Abstract: The invention improves the laser sculpting of a region of a material to a predetermined shape by improving the smoothness and accuracy of surfaces formed by the sculpting technique. The technique includes projecting plurality of partially overlapping beams toward the region. The invention includes blurring an edge of an ablation to smooth an internal portion of the ablation that is separate from the edge. The blurred edge may be formed by the partially overlapping beams. Using a computer controlled laser delivery system, the position and shape of the overlapping beams may be precisely controlled to sculpt the material to a desired shape according to a laser treatment table.

Abstract: A device treats skin by radiation. The device has a housing accommodating a radiation source and having an exit opening for the radiation. The device activates the radiation source only if the presence of skin immediately in front of the exit opening is detected. The radiation source cannot be activated if the exit opening is not covered.

Abstract: A laser hand-piece for irradiating a treatment laser beam to a part to be treated is disclosed. The laser hand-piece includes: a main body including an end portion with a bend and a grip portion to be held by an operator's hand, the end and grip portions each having an inner optical path communicating with each other for guiding the laser beam; a laser guiding pipe pivotally mounted on the end portion of the main body and provided with an inner optical path communicating with the inner optical path of the end portion to guide the laser beam, an opening, and a mirror for discharging the laser beam having been guided through the inner optical path to outside through the opening; a rotary knob rotatably attached to the grip portion; and a rotation transmitting mechanism, disposed between the rotary knob and the laser guiding pipe, for transmitting rotation of the rotary knob to the laser guiding pipe to change a laser irradiation direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spatially resolved Raman detection of molecules indicative of the borders of lesions with normal tissue are disclosed. A region of biological tissue was illuminated with monochromatic light. A Raman shifted light signal is detected from endogenous molecules in the region, the molecules being spatially organized in a localized first area of the region. These molecules are indicative of a border between normal tissue and a lesion. The Raman shifted light signal is then spatially resolved in at least one direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for applying pulsed energy to an eye. In an exemplary embodiment, a firing rate of the pulsed energy varies in correlation with a modeled or estimated thermal response of a tissue of the eye to the pulses of the laser beam during the treatment.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of skin by radiation pulses. The device has a detector measuring a biophysical property of skin, such as temperature increase, dispersion or absorption coefficient, or reflection coefficient for light having a predetermined wavelength, and also has a control unit which determines, from the biophysical property, a safe dose of radiation. The device automatically protects against an overdose from the radiation source. The invention can be used, not only in a hair removing device such as a laser epilator, a laser shaver or a flashlight epilator, but also in devices for the medical treatment of skin by means of radiation, such as photodermatology systems.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spatially resolved Raman detection of calcification in tissues are disclosed. A region of soft non-arterial biological tissue is illuminated with monochromatic light. A spatially organized first area of calcified tissue is then detected in the region by detecting a Raman shifted light signal. The Raman shifted light signal is spatially resolved in at least one direction.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus are provided for correcting an off-center laser ablation in the cornea, in which the original ablated area has a center that is offset from the correct center of the optical cornea. The method comprises the steps of determining the correct optical center of the cornea and the offset location of the ablation; performing a supplemental laser ablation on the cornea with the laser beam covering generally the original ablated area, and with the energy of the supplemental laser increasing in a direction from the offset center toward the correct center; introducing a laser shield to cover the entire original ablated area; and performing another laser ablation with the correct optical center as the center of the ablated area.

Abstract: A scanning optical system for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be treated is cooperative with a lightguide or optical fiber. Radiation to be delivered is provided by a source thereof via the optical fiber. The optical system includes an optical projection arrangement comprising a plurality of lenses cooperatively arranged with the lightguide. A first of the lenses is arranged to receive radiation emerging from the lightguide. The beam of radiation is passed through the projection arrangement to form a treatment spot the radiation on the tissue. Scanning is effected by causing relative motion between the exit-end of said lightguide and at least the first lens, transverse to the optical axis of the projection arrangement. The treatment spot undergoes a related transverse motion over the tissue. In one example scanning is effected by moving the first lens with the lightguide fixed. The first lens is moved using an arrangement of piezo-electric actuators.

Abstract: The gonioscope of the invention comprises a hollow tapered body with mirror surfaces formed on the inner side of the gonioscope or on the inserts placed into the recesses on the inner surface of the gonioscope. Several reflecting surfaces arranged at the same or different angles can be used. The device can be made disposable and molded with reflecting surface coatings applied onto the inner flats. According to one of the embodiments, the gonioscope can be used in combination with a meniscus lens that can applied onto the eye cornea and used as a support for sliding the front end of the gonioscope over the lens surface for orientation thereof at different angles to the optical axis of the eye.

