Abstract: A cautery device for biological tissue, includes: a probe including a head unit that is configured to be inserted into a living body to emit light to cauterize the biological tissue, the head unit including a first fixing member, a second fixing member, and an exit hole, the exit hole being located between the first fixing member and the second fixing member, the exit hole allowing the light to be emitted therethrough; and an elongated catheter configured to sandwich the biological tissue between the probe and the catheter, to thereby support the biological tissue, the catheter including a third fixing member configured to fix the first fixing member and a fourth fixing member configured to fix the second fixing member.

Abstract: Dermatological systems and methods for providing a therapeutic laser treatment wherein the duration of a therapeutic laser pulse is based on one or more determinations of a surface temperature of the skin during the delivery of the pulse. Initiation of the therapeutic laser pulse may be based on sensed skin temperature during a cooling of the skin prior to initiation of the pulse.

Abstract: A tethered system for cryogenic treatment is disclosed in which a hand piece having an elongate probe with a distal tip and a flexible length, at least one infusion lumen positioned through or along the elongate probe, and a liner may be tethered to a base station having a reservoir of a cryoablative fluid via a connection having an elongate flexible body. The connection defines at least one fluid lumen for delivery of the cryoablative fluid from the reservoir and to the infusion lumen within the hand piece.

Abstract: Devices and methods for use in laser-assisted surgery, particularly cataract surgery. Specifically, the use of an optical fiber with a proximal and distal end, wherein the distal end has a non-orthogonal angle with the diameter of the optical fiber, to create an off-axis steam bubble for cutting and removing tissue in an operative region. Where the optical fiber is bent, rotating the fiber creates a circular cutting path for the steam bubble, allowing access to tissues that may normally be blocked by obstructions and obstacles.

Abstract: Ablation and visualization systems and methods to access quality of contact between a catheter and tissue are provided. In some embodiments, a method for monitoring tissue ablation of the present disclosure comprises advancing a distal tip of an ablation catheter to a tissue in need of ablation; illuminating the tissue with UV light to excite NADH in the tissue, wherein the tissue is illuminated in a radial direction, an axial direction, or both; determining from a level of NADH fluorescence in the illuminated tissue when the distal tip of the catheter is in contact with the tissue; and delivering ablation energy to the tissue to form a lesion in the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the non-invasive fragmentation of residual biomaterial after bone augmentation, and to a device specifically adapted for said method.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for real-time process monitoring during laser-based refractive index modification of an intraocular lens. During in situ laser treatment of the IOL to modify the refractive index of the IOL material, a signal from the IOL is measured to determine the processing effect of the refractive index modification, and based on the determination, to adjust the laser system parameters to achieve intended processing result. The signal measured from the IOL may be a fluorescent signal induced by the treatment laser, a fluorescent signal induced by an external illumination source, a temporary photodarkening effect, a color change, or a refractive index change directly measured by phase stabilized OCT.

Abstract: A laser system includes a base unit having a power source. A hand-held applicator is connected with the base unit configured to engage biological tissue for treatment. Position detection structure is associated with the applicator for determining a position of the applicator relative to the engaged biological tissue. A laser source generates a laser beam. A cooling system provides a cooling agent to the biological tissue during treatment. A processor circuit is connected with the position detection structure, the laser source and the cooling system. Based on data received from the position detection structure, the processor circuit triggers application of the cooling agent to the treated biological tissue, or triggers application of the cooling agent to the treated biological tissue, followed by a time delay, and then triggers the laser source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems and methods are provided for identifying and treating a target tissue region adjusting for ablation-related anatomical changes (e.g., tissue contraction).

