Abstract: A device for applying light in photodynamic therapy is arranged to apply light in a pattern corresponding to the configuration of the lesion to be treated. The device may be customized in response to an image of the patient acquired before treatment. Alternatively, the device may include sensors for detecting a characteristic of tissue overlying each region of the device so that the device either emits light or does not emit light in each region depending upon the characteristics of the overlying tissue.

Abstract: A surgical laser handpiece comprising: an outer barrel having an inner chamber; an inner zoom barrel movable in said chamber relative to said outer barrel; at least a first lens device in said zoom barrel for propagating and focusing a laser beam; and a drive member externally accessible on said outer barrel for moving said zoom barrel with one hand relative to said outer barrel for varying the focus of the laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering energy to a selected area on a surface. The apparatus includes an outlining mechanism which receives light from a light source and directs an aiming beam to a surface, an energy source direction modulator which receives energy from an energy source and directs the energy to the surface, and a controller which causes the outlining mechanism to move the aiming beam relative to the surface to form a visually continuous outline around an area of the surface and causes the energy source direction modulator to deliver energy within the area formed by the visually continuous outline. The apparatus can also include an operator selectable activation mechanism which the apparatus requires to be continuously activated in order to deliver energy.

Abstract: A method of selecting laser parameters for performing laser-assisted myocardial revascularization to avoid inducing undesired cardiac arrhythmia without synchronization of delivery of laser energy and the patient's cardiac cycle, the method comprising the steps of minimizing the power level of laser energy used, thereby decreasing the overall trauma to the heart, selecting a pulse frequency as great as possible while avoiding adverse summation effects, selecting a pulse width as wide as possible to prevent excessively high peak powers per pulse and not so wide as to cause undesired thermal damage, selecting an energy flux rate, shaping the front end of each pulse of laser energy to provide efficient, non-explosive TMR channeling, and correcting the selected power level, pulse width, pulse frequency and energy flux rate for mechanical events, including method of access to the heart, position of selected portions of myocardium in the heart, temporal duration of the procedure, natural movement of the heart, spec

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering energy to a selected area on a surface. The method includes forming a visually continuous outline on the surface, positioning the visually continuous outline such that the outline surrounds an area to be treated with energy, and delivering energy within the area surrounded by the visually continuous outline. The method may be used to deliver energy to any surface, including surfaces which need to be exposed prior to the delivery of energy. Examples of surfaces that may be treated with energy using the method and apparatus of the present invention include, but are not limited to skin, an exposed area of internal tissue such as muscle or fat tissue, and a surface in an oral cavity such as gum tissue or a tooth enamel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for ablating surface lesions is disclosed. The process is unique because of the ability to precisely excise complex topographies without blood loss, gated by the degree of surface small vessel blood flow via detection of Doppler shift. The most fitting application is the immediate, bloodless, and precise excision of thermal burn wounds, hitherto impossible and extremely desirable. A variation of the invention is disclosed which incorporates gating both by surface small vessel blood flow and fluorescence tagging. This embodiment has particular application in ablating neoplasms.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for detecting, destroying and removing urinary calculi and other similar structures anywhere within an animal body, and more specifically to a method for locating such structures, fragmenting and vaporizing them and related detection and control schemes.

Abstract: This invention is a laser dental system for providing direct laser radiation to a desired location within a patient's mouth without the use of an optical fiber. The system directs the focal point of laser radiation to an exact location by a focus sensor and maintains focus by a positioning clamp. The focus sensor, laser pad termination system and positioning clamp also provides for control of laser radiation pulse firing. The system further includes a cooling system for cooling the surface to be engaged by laser radiation with a nonaqueous solution. The cooling system applies pulses of nonaqueous solution synchronously in between pulses of laser radiation. The system also provides for performance of surgical procedures such as root canals, whereby infected areas of a tooth are accessed through a hole drilled in the gums and jaw bone.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for performing a transmyocardial revascularization procedure is disclosed which utilizes two laser power sources. A first laser source provides a coagulating or blanching effect on tissue and a second laser source capable of tissue ablation are supplied to a combined optical fiber bundle comprising a plurality of fibers which can be moved axially or rotatively by the operating physician. As the distal end of the fiber bundle is moved forward, bursts of laser energy therefrom may be programmed to first penetrate the epicardium with minimal bleeding and thereafter provide channels or pockets in the myocardium for causing or stimulating angiogenesis.

