Beam Energy Control Or Monitoring Patents (Class 606/11)
  • Patent number: 6592611
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a device, a method, and a treatment system for chronic disease conditions. The present invention was designed using the theoretical concepts of Quantum Biology. The principles of operation are based on the device's ability to stimulate a Bose-Einstein condensate and excitation of Frolich resonance in living tissue The wavenumbers necessary for this excitation are derived from the solution to the equations for optical phonon scattering in living tissue generated by optical photon excitation. The establishment of this degeneracy condition induces a super conducting state in the tissue. This super conducting state facilitates DNA replication, transcription and translation, thereby allowing the proper formation or regeneration of healthy tissue. This superconducting state provides the conditions necessary for establishing the violation of time reversal invariance in living tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Robert H. Zawada
  • Patent number: 6585724
    Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery apparatus by which treatment laser beam is irradiated onto a desired portion of a patient's eye and for treatment of the portion, the apparatus includes: a laser irradiating unit having a laser beam source which emits the treatment laser beam, and an irradiating optical system which optically guides the treatment laser beam emitted from the laser beam source onto the portion; an ocular movement detecting unit which detects a potential difference between a cornea and a retina, and detects an ocular movement of the patient's eye based on the detected potential difference; and an irradiation controlling unit which controls the irradiating unit based on a result of detection by the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Toh
  • Publication number: 20030105457
    Abstract: In a method of generating 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 beam 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Mrochen, Maik Kaemmerer, Theo Seiler
  • Publication number: 20030083651
    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 movement of the end effector can be controlled by an input button, so that the end effector only moves when the button is depressed by the surgeon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Yulun Wang, Darrin R. Uecker, Keith Phillip Laby, Jeff Wilson, Steve Jordan, James Wright
  • Patent number: 6554825
    Abstract: A medical laser system is disclosed for generating a pulsed output beam of variable pulse duration and wavelength. The on time of the laser is the pulse duration which is generated by a Q-switch operated in a repetitive mode as a train of micropulses. According to one embodiment, a repetitively Q-switched frequency-doubled solid state laser produces an input beam which is subsequently used to excite a dye laser. An excitation source of the solid state laser is modulated to control the pulse duration of the input beam. The dye laser receives the input beam and responsively generates an output beam of adjustable wavelength having a pulse duration corresponding to the pulse duration of the input beam. The wavelength of the output beam is controlled by adjusting a tuning element of the dye laser. The dye laser is coupleable to a delivery system for directing the output laser beam to a biological tissue target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Laserscope
    Inventors: Steven C. Murray, Scott A. Davenport, Tony D. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6544257
    Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus comprises a control unit 251a that stops issuing a signal for laser beam activation transmitted over the foot switch signal cable 291 when the temperature obtained by the mirror temperature sensor 111 that detects the temperature of the laser emission part 122 provided at the laser irradiation unit 1 exceeds a predetermined value. This stops the output of the laser beam from the laser generator 3. Alternatively, the control unit can adjust the output value of the laser beam generated by the laser beam generator 3 by transmitting a signal via the communication cable 293 to change it in accordance with the detection signal of the mirror temperature sensor 111.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignees: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Nagase, Norihiko Hareyama, Takefumi Uesugi, Satoshi Mizukawa, Makoto Inaba, Akira Sakaguchi, Shigenobu Iwahashi, Shigeki Ariura, Shin Maki, Wataru Karino
  • Publication number: 20030065315
    Abstract: The thermal treatment apparatus is equipped with a laser generator for supplying laser beams, a laser irradiation unit for applying the supplied laser beams to tissues, and a control unit for totally controlling various parts of the system. The laser irradiation unit is equipped with a movable laser emission part for emitting laser beams to tissues, a motor for reciprocating a laser emission part, and a guide lumen for supporting an endoscope in such a way as to enable it to move in the direction of the laser emission part. The control unit controls the motor that drives the laser emission part to make reciprocation motion in such a way that the laser emission part stops at a position where it does not interfere with the moving passage of the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Norihiko Hareyama, Takefumi Uesugi, Taisuke Sato, Shigenobu Iwahashi, Shigeki Ariura, Wataru Karino, Makoto Inaba, Shin Maki