Abstract: A tool has a handle and an elongate shaft that extends distally from the handle. A distal portion of the shaft is inserted into a subject during a surgical procedure. An optical fiber delivers laser energy to a tip at the distal portion of the shaft. The tip includes a mechanical cutting mechanism including a moving part that absorbs the laser energy, thermally conducts the absorbed energy to tissue that is disposed between the moving part and another part, and moves with respect to the other part in order to cut tissue that is disposed between the parts using a mechanical force that is lower than a mechanical force that would be required to cut the tissue in the absence of the laser energy. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for applying cannabidiol onto and into the skin is provided. The method includes applying cannabidiol onto skin and irradiating the skin and the cannabidiol with a laser light. The laser light has a wavelength ranging from 800 nm to 870 nm. The irradiating of the skin with the laser light results in at least some of the cannabidiol penetrating into the skin. The cannabidiol can be provided in a kit with a laser emitting tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the discrimination of biological tissues, such that it is capable of carrying out the discrimination of tissue under complicated operating conditions, for example due to the presence of contaminating elements given off by a cutting operation, due to the presence of moisture in the biological tissue, or due to the presence of a non-controlled atmosphere that interferes with the results of the readings. The invention allows building more complex devices, including cutting instruments, such that it is possible to carry out a surgical intervention in a safe manner by preventing cutting into tissues that are to be avoided during said cutting operation.

Abstract: A portable photon therapy system is disclosed herein comprising a chassis, legs, headrest and footrest. When not in use, the legs can be folded, and the headrest and footrest detached and stored inside the chassis, which can be contained within a travel case. The device with case will comply with airline checked baggage requirements for size and weight. The chassis houses arrays of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on printed circuit boards (PCBs) beneath an acrylic surface (device bed), which emit a plurality of light wavelengths at therapeutic irradiance levels. After device setup and upon selection of the desired light wavelengths (e.g. red or infrared or both) and mode (pulsed or continuous wave) via the control panel, one lays down on the device bed to undergo photon therapy. The present invention comprises a foldable 2-piece chassis for consumer photon therapy, and a single-piece chassis for patient photon therapy by medical professionals.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a dental laser system with a controller coupled to an electromagnetic energy source, where the controller's graphical user interface enables a user to provide input to control operating parameters of the electromagnetic energy source. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface can render a controller enabling user control of a plurality dental laser system parameters with a single action or input. In some embodiments, the user's interaction with a graphical portion of the controller sufficient to control more than one operational parameter of the dental laser system without a requirement for the user to provide an additional or substantially simultaneous interaction with any other controller or portion of the graphical user interface. Further, the graphical content has a graphic indicative of a mode, an operational status, and/or an operational parameter of the dental laser system that is displayed, updated, or animated by the controller.

Abstract: Provided is a laser patch including a patch body having a through hole for laser transmission, a circuit substrate disposed in the patch body, a built-in battery facing the circuit substrate and disposed in the patch body, a laser diode element electrically connected to the circuit substrate and emitting a low-output laser beam to the outside of the patch body by using its own power coming from the built-in battery, and a charging terminal provided in the patch body for selectively supplying electricity to the built-in battery from an external charger.

Abstract: A side-firing laser system with a standoff catheter includes an optical fiber configured to emit therapeutic laser radiation in a direction generally transverse to an axis of the fiber; and a catheter through which the optical fiber is inserted during a surgical procedure. The catheter includes a transparent end section through which the therapeutic laser radiation passes to vaporize tissue outside the catheter, an open distal end to permit exit of irrigation fluid from the catheter, and an opening in a side of the end section, the opening having dimensions that are approximately equal to or less than cross-sectional dimensions of the therapeutic laser radiation. When the fiber is moved to a position at which the therapeutic laser radiation passes through the opening, the laser radiation causes coagulation or vaporization of tissues.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a treatment device and corresponding treatment method for laser wound healing, the device and method making use of the simultaneous action of multiple laser types and laser wavelengths which are applied at human tissue. The treatment device generally includes a laser system and a hand-piece which is coupled to the laser system. The hand-piece is designed so that one or multiple laser beams are applied at relatively small spot and at a relatively high power level, and are surrounded by a relatively large spot of another laser beam with a relatively low power level. In a preferred implementation, the hand-piece is adapted to facilitate the emission of first and second laser beams together with a third laser beam which is delivered at a different spatial profile in comparison to the first and second laser beams.