Abstract: A surgical laser handpiece comprising: an outer barrel having an inner chamber; an inner zoom barrel movable in said chamber relative to said outer barrel; at least a first lens device in said zoom barrel for propagating and focusing a laser beam; and a drive member externally accessible on said outer barrel for moving said zoom barrel with one hand relative to said outer barrel for varying the focus of the laser beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applying a laser beam to a working surface, by displacing the laser beam to trace a plurality of circular scans over the working surface; and continuously varying the diameters of the circular scans at a rate to produce a substantially homogenous distribution of the laser energy over the working surface.

Abstract: A method of selecting laser parameters for performing laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) to avoid inducing undesired cardiac arrhythmia without synchronization of delivery of laser energy and the patient's cardiac cycle, the method comprising the steps of minimizing the power level of laser energy used, thereby decreasing the overall trauma to the heart, selecting a pulse frequency as great as possible while avoiding adverse summation effects, selecting a pulse width as wide as possible to prevent excessively high peak powers per pulse and not so wide as to cause undesired thermal damage, selecting an energy flux rate, shaping the front end of each pulse of laser energy to provide efficient, non explosive TMR channeling, and correcting the selected power level, pulse width, pulse frequency and energy flux rate for mechanical events, including method of access to the heart, position of selected portions of myocardium in the heart, temporal duration of the procedure, natural movement of the

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a laser myocardial revascularization of a human heart comprises a hand-held device with an elongated flexible lasing assembly including an axially movable fiber bundle which can be placed into the chest cavity of a patient. At the distal head end of the device laser energy from the distal end of the fiber bundle is initially reduced to form a relatively small opening in the epicardium of the heart. The fiber bundle is moved through the opening so that lasing with full laser power takes place beneath the epicardium to form a larger channel through the myocardium that extends into the left ventricular cavity. After the channel has been formed, the optical fiber bundle is retracted from the channel and back through the small epicardium opening so as to minimize operative bleeding and allow sealing of the epicardium after the apparatus is removed.

Abstract: A method and device for selective photothermolysis of a surgical target within surrounding tissue. The target and the surrounding tissue are heated to about 60.degree. C. Then the target is heated to the point of coagulation, preferably by monochromatic light. The temperature difference between the coagulating target and the surrounding tissue is sufficiently mild that heat diffusing out of the target does not damage the surrounding tissue, even in the case of a relatively large target such as varicose veins.

Abstract: A constant current laser driver circuit that will drive a laser diode in a constant current mode from a 6 to 12 volt battery supply. The laser driver consists of two main sections. The first section converts the 12 volt input to a 2 volt output using ultra-low resistance power mosfets and an inductor. The current sensing amplifier senses the current flowing through the laser and sends a feedback signal to the switching section, which causes it to adjust the output voltage to keep the laser driving current constant.

Abstract: A surgical laser scanner having optics that scans a pulsed laser beam onto a target tissue is disclosed. The laser scanner has a lens and a scanning mirror or mirrors located upstream of the lens at a distance substantially equal to the focal length of the lens. The laser beam hits the scanning mirror and is reflected onto the lens in a pattern defined by sequential positions of the scanning mirror. The laser beam is projected onto the target tissue by the lens in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens. The projected pattern has a constant size regardless of the distance between the laser scanner and the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is used for irradiating the entire of nevus on the skin with laser light uniformly and efficiently to remove it.

