Abstract: The production and new type of preforms are presented which yield, upon drawing, new, class of optical fibers, improved, speckle-free output optical fibers. Useful fibers, providing speckle-free, smooth output with flat top transmission of light from gaussian or few mode sources are produced from preforms introduced herein. The unique production of these improved preforms is also presented. The preforms, and thus the fibers produced in varying core dimensions from about 100 ?m to above 1000 ?m, are based on a structured silica section of mode mixing area adjacent to the inner core, or in the case of non-circular core, within the core. Plasma Vapor Deposition process is modified to achieve the structured sections in a well-controlled manner. The structured sections are composed of a number of pairs of layers, where a thin down-doped layer is alternated with a much thicker core material layer. The ratio of the thickness of the core layer to the thickness of the down-doped layer is about 3 to 25.

Abstract: A new type of all-silica optical fiber is described; a Structured Silica Clad Silica (SSCS) optical fiber, whose cladding is structured to provide mode mixing within the core; and/or to have an average effective refractive index. Its cross-section is essentially symmetrical, it can be used, among other objects, to provide flatter, more speckle-free outputs from fiber lasers, or other limited mode photonic sources. Building the new fiber structure around a rare earth doped laser core provides a better fiber laser/amplifier for cladding pumping. The structured silica cladding contains paired layers, in which a down doped silica layer is followed by a layer of pure, or lesser down-doped, or even up-dope silica, and die number of paired layers is, typically, from 5 to about 25, and, generally, within the paired layers the ratio of thickness of the higher RI layer of silicate the down-doped silica is very broad, lying between about 0.0625 to about 16, depending on the intended use of the SSCS fibers.

Abstract: A side fire optical fiber tip is provided for use in high power laser applications having outputs of greater than or equal to 50 Watts. A predetermined length of an output tip on the distal end of the optical fiber is formed with an optical fiber core and cladding layer of preselected thickness wherein the cladding to core diameter ratio is at least as great as 1.2. A side fire surface is formed on the distal end of the core/clad output end. Over this optical fiber output end, a pure silica capillary tube is fused to the predetermined length of exposed cladding where the outermost cladding is also pure silica to reduce thermal mismatch during the fusion process. By having the refractive index at the fusing interface matched, and bubbles or gaps eliminated or prevented, it is possible to substantially eliminate Fresnel reflection losses at this interface.

Abstract: A fiber optic medical device/system is presented, comprising means to connect and enclose a laser source to ensure sterility and safe operation. Device includes a low cost, single use system enclosed and sterilized including laser source and with the fiber attached in a sterile tube. Another embodiment comprises hermetically sealed laser unit with simple connection system to a properly shaped fiber optic, after joining, unit comprises a hand piece and fiber for direct insertion to treat target tissue. Laser handle is aseptically packaged. In other embodiments, fiber is proximally terminated in solid funnel-shaped end to provide unique directional keyed junction with laser module. In another embodiment, unit includes fiber proximally joined to it, where a laser module can be added away from the fiber end, so that laser does not need to be sterilized but entire unit is safe for medical use in sterile fields. Enclosure also serves as a grip for pulling and/or manipulating device.

Abstract: An endoluminal lasing system for treating vascular disorders is disclosed. Treatment comprises an elongated member that conveys laser radiation to tissue and a motorized mechanism, through which elongated member is rotated. As motor drives, its movement spins elongated member leading to a spiral movement as physician manually moves member in a longitudinal direction. In a preferred embodiment, elongated member is an optical fiber for endoluminal vessel treatment. In another preferred embodiment optical fiber comprises an off-axis firing distal end or side-firing distal end. Optical fiber can be a radial emitting fiber. Spin velocity can be varied according to treatment needs, i.e., pathology, type of vessel, energy source, vessel diameter, etc. One advantage, spiral movement prevents adherence to vessel wall in treatments. Another advantage is that radiation is applied more uniformly along vessel wall. The vessel wall is, thus more evenly treated under most conditions.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices for endoluminally treating female fallopian tubes or male vas deferens of mammals are presented as a permanent method of contraception. In preferred embodiments, medical devices for male and female sterilization comprise laser radiation source operating at one or more preselected wavelengths between about 980 nm and about 1950 nm, preferably at least one of 980 nm, 1470 nm and 1950 nm; treatment waveguide with a radial or cylindrical radiation emitting tip; viewing scope; and a temperature sensor. In another preferred embodiment, a minimally-invasive permanent contraception method for males and females comprises the steps of introducing at least one treatment waveguide in a body cavity; positioning the treatment waveguide inside a body cavity; irradiating; and repeating the procedure in companion body cavity to inhibit fertilization.

