Abstract: A color video diagnostic system for mini-endoscopes for viewing features of objects where access to the object is limited or where minimally invasive techniques are preferable, such as in medical or industrial applications. A black-and-white video chip mounted at the distal end of an endoscope body images an object sequentially illuminated by laser diode light sources having different wavelengths. More than one laser diode may be used within a color region to provide truer color representations. A controller controls the laser diode light sources for sequentially illuminating the object by color, and a video processor responsive to the controller receives signals from the black-and-white video chip for producing a color data signal. A display displays a color image of the object. At least one diagnostic laser diode light source, which can be tunable, may be included for enhancing selected features of the object being viewed, and it may emit in the visible, near infrared, or infrared wavelength regions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating Barrett's tissue by removal of the mucosa through PhotoDynamic Therapy(PDT) is provided. A viscous gel is the medium used to carry the photosensitizer to the treatment site and allow sufficient time to transfer to the tissue. The gel's viscosity will allow it to adhere to the tissue for a sufficient amount of time to transfer the photosensitizer or sufficient time for a mechanical device such as an expanding balloon to press the gel into the tissue. The photosensitizer within the gel is activated by the corresponding wavelength of radiation. An extended multi-balloon system limits the area of treatment and localizes the spread of the gel. An endoscope with fiber optics may be used to view the operation. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus contains a catheter with at least two balloons, one to block drainage of the photosensitizer into the stomach and one to limit the height of the treatment area and to press the gel into the tissue.

Abstract: A photonic scanning and delivery system capable of controllable transmission of light energy to an irregularly shaped treatment area are disclosed. The desired uniformity (controllability) of light energy application is ensured by a tracking device, which monitors the position of the radiation applicator and thereby prevents over- or underradiation. The system employs a light energy delivery hand-piece. By these means, structures in the lower dermis are irradiated. Because of the large size of the treatment area, damage to surface tissue is avoided. The hand-piece can operate while in contact with the treatment surface. Treatment surfaces include non-medical work sites. Alternatively, the hand-piece can operate in a non-contact mode. The system can also be used in non-medical applications such as UV curing.

Abstract: A tunable medical laser diode system for activating PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) compounds is disclosed. A tunable medical laser diode system for activating PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) compounds and other moderate or low energy multiple wavelength applications is disclosed. Interchangeable diode laser cartridges are used. Each cartridge contains a diode laser, which consists of at least one diode or diode array or some combination thereof. Typically, each diode laser cartridge is tuned to a different wavelength. Multiple cartridges, however may be tuned to the same wavelength for some applications One or more cartridges are attached to the system base unit simultaneously. The cartridges may be powered in series or in tandem for different applications. Selectively powering these cartridges causes light to be emitted at a certain wavelength or wavelengths. Selection of cartridges is facilitated by a drug identification scanner which scans drug activation wavelength information into the system.

Abstract: A new approach for targeting chemotherapeutics to focal bacterial infections is provided. Such focal infections are characterized by high densities of different bacteria and thus high concentrations of their extracellular signal molecules sensing the cell density. In gram-negative bacteria, one of such signal molecules is acyl-homoserine lactone (acyl-HSL, member of the autoinducer family AI-1), wherein species-specificity is achieved by acyl-residues, and HSLs are common for all gram-negative bacteria. In gram-positive bacteria, oligopeptides secreted by the bacteria communicate the cell density. In addition, there are cell density signal molecules (members of the autoinducer family AI-2) which communicate between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The general scheme of the present invention is molecular modules that comprise both a targeting component and a chemotherapeutical component which serves for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT).

Abstract: A photonic scanning and delivery system capable of controllable transmission of light energy to an irregularly shaped treatment area are disclosed. The desired uniformity (controllability) of light energy application is ensured by a tracking device, which monitors the position of the radiation applicator and thereby prevents over- or under-radiation. The system employs a light energy delivery hand-piece. By these means, structures in the lower dermis are irradiated. Because of the large size of the treatment area, damage to surface tissue is avoided. The hand-piece can operate while in contact with the treatment surface. Treatment surfaces include non-medical work sites. Alternatively, the hand-piece can operate in a non-contact mode. The system can also be used in non-medical applications such as UV curing.

