With Optical Fiber Patents (Class 606/15)
  • Patent number: 9144463
    Abstract: A handpiece and method of use for laser-assisted liposuction for melting, disrupting, and removing cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively melt or disrupt cellulite and adipose tissue and ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue, while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: COOL TOUCH INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David R. Hennings, Mitchel P. Goldman
  • Patent number: 9144462
    Abstract: The present invention relates to medical treatment devices. In particular, according to one embodiment, the present invention a medical treatment device that includes, for example, a tube member, a treatment member by way of which energy can be transmitted in connection with performance of a medical procedure, a sleeve, and a hub member. In this example, the treatment member is positioned within the tube member and the tube member thus affords a degree or protection to the treatment member. The combination of the treatment member and the tube member is configured to be partially received within, and secured by, the hub member. In particular, the hub member includes a securement portion and a delivery portion which are releasably attached to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred P. Lampropoulos, Jim Mottola, Arlin Dale Nelson
  • Patent number: 9134171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the process performance of a laser system with a high-power optical fiber cable (3), specifically an optical fiber cable made for transmitting power levels up to and exceeding 20 kW. Generally the fiber cable has an entrance end (1) for an incident beam-light and an exit end (2) where the beam-light is leaving the optical fiber, and wherein at least one of the ends is provided with a connector device (4,5) having sensor means (14) for monitoring the optical fiber cable status. According to the invention the sensor means (14) are located inside the connector device (4,5) and arranged for monitoring and controlling a laser application process during action as well as detection of conditions within the connector device, such as scattered light, temperatures or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: OPTOSKAND AB
    Inventors: Ola Blomster, Hans Bergstrand, Mats Blomqvist
  • Patent number: 9126286
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for laser cladding of a curved surface comprising: (a) an elongated arm having first and second ends and defining a chamber through the arm from the first end to the second end; (b) a laser delivery source connected to a focusing lens mounted in a housing within an opening on the first end of the arm for delivering a laser beam through the chamber; (c) a delivery head mounted on the second end of the arm comprised of (i) an enclosure having an inlet for receiving the laser and an outlet for delivering the laser to the curved surface, (ii) a powder nozzle for delivering a cladding powder to an inner surface of the curved surface, and (iii) a reflective surface for reflecting the laser to exit through the outlet; (d) mounting means for rotating the curved surface for the cladding of the curved surface; and (e) indexing means for moving the arm substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the curved surface so as to clad the curved surface during the rotation of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Fraunhofer USA
    Inventors: Florian Bartels, Aravind Jonnalagadda, Michael Wiener, Eric Stiles
  • Patent number: 9128124
    Abstract: A voltage sensing apparatus on a semiconductor substrate, including one or more inputs comprising metal contacts, an output comprising a laser transmitter, circuitry electrically connecting and interfacing the inputs to the output; and a power module. A method of fabricating the apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aditya Rajagopal, Chieh-Feng Chang, Akram Sarwat Sadek, Axel Scherer, Raymond Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9125677
    Abstract: The efficacy and safety of laser medical treatments are ensured by performing a combination of measurement techniques to examine tissue properties in order to control characteristics of the laser treatments of cartilaginous tissues. In some aspects, a treatment tool is provided that is capable of taking and providing feedback relating to multiple measurements, including temperature measurements (in particular, radiometry), mechanical measurements, light scattering, speckle interferometry, optoacoustic measurements, and monitoring tissue electrical characteristics. The device is capable of providing feedback during the course of laser treatment of tissue to increase the safety and efficacy of treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Arcuo Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Emil Naumovich Sobol, Alexander P. Sviridov, Michael M. Gorin
  • Patent number: 9119647
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a microwave ablation procedure is provided. The apparatus includes a catheter including an open proximal end and a closed distal end configured to percutaneously access tissue. A directional microwave antenna probe adapted to connect to a source of microwave energy selectively couples to the catheter. The directional microwave antenna is rotatable within the catheter for directing the emission of microwave energy therefrom to tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9089315
    Abstract: Devices and methods for using adjunctive cooling to promote recovery of function following pelvic surgery include a uretral catheter and a cryogenic cautery device. A system for producing chilled irrigation fluid recirculates the chilled fluid through a catheter inserted into the patients urethra to provide a low temperature during and following surgery. A surgical cautery device is equipped with cryogenic emitters which spray cryogenic fluid on the cautery site prior to and/or following thermal cautery to reduce inflammation and related damage from such cauterization. The various embodiments are advantageously used together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Thomas E. Ahlering, David S. Finley
  • Patent number: 9084619
    Abstract: A microwave applicator having a probe which comprises an elongate shaft (14), the shaft having an external tubular wall (18), a radiating portion (15) disposed at the distal end of the shaft (14), a transmission line (17) extending to the radiating portion internally of the tubular external wall (18), and an elongate flow dividing member (19) which co-extends with the transmission line (17) longitudinally of the shaft (14), the side wall of the transmission line (17) and the side wall of the flow dividing member (19) contacting each other and contacting the internal surface of the external tubular wall (18) at two-spatially separated discrete positions, thereby defining a pair of flow channels (20, 21) inside the shaft (14). In use, cooling fluid can pass down one channel (20) and return via the other channel (21). The structure of the probe is uncomplicated and the probe is straightforward to assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel Cronin, Peter Clegg