Abstract: A system and method for treating skin. The system comprises a source of radiation for irradiating the skin and a pair of electrodes for applying a voltage to the skin. An electrical meter measures an electrical response of the skin to the applied voltage. A processor adjusts a parameter of the radiation based upon the measured response. The invention may be used to control skin temperature during thermal treatment.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for evaluating the safety of a prospective secondary LASIK treatment to correct a person's vision. The difficulties with making an accurate, direct measurement of corneal thickness of a cornea having a pre-existing keratectomy are overcome by using pre-LASIK topography and pachymetry measurements, and per- and post-LASIK wavefront measurements to determine post-LASIK corneal thickness, and thus the suitability and safety of a prospective secondary LASIK procedure. A system embodiment includes diagnostic and computing platforms for generating and analyzing data, and a device readable medium for storing and transferring an instruction to a laser ablation system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing hair growth stimulation using light energy, topical compositions, and combinations thereof. By using photomodulation resulting from cellular responses to exposure to specific wavelengths of light, optionally in conjunction with topical compositions and procedures for enhancing the penetration of such compositions, hair follicles are activated to produce hair growth.

Abstract: Improved refractive eye surgery methods, apparatus and systems employ ablative photodecomposition of a cornea to mitigate and/or inhibit presbyopia with minimal vision degradation. A method for treating a cornea includes ablating a superior area of the cornea to enhance near-distance vision and ablating an inferior area of the cornea to enhance far-distance vision. Typically, the inferior area corresponds to an area of the cornea that is blocked (generally by the lower eyelid and/or cheek) from viewing objects when the eye is facing downward. The superior area corresponds to an area of the cornea that is blocked from viewing objects (generally by the patient's upper eyelid) when the eye is facing forward or slightly above the horizon. In some embodiments, a transition zone is ablated between the superior and inferior areas, to enable a smoother visual transition between the two areas.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting overheating in an optical device before harmful consequences, such as severe local heating, can result. In one embodiment of the invention, a blackbody emitter is disposed in close proximity to a therapeutic optical fiber to absorb therapeutic radiation at a fault and re-emit blackbody (infrared) radiation. The emitter can be coupled to the fiber but, during normal operation, lies outside the optical path between the output of the laser radiation and the site of treatment. Systems and catheters incorporating such emitters are also described for effective monitoring of the laser power transmitted along the optical fiber within the phototherapy device.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for irradiating an affected part of a patient's eye with a treatment laser beam to treat the affected part is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving vision incorporate the effects of biodynamical and biomechanical (biological) responses of the eye. The eye produces a biological response to trauma, such as a LASIK keratectomy or other necessary traumatic procedure in preparation for refractive surgery. By observing the biological response, a prospective treatment to correct higher order aberrations is adjusted to compensate for the biological effects. An improved photorefractive surgery system incorporates one or more suitable diagnostic devices that provide biological response information in such a manner that the patient need not change position from that assumed for the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method of correcting the refractive error in the cornea of an eye. The cornea is heated, to loosen the molecules therein, thereby softening the cornea into a gelatinous material. The gelatinous material is then reshaped, so that it substantially conforms to a predetermined pattern, and cooled to maintain it in the predetermined pattern. This results in modification of the cornea without a gray to white response in the cornea and corneal tissue shrinkage.

Abstract: This optical arm applicable to robots is comprised of: some bent tubular parts (1, 6, 16, 18), a straight tubular length (21) and an outlet part (23), coupled together with the possibility of rotation; also including some means (7) to secure the optical arm to a robot (5). The bent tubular part (1) is mounted with the possibility of rotation on the outlet (2) of a laser generator (3) secured to the third arm (4) of the robot (5). Parts (1, 6, 16 and 18) have a window (28), in each bend, equipped with some inner lugs (28) which a mirror (29) is pressed on to by means of some springs (33) foreseen with a removable part (32).

Abstract: Methods of operating and logging the usage of a photo-thermal epilation apparatus provide for the logging of usage information as the apparatus is employed for each epilation session. The operational information may be applied to determine when calibration is required, if additional usage funds must be paid before additional sessions may be conducted, and or when and who conducted epilation sessions with the apparatus. A usage log may be stored within a database that contains entries of operation or usage information. Each usage log entry may include information associated with a client, an operator, as well as other useful information related to the usage of the apparatus. The apparatus may further be configured to communicate with at least one remote computer. The communication with the remote computer may be included for enabling operation and usage of the apparatus to be metered, monitored, and or purchased in pre-determined usage allotments.

