Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, use non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).

Abstract: A method and system for skin tightening comprises a hollow cannula that contains an optical fiber connected to a laser source. The cannula is inserted subcutaneously into a patient so that the end of the fiber is located within the tissue underlying the dermis. The source emits an output pulse that is conveyed by the fiber to the dermis, where the pulse causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within the treatment area. Radiation from the skin surface is detected to prevent non-reversible damage to the dermis, such as skin necrosis and excessive collagen melting. This method of sub-cutaneous laser treatment can also be used to treat striae, or stretch marks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, using non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that -modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a non-uniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).

Abstract: A device and related method for the removal of subcutaneous adipose layers comprises a laser source; an optical fiber for conveying a laser beam emitted by the laser source; and a hollow cannula for guiding the fiber to the subcutaneous treatment area. The cannula has a curved portion at its distal end, where the curved portion can be shaped to roughly conform to the contour of the patient's body structure. In this way, laser energy from the fiber, applied to the adipose layers, is generally directed away from the lower dermis of the patient, minimizing the risk of non-reversible damage to the dermis, including skin necrosis. In another embodiment, the optical fiber is a side-firing fiber that directs the laser energy away from the dermis. In other embodiments, a radiation detector, such as a thermal or optical sensor, monitors the temperature at the surface of the skin above the treatment area to warn the operator of harmful temperatures in the lower dermis.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of Barrett's esophagus, including: an inflatable balloon for insertion into the esophagus, an endoscope for passing inside the balloon on a distal end thereof, a laser fiber apparatus for insertion within the balloon in the esophagus, and a balloon inflation/deflation means in fluid communication with the balloon for inflating and emptying the balloon into and out of contact with the walls of the esophagus to be treated. The balloon may occlude the stomach from the esophagus during treatment.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of Barrett's Esophagus of a patient having endothelial esophageal complications. The treatment comprises connecting a wavelength specific light source to an elongated light guide having a distal end, the light guide arranged within a lumen of a steerable endoscope, guiding the endoscope into the esophagus of the patient, energyzing the light source, and manipulating the distal end of the light source onto a target on the endothelial complications inside of the patient's esophagus for the selective thermolysis of the target in the esophagus, thereby reverting the red secretory esophageal lining to a normal lining.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of Barrett's esophagus, including: an inflatable balloon for insertion into the esophagus, an endoscope for passing inside the balloon on a distal end thereof, a laser fiber apparatus for insertion within the balloon in the esophagus, and a balloon inflation/deflation means in fluid communication with the balloon for inflating and emptying the balloon into and out of contact with the walls of the esophagus to be treated. The balloon may occlude the stomach from the esophagus during treatment.

Abstract: A method for the reduction in healing time for a wound on the skin of a mammalian patient. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical radiation apparatus with a handpiece communicating therewith, energyzing the optical radiation apparatus to provide a beam of light, and directing the light beam onto a wound or surgical site of a patient. The beam has a wavelength range of about 530 nm to 1000 nm and the beam has a fluence range of from 2 J/cm2 to 5 J/cm2. The beam is preferrably generated by a pulse dye laser apparatus.

Abstract: A delivery guide frame attachment for a laser scanner mechanism for a laser treatment operation, to permit proper spacing and dimensional stability of the laser scanner with respect to the skin of a patient being treated. The delivery guide frame attachment includes a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is applyable to the skin of a patient. The upper end is attached to the laser scanner. A chilled fluid supply conduit is arranged in communication with the housing for delivering a chilled fluid onto the skin of a patient when the housing is applied thereto. A chilled fluid containment arrangement in the housing retains and delays escape of chilled fluid from the housing placed on the patient, for a short period during the laser treatment operation.

Abstract: A long pulse alexandrite laser hair removal system is disclosed using light pulses of greater than 1 msec and fluences between 10 and 50 J/cm2. The use of an alexandrite laser allows good penetration while still achieving an acceptable combination of hemoglobin and melanin absorption. The use an index-matching application on the skin sections to be treated is also described. This substance will be absorbed into the epidermal layer to provide better coupling of the laser light into the skin. Also, and most advantageously, it will reduce reflections at the epidermal-dermal junction, which can lead to the damage of the skin. Also a topical thermal or photochromic indicator is suggested since skin irradiation in the near-infrared generally does not produce any characteristic skin color change as is found when using pulsed dye lasers, for example.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of Barrett's Esophagus of a patient having endothelial esophageal complications. The treatment comprises connecting a wavelength specific light source to an elongated light guide having a distal end, the light guide arranged within a lumen of a steerable endoscope, guiding the endoscope into the esophagus of the patient, energyzing the light source, and manipulating the distal end of the light source onto a target on the endothelial complications inside of the patient's esophagus for the selective thermolysis of the target in the esophagus, thereby reverting the red secretory esophageal lining to a normal lining.