  • Patent number: 6540391
    Abstract: An optical system is provided for use with a target site and includes a laser source producing an output beam and a reflector. A beam splitter is positioned to receive the output beam and splits the output beam into a first beam incident on the reflector and a second beam incident on at least one point of the target site. The reflector is adjustably positioned and movable along the reference optical path moveable along the reference optical path to change a length of the reference optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Iridex Corporation
    Inventors: Paolo Lanzetta, Giorgio Dorin
  • Patent number: 6537269
    Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for irradiating an affected part of a patient with a treatment laser beam to treat the affected part is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 6533776
    Abstract: A handpiece for cosmetic tissue treatment includes an input connector for connection of a first beam-outlet end of a first optical fiber to the handpiece and for alignment of the first optical fiber with an axis of the handpiece so that a first light beam emitted from the first beam-outlet end is transmitted substantially along the axis, a movable first deflecting device for deflection of the first light beam into a second light beam, and an output for emission of the second light beam towards a target surface. The handpiece 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. In addition, warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc., may be ablated or treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Asah Medico A/S
    Inventors: Bjarne Asah, Olav Balle-Petersen, Casper Dolleris
  • Patent number: 6533774
    Abstract: A laser depilation apparatus for performing depilation on a skin by irradiating the skin with a laser beam is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first irradiation unit including a laser source (21) for emitting a laser beam for depilation and a light delivery optical system (22, 23, 28, 2, 3) for forming the depilation laser beam emitted from the laser source into a small spot and delivering the beam into a first predetermined range (30) to irradiate the range; a first detection unit (6, 25) for detecting a position of a portion to be depilated within at least the first range; and a controller (20) for controlling the first irradiation unit to selectively irradiate the position of the portion to be depilated with the depilation laser beam based on detection result of the first detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Ota
  • Patent number: 6530916
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing corrective eye surgery generally direct a laser beam at a target region of a patient's eye with the laser beam having a non-uniform energy distribution profile. As ablation rates vary locally across the beam cross-section, the energy distribution profile is tailored to effect a uniform ablation depth with each laser pulse of an excimer laser system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Visx, Incorporated
    Inventor: John K. Shimmick
  • Patent number: 6530919
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying light radiation to an object include: a source of light radiation including infrared radiation, a light guide having a proximal end optically coupled to the source of light radiation and a distal end with a light radiation emitting end surface, a power supply which supplies power to the light radiation source, a photo light energy detector disposed within the apparatus so as to receive energy output emitted from the light radiation source, the photo light energy detector producing an output in response to the received energy output; and a controller coupled to the photo light energy detector and the light radiation source; wherein the controller receives the output from the photo light energy detector and controls the source of light radiation to produce a predetermined light radiation intensity in response to the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Redfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingram S. Chodorow, Kerry Blair, Scott Marlow
  • Patent number: 6530918
    Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for irradiating an affected part of a patient with a treatment laser beam to treat the affected part is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nidek Co., LTD
    Inventors: Tokio Ueno, Seiki Tomita
  • Publication number: 20030036751
    Abstract: A platform Smart Scalpel system using rapid real-time feedback for effecting laser treatment. The platform system includes an imaging system for rapid real-time detection of tissue characteristics, a processing system for processing the detected characteristics, and a treatment system for effecting treatment in accordance with results of the processing. The platform system provides for preprogramming and real-time inputting conditions and parameters for diagnosis using the imaging system and/or treatment using the treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: R. Rox Anderson, Ian W. Hunter, Colin J.H. Brenan, Keng Hui Lim, Elizabeth Sebern
