Abstract: Methods of enhancing the efficacy and safety of treatment with immuno-modulating agents are provided. The inventive methods combine treatment with immuno-modulating agents with photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT can be administered before, during or after administration of the immuno-modulating agent. Combination therapy achieves at least the same efficacy as immuno-modulatory therapy in less time, with less immuno-modulating agent and fewer side-effects.

Abstract: An electrode catheter is introduced into a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. Tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the treatment site to produce tumescence of the surrounding tissue which then compresses the vein. The solution may include an anesthetic, and may further include a vasoconstrictive drug that shrinks blood vessels. The tumescent swelling in the surrounding tissue causes the hollow anatomical structure to become compressed, thereby exsanguinating the treatment site. Energy is applied by an electrode catheter in apposition with the vein wall to create a heating effect. The heating effect causes the hollow anatomical structure to become molded and durably assume the compressed dimensions caused by the tumescent technique. The electrode catheter can be moved within the structure so as to apply energy to a large section of the hollow anatomic structure.

Abstract: An electrode catheter is introduced into a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. Tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the treatment site to produce tumescence of the surrounding tissue which then compresses the vein. The solution may include an anesthetic, and may further include a vasoconstrictive drug that shrinks blood vessels. The tumescent swelling in the surrounding tissue causes the hollow anatomical structure to become compressed, thereby exsanguinating the treatment site. Energy is applied by an electrode catheter in apposition with the vein wall to create a heating effect. The heating effect causes the hollow anatomical structure to become molded and durably assume the compressed dimensions caused by the tumescent technique. The electrode catheter can be moved within the structure so as to apply energy to a large section of the hollow anatomic structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that will alter the fibrous strands in the fatty layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively shrink or alternatively loosen the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the efficacy and safety of treatment with immuno-modulating agents are provided. The inventive methods combine treatment with immuno-modulating agents with photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT can be administered before, during or after administration of the immuno-modulating agent. Combination therapy achieves at least the same efficacy as immuno-modulatory therapy in less time, with less immuno-modulating agent and fewer side-effects.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method and device for treating varicose veins 200 or the greater saphenous vein 202. The method comprises the use of infrared laser radiation in the region of 1.2 to 2.2 um in a manner from inside the vessel 200 or 202 such that the endothelial cells of the vessel wall 704 are damaged and collagen fibers in the vessel wall 704 are heated to the point where they permanently contract, the vessel 200 or 202 is occluded and ultimately resorbed. The device includes a laser 102 delivered via a fiber optic catheter 300 that may have frosted or diffusing fiber tips 308, or that may be provided with a protective spacer. A motorized pull back device 104 may be used, and a thermal sensor 600 may be used to help control the power required to maintain the proper treatment temperature.