Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a handpiece system including a detachable cable that can receive at least power, and a detachable cable connector, where the detachable cable connector and detachable cable are reversibly attachable to each other. In some embodiments, the system includes an interchangeable laser module, where the laser module and detachable cable connector are reversibly attachable to each other. Further, the interchangeable laser module is configured and arranged to receive at least the power via the cable connector when coupled to the cable connector, and to be removed from the detachable cable connector and replaced with another laser module. In some embodiments, the system further includes an interchangeable handpiece which is reversibly attachable to the interchangeable laser module. Further, the interchangeable handpiece is configured and arranged to be removed from the interchangeable laser module and replaced with another interchangeable handpiece.

Abstract: An endoscopic device having reduced cross-section and a steering section of enhanced compliance. The device defines a smaller cross-section by eliminating need for pull wires and torsion sleeves. Use of a single fiber optic for steering opens up cross-sectional space to augment both irrigation and aspiration channels within a common catheter shaft. The single fiber optic may be utilized for “pulling” and/or “pushing” on the steering section, thereby providing unidirectional or bidirectional steering with a single fiber or fiber bundle. A distal steering section is configured to enhance compliance in response to the forces exerted by the single fiber optic. The enhanced compliance reduces the stoutness required of the fiber optic enabling a reduction in the size of the single fiber optic, thereby freeing up cross-section of the catheter for other uses. The enhanced compliance also enables tighter and more predictable articulation for better steering dexterity.

Abstract: A method for controlling a surgical laser system that includes providing a surgical fiber configured to receive light reflected from a target in a surgical treatment area, and providing a computing device configured to couple with at least two photodetectors, each photodetector configured to detect an intensity of reflected light from the target in a different selected wavelength band, the computing device further configured to: receive the reflected light intensity in at least two selected wavelength bands, generate optical data corresponding to the reflected light intensity, and identify the target as a treatment target or a non-treatment target based at least in part on the optical data and a predetermined calibration based on at least two known targets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a dental network including a portable dental laser station controllable within a remote access system. The dental laser station can include a dental laser, and a dental handpiece assembly coupled to or including the at least one dental laser. Some embodiments include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including a dental laser management process to exchange dentistry-related parameters between the dental laser station or components and a remote network. Some embodiments include a handpiece assembly structured so that any beam size on the output window or surface is greater than any beam size exiting at the input window or surface. Some embodiments include a laser power supply combination with at least one high voltage (HV) power supply, a coupled or integrated simmer supply, a direct current (DC) supply, and at least one laser configured with a power supply.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a treatment device and corresponding treatment method for laser wound healing, the device and method making use of the simultaneous action of multiple laser types and laser wavelengths which are applied at human tissue. The treatment device generally includes a laser system and a hand-piece which is coupled to the laser system. The hand-piece is designed so that one or multiple laser beams are applied at relatively small spot and at a relatively high power level, and are surrounded by a relatively large spot of another laser beam with a relatively low power level. In a preferred implementation, the hand-piece is adapted to facilitate the emission of first and second laser beams together with a third laser beam which is delivered at a different spatial profile in comparison to the first and second laser beams.

Abstract: A system for controlling pressure within a kidney that includes an irrigation channel configured with a pressure sensor, a distal end of the irrigation channel in fluid communication with an interior of a kidney, an aspiration channel in fluid communication with a drain reservoir, a distal end of the aspiration channel in fluid communication with the interior of the kidney, and a controller configured to: determine a fluid flow rate of irrigation fluid within the irrigation channel and receive a pressure measurement value from the sensor, calculate a pressure within the interior of the kidney based at least in part on the determined fluid flow rate and the pressure measurement, compare the calculated kidney pressure to a target kidney pressure value, and based on the comparison, control at least one of the fluid flow rates of irrigation fluid in the irrigation channel and the aspiration channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration system that includes a catheter shaft having a distal end that is in fluid communication with an interior of a kidney, an irrigation channel and an aspiration channel extending through the shaft, a bypass channel fluidly coupled with the irrigation channel and the aspiration channel a bypass valve configured to control a level of fluid communication between the irrigation and aspiration channels via the bypass channel, an aspiration pump, at least one valve disposed on the aspiration channel and configured to provide a pulsed flow of fluid in the aspiration channel, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior of the kidney, and a controller configured to: receive at least one pressure measurement, compare the measured pressure to a threshold, and based on the comparison, send a control command to at least one of the bypass valve, aspiration pump, and the at least one valve.

