Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical device for minimally invasive surgery. The surgical device comprises a shaft (10) extending along a longitudinal axis to a distal end thereof, and a surgical module (3) mounted to the distal end of the shaft and provided with a movable surgical element. The shaft includes a tube (7) that is rotatable relative to the shaft (10) and a further tube (5). The shaft further includes at least one slider (15A,B) connected to the surgical module and operatively driven by the rotatable tube via a rotary to linear linkage such that a rotation of the rotatable tube around the longitudinal axis induces a movement of the slider along the longitudinal axis thereby inducing a movement of the movable surgical element. The further tube is coaxial with the rotatable tube and rotationally stationary relative to the shaft. Further, the at least one slider is rotationally locked relative to the stationary tube.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical instrument having a shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector includes a plurality of ultrasound sensors supported about a support ring. The ultrasonic sensors are rotatable between an imaging orientation, wherein, the ultrasound sensors are directed in generally parallel orientations relative to one another for imaging tissue in an imaging mode, and at least one treatment orientation, wherein the ultrasound sensors are directed towards a common focus point for treating tissue in a treatment mode.

Abstract: A catheter including a core wire, a sonic connector at a proximal terminus of the core wire, and a tip member at a distal terminus of the core wire. The core wire can be at least partially disposed within a lumen of an elongate body. The sonic connector can be configured to couple to an ultrasound-producing mechanism. The tip member can be welded to the core wire at one or more weld locations between the tip member and the core wire, and the tip member can flare from the core wire at one or more weld-free locations between the tip member and the core wire. The manner in which the tip member can flare from the core wire at the one or more weld-free locations is characteristic of ultrasonic activation of the tip member.

Abstract: An instrument includes an ultrasonic blade, a first fluid port, an irrigation member, a second fluid port, and a fluid communication assembly. The ultrasonic blade defines a distal opening. The ultrasonic blade is operable in a first mode to emulsify tissue that is distally positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is further operable in a second mode to transect and seal tissue that is transversely positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The first fluid port is in communication with the distal opening of the ultrasonic blade. The irrigation member is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the ultrasonic blade. The second fluid port is in communication with the irrigation member. The fluid communication assembly is configured to couple the first fluid port with a fluid source, couple the first fluid port with a suction source, and couple the second fluid port with the fluid source.

Abstract: A method of treating plantar fasciitis or chronic heel spur syndrome includes inserting a first needle having a distal tip into a plantar aspect of a foot and advancing the distal tip to a location where a plantar fascia originates, and inserting a second needle having a distal tip into a medial aspect of the foot and advancing the distal tip of the second needle to the location where the plantar fascia originates. Medical imaging confirms that the distal tips of the first and second needles are located where the plantar fascia originates. After medical imaging, the second needle is removed from the foot, and a third needle having a sharpened distal tip is inserted into a medial opening formed by the second needle. The sharpened distal tip of the third needle is advanced through the medial opening to the location where the plantar fascia originates. Medical imaging confirms the location of the sharpened distal tip of the third needle.

Abstract: An occlusion crossing device includes an outer shaft, an inner shaft, an optical fiber, and a handle attached to the inner shaft and the outer shaft. The inner shaft extends within the outer shaft. The inner shaft includes a drill tip at a distal end thereof. The optical fiber extends within the inner shaft substantially along a central axis of the inner shaft. The distal tip of the optical fiber is attached to the drill tip. The handle is configured to rotate the inner shaft and drill tip at speeds of greater than 500 rpm.

Abstract: A motor drive for a rotary medical device having at least one seal-set which comprises a bore defining bearing, a motor having an output shaft, a flexible shaft, having a diameter smaller than the bearing's bore, being power transmittingly and concentrically connected to the output shaft, a seal, defining a bore that is smaller than the flexible shaft's diameter, being mounted adjacent to the bearing with its bore concentric relative with the bearing's bore, wherein the flexible shaft passing through the bearing's bore which sufficiently deflects it to align it with the second bore to interferencingly fit through it and hydraulically seal it.