Abstract: The present invention describes a multi-component handpiece that is both economical and practical for surgical laser treatment. A disposable optical fiber is inserted into a reusable handpiece. The distal end of the optical fiber is protected by a micro-walled protective tube to prevent the disposable fiber from chipping before and during insertion into the handpiece. Once the optical fiber is protected, it is inserted into the handpiece by threading the optical fiber through the cap, body, and cannula of the handpiece until the fiber extends slightly beyond the distal end of the needle. The micro-walled protective tube is removed from the end of the optical fiber, the optical fiber is positioned, and the cap is tightened. The cap and body of the handpiece cooperate to produce a tight friction fit that prevents longitudinal movement of the optical fiber during laser therapy.

Abstract: A device and method are presented wherein a common drug for a particular treatment is given to the patient in an inactive form. The drug can be administered systemically or topically. The activity of the drug is regulated by photoactivatible fullerene molecules to which the drug is complexed. When the drug is encapsulated in or attached to the photoactivatible fullerene molecule, it is inactive. However, when the inactive drug complex is subjected to selective irradiation, the complex is broken and the drug is released in an active form. Treatment can be administered over a wide range of body areas, both internally and externally. The selectivity allows the drug in non-treatment areas to remain inactive, and then be removed or passed harmlessly from the body. The present invention facilitates drug treatment administration by allowing very specific treatment while minimizing the side effects.

Abstract: A method of mechano-chemical fluorination is described that has a significantly improved yield over prior art methods of synthesis. The present invention illustrates this improved mechano-chemical Fluorination by describing the improved synthesis of Fullerene Fluorides (FF). This method overcomes reduced product yield that results from vibromill material corrosion. This method also overcomes the prior fluorination and FF synthesis problems of the prior art by utilizing different fluorinating materials, adding catalysts and diluting agents to the process, varying milling times, and heating in the presence of inert gasses to improve the fluorination process.

Abstract: A multiplexed medical diode laser system is described that increases power available for applications that require approximately 760 nm or shorter wavelength radiation. Radiation from a diode laser emitter or emitter group is multiplexed with radiation from other diode laser emitters or emitter groups into a single fiber. The diode laser emitters or emitter groups are injected intermittently with current by transistors and thus, a quasi-cw diode laser source particularly useful for PDT is available. Since the radiation is multiplexed, diode laser emitters or emitter groups can be operated at optimal duty factors and generate less thermal energy, thereby increasing efficiency and power output of the system while maintaining at least near cw output. In a preferred embodiment, large peak and average output powers are obtained with a combination of fast switching transistors that regulate the duty factor of diode laser emitters or emitter groups, and suitable optics that multiplex the outputs.

Abstract: A device that simultaneously incises an area and cauterizes the desired tissue. The device incorporates laser energy by some means into a mechanical scalpel so that the incised area is cauterized as well. For example, a laser source is coupled by some means to an optically transparent blade such as a diamond knife. The diamond knife is appropriately coated so that radiation only exits at desired areas. In another example, optical fibers are embedded into a sharp edge blade scalpel with means to couple to a suitable radiation source.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method to improve radiation delivery through a barrier that may be encountered during therapeutic laser procedures, particularly where the objective of treatment is to produce thermal damage or alterations to subsurface tissue constituents without destroying or altering the overlying barrier. To achieve this result, a bio-compatible fluid is preoperatively administered to the tissue. The bio-compatible fluid is a light-scattering fluid that will scatter light primarily at the desired site thereby achieving a more uniform, enhanced heating over a relatively large treatment area. In addition, a second fluid, a dispersion fluid, can be added to the tissue to function in distributing the light scattering fluid throughout the treatment site. Laser radiation is then administered, through micro pores created for example by a device such as a micro-needle patch, into the treatment site.

Abstract: Briefly stated, the present invention provides a medical laser delivery system that incorporates fluid delivery channels within the optical fiber structure so as to bring fluids directly to the site of laser power delivery. The channel or channels may pass through either the fiber core or the cladding. The fluids delivered to the site may serve to cool or irrigate the tissue during high power laser treatment. In addition, the fluid passed through the channel can be a drug or any substance that increases the tissue's photosensitivity to the laser energy. The need for an external fluid delivery device is eliminated. Treatment with the system is minimally invasive. Treatment and irrigation of the treatment site can be administered through a single fiber thereby limiting the entry puncture to the gauge of the fiber. The solid core fiber coupled with direct irrigation allows effective high-power density laser treatment.