Abstract: A delivery guide frame attachment for a laser scanner mechanism for a laser treatment operation, to permit proper spacing and dimensional stability of the laser scanner with respect to the skin of a patient being treated. The delivery guide frame attachment includes a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is applyable to the skin of a patient. The upper end is attached to the laser scanner. A chilled fluid supply conduit is arranged in communication with the housing for delivering a chilled fluid onto the skin of a patient when the housing is applied thereto. A chilled fluid containment arrangement in the housing retains and delays escape of chilled fluid from the housing placed on the patient, for a short period during the laser treatment operation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an assembly for the single-hand manipulation of a light treatment device and a chilled air supply on a skin light-treatment site. The assembly comprises an elongated frame member having a first end and a second end. The frame member also has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having an elongated channel therealong for receipt of a light emitting optics for emitting a light beam therefrom. The lower portion has a bore extending therethrough for passage of chilled air from a chilled air source. The bore may be arranged to direct chilled air at an angle with respect to the light beam to chill the site. The assembly includes a handpiece tip member arranged at the second end of the frame assembly and maybe integral therewith. A flexible chilled air supply hose made of light weight foam material and reinforced with an expandable sleeve member connects a refrigeration unit to the frame assembly.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for the prevention of a scar on the skin of a patient after the beginning healing of a wound or surgical site on that patient. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical radiation apparatus with a handpiece communicating therewith, energyzing the optical radiation apparatus to provide a beam of light, directing the light beam onto a wound or surgical site of a patient after 2 days and before 2 months from the date of injury or surgical procedure to the patient. The beam has a wavelength range of about 530 nm to 1000 nm and the beam has a fluence range of from 2J/cm2 to 12J/cm2. The beam is preferrably generated by a pulsed dye laser apparatus.

Abstract: A method for the reduction in healing time for a wound on the skin of a mammalian patient. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical radiation apparatus with a handpiece communicating therewith, energyzing the optical radiation apparatus to provide a beam of light, and directing the light beam onto a wound or surgical site of a patient. The beam has a wavelength range of about 530 nm to 1000 nm and the beam has a fluence range of from 2J/cm2 to 5J/cm2. The beam is preferrably generated by a pulse dye laser apparatus.

Abstract: A method for the prevention of a scar on the skin of a patient after the beginning healing of a wound or surgical site on that patient. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical radiation apparatus with a handpiece communicating therewith, energizing the optical radiation apparatus to provide a beam of light, directing the light beam onto a wound or surgical site of a patient after 2 days and before 2 months from the date of injury or surgical procedure to the patient. The beam has a wavelength range of about 530 nm to 1000 nm and the beam has a fluence range of from 2 J/cm2 to 12 J/cm2. The beam is preferrably generated by a pulsed dye laser apparatus.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of wrinkles on human skin, by stimulating collagen growth beneath the epidermis layer, comprising the steps of: arranging a pulsed dye laser generator in light communication with a pulsed dye laser delivery device. The pulsed dye laser delivery device is applied against tissue having wrinkles. The pulsed dye laser generator generates a pulsed dye laser light. A pulsed dye laser light from the pulsed dye laser delivery device is directed onto the tissue, to reach hemoglobin in a collagen layer up to about 1.2 mm. beneath the surface of the tissue to effect growth changes therein.

Abstract: A long pulse alexandrite laser hair removal system is disclosed using light pulses of greater than 1 msec and fluences between 10 and 50 J/cm.sup.2. The use of an alexandrite laser allows good penetration while still achieving an acceptable combination of hemoglobin and melanin absorption. The use an index-matching application on the skin sections to be treated is also described. This substance will be absorbed into the epidermal layer to provide better coupling of the laser light into the skin. Also, and most advantageously, it will reduce reflections at the epidermal-dermal junction, which can lead to the damage of the skin. Also a topical thermal or photochromic indicator is suggested since skin irradiation in the near-infrared generally does not produce any characteristic skin color change as is found when using pulsed dye lasers, for example.

Abstract: A long pulse alexandrite laser hair removal system is disclosed using light pulses of greater than 1 msec and fluences between 10 and 50 J/cm.sup.2. The use of an alexandrite laser allows good penetration while still achieving an acceptable combination of hemoglobin and melanin absorption. The use an index-matching application on the skin sections to be treated is also described. This substance will be absorbed into the epidermal layer to provide better coupling of the laser light into the skin. Also, and most advantageously, it will reduce reflections at the epidermal-dermal junction, which can lead to the damage of the skin. Also a topical thermal or photochromic indicator is suggested since skin irradiation in the near-infrared generally does not produce any characteristic skin color change as is found when using pulsed dye lasers, for example.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of wrinkles on human skin, by stimulating collagen growth beneath the epidermis layer, comprising the steps of: arranging a pulsed dye laser generator in light communication with a pulsed dye laser delivery device. The pulsed dye laser delivery device is applied against tissue having wrinkles. The pulsed dye laser generator generates a pulsed dye laser light. A pulsed dye laser light from the pulsed dye laser delivery device is directed onto the tissue, to reach hemoglobin in a collagen layer up to about 1.2 mm. beneath the surface of the tissue to effect growth changes therein.