Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer orientation sensing and display apparatus, and related method, for use in providing an accurate representation of the orientation of an ultrasonic transducer's imaging plane. The orientation sensing and display apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer having an integral orientation sensor, a processor, and a display. The representation of the imaging plane as indicated on the display is based on electrical signals generated by the orientation sensor. The ultrasonic transducer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is integrated near the distal end or tip of an elongated tube of a laparoscopic instrument used for ultrasonic imaging. The orientation sensor is a biaxial gravitational sensor, composed of two orthogonal sensing toroids to sense rotation about any axis lying in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A compact solid state source of coherent laser light in the range of about 298 nm through about 355 nm utilizes a Nd:YAG or Nd:YLF laser to pump a tunable Ti:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 laser. The beam from the Nd:YAG/Nd:YLF laser is then combined in a nonlinear optical crystal with the tunable beam from the Ti:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 laser to provide a continuously tunable laser beam in the range of about 298 nm through about 355 nm.

Abstract: A medical monitor, and related method, determines a pre-existing physiological property of an organ of a patient by monitoring fluorescent light produced by constituents associated with the metabolic and structural condition of the organ. The monitor illuminates the organ with ultraviolet excitation light that induces some constituents of the organ to fluoresce, with the fluorescent light being monitored and processed to determine pre-existing physiological properties of the organ. A sensor monitors the return light, which includes fluorescent light produced by the fluorescent constituents of the organ, and generates first and second electrical signals indicative of the intensity of light at two wavelength. One wavelength is associated with the fluorescence of collagen, a constituent associated with organ's structural properties, and the other wavelength is a associated with the fluorescence of NADH, a constituent associated with the organ's metabolism.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the biodistribution of substances using fluorescence spectroscopy. A photosensitizing agent or other intrinsically fluorescent agent, or an agent labeled with an extrinsic fluorophor is administered to a subject. A fiberoptic probe integrated with an excitation light source illuminates the examined tissue and causes fluorescence. The fluorescence is recorded by a spectrograph and plotted as a spectral curve. The intensity ratio (S1/S2) for the fluorescence from the photosensitizing agent (S1) and autofluorescence (S2) for the examined tissue is used as an index for drug presence and compared with the intensity ratio at the same wavelengths for various tissues.

Abstract: A compact solid state source of coherent laser light in the range of about 298 nm through about 355 nm utilizes a Nd:YAG or Nd:YLF laser to pump a tunable Ti:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 laser. The beam from the Nd:YAG/Nd:YLF laser is then combined in a nonlinear optical crystal with the tunable beam from the Ti:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 laser to provide a continuously tunable laser beam in the range of about 298 nm through about 355 nm.

Abstract: A glucose monitor, and related method, determines the concentration of glucose in a sample by monitoring fluorescent light produced directly by any glucose present in the sample. The glucose monitor illuminates the sample with ultraviolet excitation light that induces any glucose present in the sample to fluoresce, with the fluorescent light being monitored and processed to determine the concentration of glucose in the sample. A sensor monitors the return light, which includes fluorescent light produced by any glucose in the sample, and generates first and second electrical signals indicative of the intensity of light in two wavelength bands. One wavelength band includes a characteristic spectral peak of glucose fluorescence, and the other wavelength band is a reference band having known spectral characteristics. A processor then processes the first and second electrical signals to determine the concentration of glucose in the sample.

Abstract: A robot for performing endoscopic procedures includes a plurality of segments attached to each other through an articulated joint. Actuators can move the segments together and apart and change their angular orientation to allow the robot to move in an inchworm or snake-like fashion through a cavity or lumen within a patient. Inflatable balloons around the segments inflate to brace a temporarily stationary segment against the lumen walls while other segments move. A compressed gas line attached to the back segment provides compressed gas to inflate the balloons and optionally to drive the actuators. The lead segment includes a television camera and biopsy arm or other sensors and surgical instruments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the instant intraoperative detection and biopsy of metastatic cancer using fluorescence spectroscopy. A photosensitizing agent selectively retained by cancerous tissue is administered prior to surgery. A fiberoptic probe integrated with a biopsy device illuminates the examined tissue and causes fluorescence which is recorded by a spectrograph and plotted as a spectral curve. The intensity ratio (S1/S2) for the fluorescence from the photosensitizing agent (S1) and autofluorescence (S2) for the examined tissue is compared with the intensity ratio at the same wavelengths for primary tumor and normal tissue. Tissue that displays an intensity ratio different from that of normal tissue can immediately be analyzed for the depth of tumor involvement and then excised for histological examination using the biopsy device.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of removing bone cement by use of an excimer laser. This method is useful in prosthetic joint replacement surgery. Ablation of the bone cement by means of the excimer laser allows for prosthetic replacement without tearing or damage to the natural tissue, bone or limb to which the prosthesis is attached. Lasers used have an intensity level of at least 50 kilowatts and wavelengths ranging from 157-400 nm.