Abstract: A method for measuring at least one of an energy and a position of a pulsed laser beam, notably in an ophthalmologic excimer laser. The pulsed laser beam is intermittently directed at a sensor, which measures its energy and/or position. In addition, a device for measuring at least one of an energy and a position of a pulsed laser beam. The device includes a sensor configured to measure at least one of the energy and the position of the pulsed laser beam, and a beam deflection device, which is configured to guide the pulsed laser beam and to intermittently direct the pulsed laser beam at the sensor.

Abstract: A laser-based refractive surgery system includes a laser source including a laser controller, wherein at least a portion of the incident beam is directed to target eye tissue of a patient. The incident beam portion produces a reflected beam after striking the eye tissue. The system includes at least one detector for detecting the reflected beam. A computer or data processor is communicably coupled to the detector and the laser controller. The computer or data processor generates a cross-correlation function using a plurality of discrete points which digitally represent a waveform representation of the reflected beam and a plurality of reference points. The reference points are preferably associated with a digital representation of the incident beam. The laser controller receives and utilizes the cross-correlation function or parameter derived therefrom, or the ablation rate, and adjusts at least one operating parameter of the laser beam in real-time during a refractive procedure.

Abstract: A phototherapy apparatus for the treatment of psoriasis which includes a dielectric-discharge excimer lamp 32, which is equipped with a reflector 34 and optical system 36 for ensuring a substantially uniform density of energy, is mounted on a maneuverable arm 40. The arm 40 is mounted to a stand 24. An electronic control unit 20 and a radiofrequency power supply unit 22 are connected to the lamp 32. A pipe of a cooling circuit 9 is connected to the lamp 32 via the arm 40. The pipe 9 connects to an air-liquid exchanger 3 with a de-ionizer having a temperature sensor 5 and a sensor 7. The sensors 5, 7 and 10 are connected to a microcontroller 12, which is connected to an operating panel 14 and to a display 16 and a printer 18. A hardware container 26 is provided on the stand to hold the radiofrequency power supply unit 22, the printer 28, the microcontroller 12, the control panel 30, and the air-liquid exchanger 3.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus comprises: an optical guiding body which guides a treatment laser beam omitted from a laser source; an irradiation optical system for irradiating the treatment beam guided by the optical guiding body; a first beam splitter placed in the irradiation optical system to split the treatment beam guided thereto; a photo-detector which detects output of one of the split treatment beams; and a depolarizer placed in an optical path between the optical guiding body and the first beam splitter to spatially disturb a polarization state of the guided treatment beam.

Abstract: An improved system for cellular surgery which includes a laser for producing a laser beam, and confocal optics for scanning and focusing the laser beam in tissue and generating confocal images of the tissue in accordance with returned light from the tissue. The confocal images are visualized on a display. The system includes a controller for enabling the operator to select one or more cells of the tissue in the displayed confocal images for surgical treatment. The controller operates the laser and confocal optics in a first mode to treat the tissue when the confocal optics focus the laser beam at least one region associated with the selected cells in the tissue, but at all other times operates the laser and confocal optics in a second mode which does not damage the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first handpiece having a laser emitting probe sized for insertion into a lens capsule and radiating a lens therein. The laser emitting probe includes a lumen for introducing irrigation fluid into the lens capsule. A second handpiece includes a pulsed controlled vibrated needle for insertion into the lens capsule and emulsifying laser eradiated lens tissue. The vibrated needle includes a lumen therethrough for aspiration of emulsified lens tissue and irrigation fluid.

Abstract: A device for performing acupuncture on a patient using laser radiation as a device for producing laser radiation and a handpiece (1) which is connected thereto and which is brought into contact with the body of the patient in order to apply the laser radiation. The handpiece (1) has at least one light conducting fiber (4) which is connected to the device (7) for producing laser radiation and which is in contact with the body of the patient during the acupuncture and applies the laser radiation thereto.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily remove hair. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair regeneration, thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin surface free of visible hair.