Abstract: A method and system is described that greatly improves the safety and efficacy of ophthalmic laser surgery. The method and system are applicable to precise operations on a target subject to movement during the procedure. The system may comprise the following elements: (1) a user interface, (2) an imaging system, which may include a surgical microscope, (3) an automated tracking system that can follow the movements of an eye, (4) a laser, (5) a diagnostic system, and (6) a fast reliable safety means, for automatically interrupting the laser firing.

Abstract: A laser device for medical treatment system, comprising at least a plurality of laser beam emitting sources, a laser beam multiplexing means for superimposing the laser beams emitted from the laser beam emitting sources, and a beam mixing means where the laser beams from the laser beam multiplexing means enter.

Abstract: A system and method of marking percutaneous myocardial revascularization channels in a human heart and introducing into the channels a therapeutic or diagnostic agent by inserting a catheter system into the left ventricle of a heart, applying tissue ablative energy through the catheter to create a channel into the heart wall, introducing an imaging medium to the heart wall proximate the channel for marking the position of that channel for imaging, and introducing in or proximate the channel a therapeutic or diagnostic agent.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within an organ or vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method of closed-chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart or great vessel. According to the method, the patient's heart is arrested and cardiopulmonary bypass is established. A scope extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. An internal penetration is formed in a wall of the heart or great vessel using cutting means introduced through a percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. An interventional tool is then introduced, usually through a cannula positioned in a percutaneous intercostal penetration.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which is therapeutically beneficial to the well-being of living organisms such as humans, animals, and/or plant life, using photon or light waves. The device is intended to lie against the skin or surface, near the skin/surface, and/or from a distance ranging up to several feet from the skin/surface. The device is intended to be used for: general relaxation and detoxification of an organism; stimulating the healing process in an organism which is ill, diseased or injured; aiding in the elimination of pain and inflammation in an organism; stimulating/sedating the acupressure meridian system of an organism and rebalancing the electromagnetic energy-field surrounding the organism.

Abstract: In a control program, according to which a laser-beam spot is guided, while being controlled with respect to position and time, over a cornea to be corrected photorefractively, so as to ablate a predetermined ablation profile therefrom, the effect of the angle between the laser earn and the corneal surface on the energy density of the laser-beam spot incident on the corneal surface and/or on the fraction of the laser-beam energy incident on the corneal surface which is reflected away, is taken into account when generating the control program.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treatment of skin disorders. More particularly, the disclosed invention is directed toward the treatment of acne and acne scarring by treating sebaceous oil glands and the surrounding tissue with an exogenous chromophore composition and then exposing the target tissue to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light to inhibit the activity of the oil gland and eliminate acne bacteria. The treatment method of the present invention may be futher augmented by enhancing the penetration of the topical composition into the oil gland and surrounding tissue through the use of procedures including enzyme peeling, microderm abrasion, or ultrasound.

Abstract: A closed-loop control system for the intrastromal photoablation of tissue includes an active mirror for individually directing the component beams of a diagnostic laser beam to a focal point on the retina of an eye. The reflected beam is analyzed to identify a distorted wavefront indicative of required corneal corrections, and an induced wavefront indicative of optical aberrations introduced by bubbles formed during tissue ablation. A comparator alters the induced wavefront with a desired wavefront to create a rectified wavefront, and a comparator compares the rectified wavefront with the distorted wavefront to create error signals. The error signals are then used to operate the active mirror and to control an ablation laser until the absence of error signals indicate the required stromal tissue has been photoablated.

Abstract: A method for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be treated with the radiation includes delivering the radiation onto the tissue in a treatment-spot having a polygonal shape such as a rectangle or a hexagon. The polygonal shape is selected such that a region of the tissue to be treated can be completely covered by a plurality of such shapes essentially without overlapping the shapes. The radiation to be delivered is passed through a lightguide having a cross-section of the polygonal shape. Radiation exiting the lightguide is projected onto the tissue via a plurality of optical elements to provide the treatment-spot.