Abstract: An atherectomy device for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel including an outer member and a rotatable shaft positioned for rotational movement within the outer member. The outer member is fixed axially. A rotatable tip is mounted to the distal region of the rotatable shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis upon rotation of the shaft. The rotatable shaft includes a guidewire lumen for receiving a guidewire to enable over the wire insertion of the device.

Abstract: A needle assembly positionable within anatomy of a patient under visual guidance from an ultrasound system. The needle assembly includes an elongate body and a sidewall including an inner surface defining a lumen. A reverberation feature may include opposing portions of the inner surface defining a gap shaped differently than and/or sized smaller than an inner diameter of the lumen. The reverberation feature is configured to reverberate an incident wave to produce reflected waves, from which a visual artifact is generated with the ultrasound system. The opposing portions may be disposed at superior and inferior aspects of the sidewall. The reverberation feature may include opposing planar surfaces oriented parallel or inclined relative to a longitudinal axis, and/or opposing arcuate surfaces extending towards the longitudinal axis. Methods of positioning the needle assembly near target anatomy of a patient, for example within a vessel, under visual guidance are disclosed.

Abstract: A steerable surgical needle (10) includes an elongated needle shaft (12), a beveled tip portion (14), and a flexural element (16) that connects the needle shaft (12) with the tip portion (14) and permits the tip portion to deflect relative to the needle shaft. A method for steering the surgical needle (10) through tissue includes the steps of advancing the needle in the body tissue to induce tip flexure which causes the needle to follow a curved trajectory, and rotating the needle about its longitudinal axis in place, without advancement, to remove the tip flexure.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods using certain embodiments of a medical device to facilitate child birth through cervical ripening. Certain embodiments of the invention may include an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end terminates in a tip. The tip may be covered by a balloon disposed adjacent to the tip, and an expandable member may be positioned adjacent to the balloon such that when expanded, the expandable member may at least partially cover the balloon, and accommodate the user's finger to guide and place the device through the cervix and into the internal os, where, upon expansion of the balloon, pressure is applied to the internal os to facilitate cervical ripening and child birth.

Abstract: Embodiments systems and methods for a platform that is configured to hold a medical device. In embodiments, a physician, nurse, medical practitioner, etc. may perform actions to change the positioning and orientation of the medical device while the medical device is secured to the platform. In further embodiments, the platform may include robotic components configured to change the positioning and orientation of the medical device.

Abstract: An external orthopedic fixation device. The external orthopedic device includes a radius fixing member, a metacarpus fixing member, and a coupling member. The radius fixing member is configured to be secured to a radius bone of a patient. The metacarpus fixing member is configured to be secured to a metacarpus bone of the patient. The coupling member is disposed between the radius fixing member and the metacarpus fixing member. The coupling member is configured to connect the radius fixing member and the metacarpus fixing member.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and component parts of a system for the external fixation of bones. The component parts include fixation plates such as a J-shaped Plate and an I-shaped Plate. Two or more fixation plates are configured along an axis, the two or more fixation plates; a plurality of telescoping adjustable struts that connect a first fixation plate along the axis with a second fixation plate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis, wherein the first and second fixation plates are adjacent plates along the axis; and a plurality of posts, each post connecting two adjacent fixation plates of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis.

Abstract: A bone distraction device having a ratchet and pawl assembly such that incremental rotation is allowed in one direction and prevented in the other, and further having a quick release mechanism such that the ratchet and pawl mechanism can be released to allow free rotation in both directions. The device has a pawl housing mounted onto a rod housing, the pawl housing having a sloping transition shoulder diminishing to transition onto the outer surface of the rod housing. In other embodiments, the device has a sleeve housing with an enlarged end telescopically mounted onto a rod housing, the enlarged end having a sloping transition shoulder diminishing to transition onto the outer surface of the sleeve housing.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The receiver can have crimp tabs, but is devoid of spring tabs and collet-like flexible structures. A down-loadable compression insert (some with lock and release feature), a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring and an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled. The receiver and insert include aligned tool receiving apertures for lock and release of the polyaxial mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for percutaneously installing a vertebral stabilization system. A first anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a first percutaneous opening and a second anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a second percutaneous opening. A stabilization member is positionable within the body of a patient through the first percutaneous opening to engage and connect the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An O-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.