Abstract: A dental laser arrangement switchable between different modes of operation, the arrangement including a laser device operable as a laser oscillator and as a laser amplifier. The laser device includes a laser resonator having a pump unit and an active modelocker as well as an optic loss element that introduces selective losses in the resonator. The laser arrangement further includes a laser beam-out-coupling unit. The modelocker is connected to a control circuit for switching between a CW-mode of operation for coagulating soft tissue, in which the modelocker is switched off, and two short-pulse modes of operation in which high frequency signals of equal frequencies, but different powers are applied by the control circuit to the modelocker so as to generate laser pulses of a pre-determined duration.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus capable of guiding the visual axis of an eye to be examined, obtaining information about the visual axis, and performing measurement of optical characteristics of an eye such as wavefront aberration or laser refractive surgery with reference to the visual axis. The apparatus is provided with a target presenting optical system for guiding a visual axis of a patient's eye, and the presenting optical system has an optical axis of presentation and is provided with a first target and a second target located on the eye's side relative to the first target both on the optical axis of presentation, where the optical axis of presentation coincides with the visual axis when the eye fixates so as to make the first target coincide with the second target.

Abstract: The present invention includes the method of using optically-pumped optical amplifiers to remove material from a body by optical-ablation through time-compressing the amplified pulse and illuminating a portion of the body with the time-compressed optical pulse. The pulse energy of semiconductor optical amplifiers may also be adjusted by controlling the pump diode current.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to generate a stream of pulses having a pulse repetition rate of at least about 50000 pulses per second and a per-pulse length of less than one picosecond, and to scan and focus the stream to an output light pattern suitable to sculpt tissue for a surgical procedure (e.g., ophthalmologic) using at least a high number of pulses to complete the operation in a matter of a few second, e.g., 100000 pulses in less than ten seconds. A laser having a optical fiber gain medium generates a stream of femtosecond pulses. Some embodiments create a preconditioning negative dispersion that compensates for positive dispersion in the scanning system. In some embodiments, a lenticule is cut using the laser and scanning system and is mechanically removed through a side slit formed through the cornea surface.

Abstract: A device for figuring objects by means of material erosion of the surface thereof, comprising a pulsed laser beam and a deflection device through which the laser beam is directed at the object surface and via which the object surface is guided. The invention is suitable for figuring natural optical lenses made from a biological substance or artificial optical lenses. The inventive device is provided with an optical device to modify the distribution of the radiation intensity inside the laser beam cross section. The radiation intensity, once the laser beam has passed through the optical device, has a bell-shaped or Gaussian-like distribution in at least one cross sectional direction through the laser beam.

Abstract: The invention provides a universal gonioscope-contact lens system suitable for diagnostics and intraocular laser surgery. The device consists of a hollow gonioscope body with a plurality of mirrors on the inner walls of the body and a contact lens. The front part of the lens is intended for contact with the eye cornea, while the rear part of the lens has a tapered shape with flat portions arranged perpendicular to the beams reflected from the gonioscope mirrors. The tapered portion of the lens can be conveniently used for manipulating the lens and for arranging optical lens components such as a concave lens and convex lens.

Abstract: An apparatus for operation on a cornea by ablating with a laser beam for correcting ametropia; the apparatus comprising an input device utilized for inputting each data necessary for correction, a first correcting device for irradiating a laser beam for correcting myopic astigmatism, a second correcting device for irradiating a laser beam for correcting hyperopic astigmatism, a calculating device for calculating each correction-data based on the each inputted data in case of combining the first and second correcting means, and a control device for ablating the cornea by controlling the first and second correcting means based on results calculated by the calculating device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for obtaining irradiation intensity of a laser beam, and a laser beam irradiation apparatus that enable obtaining an irradiation intensity distribution of a laser beam easily, and attaining more accurate ablation. The method for obtaining an irradiation intensity of a laser beam has the steps of inputting an intensity of fluorescence emitted from a fluorescent glass, the fluorescence intensity being obtained when the laser beam is irradiated onto the fluorescent glass which emits the fluorescence by irradiation of the laser beam with an ablation area of a size required for processing an object to be processed, and obtaining an irradiation intensity distribution of the laser beam in the ablation area based on the inputted fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: A hair-removing device (1) includes a laser source (3), an adjustable laser beam manipulator (5) for positioning a laser beam (7) of the laser source (3) in a target position (9) on a skin (11) to be treated, and an image sensor (47) for detecting an image (49) of the skin. The hair-removing device further comprises a control unit (17) which determines a position and orientation on the skin of a hair (13) to be removed, and which determines the target position of the laser beam as a function of said position and orientation of the hair. The control unit brings the laser beam manipulator in a state corresponding to the target position of the laser beam, and activates the laser source when the laser beam manipulator has reached said state. Thus, the hair-removing device is suitable for use by inexperienced users, and is particularly suitable for the consumer market.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible scanning beam imaging system. In specific embodiments, the scanning beam imaging system comprises a mask, and an objective lens having an objective lens focal point disposed between the mask and the objective lens. A field lens device is disposed before the mask to direct a light beam through the mask and focus the light beam at a field lens focal point. The field lens focal point is located between the field lens and the objective lens. One or more scanning mirrors are disposed at or near the objective lens focal point. As a result, the beam will be directed to different locations across the objective lens by the scanning mirror(s), and will travel from the objective lens substantially collimated and parallel toward a surface illuminated by the beam. This substantially collimated and parallel beam provides a large depth of field of the ablation pattern.