  • Publication number: 20030028180
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating female stress-induced incontinence and other similar diseases associated with weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. A guiding catheter with temperature sensor(s) is positioned in patient's urethra. An inflatable balloon carried by a forward end of the catheter is inflated to sit in a neck of a bladder. Measuring indicia on the exterior of the catheter is indicative of a distance between the bladder neck and external meatus. A vagina probe member provided with a laser output in a forward portion thereof is then positioned in place such that the laser output is at about a level of the bladder neck, as facilitated by the guiding catheter. The laser output is operationally connected to a medical laser generating and monitoring device that delivers a laser beam to selected areas in the pelvic floor to cause denaturing and recoiling of the tissue collagen in the area surrounding the urethra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Nicholas Franco
  • Patent number: 6514278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the superficial heating of tissue by means of a pulsed light source. According to the invention a series of light pulses is applied to the tissue surface. The first part of this series is configured such that the tissue surface and, by heat conduction, tissue areas situated below the tissue surface are rapidly heated to a defined target temperature without tissue removal. The subsequent part of the series results in oscillation of the temperature of the tissue areas located below the tissue surface around a value which is slightly lower than the target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Carl Baasel Lasertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Raimund Hibst, Werner Falkenstein
  • Patent number: 6514244
    Abstract: The present invention features various methods and systems for performing radiation treatment of skin in connection with dynamic cooling of tissue, while minimizing or preventing occurrence of light flash during the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Candela Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Pope, Anthony J. Durkin, James C. Hsia
  • Publication number: 20030023235
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the treatment of skin (3) by means of radiation pulses. The device comprises a housing (7) accommodating a radiation source (15), a control unit (35) for controlling the radiation source, and a detector (37) for detecting an image of the skin. The control unit comprises a processor (51) which determines from said image a dimension (tR) and a color of a target object (5′) to be treated, and which determines from said dimension and color a pulse dose of the radiation source necessary for treating said target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Abraham Josephus Cense, Xiang Sheng Cheng
  • Publication number: 20030018325
    Abstract: To provide a medical energy irradiation apparatus which, having a simple and inexpensively manufacturable structure, enables a doctor using it in the heat curing of prostatic hypertrophy or the like to accurately and stably irradiate a prescribed site deep in a living body with a laser beam and, even if its observation window is smeared, to observe tissues of a living body. An inserting portion of the medical energy irradiation apparatus to be inserted into a living body according to the invention has an emitting portion for emitting a laser beam toward tissues of the living body; an observation window, provided near the tip of the inserting portion in its inserting direction, for observing the tissues of the living body; and a hollow pipe for supporting a supporting member, which supports the emitting portion, shiftably in the lengthwise directions of the inserting portion and feeding detergent to the observation window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Akira Sakaguchi, Wataru Karino, Shin Maki
  • Publication number: 20030004503
    Abstract: A device for recording in at least two planes radiation from a radiotherapy apparatus in a limited area at which the radiation is directed. The device comprises a dimensionally stable frame (1) which is adapted to be arranged in a defined position relative to said radiotherapy apparatus, an attachment (4) on the frame (1) for a recording means, and a recording means (5) which extends from the attachment (4) at an acute angle to the frame (1) along an axis of rotation (6) and to the center of the frame (1). The recording means (5) is adapted to assume at least two defined rotational positions on said axis (5). In addition, the recording means (5) exhibits a surface (14) for supporting a radiation recording unit (13), which surface (14) is located in a plane (9) that forms an acute angle with the axis of rotation (6), the plane (9) of the surface (14) when rotating the recording means (5) being adapted to turn on a single pivot point (7) which is fixed relative to the frame (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Borje Nilsson, Jurgen Arndt
  • Publication number: 20020198516