Abstract: A new type of high temperature superconductor is described which is based on cubic phase Li3P formed at high pressures. A method for creating Li3P in a cubic phase either by itself or with up to 10% of Li3N by molecular proportions is also presented. The synthesis of these superconductive compounds is described. Generally, a mixture of low pressure synthesized Li3N and Li3P is subjected to a combination of high pressure and high heat for a certain duration. The phases are monitored during synthesis with x-ray diffraction and mass-spectrometry. The resultant materials display superconducting transitions, TS, above 225 K and approaching room temperature.

Abstract: A handpiece is presented which utilizes fluid channels instead of electric wiring to provide power to a treatment device. These fluid channels operate a micro-turbine generator that provides electrical energy to treatment devices. Each micro-turbine generator generates electrical energy for powering at least one electricity consuming functional device; wherein said electricity consuming functional device is selected from the group; a compact laser, an electromechanical dental drill, an ultrasound generator, a microwave generator and, an activator for treatment chemicals. In particular this device provides energy to a dental hand-piece without the need for electrical wiring or optics between the hand-piece and the control apparatus. One or more fluid channels permit fluids to flow between the control apparatus and the hand-piece. This flow of fluid operates the micro-turbine, which in turn produces energy to operate a medical/dental device.

Abstract: In the present invention a laser treatment system is provided that can be used in any clinical environment without the necessity of personal safety equipment. Furthermore, the present invention provides a large amount of control to the operator/technician and the patient. The present invention combines mechanical and optical methods to protect operators and patients from undesired exposure to laser radiation. According to this approach, safe, portable and fixed embodiments that are useful in a large variety of applications, which are now possible. Several examples are described.

Abstract: A fiber optic transmission system for high laser power transmission is described. A micro-structure, whose pre-determined features are characterized by a preferred shape, depth, and peak-to-peak distance, is introduced into an input end surface of an optical fiber. Such micro-structure reduces Fresnel reflection at the modified optical fiber end surface improving the damage threshold at the surface. Micro-structuring of the optical fiber output end surface in a similar fashion further enhances transmission of high laser powers. A method is disclosed where the optical fiber end surfaces are structured into a pre-determined micro-structure by a suitable stamp. The micro-structure increases the damage threshold of each optical fiber end surface, raising it closer to the theoretical damage threshold of the material within the fiber and thereby increases transmission of high laser power density that is available at a work or treatment site.

Abstract: A laser non-ablative laser method that will accelerate and improve wound healing, particularly in situations where complicating factors are present. In particular, it is believed that the present invention produces selective papillary dermal injury which activates the production of fibroblasts and stimulates the synthesis of collagen to promote wound healing. Additionally, the likelihood of infection at the wound site is reduced by simultaneously employing a transparent wound cover that allows for small molecule permeation, while effectively preventing microbial invasion. To further enhance the healing process, the laser therapy can be preceded by mechanically scraping the surface of the wound to remove necrotic tissue. Additional methods may also be employed after the laser treatment to prevent tissue dehydration, to accelerate angiogenesis, and to increase the breakdown of dead tissue and fibrin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a method and device for manufacturing a preform. The method involves arranging a starting body within a channel as defined by a vessel. Then, the channel is supplied with a reactive gas containing a coating material precursor. A resonator then generates a plasma zone within the channel. The starting body is aligned in the channel such that the plasma zone concentrically surrounds the starting body. The axial movement of the resonator relative to the starting body is controlled such that a desired layer of coating material precursor reactively deposits on the starting body to form the preform. The method suppresses deposition on the inside of the vessel via suppressing means, which may involve inducing nodes in the E-field at the vessel walls, or using an suppressing gas on the inner surface of the vessel, or a combination of the two. The present invention is also directed at a device to facilitate the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A frequency conversion diode beam combiner system is provided to multiplex several frequency converted laser beams and therefore keep the beam-quality of a single emitter. This multiplexing is physically impossible with free propagating beams. Both transformations, the frequency conversion and the beam multiplexing, must take place in one step in a single optical component or complex. This also aids the system to be very compact. The frequency conversion diode beam combiner system delivers a single beam which consists of several multiplexed beams from the converted radiation of the diode laser emitters. The high power high beam-quality of this device is not reachable with current diode lasers. A broad range of visible and infra-red wavelengths is possible. The frequency conversion diode beam combiner system can replace high power continuous wave (cw) solid state lasers, because its design is scaleable, small and simple.