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 laser system that includes a processing laser configured to generate a laser beam, a beam delivery system configured to direct the laser beam at a target, a user input device configured to receive input from a user, and a controller coupled to the processing laser and the user input device and configured to: receive initial user input data from the user input device, the initial user input data including at least one of: one or more properties of the beam delivery system, and one or more properties of the target, determine at least one initial laser operating parameter value and a corresponding initial laser operating parameter range based on the initial user input data, and electronically stored information, and control the processing laser using the at least one initial laser operating parameter value.

Abstract: A device for performing treatment of biological tissue that includes a laser system configured to provide a laser beam having a wavelength within a range of 3.0 microns (?m) to 3.25 ?m inclusive and a spot size within a range of 10 ?m to 45 ?m inclusive, and a controller coupled to the laser system and configured to scan the laser beam over the biological tissue in an injury pattern, the injury pattern having a pitch that is sized to be in a range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm inclusive.

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: 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: A delivery system extends from a laser radiation source for connecting to a medical device that utilizes the laser radiation for medical treatment. The delivery system comprises an optical fiber connecting to a male launch connecter. The male launch connector having a body portion with the optical fiber fixed or constrained therein and the optical fiber terminating at a male ferrule with a forward directed fiber facet, the male ferrule may be cantilevered within the body portion by the optical fiber line providing freedom of movement of the male ferrule. The launch connector engages a receiving connector on the medical device first with mechanical connection portions and then more finely aligning optical connection portions by the male ferrule self aligning in a female ferrule with cooperating tapered surfaces. The male portion may fully seat in the female portion with cooperating cylindrical surfaces.

Abstract: A launch connector of a laser light energy coupling has a housing containing an optical connection portion with an optical fiber. The optical connection portion compliantly positioned by an elastomeric component within the housing at a threaded connection between a nose portion and a grasping portion. An internal retention portion engaged with the nose portion and grasping portion clamps the elastomeric component in the nose portion and further has a tubular portion extending rearwardly to an elastomeric strain relief member at a rearward end of connector. A sleeve seated in the nose portion defines, with the nose portion, an interior conformingly shaped to the optical connection portion with a circumferential gap allowing radial movement of the optical connection portion. The sleeve allowing insertion of the optical connection portion through a forward opening of the nose portion before seating the sleeve. The tubular portion providing a threading guide for the fiber.

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 laser light energy coupling with a male launch connecter. The male launch connector having a body portion with the fiber optic line terminating at an optical connection component including a male ferrule. The optical connection component being elongate and generally cylindrical with a central circumferential band. The body portion defining a cavity form fit and spaced about the optical connection component. An elastomeric support engaging the optical connection portion provides compliancy when the coupling is made and provides centration before the coupling is made. The elastomeric support positioned rearward of the optical connection component. The elastomeric support may clamp the fiber optic line therein. A forward facing annular surface displaced rearwardly of a forwardmost portion of the male ferrule provides a stop surface when the coupling is made and provides heat transfer means to dissipate heat from the male ferrule through into a receiving coupling.

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: 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: 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.

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: A delivery system extends from a laser radiation source for connecting to a medical device that utilizes the laser radiation for medical treatment. The delivery system comprises an optical fiber connecting to a male launch connecter. The male launch connector having a body portion with the optical fiber fixed or constrained therein and the optical fiber terminating at a male ferrule with a forward directed fiber facet, the male ferrule may be cantilevered within the body portion by the optical fiber line providing freedom of movement of the male ferrule. The launch connector engages a receiving connector on the medical device first with mechanical connection portions and then more finely aligning optical connection portions by the male ferrule self aligning in a female ferrule with cooperating tapered surfaces. The male portion may fully seat in the female portion with cooperating cylindrical surfaces.

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: Steering handles with manifolds that enable an operator to configure an endoscopic system in situ for a variety of tasks, including irrigation, aspiration, or both. In addition, the disclosed endoscopic systems facilitate rapid reconfiguration of the location of a laser fiber optic within a catheter assembly. The laser fiber optic, for example, can be removed from an irrigation channel of the endoscopic system and reinserted in the aspiration channel during a laser lithotripsy procedure. In some embodiments, the removal and reinsertion can be performed in situ, without removing the catheter from the patient or the treated organ. These aspects of the disclosed system reduce the time required to perform laser lithotripsy procedures, with less trauma to the patient.

Abstract: A delivery system extends from a laser radiation source for connecting to a medical device that utilizes the laser radiation for medical treatment. The delivery system comprises an optical fiber connecting to a male launch connecter. The male launch connector having a body portion with the optical fiber fixed or constrained therein and the optical fiber terminating at a male ferrule with a forward directed fiber facet, the male ferrule may be compliantly supported and positioned by elastomeric material positioned between the male ferrule and the body portion. The launch connector engages a receiving connector first with mechanical connection portions and then more finely aligning optical connection portions by the male ferrule self aligning in a female ferrule with cooperating tapered surfaces. The male portion may fully seat in the female portion with cooperating cylindrical surfaces.

Abstract: A laser light energy coupling with a male launch connecter. The male launch connector having a body portion with the fiber optic line terminating at an optical connection component including a male ferrule. The optical connection component being elongate and generally cylindrical with a central circumferential band. The body portion defining a cavity form fit and spaced about the optical connection component. An elastomeric support engaging the optical connection portion provides compliancy when the coupling is made and provides centration before the coupling is made. The elastomeric support positioned rearward of the optical connection component. The elastomeric support may clamp the fiber optic line therein. A forward facing annular surface displaced rearwardly of a forwardmost portion of the male ferrule provides a stop surface when the coupling is made and provides heat transfer means to dissipate heat from the male ferrule through into a receiving coupling.

Abstract: A delivery system extends from a laser radiation source for connecting to a medical device that utilizes the laser radiation for medical treatment. The delivery system comprises an optical fiber connecting to a male launch connecter. The male launch connector having a body portion with the optical fiber fixed or constrained therein and the optical fiber terminating at a male ferrule with a forward directed fiber facet, the male ferrule may be cantilevered within the body portion by the optical fiber line providing freedom of movement of the male ferrule. The launch connector engages a receiving connector on the medical device first with mechanical connection portions and then more finely aligning optical connection portions by the male ferrule self aligning in a female ferrule with cooperating tapered surfaces. The male portion may fully seat in the female portion with cooperating cylindrical surfaces.