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: VISX, Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl F. Knopp, William D. Fountain, Jerzy Orkiszewski, Michael Persiantsev, H. Alfred Sklar, Jan Wysopal
  • Patent number: 6491687
    Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery apparatus comprising a system for observing an anterior portion of an eye, and an optical system for irradiating a laser beam for treatment to the eye, the apparatus is a corneal surgery apparatus irradiating the laser beam to a cornea and ablating a surface thereof, the apparatus comprising a moving device for moving the optical system relatively against the eye, an illuminating device for illuminating a large 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, a control device for controlling the moving device based on sensed results, a tracking signal generating device for generating a signal to track movement of the eye, whereby the moving device is controlled by the control device so as to track movement of the eye by inputting a signal generated by the tracking signal g
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Sumiya, Mikio Arashima, Hidenori Kanda
  • Patent number: 6491715
    Abstract: In a device for treating blood vessels with a laser, the laser provides a beam in a wavelength range from 750 to 850 nm, preferably 805 nm. The device has a measuring unit which measures the concentration of a chromophore (preferably indocyanine green) administered to the patient in the patient's blood vessels. The device further comprises a control unit which controls the power of the laser in a contrary sense to the measured concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Pulsion Medical Systems AG
    Inventors: Christoph Abels, Rolf-Markus Szeimies
  • Publication number: 20020173779
    Abstract: A laser system serves for corneal grafting by photodisruptive laser cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: WaveLight Laser Technologie AG
    Inventor: Christof Donitzky
  • Publication number: 20020173783
    Abstract: With the beam scanning probe system for surgery, a pointer indicating the observation point of a beam scanning probe is superimposed upon an image of a lesion to be operated on in the head which is obtained via a TV camera or a surgery microscope, and the superimposed image information is registered as such in an image recording device. With the beam scanning probe system for surgery, information of a cytological picture is also registered in the image recording device. With the beam scanning probe system for surgery, the image recording device registers the two image information in a paired fashion. Through this arrangement, the beam scanning probe system for surgery can smoothly locate, for a given cytological picture, a site of a tumor to be treated from which the picture was obtained, which will ease the operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wataru Ohno, Masaaki Ueda, Masahiko Kinukawa
  • Publication number: 20020173778
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for template-controlled, precision laser interventions is described that greatly improves the accuracy, speed, range, reliability, versatility, safety, and efficacy of interventions such as laser microsurgery, particularly ophthalmic surgery, and industrial micromachining. The instrument and system are applicable to those specialties wherein the positioning accuracy of laser lesions is critical, wherever accurate containment of the spatial extent of a laser lesion is desirable, and/or whenever precise operations on a target or series of targets subject to movement during the procedure are to be effected. A key object of the present invention is to implement a fully integrated approach based on a number of different instrumental functions all operating in concert within a single, fully automated unit. Each of the complementary, and at times competing, functions requires its own technologies and corresponding subassemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: VISX, Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl K. Knopp, William D. Fountain, Jerzy Orkiszewski, Michael Persiantsev, H. Alfred Sklar, Jan A. Wysopal
  • Publication number: 20020169443
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying magnetized accupressure therapy to an area of the human body uses a parabolic reflector to converge the magnetic energy onto a focal point of the parabolic reflector. The apparatus comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body is magnetized to provide magnetic therapy. The apparatus also comprises a parabolic reflector attached to the proximal end of the body and a pin extending from the proximal end of the body for placing on a skin surface. The reflector has a focal point and focal length to converge magnetic energy thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Jung Pil Kim
  • Patent number: 6471716