Abstract: An obturator for measuring incident light in a remote situs such as a body cavity which includes a treatment tubular member through which light is delivered to the remote situs and one or more auxiliary tubular members through which incident light in the remote situs is transmitted to an external light detector. The treatment and auxiliary tubular members are attached to a connector element which is in turn connected to a cystoscope lens port. The treatment and auxiliary tubular members are aligned off-center with respect to the central axis of the obturator so that a cystoscope lens can be inserted in the lens port and pass through the axial center of the obturator. Each auxiliary tubular member receives incident light from a different portion of the remote situs. The apparatus is particularly useful for conducting phototherapy in body cavities and has been demonstrated in the phototherapy treatment of superficial cancer in the bladder.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is provided having a substantially cylindrical support to which is attached a removable, multi-sided head. Each side of the head has an array of light-emitting diodes that provide monochromatic light to activate a photosensitive dye. The apparatus may be used in invasive surgery to treat brain tumors and the like. The apparatus may be used for topical treatments by providing a removable reflector over the light-emitting head. The temperature of the head is controlled, and the head is cooled by circulating cooling fluid through the head. The use of the cooling fluid allows the LEDs to be driven beyond their rated capacity. The catheter may also include an expandable light diffuser that is affixed over the light-emitting head and that is filled with a diffuser fluid such as a lipid solution. The apparatus may also be used to provide radiant energy to plants or to patients in non-PDT applications.

Abstract: A light delivery catheter having an elongate, flexible inner tube coaxially disposed within a lumen within a flexible outer tube, and axially movable with respect to the outer tube. An optical waveguide disposed within the inner tube conducts light from an external light source to a light diffuser element in optical communication with the distal end of the optical waveguide. A portion of the light conducted to the diffuser element is scattered radially into the surrounding volume. The outer diameter of the inner tube is less than the diameter of the outer tube lumen, the annular space therebetween forming a cylindrical lumen coextensive with the inner tube. One or more fiber optics disposed within the cylindrical lumen are attached to the outer surface of the inner tube and terminate distally in an isotropic tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for fast, efficient, precise and damage-free biological tissue removal using an ultrashort pulse duration laser system operating at high pulse repetition rates. The duration of each laser pulse is on the order of about 1 fs to less than 50 ps such that energy deposition is localized in a small depth and occurs before significant hydrodynamic motion and thermal conduction, leading to collateral damage, can take place. The depth of material removed per pulse is on the order of about 1 micrometer, and the minimal thermal and mechanical effects associated with this ablation method allows for high repetition rate operation, in the region 10 to over 1000 Hertz, which, in turn, achieves high material removal rates. The input laser energy per ablated volume of tissue is small, and the energy density required to ablate material decreases with decreasing pulse width.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic treatment device having a light source controlled by a microprocessor that can receive parameters for treatment that can hold treatment parameters and information about the patient, including a photograph of the patient either before or after treatment. The device may also display temperature distributions in the patient's tissue or blood vessels.

Abstract: A device is provided for identifying certain characteristics of an end piece or end effector of a surgical instrument. A preferred embodiment provides a surgical stapling instrument having an electrical circuit contained on the stapling cartridge which is capable of indicating cartridge type and/or status (i.e., with or without staples) when a voltage or current is applied to the circuit. Other identification means are provided including an optical identification means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for communicating information from a detachable appliance to a base unit so that the base unit can calibrate its operation to match the characteristics of the detachable appliance. The invention has particular benefits when used with medical lasers. A receptacle, mounted on the laser base unit, is provided for operatively receiving a plug on the appliance and transferring energy from the base unit to the detachable appliance. To convey information about the appliance from the appliance to the base unit, an information bearing surface is mounted on the plug and is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the external surface of the plug. The information bearing surface includes a plurality of information zones which are each machine readable and optically readable by the base unit. The base unit includes components for optically detecting and decoding the information embedded in the information zones when the plug is received by the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system for transmyocardial revascularization of a beating heart, including a laser device for ablating wall tissue of the heart being treated, with a pacemaker connected to the heart being treated, to provide electrical signals to control the cardiac cycle of that heart, and a conditioning circuit connected to both the pacemaker and to the laser, to permit the controlled "safe period" firing of the laser. The laser includes an optic waveguide articulably arranged to irradiate the wall of the heart. The conditioning circuit is programmed to permit the firing of the laser upon the time of the cardiac cycle of the heart during a non-ventricular repolarization time period.

Abstract: A laser welding apparatus and system for surgically bonding tissue together provides a beam of coherent light at a wavelength corresponding to a specific tissue thickness at which full absorption of the laser energy occurs, and adjusts the energy of the laser beam in response to tissue temperature throughout the tissue thickness to prevent the tissue temperature from either exceeding a predetermined limit or varying outside a predetermined range. Preferably, the coherent light beam has a center wavelength of 1.9 .mu.m, and is variable between 1.85 and 1.91 .mu.m.