Abstract: System and method for treating hemorrhoidal piles, addressing both cause and symptoms, by endoluminal/interstitial application of energy are disclosed. The dilated blood arteries in anal/rectal region are irradiated from inside the pile using (laser) energy for minimal pain/discomfort. The center of the pile is irradiated over a certain diameter, absorbing energy; and is denatured causing volume reduction. Central vessels located in the same diameter are obliterated immediately, relieving bleeding. During treatment, new connective tissue replaces the coagulated tissue. Closing inflowing arteries further shrinks piles in weeks to three months. Complications are highly diminished. A hand-piece and a fiber with a sharp distal tip are beneficial. Including an imaging system, (ultrasound imaging, optical coherence tomography) and an intelligent system to calculate necessary laser energy parameters help address each pile individually.

Abstract: Improved device and method for safe, accurate, efficient surgical procedures are disclosed. A preferred device is a waveguide assembly for delivering electromagnetic radiation to a tissue comprising a waveguide with a multi-facetted tip and a cap over the 5 multi-facetted tip. Preferably the waveguide is an optical fiber. The cap is a protective, reinforced cap fused to the optical fiber's tip as an integral part of it and comprises an axially-extending portion oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the elongated axis of the optical fiber. A method of manufacturing special waveguide caps is provided. The optical fiber assembly delivers high power electromagnetic radiation in lateral direction 10 with respect to the elongated axis of the optical fiber, determined by the multiple-facetted tip, the slant angles of the optical fiber's core, and the orientation of the cap's axially-extending portion. A method for removing unwanted tissue like in benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments is also provided.

Abstract: Improved, efficient devices/methods for medical and cosmetic applications, involving the delivery of laser energy to tissue are provided. In a preferred embodiment a portable, easy-to-use laser system comprises at least one laser source operating at one or more laser wavelengths; an electronic visual display having a n-dimensional input interface to set/select laser parameters; and at least one waveguide optically coupled to the laser source to convey laser radiation to a treatment site. The n-dimensional input interface inputs/selects lasing parameters which allows the selection of a combination of output wavelengths and powers by simply touching the electronic visual display. Method of use comprises the steps of placing at least one waveguide at preselected treatment site; selecting a combination of laser wavelengths and power by interacting with an electronic visual display; and irradiating the treatment site.

Abstract: A fiber optic light source in which input light with short and narrow band wavelength is converted/transformed into multi-band visible white light with high intensity output power is provided. The new light source comprises at least one homogenizing light guide element, and at least one photoluminescence element. It may also comprise at least one input element and an optical fiber. All or some of the elements may be integrated into an optical waveguide. In some embodiments, the at least one input element increases light transfer efficiency from a ray source to the at least one homogenizing light guide element component of the fiber optic light source. The at least one photoluminescence element can be a point or an extended form like a line or surface. The fiber optic light source output beam may also contain the input ray wavelength, which in turn can be from a fiber optic laser.

Abstract: A noninvasive treatment of uterine growths such as myomas (fibroids) and polyps is presented. Treatment involves carrying out diagnostic hysteroscopy and ultrasound procedures to detect, measure, and evaluate unwanted uterine growths; then inserting optical fiber into a hysteroscope, reaching target tissue with optical fiber and eliminating said tissue or shrinking it to a size/shape for easy mechanical removal. Finally, ultrasound imaging is used to confirm success of procedure. In one embodiment, optical fiber has an off-axis firing end but can be inserted inside a conventional hysteroscopy device. In another embodiment, a laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) fiber is used to treat myomas found on the outside of the uterus. A high energy laser is used that can emit at wavelengths easily absorbed by water and blood, such as 980 nm and 1470 nm. Procedure is fast and can be done in the physician's office with little or no anesthesia used.

Abstract: An improved method and device is provided for safe and efficient low power density endoluminal treatment of venous insufficiency. One such device emits pulsed or continuous energy radially through an optical fiber end with a conical shaped tip for 360° radial emission. In some embodiments, a conical reflective surface is distally spaced opposite to and faces the emitting tip for enhancing radial emission efficiency by reflecting out any designed or remnant forwardly transmitted energy in radial directions. Other devices include flat emitting faces sealed within protective, radiation transparent covers. Additional embodiments include spacing/centering mechanisms to keep emitting end radially equidistant from vein walls. Laser radiation is transmitted at a wavelength and power such that is it substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall to sufficiently damage the intravascular endothelium and, in turn, achieve blood vessel closure.

Abstract: Medical systems, comprising at least one eletromagnetic radiation emitting device for medical applications, at least one mobile electronic device, and at least one attachable/detachable transmission medium, are provided. The electromagnetic radiation emitting device comprises a radiation source such as a laser source, a radiofrequency source, or a microwave source and required safety features/controls. The mobile electronic device has advanced computing capability and connectivity, and is capable of wirelessly accessing a network, such as a smart phone, a tablet personal computer, and the like. The transmission mediums are optical fibers, handpieces, fiber-optic systems, radiofrequency catheters and electrodes, microwave transmission media, having differently shaped distal tips, differently shaped support tubes, and lens assemblies with different focal distances. This makes the system versatile, as it can be easily adapted to a large number of diverse medical applications.