Abstract: The present invention enables fabrication and mass production of a bubble-jetting chip that includes a desired number of bubble jetting portions of the same size having bubble-jetting outlets of the same size. Mass production is enabled by fabricating a bubble-jetting chip comprising a substrate and a bubble-jetting portion formed on the substrate, the bubble-jetting portion comprising: an electrode that is formed of a conductive material; an insulating portion that is formed of an insulating photosensitive resin, is provided so as to sandwich the electrode, and includes an extended section that extends beyond the tip of the electrode; and a space that is formed between the extended section of the insulating portion and the tip of the electrode.

Abstract: A phototherapy apparatus with interactive user interface for treating biological tissue of an animal or human target. The user interface comprises intuitive graphic menus which allow the clinicians or practitioners to define the properties of the biological tissue through easily observable physical characteristics such as weight, skin color, and hair color of the patient. The central control unit of the phototherapy apparatus then automatically optimizes the parameters of the light source according to the properties of the biological tissue and generates an appropriate treatment protocol to produce the optimum phototherapy result.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for reduction of muscle fatigue, enhancement of wound healing and tissue repair and/or reduction of pain. The methods comprise irradiating a muscle or an injured tissue of a subject, as applicable, with pulsed blue and/or red light having an average irradiance that ranges from 0.1 mW/cm2 to 20 mW/cm2 at a radiant exposure that ranges from 0.5 J/cm2 to 60 J/cm2. The pulsed blue and/or red light is preferably applied with a flexible light source that includes a flexible light emitter positioned between a flexible anode and a flexible cathode. The flexible light emitter may comprise a printed LED film or OLEDs that emit blue and/or red light, or a printed LED film or OLEDs that emit blue light in combination with a quantum dot film that converts a portion of the blue light emission into red light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination chopper which allows a user to operate on the nucleus of a crystalline lens with a small piece while securing visibility through a chopper which is mounted at one end of an illuminator to form a predetermined angle with the illuminator.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes two jaw members, at least one of which creates conditions of frustrated total internal reflection at a tissue-contacting surface when tissue is grasped between the two jaw members. The first jaw member may include an optical element having a tissue-contacting surface. The medical instrument also includes a light source that provides a light beam for sealing tissue. The light source is positioned so that the light beam is totally internally reflected from an interface between the tissue-contacting surface and air when tissue is not grasped by the jaw members. When tissue is grasped by the jaw members, at least a portion of the light beam is transmitted through that portion of the tissue-contacting surface that is in contact with the tissue. The light source may be movably coupled to a jaw member to scan the light beam and/or to change the incident angle based on optical properties of the tissue.

Abstract: An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body for providing photodynamic therapy or diagnosis comprises: a housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 enclosing an LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72 and a power source 41, 68, 78, for powering the LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72, wherein the device is independently operational while located within the orifice.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a device comprise a sheath, a first light-guiding component, a second light-guiding component, an optical-focusing component, and an optical-correction component. The second light-guiding component and the optical-focusing component are aligned on an optical axis. Also, the optical-correction component does not directly contact the optical-focusing component, and the optical-correction component is not positioned on the optical axis.

Abstract: A thermoablation probe for performing an interstitial thermal therapy (ITT) procedure on a brain lesion generally includes a rigid sheath and a flexible treatment device telescopically slidable within the sheath. The treatment device has a substantially continuous covering and a shape-memory wire enveloped by the covering.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a vagina's anatomic, functional and aesthetic conditions are disclosed. Device comprises a laser energy source which conveys laser energy through an optical fiber handpiece. A cylindrical/penis shaped device/applicator is specially designed for safe and accurate irradiation of determined parts of vaginal mucosa. Applicator has an inner hollow path through which optical fiber is inserted to irradiate interior vaginal tissue. Irradiated mucous tissue contracts, reducing vaginal radius and during penetration in sexual intercourse it embraces penis more tightly. Sensitivity is substantially improved and sexual intercourse is more pleasurable for both partners. In one embodiment, a 1470 nm diode laser source is used. In another embodiment, a vagina's outer dimensions are accurately measured and surgery is performed to achieve dimensions according to certain aesthetic and functional criteria.

