relative positions of the field transducers with respect to one another after they are located in their desired positions. Non-ionizing fields are transmitted and detected between the probe and reference field transducers. From the detected fields, the relative disposition of the probe with respect to the reference field transducers is determined.