Abstract: Small diameter tools are provided, and methods of use described, to facilitate less invasive surgical procedures employing laser beams. Such tools include distal tips that enhance the precise placement of optical waveguides, as well as enable cutting and dissecting procedures. A rotary coupler allows precise control of flexible conduits in which waveguides may be disposed. Waveguide tips with conical features protect waveguide ends and allow unobstructed propagation of the laser beam out of the waveguide. A preferentially bending jacket for waveguides may be used to control an orientation of a waveguide disposed therein. Surgical waveguide assemblies may include various combinations of these components.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing treatment of tissue of a patient at a surgical site by directing at least a first wavelength of illuminating radiation to a target location on the tissue of the patient to cause at least one type of fluorophore associated with the tissue to fluoresce. At least a first surgical energy is directed to the target location at one of a plurality of power settings, at least one of the power settings capable of quenching fluorescence of the fluorophore. At least one of a plurality of system control settings is adjusted to alter the amount of quenching of the fluorophore, the system control settings including the plurality of power settings.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a light source configured to provide radiation at a wavelength and a conduit configured to direct radiation at a wavelength from the light source to a target location of a patient. The conduit includes a first optical waveguide extending along a waveguide axis, the first optical waveguide being a flexible waveguide having a hollow core, the first optical waveguide being configured to guide the radiation at through the core along the waveguide axis; and a second optical waveguide extending along the waveguide axis, the second optical waveguide having a hollow core and being coupled to the first optical waveguide to receive the radiation from the first optical waveguide and to deliver the radiation to the target location. The first optical waveguide is a photonic crystal fiber and the second optical waveguide is not a photonic crystal fiber waveguide.

Abstract: Small diameter tools are provided, and methods of use described, to facilitate less invasive surgical procedures employing laser beams. Such tools include distal tips that enhance the precise placement of optical waveguides, as well as enable cutting and dissecting procedures. A rotary coupler allows precise control of flexible conduits in which waveguides may be disposed. Waveguide tips with conical features protect waveguide ends and allow unobstructed propagation of the laser beam out of the waveguide. A preferentially bending jacket for waveguides may be used to control an orientation of a waveguide disposed therein. Surgical waveguide assemblies may include various combinations of these components.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a light source configured to provide radiation at a wavelength and a conduit configured to direct radiation at a wavelength from the light source to a target location of a patient. The conduit includes a first optical waveguide extending along a waveguide axis, the first optical waveguide being a flexible waveguide having a hollow core, the first optical waveguide being configured to guide the radiation at through the core along the waveguide axis; and a second optical waveguide extending along the waveguide axis, the second optical waveguide having a hollow core and being coupled to the first optical waveguide to receive the radiation from the first optical waveguide and to deliver the radiation to the target location. The first optical waveguide is a photonic crystal fiber and the second optical waveguide is not a photonic crystal fiber waveguide.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a fiber waveguide having a waveguide axis, including a core extending along the waveguide axis and a confinement region extending along the waveguide axis surrounding the core. The confinement region includes a periodic structure along a radial direction extending from the waveguide axis and each period in the periodic structure includes a layer of a chalcogenide glass and a layer of a polymer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention features a fiber waveguide having a waveguide axis, including a first portion extending along the waveguide axis, and a second portion different from the first portion extending along the waveguide axis surrounding the first portion, wherein at least one of the first and second portions comprises a chalcogenide glass selected from the group consisting of Selenium chalcogenide glasses and Tellurium chalcogenide glasses, both the first and second portions have a viscosity greater than 103 Poise at some temperature, T, and the fiber waveguide is a photonic crystal fiber.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.

Abstract: High index-contrast fiber waveguides, materials for forming high index-contrast fiber waveguides, and applications of high index-contrast fiber waveguides are disclosed.