Abstract: An imaging system includes a first optical system configured to receive an imaging beam from a surgical region. The imaging beam including a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band. The imaging beam is directed along a first optical axis. The first optical system includes a dichroic beam splitter, and the first optical system is configured to direct a first optical beam associated with the first wavelength band along a first direction and direct a second optical beam associated with the second wavelength band along a second direction. The imaging system also includes a first sensor located along the first direction and configured to capture a first image associated with the first optical beam. The image system further includes a first relay lens system located along the second direction downstream from the first optical system and configured to receive the second optical beam.

Abstract: A diffusive tip assembly for controlling a light intensity profile during a medical procedure is provided. The diffusive tip assembly includes an optical fiber including a core and a diffuser tip that surrounds a distal end of the core. The diffuser tip includes multiple light directing features that are shaped and arranged in a pattern along an axial length of the diffuser tip. The light directing features are capable of directing light traveling from the core in a radial direction toward an outer surface of the diffuser tip for irradiating a material in proximity of the diffuser tip. An optical coupling material is disposed between the core and the diffuser tip. The optical coupling material and surfaces of the light directing features form boundaries upon which light rays traveling from the core are incident.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for the efficacious thermal treatment of lumen such as varicose veins during laser surgery is provided. An energy delivery device comprising a diffusing optical fiber with a light-emitting section and a memory device having data programmed therein is also provided. The optical fiber includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at a treatment site. An energy generator is connected to the optical fiber and to a positioning device. The optical fiber engages positioning device so that the positioning device can moveably position the light-emitting section of the optical fiber. Consequently, the optical fiber can be inserted directly into an appropriate position within a varicose portion of a vein or other lumen for thermal treatment of the vein.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for the efficacious thermal treatment of lumen such as varicose veins during laser surgery is provided. The method includes inserting an optical fiber into a lumen at a treatment site which has at least two treatment segments. The light-emitting section of the optical fiber is aligned with a first treatment segment within the treatment site. Energy is emitted into the lumen at the first treatment segment and a temperature of the lumen is measured at the first treatment segment. The energy delivered to the treatment segment can be adjusted in response to the temperature measurement. The light-emitting section is moved to at least a second treatment segment within the lumen and energy is emitted into the lumen at the second treatment segment. During treatment at the second treatment segment, the temperature of the lumen is measured at the second treatment segment.

Abstract: An optical fiber for use with a laser device including a source of light energy, as well as a method of making same, where the optical fiber has a proximal end in communication with the light source and a distal end positionable at a treatment site. The optical fiber includes: a core having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a distal face proximate the distal end of the optical fiber; a layer of cladding radially surrounding the core from the core proximal portion to a point adjacent the core distal portion; a sleeve radially surrounding the cladding layer composed essentially of a predetermined type of material; and, a tip diffuser radially surrounding the core distal portion including light-scattering material molded with substantially the same type of material utilized for the sleeve, wherein the light-scattering material fluoresces in a temperature dependent manner upon being stimulated by light.

Abstract: An optical fiber for use with a laser device including a source of light energy, as well as a method of making same, where the optical fiber has a proximal end in communication with the light source and a distal end positionable at a treatment site. The optical fiber includes: a core having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a distal face proximate the distal end of the optical fiber, a layer of cladding radially surrounding the core from the core proximal portion to a designated point adjacent the core distal portion; a sleeve radially surrounding the cladding layer composed essentially of a predetermined type of material; and, a tip diffuser positioned at the distal end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy delivery device for use with a medical treatment system for the more efficacious treatment of patients during laser surgery which limits the number of uses or prevents reuse of the energy delivery device after a certain threshold limit has been reached. The energy delivery device comprises a diffusing optical fiber and a memory device having data programmed therein and being operatively connected to an energy generator the optical fiber includes a temperature sensor for generating a temperature signal in a closed loop manner. The data stored in the memory device includes a multiplicity of use parameters, usage limits, usage counts, and count limits all relating to the properties of the medical treatment system. The use parameters may include an elapsed time, a total treatment time, and a number of treatment sites.