Abstract: A minimally invasive method for treating varices including pelvic varices in females, varicoceles, and also oesophageal varices is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of inserting a catheter device into the blood vessels of a patient and advancing the distal end of the catheter to reach the varix or varices. The insertion may be made in the femoral vein or in other vessels as appropriate. Preferably, x-ray, angiography, or other imaging techniques are used to visualize and position the catheter. An optical fiber or optical fiber bundle is then inserted into the catheter and the distal end is advanced to a predetermined point near the varix or varices. Laser energy of preferably 980 nm is then transmitted to the varix to close the blood vessel. Imaging techniques such as angiographies may again be performed to confirm closure of the vein.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method for treating varices including pelvic varices in females, varicoceles, and also oesophageal varices is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of inserting a catheter device into the blood vessels of a patient and advancing the distal end of the catheter to reach the varix or varices. The insertion may be made in the femoral vein or in other vessels as appropriate. Preferably, x-ray, angiography, or other imaging techniques are used to visualize and position the catheter. An optical fiber or optical fiber bundle is then inserted into the catheter and the distal end is advanced to a predetermined point near the varix or varices. Laser energy of preferably 980 nm is then transmitted to the varix to close the blood vessel. Imaging techniques such as angiographies may again be performed to confirm closure of the vein.

Abstract: A system and method for the placement of an intubation set by means of laser surgery in the lachrymal drainage system without prior entry therein is disclosed. An introducer with an atraumatic inner mandrill therein is inserted into the lachrymal sac section. The atraumatic inner mandril is removed and (one or more) optical fibers or fiber bundles are inserted for illumination to determine proper position and for ablating a drainage channel. The optical fiber or bundle is then removed and a DCR intubation set is positioned through the introducer near the new drainage channel and is then removed leaving the intubation tube in the new drainage channel. One advantage of this device and method is that all aspects of the procedure can be performed through the introducer, thus only requiring a single insertion point, reducing trauma to the lachrymal duct, and reducing the complexity and risk of complication or infection.

Abstract: A method of endovenous laser treatment in disclosed. An introducer sheath 40 is introduced into a vein and an optical fiber 12 is introduced through the introducer sheath until a first marking 45 on the optical fiber 12 indicates that the distal end of the optical fiber 12 is substantially in alignment with the distal end of the introducer sheath 40. The introducer sheath 40 is then withdrawn relative to the optical fiber 12 until a second marking 46 on the optical fiber 12 indicates that the distal end of the optical fiber 12 extends a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of said introducer sheath 40. Laser radiation is passed down the optical fiber 12 so that laser radiation is delivered to the inner wall of the vein and the introducer sheath 40 together with the optical fiber 12 are withdrawn a certain distance along the vein.

Abstract: A medical laser device is disclosed comprising an optical fiber 12 having markings 45, 46 which enable the optical fiber 12 to be accurately positioned relative to an introducer sheath 40. The introducer sheath 40 may also have graduated markings to enable the sheath 40 to be withdrawn at a controlled rate. A pulsed or continuous laser source may be provided.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method for treating varices including pelvic varices in females, varicoceles, and also oesophageal varices is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of inserting a catheter device into the blood vessels of a patient and advancing the distal end of the catheter to reach the varix or varices. The insertion may be made in the femoral vein or in other vessels as appropriate. Preferably, x-ray, angiography, or other imaging techniques are used to visualize and position the catheter. An optical fiber or optical fiber bundle is then inserted into the catheter and the distal end is advanced to a predetermined point near the varix or varices. Laser energy of preferably 980 nm is then transmitted to the varix to close the blood vessel. Imaging techniques such as angiographies may again be performed to confirm closure of the vein.

Abstract: An introducer and system and method for using the introducer in endoscopic combined laser assisted DCR for treatment of nasolachrymal drainage obstruction (NLDO) is disclosed. An introducer comprising a hollow outer tube and an atraumatic inner mandril is inserted into the lachrymal sac section. The atraumatic inner mandril is removed and (one or more) optical fibers or fiber bundles are inserted for illumination to determine proper position and for ablating a drainage channel. The fiber or bundle is then removed and a DCR intubation set can then be introduced to maintain the drainage channel. One advantage of this device and method is that all aspects of the procedure can be performed through the introducer, thus only requiring a single insertion point, reducing trauma to the lachrymal duct, and reducing the complexity and risk of complication or infection.

Abstract: A medical laser device is disclosed comprising an optical fibre 12 having markings 45,46 which enable the optical fibre 12 to be accurately positioned relative to an introducer sheath 40. The introducer sheath 40 may also have graduated markings to enable the sheath 40 to be withdrawn at a controlled rate. A pulsed or continuous laser source may be provided.

Abstract: A method of endovenous laser treatment is disclosed. An introducer sheath 40 is introduced into a vein and an optical fibre 12 is introduced through the introducer sheath until a first marking 45 on the optical fibre 12 indicates that the distal end of the optical fibre 12 is substantially in alignment with the distal end of the introducer sheath 40. The introducer sheath 40 is then withdrawn relative to the optical fibre 12 until a second marking 46 on the optical fibre 12 indicates that the distal end of the optical fibre 12 extends a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of said introducer sheath 40. Laser radiation is passed down the optical fibre 12 so that laser radiation is delivered to the inner wall of the vein and the introducer sheath 40 together with the optical fibre 12 are withdrawn a certain distance along the vein.