Abstract: A laser treatment device provides an output operating laser beam having a single wavelength which is highly absorbed by tissue of a patient and which beam is non-diverging. The laser treatment device may be a catheter which is inserted into a patient for performing endovascular myocardial revascularization (i.e., creating new channels for blood flow from within the interior of the patient's heart). The use of the highly absorbed wavelength and the non-diverging character of the beam are possible by having a distal laser at a distal end of the catheter. The distal laser is pumped by a source of laser energy supplied by an array of diode lasers and passed along an optical fiber from a proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A system for causing uniform ablation of irradiated material of living tissue while not causing damage below a predetermined depth where laser radiation is provided sequentially and continuously in a predetermined pattern is disclosed.

Abstract: A structure and a method provide a quasi bright field particle sensor, using a laser beam of predetermined polarization. A phase shift caused by a particle passing through a laser beam is utilized to detect the presence of a particle. In one embodiment, the laser beam is split into two components of laser beams of orthogonal polarization separated by a predetermined distance, so as to allow detection of both spherical and non-spherical particles. In another embodiment, where only non-spherical particles are detected, a single laser beam is used.

Abstract: A laser beam ophthalmological surgery method for ablating a cornea of a patient's eye includes the steps of generating a laser beam and directing the generated laser beam onto a scanner and scanning the laser beam in a random scanning pattern with a generated random scanning pattern signal on the surface of the cornea of a patient to ablate the surface of the cornea of a patient's eye. A computer generates the random pattern laser beam control signal which controls the scanner to scan in the random scanning pattern over the cornea and includes selecting a database of non-random scanning points to scan the laser beam onto the cornea of a patient's eye and then randomly select the non-random scanning points for the random scanning of predetermined scanning points. A laser ophthalmological surgery apparatus is provided which includes a laser for generating a laser beam along with a scanner positioned for receiving the laser beam and producing a predetermined scanning pattern onto the cornea of an eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applying a laser beam to a working surface, by displacing the laser beam to trace a plurality of circular scans over the working surface; and continuously varying the diameters of the circular scans at a rate to produce a substantially homogenous distribution of the laser energy over the working surface.

Abstract: A catheter uses a steerable outer catheter with an inner catheter rotatable and extendable with respect to the outer catheter. The outer catheter may be positioned within a patient's heart and a portion of the outer catheter may provide movement like that of a windshield wiper by manipulation of a spring. By combining the windshield wiper type movement with the extension and rotation of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter, a large area within a patient's heart may be readily mapped for conduction tissue and be subjected to laser ablation if appropriate. Various configurations provide flexibility in relatively positioning of windows used to apply laser energy and ring electrodes used to sense conduction tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for profiling a cornea of an eye is disclosed which comprises a topography instrument for determining the curvature of the cornea, a computer system for receiving information from the topography instrument for determining whether any areas of the cornea need to be ablated to correct for any abnormalities of the cornea, a diffractive optical element which is constructed based upon the determination of which areas of the cornea need to be ablated, and a beam of radiation being projected at the diffractive optical element for the diffractive optical element to modulate the beam of radiation and direct the modulated beam of radiation at the cornea for ablating the cornea to correct for any abnormalities of the cornea.

Abstract: A reusable connector adapter for coupling any fiber optic transmittable laser source to a fiber optic laser delivery device, the laser source having a laser energy output port. The adapter allows the use of a variety of different laser sources with a variety of different fiber optic laser delivery devices. The adapter maintains the fiber optic laser delivery device adjacent to the laser energy output port such that the laser energy to be transmitted is communicated efficiently to the fiber optic laser delivery device. The adapter further comprises a laser interlock deactivation means such that if a laser source has a mechanical, electrical or optical interlock system, the adapter will function to deactivate the interlock system. Furthermore, the adapter also comprises a plurality of optical barriers to prevent the unintended transmission of laser energy when, for example, the fiber optic laser delivery device has not been installed or has not been installed properly.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus for measuring and operating a subject's eye, which includes an ophthalmic operation apparatus, provides an alignment mechanism including a slit image projecting system for projecting an alignment slit image on the subject's eye, a slit image observing system for observing the slit image projected on the subject's eye, wherein a plurality of the slit image projecting system are arranged so as to project the slit image from at least two directions on the subject's eye, the directions putting the optical axis of the slit image observing system therebetween, and an alignment moving device by which an apparatus body including the slit image observing system is moved relatively to the subject's eye in three-dimensional direction.