  • Patent number: 9086533
    Abstract: An optical path can be created through optically challenging media. Light can transmit over the optical path between an end of an optical waveguide and a point displaced from the end. A fluid that scatters or absorbs light, generates interference, or otherwise poses optical challenges can be disposed between the waveguide end and the point. The optically challenging fluid can comprise blood, turbid and/or opaque fluid, absorbing liquids, or other liquid or fluid presenting transmission issues, for example. An optical path can be formed between the end and the point to facilitate transmitting light through the optically challenging fluid. In certain examples, the optical path can comprise a waveguide formed of fluids emitted into the optically challenging fluid, a gas injected into the optically challenging fluid, or an expandable structure, such as a balloon filled with substantially transparent liquid or gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: CIRREX SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael L. Wach
  • Patent number: 9078680
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of laser treatment of tissue, and particularly, to a system and method for creating microablated channels in skin. The present invention is more particularly directed to treating subsurface tissue through the created channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: LUMENIS LTD.
    Inventors: Vladimir Lemberg, Ray Choye
  • Patent number: 9078683
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a multifunction surgical apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical separator comprises: a base; a plurality of separation tongs each movably coupled to the base at their proximal end, wherein the tongs have distal ends each having a blunt profile; a cable coupled to the base, the cable including an optical fiber, where the base is arrange to position the optical fiber to aim an optical energy beam from the optical fiber out from the base and between the tongs at a centered point between the distal ends; wherein the cable further includes at least one element providing a control signal that controls operation of the tongs to move between and open position and a closed position; wherein when the distal ends of each of the tongs are positioned together into the closed position, the exterior profile of the tongs forms a wedge shape having a tip where the tongs meet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: LUMENIS LTD.
    Inventors: Tzachi Sabati, Yacov Domankevitz, Sahar Vilan
  • Patent number: 9060774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-frequency surgical device for monopolar coagulation of biological tissue using a high-frequency current. The device includes an electrosurgical instrument with a coagulation electrode and a surgical device with a high-frequency generator for generating a high-frequency voltage and for supplying the high-frequency current to the coagulation electrode of the electrosurgical instrument and at least one control device for terminating the coagulation process. A measuring device detects at least one measured value describing a measured tissue introduction of energy into a defined measured tissue area. An arithmetic device determines the measured tissue introduction of energy into the defined measured tissue area and a final value for a target tissue introduction of energy into a target tissue area. The control device regulates the high-frequency generator based on the final value by generating a shut-down signal when the target tissue introduction of energy reaches the final value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventor: Florian Eisele
  • Publication number: 20150148790
    Abstract: A catheter tip is provided according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The catheter tip may comprise a distal end, a proximal end, and tubular walls. The distal end includes a distal aperture with a distal inside diameter, and the proximal end includes a proximal aperture with a proximal inside diameter. The proximal inside diameter may be greater than the distal inside diameter. The proximal end comprises attachment means configured to couple the proximal end with a distal end of a laser catheter. The tubular walls may include at least an inside taper from the proximal end to the distal end such that the inner tubular walls generally taper from the proximal inside diameter to the distal inside diameter. Moreover, the tubular walls may be configured to direct at least a liquid medium, for example, a biocompatible solution, toward the distal aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Clint Fix
  • Publication number: 20150148602
    Abstract: A steerable endoscopic tool uses concentric sleeves of varying curvature to steer a tool tip toward or in the direction of a location of surgical interest. By rotating and/or axially displacing such sleeves relative to one another the tool tip may be maneuvered within a current field of view with several degrees of freedom without any physical movement of an endoscope, thus facilitating improved surgical access and control without complex mechanical systems in the endoscope or at the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Westin Michael Hill, Matthew Roy Johnson, Tara Lee Schmidt Boettcher, Patrick James Codd
  • Publication number: 20150148789
    Abstract: A method for positioning a surgical laser fiber to facilitate delivery of therapeutic light to a tissue utilizes a flexible insertion sleeve to protect a scope as the fiber and sleeve are guided to a treatment site past bends in the scope. The fiber and sleeve are fixed relative to the scope by a fiber lock. The sleeve may include holes and/or other optional features to protect the fiber or scope during insertion and treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Joe Denton Brown, Howard Steven Klymas
  • Patent number: 9039684