Abstract: Emission efficiency of a light-emitting element is improved. The light-emitting element has a pair of electrodes and an EL layer between the pair of electrodes. The EL layer includes a first light-emitting layer and a second light-emitting layer. The first light-emitting layer includes a fluorescent material and a host material. The second light-emitting layer includes a phosphorescent material, a first organic compound, and a second organic compound. An emission spectrum of the second light-emitting layer has a peak in a yellow wavelength region. The first organic compound and the second organic compound form an exciplex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy delivery device for expanding a tubular organ, the energy delivering device delivering energy to a tubular organ by an optical fiber for treatment and expanding a tissue in the tubular organ, the device comprising a light diffusing optical fiber connected between a laser device and a fixing tip and delivering light; a contraction unit having one end connected to the fixing tip and arranged in a circumference of an end of the light diffusing optical fiber; a movement unit closely adhered to the other end of the contraction unit, in which the light diffusing optical fiber is inserted; and an expansion adjustment unit adjusting a moving distance of the movement unit and expanding the contraction unit in a radial direction while contracting the contraction unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a handheld laser treatment apparatus comprises: a handset including a treatment chamber, the treatment chamber having an open treatment aperture; a laser array arranged to project optical energy into the treatment chamber and coupled to a power source; at least one vacuum channel positioned within the treatment chamber and coupled to a vacuum source; a trigger sensor coupled to logic that controls activation of the laser array and the vacuum channel; an attachment sensor arranged to detect which of a plurality of attachments are inserted into the treatment chamber through the treatment aperture. The logic enables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a first attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture. The logic disables activation of the vacuum channel when the attachment sensor detects a second attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the treatment aperture.

Abstract: A blood vessel optical fiber guide wire includes at least one of optical fiber core wire, a wire wrapping layer and a hydrophilic coating capable of improving compatibility with body liquids and reducing the resistance. The optical fiber core wire is disposed in a core of the optical fiber guide wire. The wire wrapping layer is formed from at least one of winding wire or winding sheet wrapping outside of the optical fiber core wire. The hydrophilic coating is coated outside of the wire wrapping layer. The optical fiber guide wire may enter a predetermined position in artery blood vessel of human body. The light can be guided into and/or guided out of a location of lesion so as to achieve the photodynamic treatment of diseases such as tumor in vivo. The need to diagnosis and treatment in the field including biology and medical treatment can be met.

Abstract: A laser therapeutic device for a laser endoscope capable of relatively reducing the diameter of the endoscope while being capable of emitting a laser beam of a uniform intensity over a wide area is provided. An optical guide element (a square-shaped rod lens 15, a guide tube 2b) having a quadrangular cross section and guiding a therapeutic laser beam emitted from the tip of an optical fiber toward the tip side of a probe is used. On the tip side of a probe tube 2 being a barrel, using clearances C1 to C4 formed between the optical guide element and the inner circumferential surface of the probe tube, a camera unit 11 as imaging means and white-color LED units 12 and an ultraviolet LED unit 13 as illumination means are arranged.

Abstract: A device for controlling a low level laser probe (20a) suitable for treating adult stem cells of a subject, said probe (20) having a plurality of light sources (24a . . . 24n) provided in a doming treatment surface (25). The device receives, stores and provides (11a, 11) status information from a subject and in accordance with the status information provided controls (12) the laser probe (20a) to transmit visible light (?) having at least two various wavelengths (?1 . . . ?n) for stimulating adult stem cells of the subject, wherein at least one first light source (24a) being centrally positioned in the doming treatment surface (25) of the probe (20a) is adapted to transmit light of a first wavelength (?1,) of a first particular intensity (I1) and the other light sources (24n) positioned around the first light source (24a) are adapted to transmit light of another higher wavelength (?n) and at least a second higher intensity (I2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems and methods are provided for identifying and treating a target tissue region adjusting for ablation-related anatomical changes (e.g., tissue contraction).