Abstract: A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam, and a mode distribution means for intercepting the output laser beam to control distribution of laser energy of the output laser beam across the perforation of the skin. A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam having an energy level between about 0.1 to about 2.

Abstract: An improved laser fiber assembly is provided which is capable of both effecting direct ablation of tissue or of effecting deep tissue coagulation. The fiber assembly is preferably provided with an orbicular tip for effecting direct ablation in a contact mode. Adjacent the orbicular tip is a cylindrical diffuser element which effects a cylindrical shaped emission pattern when the .orbicular tip is not in contact with tissue. The diffuser element is preferably protected with a covering, such as a teflon tubing element. Alternative embodiments use one or more cylindrical-segment diffuser elements in place of the cylindrical element. The fiber assembly is useful in a wide variety of surgical situations, and is particularly useful for treatment of benign prostatitis hyperplasia. The method of the invention includes the steps of bringing the tip of the dual action fiber assembly into contact with tissue to be ablated or adjacent tissue to be treated for deep tissue coagulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically delivering a laser beam [30] to an intricate colored region [23] of a treatment area [32], e.g. for laser photocoagulation treatment of venular malformations and other dermatological conditions. Reflected light from the treatment area [32] travels into the delivery console [28] to a color-sensitive detector which signals a control system to permit the laser beam [30] to be delivered to the treatment area [32] only when the beam is focused on a spot having a predetermined color. By scanning over the treatment region, the laser automatically treats only the area having a specified color. Since reflective optics are employed, the reflected light precisely indicates the color of the region where the treatment beam is focused. Reflective optics also provide a smaller and more precise spot size for the treatment beam.

Abstract: For an interstitial thermotherapeutic treatment of biological tissue in which, for generating a coagulation necrosis, the radiation of the laser within a radiation period is guided into the tissue by way of a fiber optic waveguide, the laser power is reduced continuously or in steps during the radiation period.

Abstract: A method of treating vascular lesions is disclosed which includes using a focused beam from a high energy, carbon dioxide laser to irradiate a spot on the surface of the skin over the vessel to be treated. The carbon dioxide output wavelength is highly absorbed by the tissue. By using short, high energy pulses, a small volume of skin can be vaporized or ablated with each pulse with little thermal damage beyond the ablated region. Using multiple pulses, a small channel is drilled in the skin until the vessel is reached. The laser energy absorbed by the blood in the vessel will cause it to coagulate and collapse. This procedure is then repeated at multiple sites along the length of the vessel so that it will collapse and no longer carry any blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a family of fiber optic laser beam angle delivery devices for use in medical procedures such as a laser assisted transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and other applications, and more particularly, to such devices wherein the transmitted radiation is delivered through and at various angles to the central axis of an optical fiber by refraction or reflection off of a reflective insert or other reflective layer placed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the tip of the optical fiber, the tip assembly being encased by a quartz or other transparent material cap, the transparent cap being held secusely in place by an attachment means.

