Abstract: A system and method using a gas discharge to provide for dermatological treatments, such as hair removal. The system provides for varying the spectral output of the gas discharge lamp by varying the current density through the lamp. This ability to control the spectral output is particularly beneficial where the a variety of different skin types and hair types are being treated for hair removal. By changing the current density through the lamp, the spectral output from the lamp can be changed. Thus, where a power supply provides the ability to control the amount of current density through the lamp, the spectral output from the lamp is controlled and selected for a particular skin type being treated.

Abstract: A system and method for using a light source to treat tissue with NIR light. The operation provides for generating higher temperatures in deeper layers of tissue relative to shallower layers of tissue. The increased temperature in dermal layers can operate to induce collagen shrinkage, or remodeling. One of the light sources for providing a broad spectrum of NIR light is a filament light. The light from the filament lamp can be selectively filtered, and after filtering this light is applied to the skin, where the selective filtering can enhance the ability to elevate the temperature of deeper layers of tissue, relative to layers of tissue which are closer to the surface of the skin.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber secured using a card key, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 20 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a diode-pumped neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 20 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics comprising LBO or BBO producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 20 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of uterine tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 run to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A medical laser system is disclosed for generating a pulsed output beam of variable pulse duration and wavelength. The on time of the laser is the pulse duration which is generated by a Q-switch operated in a repetitive mode as a train of micropulses. According to one embodiment, a repetitively Q-switched frequency-doubled solid state laser produces an input beam which is subsequently used to excite a dye laser. An excitation source of the solid state laser is modulated to control the pulse duration of the input beam. The dye laser receives the input beam and responsively generates an output beam of adjustable wavelength having a pulse duration corresponding to the pulse duration of the input beam. The wavelength of the output beam is controlled by adjusting a tuning element of the dye laser. The dye laser is coupleable to a delivery system for directing the output laser beam to a biological tissue target.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating prostate glands or other targeted soft tissue using a solid-state laser. The laser can be operated to generate a pulsed output beam having pulse durations of between 0.1 and 500 milliseconds. The output beam is delivered to the targeted tissue through an optical fiber, preferably terminating in a side-firing probe or diffusing tip. By operating the laser in a long-duration pulse mode, charring of the targeted tissue is initiated quickly, thereby increasing ablation rates and reducing overall procedure time.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating prostate glands or other targeted soft tissue using a solid-state laser. The laser can be operated to generate a pulsed output beam having pulse durations of between 0.1 and 500 milliseconds. The output beam is delivered to the targeted tissue through an optical fiber, preferably terminating in a side-firing probe or diffusing tip. By operating the laser in a long-duration pulse mode, charring of the targeted tissue is initiated quickly, thereby increasing ablation rates and reducing overall procedure time.

Abstract: A desktop medical laser generator (10) for laser surgery has a base plate (12) and an optical assembly (14) mounted thereon. The optical assembly (14) has an improved lamp housing (16) having two identical shell sections (44) and associated components for housing a YAG rod (60) and a lamp (58). Light emitted from the lamp housing (16) is doubled in frequency by a KTP crystal (26), monitored by two power detectors (32,34) and emitted through an output connector (36). A line power control system (90) insures the current drawn from a standard wall receptacle (80) does not exceed accepted limits. An output power detection system (90) closely monitors output power.

Abstract: A fiber optics calibration system (10) incorporated into a laser surgical system (12). A laser light source (14) produces a light beam (16), a portion of which is directed by a first beam splitter (18) into a radiation detector (26) and a further portion of which is directed by a safety detector (28) into a safety detector. A safety shutter (31) is interposed between the radiation detector (26) and the safety detector (28) and controlled by the safety detector (28). During calibration, the light beam is directed through a fiber optic cable (24) and then through a calibration adaptor (34) and calibration receptacle (36) a via a light pipe (38) to the safety detector (28). A calibration switch (40) locks out operation of the safety shutter (31) such that readings of the radiation detector (26) can be compared to those of the safety detector (28) and compensation from an expected standard value be made therefor by a controlling computer (42).

Abstract: A dermatology handpiece delivers a treatment beam of optical energy to a lesion. The handpiece has the ability to selectively determine whether or not the treatment beam is delivering optical energy to a lesion or to healthy tissue. This is achieved without visual inspection of the skin surface by the physician. Slight variations in tissue, not readily discernable by the human eye, can be detected and treated. A base line, or threshold, is established for the treatment area. Normal tissue, falling below the base line, does not receive a dose of optical energy. A threshold or base line signal is created by taking a reading of healthy skin. The dermatology handpiece is adjusted so that the treatment beam is not delivered until a threshold or base line signal is exceeded. Substantially all of a lesion receives the proper amount of optical energy in the treatment beam, while healthy tissue does not receive a dosage of optical energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing light at an angle provides an optical fiber with a bevelled end which internally reflects light or refracts light from the bevelled end at an angle to the fiber's axis depending on the bevelled angle. The apparatus also includes a cylindrical probe for surgical applications having a central bore and a cut-out in a side of the probe near one end. The cylindrical probe may have a sharp tip at the one end for penetrating tissue. The optical fiber having a bevelled end is insertable into the cylindrical probe. The bevelled end of the optical fiber is aligned with the cut-out in the cylindrical probe. Light transmitted through the optical fiber is directed from the bevelled end and through the cut-out to provide light at an angle to the axis of the fiber. A bevelled end plug is positioned adjacent to the bevelled end of the fiber. A housing holds the optical fiber and cylindrical probe and limits axial travel. An aspiration connector is coupled to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A laser system provides output wavelengths at near 1.06 and near 1.44 micron from an Nd:YAG gain medium, along with a frequency doubled output of the 1.06 micron line. This system is based on a laser resonator with a plurality of turning mirrors, each transmissive at a selective subset of the characteristic wavelengths of Nd:YAG and reflective at a selected output wavelength. The mechanism is coupled with the turning mirrors for selectively positioning one of the plurality of turning mirrors in the optical path, directing the beam on an output coupler having a fixed position with respect to a string of components for delivering the output beam to a surgical site. Also, the mechanism can selectively remove the turning mirror from the optical path. In this case, the beam is supplied to a frequency doubling alternate resonator design and output at the second harmonic of the 1.06 micron line is generated.

Abstract: A laser system using non-linear crystals for second harmonic generation and solid state gain media is operated under data processor control so that a plurality of pump power modes are available. The data processor modulates the pump power in a low power mode, and supplies continuous pump power in combination with Q-switching in a high power mode. Alternatively, modulation may be used in both low power and high power modes, with the parameters of the modulation adjusted under program control. Second harmonic generation without a Q-switch in high power modes can be achieved as well. The data processing control of pump power allows optimization of pump energy consumption and the generation of waste heat so that the laser resonator may be air-cooled in many environments. Also other design objectives can be achieved for specific laser applications using the program controlled data processor to drive the pump power source.