    Abstract: A photo-therapy device emits photo-therapeutic radiation to treat. living tissue. The device incorporates an array of emitters, the photo emissions of which is dependent on their temperature. Temperature feedback is provided to a voltage supply that supplies current to the emitters, to regulate the voltage supply level and the temperature of the emitters. Additionally, the wavelength of the radiation is dependent on the temperature of the emitters, so the wavelength is moved closer to an optimum wavelength for absorption by the tissue by controlling the temperature of the emitters. Furthermore, the useful life of the emitters is extended by pulsing the emitters on and off by sequentially applying an activation signal to one group of emitters at a time. Also, the device can operate on a wide range of voltage input levels since it utilizes a switching regulator, which can convert a voltage level in the range to the level required to drive the array of emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph P. Pecukonis
  • Patent number: 6468267
    Abstract: A thermal therapy apparatus has a detecting device for detecting the irradiation direction of energy in thermal therapy by which energy irradiates a living body, and can thereby easily set an emission portion in a desired direction and control the thermal therapy on the basis of the detection information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Ariura
  • Publication number: 20020138119
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: David G. Angeley, Dan E. Andersen, Philip S. James
  • Publication number: 20020138071
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: David G. Angeley, Dan E. Andersen, Philip S. James, R. Russel Austin
  • Patent number: 6451009
    Abstract: A guided laser ablation device. The device includes a mulitmode laser ablation fiber that is surrounded by one or more single mode optical fibers that are used to image in the vicinity of the laser ablation area to prevent tissue damage. The laser ablation device is combined with an optical coherence domain reflectometry (OCDR) unit and with a control unit which initializes the OCDR unit and a high power laser of the ablation device. Data from the OCDR unit is analyzed by the control unit and used to control the high power laser. The OCDR images up to about 3 mm ahead of the ablation surface to enable a user to see sensitive tissue such as a nerve or artery before damaging it by the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Luiz B. Dasilva, Bill W. Colston, Jr., Dale L. James
  • Publication number: 20020120256
    Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for performing treatment on a treatment part of a skin by irradiating the part with a laser beam for treatment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser output device which outputs the treatment beam; a hand-piece provided with at least a part of an irradiation optical system for irradiating the treatment beam of a predetermined spot size, the hand-piece being held in contact with the skin; a detector which detects a moved position of the hand-piece on the skin; and a controller which controls an ON/OFF state of laser irradiation based on the moved position detected by the detector and information on the spot size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Furuno, Mitsuo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6440155
    Abstract: A device for heating a biotissue employing a strong light, characterized in that, in thermotherapy comprising leading a biotissue to necrosis by heating the biotissue by a strong light from a light source, in order to lead a predetermined biotissue to necrosis in a temperature region before reaching tissue transpiration during the raising of the temperature of said biotissue, temperature measurement is performed by a temperature meter measuring the spatial temperature distribution of the biotissue at real time, and that the light output of the light source, the on-time of intermittent irradiation and the off-time of intermittent irradiation are controlled on the basis of the information at real time to accomplish remedial conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignees: Tokai University Educational System, Nippon Infrared Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsunori Matsumae, Michihiro Kaneda
  • Patent number: 6436035
    Abstract: A hand-held surgical light assembly is provided with a light source, and a handpiece which is adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a user. The handpiece has a light guide with a proximal end optically connected to the light source, and a distal end which projects outwardly from said handpiece so as to direct light guided thereby onto a field of view determined by manipulation of the handpiece by the user. The handpiece includes a switch assembly which is operatively coupled to the light source to allow user selection between at least two different light intensities (e.g., essentially on/off) discharged by said light guide onto the field of view. In preferred forms, the switch assembly includes an electrically conductive inner base member and an electrically conductive outer tubular elastomeric member concentrically positioned in surrounding, but spaced relationship, with the inner base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Toth, Ronald F. Overaker, Brian C. Dodge
  • Publication number: 20020111610
