Abstract: The invention provides a skin treatment device comprising a laser source (40) and focusing optics (50), such that a focal spot (18) is positioned in a dermis layer (24) of the skin to be treated. The laser beam (42) is powered and focused (16) such that a LIOB (laser induced optical breakdown) phenomenon is obtained, which affects the skin in order to stimulate re-growth of tissue. This in turn reduces wrinkles (30). The device may comprise wrinkle-determining means (52, 54, 56, 58). The focusing optics (50) may have a numerical aperture of at least 0.4. The invention also provides a corresponding method to treat skin, in particular to reduce wrinkles (30), by providing a focused laser beam (16) that causes LIOB in the dermis layer (24) of the skin. The advantage is that damage to overlaying epidermis layers may be avoided by the use of the very local LIOB phenomenon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for achieving sub-surface, highly spatially selective cardiac ablation by means of laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB) are disclosed. Damage to non-targeted heart and artery/vein tissue is to be minimized according to the present disclosure. A catheter enters the heart, e.g., via a vein, and catheter location is determined/confirmed. Laser pulses are guided through the optical path within the catheter and, at or near the catheter end, a focusing structure is provided that focuses the laser radiation through the non-targeted vein/heart tissue into the targeted tissue. In the focusing structure, laser induced LIOB occurs and related mechanical effects affect the targeted tissue.