Abstract: The present invention provides a frontal light diffusing device comprising a non-circular core fiber section having a proximal end and a distal end, and a lens; wherein fiber core of the non-circular core section has a “top hat” core irradiance distribution and the frontal light diffusing device provides a “top hat” spatial irradiance distribution at a targeted location. The present invention further provides a frontal light diffusing device comprising an optical fiber and a collimation lens assembly wherein the collimation lens assembly includes a variable aperture that blocks portions of light outcoupled from the optical fiber thereby allowing only a central portion of the light to exit through the variable aperture resulting in a flat irradiance distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for treating tissue in a region at depth while protecting non-targeted tissue by cyclically applying cooling to the patients skin, and preferably to the region, and by applying radiation to the patient's skin above the region to selectively heat tissue during and/or after cooling is applied. At least one of cooling and radiation may be applied by successively passing a continuous output applicator over the patient's skin. Treatment may also be enhanced by applying mechanical, acoustic or electrical stimulation to the region.

Abstract: Emission efficiency of a light-emitting element is improved. The light-emitting element has a pair of electrodes and an EL layer between the pair of electrodes. The EL layer includes a first light-emitting layer and a second light-emitting layer. The first light-emitting layer includes a fluorescent material and a host material. The second light-emitting layer includes a phosphorescent material, a first organic compound, and a second organic compound. An emission spectrum of the second light-emitting layer has a peak in a yellow wavelength region. The first organic compound and the second organic compound form an exciplex.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for treating and/or reducing the severity of a wound in a subject. Provided are wound therapies combining low level light therapy (LLLT) and a nitric oxide (NO) donor to treat and/or reduce the severity of the wound. The LLLT and NO donor may be administered concurrently or sequentially. Also provided are wound treatment systems and kits including a light source and a NO donor, which are administered to a wounded subject. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a NO donor and are formulated to be administered in conjunction with LLLT.

Abstract: An antimicrobial treatment system comprises a wearable photoactivation device. The wearable photoactivation device includes a body configured to be positioned on a head of a subject over one or more eyes of the subject. The body includes one or more windows or openings that allow the one or more eyes to see through the body. The body includes one or more photoactivating light sources coupled to the body and configured to direct photoactivating light to the one or more eyes according to illumination parameters. The illumination parameters determine a dose of the photoactivating light that activates, according to photochemical kinetic reactions, a photosensitizer applied to the one or more eyes and generates reactive oxygen species that provide an antimicrobial effect in the one or more eyes, without substantially inducing cross-linking activity that produces biomechanical changes in the one or more eyes.

Abstract: A method for refilling a lens of an eye or increasing the elasticity of a lens of an eye includes removing a central portion of the lens core through the eye's cornea, a capsulorhexis in the eye's lens capsule and a gullet extending at least partially through the cortex of the lens. The lens is then refilled with a synthetic lens material. Sufficient lens core is left in place so that the synthetic material is not in contact with a lens capsule of the eye. The synthetic material used for refilling may be selected and may be formed in a shape and thickness so as to affect the refractive characteristics of the lens. An endocapsular lenticule may be inserted in the lens to affect the refractive characteristics of the lens.

Abstract: An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumens of different lengths for selectively associating with a patient about at least two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina.

Abstract: An energy-based surgical system includes a light beam source and a probe. The light beam source is configured to selectively provide a beam of light. The probe defines a channel about a longitudinal axis thereof and a side opening near a distal end thereof. The channel is operatively connected to the light beam source and is configured to transmit the beam of light from the side opening. The beam of light is configured to detect the presence of a nerve within targeted tissue. The probe may further be configured apply treatment energy to tissue to treat tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are substrates for cell delivery to target tissues requiring treatment for various diseases that induce cell death, damage or loss of function. The substrates are configured to provide seeded cells, including stem cells, with a structural support that allows interconnection with and transmission of biological signals between the cells and the target tissue.