Abstract: A laser slit lamp comprising a slit lamp base, a slit lamp head and a slit lamp microscope. The laser slit lamp is connected with an applicator. It comprises a device for uniting radiation from at least two radiation sources collinearly and for directing the radiation of a treatment beam or working beam onto the location to be treated in or on the eye of a patient, a device for generating a target beam or marking beam for targeting and observing the location to be treated in or on the eye, and an adjusting device in the applicator for changing the intensity and diameter of the working beam spot used for treatment. The radiation sources are laser radiation sources arranged in the slit lamp head, in the slit lamp base or in the slit lamp microscope for generating the working beam, illumination beam and/or target beam. Devices for control, regulation and monitoring are likewise arranged in the interior of the slit lamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the thickness of arterial walls is disclosed. Ablation of the exterior layer of the arterial walls is performed using mechanical or laser ablation techniques. Surveying is preferably carried out during the procedure to ensure optimal ablation. The ablation reduces the effective thickness of the arterial walls and increases flexibility so that the walls distend under normal blood pressure, thereby improving blood flow. Advantageously, the procedure is carried out without invasion of the blood vessel lumen and without damage to the inner layer of the artery wall.

Abstract: An LED fixation device that is secured to a patient's face and covers the patient's fellow eye during eye surgery to provide a lighted fixation target. The fixation device includes an eye shield, a battery, a switch and an LED light source secured to the eye shield. The light source is switched on, and the patient is directed to look at the light source during the surgical procedure. The eye shield can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic and paper, and can be disposable.

Abstract: An improved articulating device for use with a medical insertion instrument comprising in part a first tube having a plurality of ribs defining a plurality of bending segments, a second tube axially disposed within the first tube, and means for transmitting an axial deflecting pull load. Such device has improved controlled for positioning an end of the device at a selected position within the body. The articulating device has a generally constant moment of inertia and a polar moment of inertia that generally decreases from its proximal to distal end.

Abstract: An ophthalmological laser surgery system having a laser, associated elements for delivering an optical beam from the laser to a patient eye location, a control unit for controlling the operation of the system and a system input/output device, is enabled by a patient data card. The data card originally contains both patient background and system control information, which is transferred to the control unit via the input/output device. During system operation, newly generated information, such as laser beam power, is stored in the data card to provide an independent record of the surgical procedure actually performed. After one use, the data card is invalidated to prevent further use.

Abstract: A process and system for addressing presbyopia of an eye is disclosed and features the resecting of an eye to expose a corneal stroma and system and method for determining an eye sculpturing center point found in a nasal-superior region of the eye. Sculpturing through use of an ablation laser is then carried out relative to the determined eye sculpturing centerpoint which sculpturing includes leaving a central optic zone unable relative to the presbyopic corrective process. Following sculpturing the resected portion of the eye is returned to cover over the sculptured region. The sculpturing profile is also formed with ablation control to define an advantageous (e.g., aspherical) ablation profile in the stroma.

Abstract: A method for detecting and treating diseases of a type associated with the growth of new blood vessels (neovascularization) in choroidal or subretinal layers of the eye and which can be used for more accurately locating a feeder vessel to the neovascularization and for blocking such a feeder vessel by photocoagulation with a laser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tanning module with optimized guidance of the cooling air, having a housing, a three-dimensional reflector, and at least one windowpane-shaped radiation filter. The housing has on the side of the housing opposite the radiation filter the shape of a gable roof, a hip roof, or a false hip roof, the roof ridge being flattened and facing away from the radiation filter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for occlusion of the fallopian tubes of a woman. The method involves thermally damaging the lining of the utero-tubal junction with relatively low power, followed by placement of a reticulated foam plug. In one embodiment, vascularized tissue grows into the plug and prevents or discourages formation of scar tissue around the plug. Another embodiment with a relatively small foam pore size encourages formation of a vascularized capsule around the plug. The presence of this vascularized capsule limits the patient's foreign body response, so that the capsule does not constrict around the plug. Also presented is a catheter designed for wounding the epithelial layer of the utero-tubal junction, and a method of using the catheter to form a long yet shallow lesion in the utero-tubal junction.

Abstract: A wavefront sensor enhances calibration of a laser ablation system, such as a laser eye surgery system, by measuring one or more characteristics of an ablated test surface. Typically, light is passed through the ablated test surface, and the light is analyzed to determine the test surface characteristics. In some embodiments, the ablated test surface is positioned along a treatment plane. In some embodiments, light is passed through a wavefront sensor, such as a Hartmann-Shack sensor, to convert the light into electrical signals. A processor then converts the electrical signals into data, such as surface maps showing high-order aberrations and/or artifacts on the test surface, refractive power measurements, shape measurements, and the like. Generated data may then be used to calibrate a laser surgery system.