Abstract: A laser system for treating features on the skin of a patient with laser light comprising: an imaging subsystem that locates features on the skin to be treated; a laser; laser optics that focuses light from the laser onto a feature located by the imaging subsystem; and a controller that when a feature is located, controls the laser to radiate a pulse of laser light that is focused by the laser optics to a spot localized about the feature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for intrastromal refractive surgery is disclosed wherein tissue at selected locations within the stroma of the cornea is photoablated using a pulsed laser beam. The apparatus includes an optical system for forming a shaped laser beam having a waist at a predetermined distance from the optical system. The pulse duration and pulse energy of the laser beam are selected to cause ablation to occur in front of the waist (i.e. between the waist and the optical system). To achieve this, a pulse energy is used that exceeds the minimum pulse energy required for ablation at the waist. By ablating in front of the waist, a relatively large ablation zone (per pulse) is created (compared to ablation at the waist). Furthermore, while the laser is scanned through the cornea to effectuate a refractive change, the optical system maintains a uniform waist for the laser beam.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to treat unwanted dermatological conditions on a specific area of the body. The area of treatment is exposed to a specific pattern of multi-wavelength light which may have an added infusion of a particular wavelength from a unique non-collimated laser rod optical insertion. The light is generated by specific gas mixture multiple flashlamps that allow simultaneous, overlap, or consecutive firing with quasi-logarithmic spacing between pulses. Pre/Post low level optical heating increases lesion temperature to optimize pulsed treatment. The optimum fixed specific wavelength distribution pattern allows the treatment of various skin conditions by adjusting the intensity of light, and delay between pulses. The need for skin cooling and damage to skin treatment areas is eliminated by the quasi-logarithmic pulse spacing in conjunction with optimum length and characteristic shape of the individual pulses of light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for permanently or temporarily removing human hair, for miniaturizing the same or for changing the color thereof. This apparatus can also be used for coagulating blood vessels, veins or a selective injury of the derma collagen in order to regenerate the same. This apparatus uses one or more incandescent lamps (4) in which the radiation spectrum (34) can be modulated in order to heat slowly and efficiently the derma (17) and in order to heat locally the hair follicles (35). This apparatus also includes an optical system that converts the blue-green portion of the spectrum of the incandescent lamps (4) into a red region of the spectrum, that provides a highly efficient concentration of converted radiation from the incandescent filament (37) of the lamps (4) on the area of biological tissues to be treated, and that ensures a repeated recirculation towards the skin (17) of the radiation scattered by the same.

Abstract: An interface which allows a surgeon to operate multiple surgical devices from a single input device. The input device may be a foot pedal that provides output signals to actuate a number of different surgical devices. The surgical devices may include a robotic arm, a laser, an electrocautery device, or an operating table. The interface has an input channel that is coupled to the input device and a plurality of output channels that are coupled to the surgical devices. The interface also has a select input channel which can receive input commands to switch the input channel to one of the output channels. The select channel may be coupled to a speech interface that allows the surgeon to select one of the surgical devices with a voice command. The surgeon can operate any device by providing an input command which switches the input channel to the desired output channel.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a laser corneal surgery apparatus in which an optical system for directing and irradiating a laser beam onto a cornea can be protected from water droplets and the like. The laser corneal surgery apparatus for ablating a cornea of a patient's eye by a laser beam comprises an observation optical system for observing the patient's eye, an irradiation optical system for irradiating the laser beam onto the cornea, and a protection plate which is disposed on an irradiation optical path between the cornea and an optical member included in the irradiation optical system and disposed in a position nearest to the cornea, and which is insertable in and removable from the optical path.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply pulsed laser energy to an eye with a pulsed laser system. The laser system includes a pulsed laser, a laser beam delivery system and at least one processor. The laser makes a beam of an ablative light energy. A dimension across the laser beam varies during a treatment of the eye. A firing rate of the laser varies as the dimension across the beam varies during the treatment. The dimension across the beam and the firing rate of the laser can be arranged so as to maintain a power of the beam applied to the eye at a substantially constant level during at least a portion of the treatment. A firing rate of the laser for each pulse may be listed in a treatment table.