Abstract: A percutaneous access device includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The outer tube may be sized to span from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate the spine of the patient. The distal end of the outer tube may be adapted to releasably engage a bone anchor. The inner tube may be adjustable relative to the outer tube between a first position and a second position in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor. A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a distal bone engaging portion and a receiving member having a recess for receiving a spinal fixation element. The proximal end of the receiving member may have an arcuate groove formed on an exterior surface thereof to facilitate connection of an instrument to the receiving member.

Abstract: A “vascular-safe” pedicle screw and extension-ready spinal support system. The pedicle screw includes a self-tapping flute that recessed into a threaded shaft to define terminations of the threads at a face of said self-tapping flute. The terminations are curved to define a convex profile that extends from a root to a crest of the threads at said face of said self-tapping flute. The curved terminations tend to push soft tissue aside as opposed to slicing or tearing through the soft tissue, so that the self-tapping flute is less likely to slice into vascular vessels. The distal portion of the pedicle screw may also include depressions that reduce the circumferential contact area of the pedicle screw in the direction of rotation, which increases the applied pressure to the soft tissue for a given applied rotational force. The increased pressure augments penetration of the pedicle screw through tissue without resort to sharp cutting edges.

Abstract: A bone anchor is provided for connecting a rod to a bone structure, the bone anchor having a rod housing configured to accommodate the rod; a cavity distal to the rod housing dimensioned to accommodate the bone structure; and a deployable purchase element capable of assuming a deployed position in which the purchase element protrudes into the cavity, and capable of assuming a non-deployed position in which the purchase element does not substantially protrude into the cavity.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate coil-like outer member and an inner cylindrical core attached to the outer member at only one end thereof. Some assemblies include a second longitudinal connecting member in the form of a rod that is fixed to the inner core and extends outwardly from the assembly. Certain assemblies include a threaded core or threaded inserts that cooperate with a helical slit of the coil-like outer member. Two or more cooperating bone screw assemblies attach to the connecting member assembly. The bone screw assemblies may include upper and lower compression members for affixing to and cradling the coil-like outer member only, allowing relative movement between the outer member and the inner cylindrical core. Press fit or snap-on features attach one end of the coil-like outer member to one end of the inner cylindrical core.

Abstract: An anchor assembly can be couplable to a bone and can include an anchor and a housing. The anchor can include a shank securable to bone and a head coupled to a proximal portion of the shank. The housing can include a proximal portion including an anchor bore and a distal portion including a secondary bore configured to engage the anchor to limit angulation of the anchor relative to the housing.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors.

Abstract: A cervical plate assembly is disclosed. The cervical plate assembly includes a base plate including: (1) at least two bone screw seats, each bone screw seat including a borehole dimensioned to receive a bone screw, and (2) a first blocking seat positioned between the at least two bone screw seats. The cervical plate assembly includes a blocking mechanism retained within the first blocking seat of the base plate. The blocking mechanism is selectively positionable between a closed position in which the blocking mechanism obstructs at least one bone screw seat to retain a bone screw with the base plate, and an open position in which the bone screw seats are unobstructed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal bone implant with a substantially circular cross-sectional profile, comprising a front section having a front end and a shaft section having a rear end, wherein the front section comprises at least three longitudinal groove-like cut-outs extending in the axial direction of the front section and opening towards the front end of the implant, circumferentially alternating with at least three longitudinal, radially protruding ribs extending in an axial direction, wherein the ribs have an increased cross-sectional width in the section radially more distant to the central longitudinal axis of the implant as compared to the width in a section radially closer to the central longitudinal axis of the implant. Furthermore, the invention relates to uses of the implant and methods that employ the implant.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant for insertion into a bone includes an implant body and one or more magnetically activated self-tapping screws. The one or more magnetically activated self-tapping screws are prepositioned in the implant body transversally to a longitudinal axis of the implant body. The prepositioned self-tapping screws are configured to rotate under an influence of an externally applied magnetic field so as to protrude into the bone and lock the orthopedic implant in place.

