Abstract: A laser energy delivery catheter emits energy laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The catheter distal end is a cylindrical housing provided with a sidewall aperture. Within the housing is mounted a prism spaced from the distal end of a fiber optic. The refractive index of the prism is higher than the refractive indices of the fiber optic and the coupling liquid medium. A liquid medium is utilized to cool the device when in use, and may also be utilized to optically couple the fiber optic and the prism. The catheter can be configured as a rigid or semi-rigid, hand held surgical instrument, or as a flexible device that can be inserted into body lumens through an endoscope.

Abstract: A catheter suitable for the delivery of laser energy to an obstruction in a body lumen is provided, which has an expandable, elastic distal end portion containing optical fibers whose exposed distal end faces are arranged in two or more substantially concentric arrays that merge into a narrower band array of a larger diameter upon radial expansion of the elastic distal end portion. The distal end portion of the catheter is more elastomeric than the catheter body.

Abstract: A method for removing unwanted material in a body lumen, cavity or organ provides the steps of using an endoscope or other viewing system to position a suitably sized lateral-lasing fiber optic device axially at one or more places in a body lumen, cavity or organ and delivering a predetermined amount of light energy for a predetermined period of time laterally in one or more directions, while delivering a biocompatible fluid at a predetermined rate of flow. The distal end of the lateral-lasing fiber optic device includes a reflectively-coated metal tip, which is capable of directing, by reflection, the light energy from the optical fiber laterally from the longitudinal axis of the light energy carrying optical fiber and outwardly toward a target tissue region.

Abstract: Optical coupling devices for an improved coupling efficiency of light energy, without damage to the optical components, are disclosed. An optical system divides an input beam of light energy into two or more output beams of lesser energy, each of which is focused toward a focal point in space. Individual optical fibers are positioned with their proximal end faces at the focal points of each of the lesser output beams. Means for dividing the light energy and aligning the components are disclosed.

Abstract: A laser device is provided for the co-axial positioning of plural laser beams of same or different wavelengths along a single axis. At least two laser oscillators are provided, each producing a laser beam. A rotary reflector is positioned for intercepting at least one of the produced laser beams and directing the intercepted laser beam separately from, but along a single axis defined by another laser beam.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for directing laser radiation to a body cavity site. A hollow, elongate, optical fiber is advanced, usually in a containing device, to the vicinity of the site and coupled to a laser source with a distal end region of the fiber extending along a longitudinal axis. The fiber terminates in an energy delivery surface for emitting laser radiation transmitted by the fiber. The radiation is intercepted at a location axially aligned with the energy delivery surface and is reflected in a beam radiating substantially transversely of, and substantially circumferentially around, the axis. A reflector member or block is provided for reflecting the radiation and is mounted in an open end of the catheter at a selected axial position along the axis. A fluid, such as a flushing fluid, can be directed between the end of the fiber, against the reflector member, and to the body site.

Abstract: A pubic shield securable to the user is disclosed. The shield may or may not have a condom unitary therewith. Securement is achieved by means of a bioadhesive, which may contain biocide or the like ingredient.

Abstract: A pubic shield is provided having an elastic tubular sheet attached to a substantially frusto-conical structure at the relatively smaller diameter of the frusto-conical structure. The frusto-conical structure forms a shield member having substantially two stable positions, a storage position and a use position. The shield member is in the use position when the tubular sheet extends away from the frusto-conical member. Use of the pubic shield, alone or with a bioadhesive, provides an enhanced prophylactic effect over that of a typical condom.

Abstract: A medical device for applying localized heat to a site in a patient's body is described. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, e.g., a fiber optic, and a heat generating element which converts the transmitted radiant energy into heat. A suitable exterior guide member can also be provided for positioning the heat generating element. An opening can be provided in the heat generating element to enable a portion of the radiant energy to impinge directly upon the site. The medical device can be used to cauterize or destroy tissue, or to alter or remove undesirable deposits from lumens. The medical device can also serve as part of a system which provides the radiant energy and measures the temperature of the heat generating element while within the patient.

Abstract: A medical device for applying localized heat to a site in a patient'body is described. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, e.g., a fiber optic, and a heat generating element which converts the transmitted radiant energy into heat. A suitable exterior guide member can also be provided for positioning the heat generating element. An opening can be provided in the heat generating element to enable a portion of the radiant energy to impinge directly upon the site. The medical device can be used to cauterize or destroy tissue, or to alter or remove undesirable deposits from lumens. The medical device can also serve as part of a system which provides the radiant energy and measures the temperature of the heat generating element while within the patient.