Abstract: A robotic system that moves a surgical instrument in response to the actuation of a foot pedal that can be operated by the foot of a surgeon. The robotic system has an end effector that is adapted to hold a surgical instrument such as an endoscope. The end effector is coupled to a robotic arm assembly which can move the endoscope relative to the patient. The system includes a computer which controls the movement of the robotic arm in response to input signals received from the foot pedal.

Abstract: Performing selective photothermolysis of sub-cutaneous tissue by using a plurality of beams of narrow band electro-magnetic radiation, where each of the beams have energy that is insufficient to heat the tissue that they strike to a temperature high enough to destroy such tissue, but by directing the individual beams to overlap at the target sufficient heat is generated to destroy the target tissue.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided for imaging tissue samples substantially beneath the surface of the tissue sample. The apparatus includes an objective lens and a window defining a tissue contacting surface in pressure contacting relationship with the surface of the tissue sample when the tissue sample is imaged by the objective lens to view tissue structures for pathological applications. The objective lens focuses an illumination beam through the window to the tissue sample and receives returned reflected light of the beam representative of one or more sections of the tissue sample. The apparatus enables a method for in vivo observation of tissue for diagnosis of conditions substantially beneath the surface of the tissue sample. Both two and three-dimensional imaging may be provided for diagnosis and location of basal cell carcinomas and melanomas, and so as to enable visualization of tumor borders prior to excision.

Abstract: A system and method for converting measured wavefront data into an ablation profile for correcting visual defects includes providing measured wavefront data on an aberrated eye by a method such as known in the art. The measured wavefront data are correlated with accumulated data on previously treated eyes. Next an adjustment is applied to the measured wavefront data based upon the correlating step. This adjustment is used to form adjusted wavefront data for input to a wavefront data correction algorithm to calculate an ablation profile therefrom. The wavefront data correction algorithm may be modeled as, for example, Zernike polynomials with adjusted coefficients.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing interstitial laser therapy and adjunctive therapy on a patient are revealed. The apparatus employs a combination of a mammography unit, an interstitial laser treatment device attached to the mammography unit and a treatment platform positioned relative to the mammography unit to enable the interstitial laser therapy to be performed. The use of the treatment platform with the mammography unit enables the interstitial laser therapy to be performed and, if necessary, adjunctive therapy to be performed in the same treatment room without transferring the patient to a new platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for Raman imaging of carotenoids and related chemical substances in biological tissue, such as macular pigments. The method and apparatus utilize the technique of resonance Raman spectroscopy to produce an image of the levels of carotenoids and similar substances in tissue. In this technique, light is directed upon the area of tissue which is of interest such as the retina of an eye. A small fraction of the scattered light is scattered inelastically, producing a carotenoid Raman signal which is at a different frequency than the incident light. The Raman signal is collected, filtered, and analyzed to determine the spatial position and intensity of the Raman signals in the inelastically scattered light. An image of the Raman signals is then produced on an output device, with the image representing the spatial distribution and concentration level of carotenoids in the tissue.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system (1) for performing procedures such as Retinal Photocoagulation and Laser Trabeculoplasty comprises a delivery module (2) and a console module (3). The console module includes a treatment laser and optical elements for directing output from the treatment laser to an optical fiber (16), which is substantially enclosed within the delivery module. The delivery module includes a slit lamp tower (6), viewing microscope (4) and alignment optics for directing and focusing output from the optical fiber to a patient treatment zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable laser treatment device, comprising case (10), semiconductor laser diode (11) which is installed inside the case (10) and irradiates laser, condensing lens (12) which is installed in front of the semiconductor laser diode (11), power supply, power switch (30) which is installed outside the case (10) and controls the supply of power, irradiation switch (31) which controls the irradiation of laser and controller (32) which controls the operation of the device according to the state of to switches, wherein distance detecting sensor (40) is installed on the case (10) to measure the distance between an irradiated surface and condensing lens (12) and said controller (32) receives signal from the distance detecting sensor (40) and cuts off laser irradiation when the distance between the irradiated surface and condensing lens (12) is greater than focal distance of the condensing lens (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing hairs from living skin is provided involving the measurement with a colorimeter of the color of the area of the skin where the hair is to be removed to obtain a representative color value, employing the color value to select an optimum range of laser energy necessary to inactivate hair follicles in the area, yet minimize any inflammatory reaction, and directing laser energy of optimum range at the skin area to depilate such area.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The controller controls and limits movement of robotic arms relative to the patient.