    Abstract: A system and method for controllably releasing radiation in percutaneous radiation treatment is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a laser is coupled to an optical fiber that is inserted below the skin or into a vascular lumen to a predetermined point. The fiber is connected to a source of electromagnetic radiation such as a laser, non-coherent radiation source, high power laser diode, LED, and an ultrasonic source. Radiation is then delivered to the treatment site while the fiber is simultaneously drawn out to the entry point. The fiber is manually withdrawn and during this time the radiation is administered in a manner appropriate for the vein being treating in regards to power or energy level. To maintain a constant proper energy density, the speed of withdrawal is measured and sent to a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism modifies the power emitted, pulse length or pulse rate to ensure that the vein or tissue receives a consistent dose of energy during manual withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Bioliter Pharma Marketing Ltd
    Inventor: Wolfgang Neuberger
  • Patent number: 9039686
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, and inner bore of the handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within the inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. A surgeon may aim the steerable laser probe by varying a rotational position of the handle and an amount of compression of the actuation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9039685
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Q. Larkin, David C. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20150141969
    Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser apparatus and methods for laser ablation of tissue are described. The apparatus and methods utilize a laser source emitting at two or more wavelengths coupled to a fiberoptic laser delivery device and a laser driver and control system with features for protection of the laser delivery device, the patient, the operator and other components of the laser treatment system. A fiber tip protection system limits damage to the fiberoptic laser delivery device, thereby allowing the multi-wavelength laser to be operated in a tissue contact mode. The invention, which has broad medical and industrial applications, is described in relation to a method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by contact laser ablation of the prostate (C-LAP) using a technique of touch and pullback laser ablation of the prostate (TapLAP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: John L. Rink, Marilyn M. Chou, Jasen Eric Petersen, Mark H. K. Chim
  • Publication number: 20150141974
    Abstract: A laser fiber has a distal end having a laser fiber face. A tip addition is attached to or formed onto the fiber face. The material of the tip addition one of fragments or melts when laser energy from a suitable laser device is passed through the laser fiber and through the tip addition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Naim Ashraf, Georg Kuka, Arkady Khachaturov
  • Patent number: 9034024
    Abstract: A minimally invasive method for treating varices in especially sensitive areas, including pelvic varices in females, varicoceles, and also oesophageal varices is presented. The method comprises the steps of making a micro incision into the blood vessels of a patient, endoscopically inserting a catheter device into the blood vessel of a patient and advancing the distal end of the catheter to reach the varix or varices. For treatment of male varicocele, insertion is preferably made directly at the testicle. Alternatively, insertion can be made in the femoral vein and advanced using a catheter. Preferably, x-ray, angiography, or other imaging techniques are used to visualize and position the catheter. An optical fiber is then inserted into the catheter and the distal end is advanced to a predetermined point near the varix or varices. Optical fiber distal end is preferably a slim, radial 360 degree emitting fiber end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Biolitec Pharma Marketing Ltd
    Inventors: Fabio Coluccia, Walter Cecchetti
  • Patent number: 8992514
    Abstract: A catheter device provides a balloon structure and a side-firing laser lumen within the balloon to create lesions in the pulmonary vein (PV) in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Mounted on the balloon so as to contact the PV when the balloon is inflated are one or more electrodes which may be used in a measurement mode, a treatment mode, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Isolase, Ltd.
    Inventors: Omer Peled, A. Jason Mirabito
  • Patent number: 8992513
    Abstract: A device and method for treating a hollow anatomical structure using matter in a plasma state. Device includes a tubular delivery device comprising a tubular body, a hub, and a distal end, wherein the tubular body device having a longitudinal fluid delivery channel and an exit port near the distal end. Device also contains a container having pre-plasma matter being operatively coupled to the hub, at least one energy-emitting element operatively coupled near the distal end of the tubular delivery device. The energy-emitting element is operatively connected to energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc
    Inventor: Kevin L. Delaney
  • Patent number: 8985119
    Abstract: A nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light-generating source is operatively coupled to an optical fiber, which in turn is coupled to a plug in the end of a holder in a sheath. Light is then passed from the light source through the optical fiber to the holder and out a selected optical tip on the sheath to provide an efficacious amount of light to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. Some embodiments omit the fiber and use light directly from the laser diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Webb, Charles E. Hamilton, Heather A. Ralph, Mark P. Bendett, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 8985121
    Abstract: A method and a device for minimally invasive treatment of diseased deep and superficial venous valves are disclosed. Treatment seeks to repair/rejuvenate dysfunctional valve by reducing the circumference of dilated valve rings and by restoring their original shape and function using laser energy to make physical suture points and shrink collagen in selected points. Real time monitoring is by angioscopic view and endovenous echographic control. In a preferred embodiment, system comprises a specific catheter-like device for endovenous insertion that allows for real time view of energy emission and venous surface to be corrected. Catheter flexibility is such that viewing angle and direct energy emission can be oriented properly. Catheter can comprise channels for irrigation or for interchange of laser fibers according to desired irradiation pattern. A preferred embodiment of catheter device also comprises cuffs for temporary occlusion, by inflation and deflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Biolitec Pharma Marketing Ltd.