Abstract: The invention is a half pin for use in conjunction with external fixators, in which the half pin has a thin hydroxyapatite coating over a substantial portion thereof, a not-sharp hole-finding tip, and a variable pitch pattern in the threaded portion of the half pin. The hydroxyapatite coating must be thin—40-70 microns, deposited by plasma spray—and with limited porosity and pore size, and must extend not only over all the threads of the half pin but also a substantial portion of the unthreaded shaft proximal to the threaded end. The invention also includes a pin cube for use in association with the coated half pins. Wires may also be coated with the hydroxyapatite coating.

Abstract: A bone fixation screw device for implantation into a bone of a patient is disclosed. The screw device includes a screw body having an outer surface. A plurality of outer screw threads extends around the outer surface of the screw body. A plurality of apertures or passages is defined through the outer surface. A plurality of anchors can extend out of corresponding apertures in the screw body. The anchors can be inserted into a patient's bone to further fixate and purchase the bone screw within the patient's bone. The screw body can include an inner cavity, the plurality of apertures each being open to the inner cavity. The anchors can extend out of corresponding apertures from the inner cavity.

Abstract: A laser device having a proximal end and a distal end spaced from the proximal end, the distal end configured to receive a fixation member to be affixed to a target surgical site. The laser device includes a laser source supported by the laser device body and capable of emitting a laser beam to the distal end, wherein the laser source is responsive to at least one input so as to selectively switch between an inactive configuration whereby the laser source does not emit the laser beam, and an active configuration whereby the laser source emits the laser beam.

Abstract: A bone graft delivery system can include an elongate tube, a handle having a trigger, and a tip. The trigger is actuated to deliver bone graft material through the tube. The tip has one or more openings to deliver the bone graft material to a desired location and includes a surface suitable to act as a rasp for decorticating bone. A method for delivering bone graft material to a desired surgical location includes providing a bone graft delivery device, positioning the device adjacent the surgical location, decorticating bone, and delivering bone graft material to the surgical location.

