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 1.8 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. A motorized pull-back device 104 is used, and a thermal sensor 600 may be used to help control the power required to maintain the proper treatment temperature.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for removing blood from a blood vessel in preparation for endovenous laser ablation are described. The improved methods include one or more of: placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, applying external compression around the vein, massaging the vein, cooling the vein externally, encouraging spasming of the vein, and removing blood with a suction device.

Abstract: A handpiece and method of use for laser-assisted liposuction for melting, disrupting, and removing cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively melt or disrupt cellulite and adipose tissue and ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue, while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.

Abstract: A handpiece and method of use for laser-assisted liposuction for melting, disrupting, and removing cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively melt or disrupt cellulite and adipose tissue and ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue, while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.

Abstract: Inducing thrombolysis of thermally induced thrombus occurring during endovenous ablation of varicose veins by introducing an optical fiber laser deliver device with optical fiber portion and with an energy emitting tip at its distal end into the varicosed vein to be treated, emitting pulsed, laser energy with sufficient energy to close and destroy varicose veins to the emitting tip of the optical fiber laser delivery device, thereby inducing laser thrombolysis of coagulated blood which accumulates at the energy emitting tip of the fiber when the fiber is caused to emit energy in the presence of uncoagulated blood and minimizing adverse effects associated with thermally induced thrombus within a varicose vein.

Abstract: A handpiece and method of use for laser-assisted liposuction for melting, disrupting, and removing cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively melt or disrupt cellulite and adipose tissue and ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue, while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.

Abstract: Inducing thrombolysis of thermally induced thrombus occurring during endovenous ablation of varicose veins by introducing an optical fiber laser deliver device with optical fiber portion and with an energy emitting tip at its distal end into the varicosed vein to be treated, emitting pulsed, laser energy with sufficient energy to close and destroy varicose veins to the emitting tip of the optical fiber laser delivery device, thereby inducing laser thrombolysis of coagulated blood which accumulates at the energy emitting tip of the fiber when the fiber is caused to emit energy in the presence of uncoagulated blood and minimizing adverse effects associated with thermally induced thrombus within a varicose vein.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for removing blood from a blood vessel in preparation for endovenous laser ablation are described. The improved methods include one or more of: placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, applying external compression around the vein, massaging the vein, cooling the vein externally, encouraging spasming of the vein, and removing blood with a suction device.

Abstract: Improved devices and methods for removing blood from a blood vessel in preparation for endovenous laser ablation are described. The improved methods include one or more of: placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, applying external compression around the vein, massaging the vein, cooling the vein externally, encouraging spasming of the vein, and removing blood with a suction device.

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 1.8 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. A motorized pull-back device 104 is used, and a thermal sensor 600 may be used to help control the power required to maintain the proper treatment temperature.

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.

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 handpiece and method of use for laser-assisted liposuction for melting, disrupting, and removing cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively melt or disrupt cellulite and adipose tissue and ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue, while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.

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: A method and apparatus for treating skin disorders includes a source of pulsed near black body electromagnetic energy and a means of delivering this energy to a treatment site. A means for cooling the treatment site is described. The number of pulses and intensity of the energy can be varied. Optical filters are used to limit the spectrum of energy emitted and the filters are cooled to allow high-energy operation. The size of the treatment spot is controlled by a series of apertures.

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 for treating skin disorders includes a source of pulsed near black body electromagnetic energy and a means of delivering this energy to a treatment site. A means for cooling the treatment site is described. The number of pulses and intensity of the energy can be varied. Optical filters are used to limit the spectrum of energy emitted and the filters are cooled to allow high-energy operation. The size of the treatment spot is controlled by a series of apertures.

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.