Abstract: A medical device for applying localized heat to a portion of a patient's body is disclosed. Generally, the device includes a light transmitting conduit and a heat generating element which converts transmitted light into heat. A suitable exterior tube can also be provided for guidance, strength and delivery of fluids. The medical device can be used to cauterize or destroy tissue, or alter or remove deposits from lumens. The medical device can also serve as part of a system which provides the light and measures the temperature of the element.

Abstract: A wearable medicator suitable for controlled subcutaneous dispensing of a liquid medication into a patient. The medicator utilizes a unique arcuate syringe means to provide a small compact medicator that can be easily worn by the patient. The medicator can provide controlled release of insulin for the treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: A conforming valved cervical cap assembly is provided with an elastomeric inner layer molded and cured in situ adjacent the exocervical surface of a cervix uteri. The inner layer is wettable, non-porous and matingly fits and resiliently complements the exocervical surface. In order to prevent the molding material from clogging or otherwise impairing operation of the valve, a valve cover is detachably connected to the valve during molding and curing.

Abstract: A non-invasive birth control device in the form of a custom-formed, valved cervical cap is disclosed. The cervical cap comprises a cup-shaped elastomeric shell substantially complementary with contiguous surface of portio vaginalis cervicis when in contact therewith, having an aperture at the apex of the shell, and a depending skirt that is thinner than said shell and is provided with a plurality of spaced slits. The aperture is covered by an elastomeric web secured to the shell and defines, together with the shell, a one-way valve means having a discharge port offset from the aperture. The cervical cap can be fabricated from a specially designed blank of a thermoplastic elastomeric material using a replica of cervix uteri as a mold.

Abstract: A method for providing an oxygen bearing liquid to a blood vessel during the performance of a medical procedure is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment the blood flow is temporarily occluded, a substantially clear oxygen bearing liquid is introduced into the blood vessel and the inside of the blood vessel is inspected through a viewing system and treated with laser irradiation.

Abstract: A dual balloon catheter device is provided with two spaced and expandable balloons for occluding a segment of a blood vessel. The device also includes a first channel for flushing the occluded segment, an optic system for use in the segment, and a second channel for introducing fluid into the blood vessel distally of the device.

Abstract: A fiber optic microcatheter device is provided with a conduit directing system to tilt the distal end of an internal conduit with respect to an external tube held in a lumen by expanding the diameter of an elastic zone on the external tube. Within the internal conduit are viewing and illumination fiber optic bundles which permit viewing within the lumen. A laser light transmitting fiber within the internal conduit may be aimed at a site within the lumen by tilting the distal end of the internal conduit. Also provided are tubes for flushing and vacuum to provide clear viewing within the lumen and to remove debris.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for demand-based administration of insulin which utilizes a change in a physical property of a patient's body fluid as an indicator that a change in the body fluid glucose level has occurred and that an appropriate amount of insulin should be supplied to the patient. Body fluid osmolality or one of its colligative properties are particularly suitable for this purpose. A second sensor for measuring such properties as electrical conductivity may be added to detect changes in osmolality caused by such factors as dehydration. Insulin can be delivered to the patient from an extracorporeal source by means of a dual lumen catheter. One lumen of the catheter provides a passageway for the insulin dose and the other lumen provides a passageway through which a replaceable sensors can be introduced into or removed from the patient's body. In the alternative, the entire insulin administration system can be implanted into the patient.

Abstract: A body cavity access device for supplying a hormone to a patient including an implantable housing placed in the body and having an impermeable extracorporeal segment and a semipermeable subcutaneous segment. A hormone source such as live, hormone-producing cells, e.g., pancreatic islet cells is then removably positioned in the housing to provide a hormone supply to the patient. A sensor can be located within the subcutaneous segment and operably associated with a dispenser to release medication into the housing and to the patient.

Abstract: A conforming valved cervical cap assembly is provided with an elastomeric inner layer molded and cured in situ adjacent the exocervical surface of a cervix uteri. The inner layer is wettable, nonporous and matingly fits and resiliently complements the exocervical surface. In order to prevent the molding material from clogging or otherwise impairing operation of the valve, a valve cover is detachably connected to the valve during molding and curing.