Abstract: A device for hydrating particulate bone material is provided. The device comprises a tubular member having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface is configured to receive the particulate bone material and a hydration fluid. The exterior surface has a plurality of pores configured to allow the hydration fluid to flow into the interior surface of the tubular member and hydrate the particulate bone material. The plurality of pores are smaller in size than the particulate bone material. Methods of dispensing particulate the bone material are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering coolant to an energy delivery device used to treat tissue with electromagnetic energy. A cooling system includes a pump that is configured to pump a coolant to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: A method and system of adaptive cold atmospheric based treatment for diseased tissues, such as an area with cancerous cells, is disclosed. A plasma device generates a cold atmospheric plasma jet directed at the area having cancerous cells. A sensor is operable to sense the viability of the cancerous cells in the area. A controller is coupled to the plasma device and sensor. The controller is operative to control an initial plasma jet generated by the plasma device. The controller receives a sensor signal from the sensor to determine cell viability of the selected cells from the initial plasma jet. The controller adjusts the plasma jet based on the viability of the cancerous cells.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue and reducing pain experienced by the patient during treatment of the patient's tissue with the delivered electromagnetic energy. The tissue treatment apparatus includes a delivery device configured to transfer the electromagnetic energy through the skin surface to a region of tissue, and also includes a vibration device that is mechanically coupled with the delivery device. The vibration device is configured to transfer mechanical vibrations along an axis substantially normal to the skin surface to the region of tissue being treated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a self-verification system test upon activation of an electrosurgical generator are described. The systems and methods allow for enhancing surgical outcomes by providing generators having accurate RF energy generation, measurement, calibration and self-testing system. This is achieved through implementation of an automated self-verification process at a power start-up of the generator, which allows for rapidly identifying a potential generator issue prior to any use of a connected electrosurgical instrument or supply of any RF energy to the tissue or vessel through the electrosurgical instrument. Additionally, one or more internal impedance loads are integrated within the electrosurgical generator. The internal impedance loads with multiple configurations are utilized to verify the voltage, current, power, and/or phase measurements of the generator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing surgical outcomes by providing generators having optimal RF output for sealing, fusing and/or cutting tissue or vessels under all dynamic conditions are described. Examples of dynamic conditions may include varying tissue impedance load due to electrosurgical operations or tissue affects, any operational conditions and commands determined by the surgeon, surgical procedure and/or device script. This is achieved by implementing a digital closed-loop control system within the electrosurgical generator to regulate voltage, current, and power of the RF output. The digital closed-loop control system may include an RF amplifier for generating RF energy, a feedback system for constantly monitoring the electrical characteristics, e.g.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate generally to electrosurgical systems configurable to perform an electrosurgical action (e.g., coagulation) on a target area, and methods of configuring the same. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrosurgical system may comprise an electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument may have a first conductive member and a second conductive member. The electrosurgical may further comprise an arrangement of a capacitive element (Cr), a first inductive element (Lr), and a second inductive element (Lm). The electrosurgical system may further comprise an input AC voltage source. The input AC voltage source may be configurable top provide an input AC voltage signal. The AC voltage signal may be configurable to have a selected switching frequency (fs) and a selected peak voltage value. The switching frequency (fs) may be selected based on a desired V-R characteristic for the target area.

Abstract: An adapter for an electrosurgical instrument includes a socket and a stabilizer extending from the socket. The socket includes a mounting surface having a geometry arranged and disposed to accept a distal end of the electrosurgical instrument, and at least one retaining surface, which arranged and disposed to interact with a conformation of the electrosurgical instrument when the socket is mounted onto the electrosurgical instrument such that the socket mounts non-rotatably.

Abstract: Provided is a plasma guide wire including a core shaft, a coil, a tip, a coil-core shaft joining region, and first to third insulating resin tubes. The first insulating resin tube is disposed on the outer periphery of the coil, and extends proximally from the tip to beyond the coil-core shaft joining region. The second insulating resin tube is disposed on the outer periphery of the core shaft, is joined to the proximal end of the first insulating resin tube, and extends from the proximal end of the first insulating resin tube to the proximal side of the core shaft. The second insulating resin tube is harder than the first insulating resin tube. The third insulating resin tube is disposed on at least a portion of a region of the inner periphery of the first insulating resin tube, proximal to a location facing the proximal end of the coil.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising a device for activating or deactivating a function of the instrument. The device comprises first and second parts, which are each movable into an operative position relative to the other part to activate or deactivate a function of the instrument. A second control element for moving the second part into the operative position provides a control portion and comprises, for moving the first part into the operative position, a first control element which provides an additional control portion. The first control element can be moved in an opposite direction the direction from the second control element. Accordingly, the function is activated by moving a control element in a distal direction, and by moving another control element in a proximal direction. A deflection of force by one actuating element for actuating the first part or the second part in the opposite direction is not necessary.

Abstract: A laparoscopic ultrapolar electrosurgery device having both active and return electrodes that reduces potential injury to patients during laparoscopic surgery by eliminating capacitive coupling when employing an electrosurgical handpiece device for cutting and/or coagulating tissue.