    Abstract: An apparatus for the delivery of laser light in a therapeutic environment including: a console; an optical waveguide wherein a first end of the waveguide is conffigured to expose a biological tissue to energy transmitted through the waveguide; a plurality of laser diodes housed within the console such that the light emitted by each of the diodes will illuminate a second end of the optical wave guide; and a power supply for providing electrical power to each laser diode. Preferably each laser diode is configured to produce a unique wavelength of light. The power supply provides an independently controllable output for each laser such that the exposure, both in terms of intensity and duration, to each wavelength of light may be controlled independently of the exposure to each of the other wavelengths of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Nordquist
  • Publication number: 20020111611
    Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods use a Non-Liner Optic (NLO) to effect a conversion of an input laser energy to an output energy. The output energy will have a wavelength which is different than the input energy, and the conversion will vary in response to both an angle of the energy relative to the NLO and a temperature of the NLO. Passive control over the angle of the NLO based on thermal expansion of a member thermally coupled to the NLO can compensate for the temperature-induced change in the conversion so as to maintain a desired output frequency, conversion efficiency, phase matching, and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: VISX, Incorporated, A Delaware Corporation
    Inventor: George Caudle
  • Publication number: 20020107510
    Abstract: Cardiac laser surgery apparatus including a CO2 slab laser, and a laser delivery system for delivering laser pulses from the laser to a patient's heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Robert R. Andrews, Lawrence P. Brodsky, Richard P. Yeomans, Italo J. Desantis, Roger D. Dowd, Alan S. Kujawski, Richard M. Morrell, Charles Christopher Negus, Robert I. Rudko
  • Patent number: 6428533
    Abstract: A closed-loop control system for the superficial photoablation of stromal tissue from an exposed surface includes an active mirror for directing a diagnostic laser beam through the exposed surface to a focal point on the retina of an eye. The reflected beam is analyzed by a detector to identify a distorted wavefront that is indicative of required corrections, and an induced wavefront that is indicative of optical aberrations that have been mechanically introduced when the stromal tissue was exposed. A compensator alters a desired wavefront with the induced wavefront to create a rectified wavefront. A comparator then compares the rectified wavefront with the distorted wavefront to create an error signal. In the operation of the closed-loop control system, the error signal is used to maintain a focal point on the retina for the diagnostic laser beam. Also, at a null, the error signal indicates when the required amount of stromal tissue has been photoablated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: 20/10 Perfect Vision Optische Geraete GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Bille
  • Patent number: 6428532
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating tissue directs first and second wavelengths of energy, e.g., laser or ultrasonic signal energy, into an overlap region of tissue such that the first and second wavelengths mix in situ to form a third wavelength. The third wavelength effectively couples energy into the tissue to treat tissue in said overlap region, producing local heating or cavitation. Wavelengths may be selected such that overlying tissue is unharmed, and the two wavelengths may be applied along different paths and cross in the overlap region. Absorbers or dyes may be used to tailor absorbance of the third wavelength. When using ultrasonic energy, signals of several megahertz may be so mixed to provide a lower frequency treatment signal such as a 200 kHz treatment signal or a subharmonic. Laser signals may be mixed to form a treatment signal in the infrared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Apostolos Doukas, Shun Lee
  • Patent number: 6419671
    Abstract: The invention provides laser eye surgery devices, systems, and methods which measure the refractive error in the eye before, during, and/or after vision correction surgery. The invention allows adjustments during the vision correction operation, and allows qualitative and/or quantitative measurements of the progress of photorefractive treatments by projecting and imaging reference images though the cornea and other components of the ocular optical system. A slope of an image quality value such as an Optical Transfer Function may be monitored during the procedure to help determine when to terminate treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: VISX, Incorporated
    Inventor: Vladimir Lemberg
  • Patent number: 6414320
    Abstract: The composition analysis by scanning femtosecond ultraprobing (CASFLU) technology scans a focused train of extremely short-duration, very intense laser pulses across a sample. The partially-ionized plasma ablated by each pulse is spectrometrically analyzed in real time, determining the ablated material's composition. The steering of the scanned beam thus is computer directed to either continue ablative material-removal at the same site or to successively remove nearby material for the same type of composition analysis. This invention has utility in high-speed chemical-elemental, molecular-fragment and isotopic analyses of the microstructure composition of complex objects, e.g., the oxygen isotopic compositions of large populations of single osteons in bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Lowell L. Wood, E. Michael Campbell, Brent C. Stuart, Michael D. Perry