Abstract: A medical treatment apparatus includes a power and control (PAC) device. The PAC device provides electrical power through a cable to a laser handpiece assembly to electrically power a laser source within the handpiece assembly. The PAC device controls operation of the handpiece assembly and detects an identification of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device also monitors data relating to operation of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device uploads, through a communication network to a user assistance center remote from the PAC device, the handpiece assembly identification and the monitored data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a compact, lightweight, hand-held laser treatment device that combines the emissions of two separate laser energy sources into a common optical pathway for improved therapeutic effect. In some embodiments, the device includes a housing having separate first and second laser sources disposed within the interior thereof. In some embodiments, the laser energy emissions from the two internal laser sources can be individually or concurrently transmitted to a delivery tip of the device via a laser transmission path also defined within the interior of the housing. In some embodiments, the structural and functional features of the first and second laser sources, in concert with the unique architecture of the laser transmission path, can be configured to provide efficacy and efficiency in the operation of the device within the spatial constraints of the lightweight, hand-held housing thereof.

Abstract: A surgical laser system includes a surgical optical fiber optically coupled to a light source and a light detector configured to receive a portion of light reflected from a treatment target and generate optical data corresponding to the portion of the reflected light interacting with the light detector. The system also includes a computing device configured to analyze the optical data relative to characteristic criteria, and based on the comparison of the optical data to the characteristic criteria, control operation of a laser source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a dental network including a portable dental laser station controllable within a remote access system. The dental laser station can include a dental laser, and a dental handpiece assembly coupled to or including the at least one dental laser. Some embodiments include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including a dental laser management process to exchange dentistry-related parameters between the dental laser station or components and a remote network. Some embodiments include a handpiece assembly structured so that any beam size on the output window or surface is greater than any beam size exiting at the input window or surface. Some embodiments include a laser power supply combination with at least one high voltage (HV) power supply, a coupled or integrated simmer supply, a direct current (DC) supply, and at least one laser configured with a power supply.

Abstract: A medical treatment apparatus includes a power and control (PAC) device. The PAC device provides electrical power through a cable to a laser handpiece assembly to electrically power a laser source within the handpiece assembly. The PAC device controls operation of the handpiece assembly and detects an identification of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device also monitors data relating to operation of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device uploads, through a communication network to a user assistance center remote from the PAC device, the handpiece assembly identification and the monitored data.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laser system including a laser station including at least one laser, at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in data communication with the at least one processor. The at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions executable by the at least one processor, and enabling or operating an exchange of data between the at least one laser station and at least one remote network. The laser system includes at least one GUI display configured and arranged to display operating parameters or functions of the at least one laser and/or any of the data exchanged between the laser station and at least one remote network. The program instructions include instructions that direct the processor to update the at least one GUI display with a plurality of user-selectable graphics arranged around the periphery or circumference of a central display.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including urology. The instrument may include both irrigation and aspiration channels, effective attraction and suction of tissue and body stone fragments, enhanced viewing clarity of the operational area, illumination fibers with steering function for flexible version of the scopes. In some embodiments, a distal head is configured to locate a mouth of the working channel within a viewing angle of the visualization system. In some embodiments, a transparent cap is disposed at the distal end of endoscope to provide an enhanced view of the operational area. Irrigation and aspiration channels may be arranged so that consistent water flow will attract tissue and body stone particles and remove heated liquid. Illumination fibers may be utilized as pull linkages or push-pull linkages for deflection and steering of flexible embodiments of the scope.