Abstract: Cardiac tissue ablation catheters including an inflatable and flexible toroidal or spherically shaped balloon disposed at a distal region of an elongate member, a flexible circuit carried by an outer surface of the balloon, the flexible circuit including, a plurality of flexible branches conforming to the radially outer surface of the balloon, each of the plurality of flexible branches including a substrate, a conductive trace carried by the substrate, and an ablation electrode carried by the substrate, the ablation electrode in electrical communication with the conductive trace, and an elongate shaft comprising a guidewire lumen extending in the elongate member and extending from a proximal region of the inflatable balloon to distal region of the inflatable balloon and being disposed within the inflatable balloon, wherein a distal region of the elongate shaft is secured directly or indirectly to the distal region of the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are directed to controlling distribution of electrical energy moving from an ablation electrode at a treatment site within a patient to a plurality of return electrodes on skin of the patient. Control over the distribution of electrical energy moving from the ablation electrode to the plurality of return electrodes can reduce or eliminate the need for manual intervention (e.g., repositioning the plurality of return electrodes on the skin of the patient, repositioning the patient, etc.) to achieve a suitable distribution of the electrical energy. Additionally, or alternatively, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can respond rapidly and automatically to changes in distribution of the electrical energy to reduce the likelihood and magnitude of inadvertent changes in the distribution of electrical energy over the course of a medical procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for denervation where a catheter includes a radially expandable member, the radially expandable member including an exterior surface, a plurality of electrodes on the exterior surface configured for delivery of energy during a denervation procedure in a vessel, and a chemical agent coating on the exterior surface, wherein the chemical agent inhibits or prevents nerve regeneration. The radially expandable member is configured to have a first unexpanded configuration and a second expanded configuration, and is configured to bring the exterior surface in contact with a wall of a vessel when it is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to devices and methods for treatment of cardiac heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). Radiofrequency ablation performed under guidance of a 3-dimensional mapping system has become an important treatment modality for most arrhythmias. Aspects of the disclosure improve the processes for three-dimensional mapping and ablation by improving map stability, precisely directing radiofrequency energy delivery, and predicting radiofrequency ablation lesion formation. Aspects of the disclosure also improve the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of heart rhythm disorders.

Abstract: A flexible microwave ablation antenna and a microwave ablation needle including the same are disclosed. The flexible microwave ablation antenna including: a radiator for transmitting microwave for ablation; a coaxial cable for propagating the microwave for ablation generated by a microwave generator to the radiator; wherein the flexible microwave ablation antenna is bendable. Preferably, an annular composite structure is disposed around a periphery of the coaxial cable to suppress the electromagnetic wave from propagating along the coaxial cable in a reverse direction. The annular composite structure includes an annular non-metallic layer and an annular metallic layer surrounding the annular non-metallic layer. The annular metallic layer is electrically insulated from the coaxial cable.

Abstract: Developed is a tissue joining device for endoscopic surgery, which can be used in NOTES, or the like. As a result of intensive studies carried out to solve the problem described above, the inventors of the present invention have conceived of two tissue joining device having quite novel structures and completed the present invention.

Abstract: There is provided a hair cutting device a hair cutting device for cutting hair on a subject, the hair cutting device comprising a light source for generating light at one or more specific wavelengths corresponding to wavelengths absorbed by one or more chromophores in or on hair; a cutting element that comprises an optical waveguide that is coupled at a first end to the light source to receive light, wherein a portion of a sidewall of the optical 5 waveguide forms a cutting face for contacting hair; and a control unit that is coupled to the light source, wherein the control unit is configured to vary the power of the light generated by the light source between first and second power levels during operation such that, on heating of a hair by light coupling from a contact point on the cutting face into the hair, the temperature of the contact point on the cutting face is maintained below a glass transition 10 temperature for the optical waveguide, wherein the first power level is higher than the second power le

Abstract: A protective structure for the distal treatment end of a surgical laser fiber inserted into a patient through a scope includes uniformly-spaced ruler or scale markings that are visible through the scope and that enable the size of an object within the field of view of the scope to be precisely determined.