  • Publication number: 20020082590
    Abstract: Systems and methods for topography-guided ophthalmic ablation and eye-tracking. A topographic map of the surface of an eye is generated. A reference pattern on the surface of the eye, such as a staining substance applied to points on the eye, is correlated with the topographic map. The eye surface pattern is continuously tracked and the correlation adjusted. Ablation of the cornea may be performed based on the correlation as it is adjusted in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Frederick J. Potgieter
  • Publication number: 20020077622
    Abstract: Improved systems, devices, and methods are provided for verifying the scanning motion or adjustment of a laser beam. The system can advantageously be used in laser eye surgery where accurate control of the laser beam is crucial for patient safety and successful vision correction. In one embodiment, a laser system is provided for sculpting a portion of the eye. The system includes a laser for generating a laser beam suitable for ablation of a portion of the eye. A laser beam adjustment mechanism is optically coupled to the laser beam from the laser. The adjustment mechanism scans or adjusts the laser beam in accordance with a predetermined ablation pattern of the laser beam on the eye. An energy motion sensor optically coupled to the laser beam downstream from the adjustment mechanism is provided to verify adjustment of the laser beam in accordance with the ablation pattern. Typically, the energy motion sensor has a mask arranged to block varying portions of the laser beam in response to laser beam adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: RICHARD A. HOFER
  • Publication number: 20020068926
    Abstract: There is disclosed a laser treatment apparatus including: a handpiece internally including an irradiation optical system for irradiating a laser beam for treatment; a lens disposing unit which can dispose a lens in the irradiation optical system, the lens being selectable from among a plurality of lenses of different types having different focal lengths; and a lens detecting unit which detects the type of the lens disposed in the irradiation optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: NIDEK CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yasuo Ota, Wataru Niwa
  • Patent number: 6398801
    Abstract: Vascular lesions are treated by using an apparatus which comprises a dye laser, one or more flashlamps, and at least one pulse generating circuit for driving the flashlamps, the pulse generating circuit arranged to produce driving current pulses having a risetime of less than 100 microseconds resulting in corresponding laser output pulses, having a risetime of less than 100 microseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: ICN Photonics Limited
    Inventors: Robert Marc Clement, Michael Noel Kiernan, Kelvin Donne
  • Patent number: 6387088
    Abstract: A method for controlled removal of surface tissue layer portions with a non-contact energy delivery modality that applies electrical energy to the targeted tissue surface to cause electrochemical ablation. The system provides (i) a UV energy source for irradiating a beam path through a selected neutral gas environment overlying the targeted tissue thereby creating an ionized gas volume (i.e., a conductive non-equilibrium plasma), and (ii) an electrical source for creating an intense electrical field in the ionized gas volume to thereby apply energy to the targeted surface layer to cause volatilization and removal of the surface layer in a plasma-mediated ablation. The ultrafast plasma creation events are repeated at a high repetition rate to ablate surface layer portions in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: John H. Shattuck, Bruno Strul
  • Patent number: 6383178
    Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for treating an affected part of a patient by irradiating the affected part with a treatment laser beam. The treatment beam is emitted from a laser source connected to a control unit. A plurality of trigger switches for inputting a trigger signal for starting the emission of the treatment beam and a selection switch for inputting a selection signal for selecting one of the trigger switches are also connected to the control unit. The control unit controls only the trigger switch selected with the selection switch to be enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 6383177
    Abstract: An apparatus for cosmetic tissue treatment having a light emitter for emission of a light beam. The light beam is directed towards a target area to be treated, and a detector detects tissue parameters in the target area. A light beam control controls at least one parameter of the first light beam in response to the detected at least one tissue parameters. The tissue parameters can include 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Asah Medico A/S
    Inventors: Olav Balle-Petersen, Bjarne Asah, Casper Dolleris