Abstract: A fiber optic light source in which input light with short and narrow band wavelength is converted/transformed into multi-band visible white light with high intensity output power is provided. The new light source comprises at least one homogenizing light guide element, and at least one photoluminescence element. It may also comprise at least one input element and an optical fiber. All or some of the elements may be integrated into an optical waveguide. In some embodiments, the at least one input element increases light transfer efficiency from a ray source to the at least one homogenizing light guide element component of the fiber optic light source. The at least one photoluminescence element can be a point or an extended form like a line or surface. The fiber optic light source output beam may also contain the input ray wavelength, which in turn can be from a fiber optic laser.

Abstract: The device for carrying out underskin radiation treatment consists of a handpiece that allows easy manipulation by physicians, with a part that can be inserted below the skin and a part that can be held and manipulated outside the body. The part inserted below the skin can be vibrated or oscillated by means of suitable transducers to aid in distributing the radiation. Simultaneously or immediately afterwards, liquefied tissue is aspirated. If convenient, fluid irrigation of the area to be treated can be done. In a preferred embodiment, handpiece consists in a hollow cannula incorporating at least one channel for suction and/or irrigation and a light guiding means in its body/wall section for the purpose of the treatment and liquefaction of adipose tissue. The device further comprises at least one radiation source, included in device part affixed to the handpiece either in a permanent or detachable manner.

Abstract: An improved method and device for accurate, efficient surgical procedures are disclosed. The disclosed system consists in simultaneously using an elongated member that conveys energy to a treatment site and imaging means to control position of the elongated member and monitor treatment progress in real-time. In a preferred embodiment, for BPH, a twister fiber with a fused cap is used and ultrasound image guidance is obtained using a rectal probe. The method consists in placing an ultrasound rectal probe, fixed by mechanical means, and an optical fiber inserted into urethra. Initial positioning of probe is done under endoscopic/ultrasound control. The twister fiber probe operates in contact-mode. Treatment is monitored, real-time, by the ultrasound device. Additional imaging technologies include Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT) or Optical Coherence Tomography. Other applications include the removal of tumorous (hyperplasic) tissue.

Abstract: An improved method and device is provided for safe and efficient low power density endoluminal treatment of venous insufficiency. One such device emits pulsed or continuous energy radially through an optical fiber end with a conical shaped tip for 360° radial emission. In some embodiments, a conical reflective surface is distally spaced opposite to and faces the emitting tip for enhancing radial emission efficiency by reflecting out any designed or remnant forwardly transmitted energy in radial directions. Other devices include flat emitting faces sealed within protective, radiation transparent covers. Laser radiation is transmitted at a wavelength and power such that is it substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall to sufficiently damage the intravascular endothelium and, in turn, achieve blood vessel closure.

Abstract: Improved/efficient fiber laser systems are provided for medical/cosmetic applications, comprising at least one pump source, optically coupled with at least one fiber laser. The fiber laser comprises an irregularly-shaped single-, double- or multiple-clad fiber of unconventional structure and geometry, and means for partially/completely reflecting the pump radiation, such as Bragg gratings. The fiber laser system further comprises at least one fiber optic delivery device optically coupled with the pump source, with the irregularly-shaped single-, double- or multiple-clad fiber laser, or with both, to convey laser radiation to a treatment site. The fiber optic delivery device comprises one or more waveguides, preferably optical fibers. The irregularly-shaped fiber laser and waveguides of the fiber optic delivery device have the same or different tip configurations to perform the treatment according to therapeutic needs.

Abstract: Methods and devices to eliminate, reduce, destroy and/or inhibit undesired body fluid species, such as pathogen microbes and deteriorated or malignant cells in complex environments like blood, serum and other body fluids are provided. In preferred embodiments, an antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment is given that effectively inactivates, reduces and/or destroys both Gram (?) and Gram (+) bacteria in complex body fluids. Methods to enhance antimicrobial PDT activity include administering a photosensitizer to bacteria-contaminated fluid, after a dwell time guiding bacteria-contaminated fluid with photosensitizer through a channel, emitting radiation preferably in an intermittent manner, and restoring treated body fluids to corresponding body regions. Electromagnetic radiation is preferably delivered intermittently with pulse width based on treatment parameters.

Abstract: Connectors for optically coupling radiation accurately from radiation sources into waveguides in medical applications are provided. A preferred embodiment for coupling laser sources into optical fibers provides a connector comprising an outer body for handling connector; a two-part ferrule; an inner body which protects ferrule and holds its two parts together; a collet chuck through which an optical fiber is introduced; a spring; a ferrule interlock; and bending protection with a long fiber protection end. Main features are that the inner body moves within the outer body longitudinally, the spring-loaded ferrules move against a fixed position element in the laser housing via the spring load, and their relative shapes are designed to be assembled in only one possible angle position, thus maintaining alignment of elements to reduce/avoid lost power absorbed by the connector's proximal end due to coupling. The ferrule is mounted inside the connector and does not emerge from it for protecting the ferrule.