Abstract: A compact excimer laser system is provided that includes argon fluoride laser gas, electronic, and laser head all compactly arranged such that the patient bed can rotate over all of these components. This allows the patient bed to be rotated for easy egress of the patient without striking the head against an optical extension through which the excimer laser is fired onto the patient's eye. Further, an automated lamellar keratoplasty system is incorporated into the electronics and components of the laser system so that laser in situ keratomileusis can be easily performed.

Abstract: To provide a medical energy irradiation apparatus which permits easy and accurate establishment of a site of tissues of a living body targeted for irradiation with energy, when doctors use the medical energy irradiation apparatus to perform a cure for a prostatic hyperplasia or the like. The doctors insert an applicator 110 of the medical energy irradiation apparatus to an urinary bladder 161 and fix an endoscope 135 near to an entrance of an urethra. In this arrangement, when observing with the endoscope (135), a seminal colliculas 144 observed through a side-observation window 130 is observed toward a lower part of an observed image (schematic diagram) displayed on a display unit, and a positioning marker 140 in an interior of the applicator is observed toward an upper part of an observed image.

Abstract: An aperture card is provided for insertion into a laser refractive ablation system for use in laser ablating the cornea. The aperture card is designed for single surgical use for surgical precautionary considerations and to achieve the highest quality ablations, in addition to reproducibility. The aperture card is loaded into the laser refractive ablation system in a path between the laser system and the eye. The aperture card is precisely located by positioning means and ablative lasing action is inhibited if the card is not positioned within tolerance. Alternatively, the laser system can determine the position of the aperture card and adjust a computed ablation profile or otherwise adjust the optical system to adapt for any misalignment of the apertures in the aperture card. The card contains a “soft spot” aperture capable of shaping a spatial intensity distribution with a unique profile.

Abstract: An apparatus for aesthetic manipulation of the skin having a large pulsator with plurality of light emitting diodes of at least two different wavelengths and a small pulsator with one light emitting diode is disclosed. A frequency modulator automatically modulates the emitting frequency of the tight emitting diodes to a plurality of different frequencies. A power output modulator is provided to modulate the power output of the light emitting diodes. A phase switching subsystem allows selection between a plurality of operating phases, each operating phase operating the frequency modulator and power output modulator in a different predetermined manner. Calibration subsystem connected in circuit with the light emitting diodes calibrates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A vibrator is provided to vibrate the large pulsator. A vibration switching subsystem selectively activates the vibrator.

Abstract: Scanning spot locations are generated for ablating tissue using a scanning laser beam over a treatment region by taking a target function representing a desired lens profile of ablation with a basis function representing a treatment profile produced by overlapping scanning spots in a particular treatment pattern. In some embodiments, the basis function is a two-dimensional function representing a two-dimensional section of a three-dimensional treatment profile, which has symmetry with respect to the two-dimensional section extending along the treatment pattern. For example, the treatment pattern is generally straight for myopic and hyperopic cylinders, and is generally circular for myopia and hyperopia. The fit produces ablation depths for discrete scanning spots, which are used to calculate the number of pulses at each reference position along the two-dimensional section. The pulses are distributed along the treatment pattern to produce the desired overlapping effect.