Abstract: Image-guided therapy of a tissue can utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another medical imaging device to guide an instrument within the tissue. A workstation can actuate movement of the instrument, and can actuate energy emission and/or cooling of the instrument to effect treatment to the tissue. The workstation and/or an operator of the workstation can be located outside a vicinity of an MRI device or other medical imaging device, and drive means for positioning the instrument can be located within the vicinity of the MRI device or the other medical imaging device. The instrument can be an MRI compatible laser probe that provides thermal therapy to, e.g., a tissue in a brain of a patient.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a method, device, and apparatus for positioning an apparatus on a location of a tissue. For example, a substantially rigid film over an area of tissue to be treated can be provided. The film can include a positioning arrangement that facilitates a particular spatial engagement with the apparatus. The exemplary method can further include applying a portion of the film to a portion of a surface of the tissue and positioning the apparatus at the location by the engagement of the film to the apparatus using the feature of the film.

Abstract: A phototherapy apparatus with interactive user interface for treating biological tissue of an animal or human target. The user interface comprises intuitive graphic menus which allow the clinicians or practitioners to define the properties of the biological tissue through easily observable physical characteristics such as weight, skin color, and hair color of the patient. The central control unit of the phototherapy apparatus then automatically optimizes the parameters of the light source according to the properties of the biological tissue and generates an appropriate treatment protocol to produce the optimum phototherapy result.

Abstract: Aspects for treating spinal cord injuries are disclosed. In a particular aspect, a method includes identifying a neurological level of a spinal cord injury, and activating neurons via laser therapy in which a laser beam is applied to an area proximate to the neurological level. In another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium includes computer-readable instructions for performing various acts. Such acts comprise ascertaining a neurological level of a spinal cord injury, and receiving data corresponding to a severity of the spinal cord injury. The acts further comprise outputting a laser calibration according to the neurological level and the severity. A medical device apparatus is also provided, which includes various computer executable components. The computer executable components include an assessment component configured to receive parameters corresponding to a spinal cord injury, and a calibration component configured to ascertain a laser calibration according to the at least one parameter.

Abstract: A laser apparatus for use in a surgical procedure is disclosed including a housing forming a part of a handpiece and including interior and exterior regions, a laser cavity extending within the interior region of the housing, at least a portion of an operating laser element positioned with the interior region of the housing for generating an operating beam, and a controller to control a focal position of the operating beam to a location above the plane of the tissue for ablation of the tissue by laser induced breakdown thereof.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument for illuminating an interior site includes an optical fiber having a length between opposed proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end of the optical fiber is configured for operative engagement with an illumination light source, the distal end of the optical fiber including a light emitting portion, a preformed curved portion of the optical fiber proximate to the distal end, wherein the curved portion has a predetermined bend or curve, a flexible tubular sleeve enclosing at least a portion of the optical fiber, wherein the tubular sleeve has a preformed curved portion corresponding to the curved portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A phototherapy or photobiomodulation process employing the application of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to a living organism, typically a human being. The EMR is generated by one or more strings of LEDs and is programmed to emit one or more wavelengths, typically in the visible and infrared portions of the spectrum, the EMR in each wavelength being delivered in pulses having specified on-times, off-times, photoexcitation frequencies, duty factors, phase delays, and power amplitudes. A system for providing such EMR includes a microcontroller having a pattern library of algorithms, each of which defines a particular sequence of synthesized pulses, and an application pad, preferably flexible, containing the LED strings.

Abstract: Guided ablation instruments are disclosed for creating lesions in tissue, especially cardiac tissue for treatment of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. In one aspect of the invention, a percutaneous catheter is disclosed with an endoscope positionable in the instrument's distal end region to obtain an image. The image allows the clinician to determine whether contact has been achieved (or blood has been cleared from an ablative energy transmission path) before ablation begins or while ablation is occurring. In one embodiment, percutaneous ablation catheters are disclosed having at least one central lumen and one or more balloon structures at the distal end region of the instrument. Also disposed in the distal end region are an illuminating light source and an endoscope capable of collecting sufficient light to relay an image to the user. The instruments can further include an ablation element.