Abstract: A laser beam ophthalmological surgery method includes the steps of generating a laser beam and splitting the generated laser beam into multiple laser beams which are simultaneously focused onto a plurality of scanners. Each scanner in turn produces a predetermined scanning pattern focused on the cornea of a patient's eye to ablate the cornea tissue and with at least two beams simultaneously scanning and ablating the cornea tissue. Scanning is controlled from a central processing unit to perform the surgical procedure, removing a laser thickness of the cornea tissue to provide a safer and more predictable surgical procedure in the reshaping of the cornea.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing an output beam from a laser system on a body which provides for a uniform fluence level throughout an entire treatment region. A first structure receives the laser beam and aims it along a propagation axis. A scanner scans the propagation axis of the laser beam at a controlled scan velocity, so that the laser beam essentially continuously scans a treatment pattern on the body. The treatment pattern can consist of an essentially straight line, or a ring, or other pattern which can be easily fitted together with other patterns to fill in a treatment area.The method includes the steps of:supplying a laser beam,directing a laser beam along a propagation axis to the body, andscanning the propagation axis of the laser beam at a controlled scanned velocity, so that the laser beam essentially continuously scans the treatment pattern on the body.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for scanning select tissue of a living being with penetrating radiation and employing such radiation to perform one or more medical functions such as diagnosis and treatment of a disease or malady. In one form a computer is employed to analyze electrical signals generated by one or more transducers sensing penetrating radiation after it has penetrated select tissue of a living being and generates control signals which are employed to control further scanning and/or the operation of a surgical device to cause the latter to perform a select operation on select tissue of said living being. In a particular form, two types of radiation are generated, one to effect inspection scanning of select tissue of a living being and the other to effect a surgical operation on select tissue including the tissue scanned after a computer analyzes the inspection scanning signals generated and generates control signals for effecting the controlled surgical operation.

Abstract: A catheter uses a steerable outer catheter with an inner catheter rotatable and extendable with respect to the outer catheter. The outer catheter may be positioned within a patient's heart and a portion of the outer catheter may provide movement like that of a windshield wiper by manipulation of a spring. By combining the windshield wiper type movement with the extension and rotation of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter, a large area within a patient's heart may be readily mapped for conduction tissue and be subjected to laser ablation if appropriate. Various configurations provide flexibility in relatively positioning of windows used to apply laser energy and ring electrodes used to sense conduction tissue.

Abstract: A medical device has a flexible light guide having a light energy input end adapted for connection to a source of light energy and a light energy output end. The output end outputs a beam of light energy. The device includes a tip for contacting tissue to be treated by the device and irradiating the tissue with light energy. The tip consists essentially of light-transmissive material and has a working region for contacting and irradiating the tissue to be treated. The working region of the tip includes sidewalls. The tip has a bore therein for receiving the output end of the light guide. The output end of the light guide is at least partially surrounded by the light-transmissive material, and is positioned relative to the light-transmissive material so as to define an interface therebetween. The interface is in proximity to and in thermally-conductive relationship with the working region of the tip so that heat energy generated at the interface significantly raises the temperature of the tip's working region.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for astigmatically ablating surfaces in order to impart new profiles and curvatures to such surfaces. A laser means, e.g., a rapidly pulsed laser radiation source, is aligned with a surface to provide photoablative pulses of energy along an optical path to a target region on the surface. A light restricting means, such as an adjustable iris or profiled mask, is disposed within the optical path to spatially control the extent of the laser radiation striking the target surface. The light restricting means is adapted to permit orientation (e.g., tilting) in various planes relative to the optical path in order to modify the symmetry of the laser beam, e.g., from a circular shape to an elliptical shape, and thereby provide astigmatic ablation of the surface in a single step.

Abstract: A system for causing uniform ablation of irradiated material of living tissue while not causing damage below a predetermined depth where laser radiation is provided sequentially and continuously in a predetermined pattern is disclosed.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the invention use a beam of laser emitted optical energy to effect wound closure and reconstruction of biological tissue. In response to input as to tissue type and thickness, a computer determines the output power, exposure time and spot diameter of the emitted beam to control the application of optical energy to produce thermal heating of biological tissue. The tissue is heated to a degree suitable for denaturing the tissue proteins such that the collagenous elements of the tissue form a "biological glue" to seal immediately and/or to reconstruct the tissue being heated without any injurious tissue shrinkage. In a given embodiment, the computer directly controls output power of the laser by regulating the laser's input current, and limits exposure time by deactivating a shutter mechanism when the predetermined time is reached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relatively moving energy across an array of optical fibers. The energy may be scanned across the fiber array. A dielectric mirror mounted on a galvanometer scanner is moved so as to cause successive pulses to irradiate different segments of the fiber optic array. As a result, each fiber receives radiation having sufficient fluence while reducing the energy per pulse (or the cw equivalent). Rather, than move the energy across the fiber array, the fiber array itself may be moved. One possible manner of movement is use of a piezo electric stack.