Abstract: The invention provides near-term customized ablation capabilities for treatment of corneal irregularities by ablating laterally offset refractive therapy profiles. These treatment profiles may, when centered on the eye, be suitable for treatment of standard refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and cylindrical astigmatism. By selectively offsetting one or more of these ablation profiles at selected points across the corneal surface, the laser system can reduce refractive errors resulting from corneal irregularities such as irregular astigmatism, corneal steepening in one quadrant, asymmetrical astigmatism, irregularities inadvertently produced by a prior refractive treatment (such as radial keratotomy incisions, a decentered ablation, or the like), granular dystrophy, diffuse, asymmetric warpage as a result of post-corneal transplants, bilateral keratoconus, penetrating keratoplasty, or the like.

Abstract: A laser surgery system having a computer control system coupled to a laser subsystem and a patient seat. The control system is coupled to the laser through a laser alignment system. The control system can be coupled to the patient seat through a patient alignment system. The control system sends a nominal position signal to move the patient seat, laser subsystem, or both so that the patient's first eye is moved into substantial alignment with the laser beam axis. The control system can send a second nominal signal to move the patient's second eye into substantial alignment with the laser beam axis. The control system can optionally comprise both an operator display and an assistant display. The assistant display provides real-time information to an assistant positioned at an assistant station adjacent the patient seat. The control system can be programmed to display edit fields with different colors to provide an obvious indication of the refractive information of the eye.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that limits rotation of the ocular globe of an eye, to facilitate alignment of an instrument with the axis of astigmatism of the eye. The apparatus includes fixation target means (12) for locating in the field of view of the eye so that the eye may fixate on the target. The fixation target means includes or consists of at least one elongate component (16). Also disclosed is a corresponding method, and method and apparatus for supplying visual feedback to an operator during refractive surgery of an eye of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing a therapeutic treatment on a patient's skin by concentrating applied radiation of at least one selected wavelength at a plurality of selected, three-dimensionally located, treatment portions, which treatment portions are within non-treatment portions. The ratio of treatment portions to the total volume may vary from 0.1% to 90%, but is preferably less than 50%. Various techniques, including wavelength, may be utilized to control the depth to which radiation is concentrated and suitable optical systems may be provided to concentrate applied radiation in parallel or in series for selected combinations of one or more treatment portions.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The movement of the handles is scaled so that the end effectors have a corresponding movement that is different, typically smaller, than the movement performed by the hands of the surgeon. The scale factor is adjustable so that the surgeon can control the resolution of the end effector movement. The scale factor of the end effector can be set to zero to prevent movement of the end effector. An input button may also be provided so that the end effector only moves when the input button is depressed by the surgeon.

Abstract: A method of modifying a cornea of an eye to reduce refractive error, the cornea having a surface and a main optical axis, including the steps of aiming and firing a laser at the cornea of the eye. The laser first separates an internal portion of the cornea forming a first internal surface and a second internal surface, the first internal surface facing in a posterior direction of the cornea and the second internal surface facing in an anterior direction of the cornea, with the first and second internal surfaces forming an internal pocket therebetween. An incision is then made from the surface of the cornea to the internal pocket, and an ocular implant is introduced through the incision and into the internal pocket of the cornea.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery apparatus for observing an anterior portion of an eye, and an optical system for laser beam treatment to the eye. The apparatus has a moving device for moving the optical system relative to the eye, an illuminating device for illuminating an area of the anterior portion of the eye, a photoelectric transducing device having a two-dimensional light sensing plane for sensing distribution of light volume of the anterior portion of the eye, a pupil position sensing device for sensing the position of a pupil, and a control device for controlling the moving device based on sensed results.

Abstract: An apparatus for clogging blood vessels of an eye fundus includes an illuminating optical system (1) for illuminating an eye fundus of a subject, who has been given an injection of an infrared fluorescent agent, with infrared rays of light and exciting the infrared fluorescent agent so as to generate infrared fluorescence, a photographic optical system (2) for observing and photographing the eye fundus, and a projecting optical system (21) for projecting a laser beam of light having a specific wavelength onto the subject who has been also given an injection of a photosensitive substance which undergoes a photochemical change by the laser beam. In the apparatus, while a region which emits infrared fluorescence is being observed, the laser beam is projected onto the photosensitive substance so as to clog blood vessels of a diseased part in the depth of the eye fundus.