Abstract: An ophthalmological apparatus (1) has a handle (14) for manually holding and applying the ophthalmological apparatus (1), and has fastening means (11) for fixing the ophthalmological apparatus (1) at an eye (2). The ophthalmological apparatus (1) comprises a light source (12) and a light projector (13), optically connected to the light source (12), for the focussed projection of light pulses (3) for punctiform tissue breakdown at a focal point (F) in the interior of the eye tissue (21). The ophthalmological apparatus (1) also comprises a movement driver (15) for moving the light projector (13) equidistantly from a movement surface, and a contact body (16) which places an area of the eye equidistantly from the movement surface which is contacted in the mounted state.

Abstract: A guiding catheter system for delivering an elongated therapeutic or diagnostic device into a patient's left ventricle which includes a first guiding catheter with a shaped distal extremity configured to be aligned with or parallel to a longitudinal axis or long dimension of the patient's left ventricle and a second guiding catheter slidably and rotatably disposed within an inner lumen of the first guiding catheter which has a shaped distal shaft section and an inner lumen configured to slidably receive an elongated therapeutic or diagnostic device such as a tissue ablation device, e.g. an optical fiber connected to a laser source, an ultrasonic energy emitting device or a radio frequency energy emitting device. The shaped distal section of the first guiding catheter is shaped or is shapable within the patient's heart chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improved biostimulative effect through the use of single mode fibers to transport coherent light to a treatment site. Single mode fibers or groups/bundles of single mode waveguides for the relevant irradiation wavelength are used for radiation transport. Selective leakage of the radiation from this delivery system is achieved at the desired application sites of the biostimulation by suitable means, one being evanescent wave decouplers. The result is a low intensity exposure of coherent light to tissue or organic material that is more effective than conventional biostimulative procedures. Delivery systems based on such waveguides can cover large areas due to the low transmission losses of the waveguide. The waveguide can be inserted into hydrocultures or earth to provide radiation and thus biostimulation of seeds and cuttings in situ. Coherent radiation can also improve the health, healing and fertility of animals.

Abstract: A method for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue, comprises the step of providing laser pulses with a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency from 50 kHz to 1 MHz and with a wavelength between 600 and 2000 nm for acting on the material to be worked. Apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue comprising a pulsed laser, wherein the laser has a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency of from 50 kHz to 1 MHz is also described.

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 non Q-switched erbium laser operating on the I11/2→I13/2 transition produces laser output pulses characterized by a single spike containing approximately 90% of the energy, rather than a series of multiple spikes. The laser includes an optical gain medium with erbium being the lasing species, such as an erbium doped YAG rod. The gain medium is pumped with a flashlamp, with the voltage applied to the flashlamp and the duration of the applied voltage being carefully controlled to produce the single spike laser output. Depending upon the operating conditions, the full width half maximum (FWHM) of the spikes can be varied between 0.1 and 10 microseconds. The output of the erbium has fewer than 10 transverse modes. Output from the erbium laser may be directed onto corneal tissue in a preferred corneal sculpting procedure, in which the ablation rate is limited to no more than about 3 microns per laser pulse.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a diode-pumped neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 20 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating body tissue includes a treatment instrument 1 for treating the body tissue and a measuring unit 3 for measuring the actual value of a parameter of the body tissue at at least one measuring point. An identifier 4 is connected to the measuring unit 3 for identifying the body tissue to be treated on the basis of the actual value and for outputting a coordinate signal containing the coordinates of the body tissue to be treated. A positioning device 2 receives the coordinate signal and moves the treatment instrument 1 to the body tissue to be treated. An updating device 8 is connected to the measuring unit 3 and the identifier 4 and outputs an updating signal for triggering renewed measurement of the actual value and renewed identification of body tissue to be treated.

Abstract: A device and a method for the photolithographic exposure of biological substances is described, which comprises at least one light source, a bundle of optical fibers and a control unit, whereby each of the optical fibers can be controlled by light independently from one another and/or light can be coupled to each fiber independently. The device is particularly suitable for the exposure of DNA, PNA or peptide chips.

Abstract: A method and system for laser surgery produces controlled laser pulses and simultaneously verifies that a correct sequence of pulses are being delivered to the patient. A photo detector receives a predetermined portion of the energy of the treatment pulses as they exit the system. A separate monitoring computer compares an output signal from the photo detector with reference information for the treatment sequence. The system is exemplified in an implementation in an ophthalmic laser surgery system.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue treatment is provided, comprising a light emitter for emission of a first light beam, director for directing the first light beam towards a target area to be treated, detector for detecting at least one tissue parameter at the target area, and first light beam controller for controlling at least one parameter without interruption of the propagating light beam. The tissue parameter may be selected from the group of texture, elasticity, size and shape. The apparatus may be used for ablating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. as well as warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc. may be ablated or treated.