    Inventors: Enrique Ferracani, Wolfgang Neuberger
  • Patent number: 8986291
    Abstract: A stone capture device comprises a shaft with a deployable sweeping structure at its distal end. The shaft is adapted to be removably placed over and connected to a conventional ureteroscope. The combination of the stone capture device and ureteroscope can be introduced into the urinary tract to capture, fragment, and remove stones from the bladder and kidney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Percutaneous Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rupesh Desai, Steven Yee, Robert S. Behl
  • Patent number: 8986292
    Abstract: An ablation catheter comprises an elongated catheter body; at least one ablation element disposed in a distal portion which is adjacent the distal end of the catheter body; an illumination optical element disposed in the distal portion, the illumination optical element being light-transmissive to emit light from the illumination optical element to the targeted tissue region; and a collection optical element disposed in the distal portion, the collection optical element being light-transmissive to collect one or more of returned, backscattered or newly excited light from the targeted tissue region. The illumination or excitation optical element and the collection optical element are axially spaced from one another and axially optically isolated from one another within the distal portion to substantially prevent light from traveling between the illumination optical element and the collection optical element along a path within the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John Sliwa, Stephen Morse, Zhenyi Ma
  • Patent number: 8983257
    Abstract: An optical delivery apparatus is disclosed including: an optical fiber extending between a distal end having a distal end face and a proximal end having a proximal end face, an optical element positioned to receive the light emitted from the distal end face and direct the light to an illumination region; and a non-metallic housing containing the optical fiber and the optical element and maintaining the relative position of the optical fiber and the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nomir Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Bornstein, Edward Sinofsky
  • Patent number: 8979830
    Abstract: An apparatus that will alter the fibrous strands in the fatty layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively shrink or alternatively photoacoustically ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: New Star Lasers, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Hennings
  • Publication number: 20150073399
    Abstract: A hand-held, portable diode laser surgical device includes a power supply, at least one laser diode, integral control interface and display, and a multi-component sterile, disposable tip apparatus featuring assembly for alignment of a self-contained optical fiber to the surgical device, and releasably locking assembly between the tip apparatus and surgical device. An embodiment includes wireless foot pedal on/off control and a dock providing sterile, antiseptic recharging environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: DEN-MAT HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Mihai I. A. Boitor, Alexandre B. Di Sessa
  • Publication number: 20150066004
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical fiber made of a silica-based material. A proximal end portion of the optical fiber has an outer-layer portion. The proximal end portion can be included in at least a portion of a launch connector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus also includes a component that has a bore therethrough and can be made of a doped silica material. The bore can have an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber. The component can also have an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. ZERFAS, Paul JORTBERG, Richard P. TUMMINELLI
  • Patent number: 8967883
    Abstract: Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with a laser tip extending therefrom. The laser module is controlled by wireless footswitch. Fiber extension modules may be used with the later embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: CAO Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Densen Cao
  • Publication number: 20150057648
    Abstract: It is an object and advantage of this invention to provide an improved device and method that uses targeted laser wavelength to treat a diseased vessel. An advantage of this invention is targeted ablation of diseased vessels without harming non-target tissue. This new technique allows for a controlled ablation, may not require injection of tumescent anesthesia prior to treatment and may decrease unwanted or unintended side effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Swift, Benjamin Bell, Brett Zubiate
  • Patent number: 8961040
    Abstract: Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with a laser tip extending therefrom. The laser module is controlled by wireless footswitch. Fiber extension modules may be used with the later embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: CAO Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Densen Cao
  • Patent number: 8956363
    Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. In one such device, target cells are stimulated using an implantable device. The device includes a light source for producing light from electrical power. An optical transmission element is made from a material that is substantially transparent to the light from the light source. This transmission element substantially encases the light source at a proximal end. The transmission element delivers light from the light source to a distal end. The shape and size of the transmission element facilitates implanting of the element within a patient. A fixation portion physically couples to the optical transmission element and secures the device to the patient. A heat dissipation portion removes heat from the near optical transmission element and the light source and dissipates the removed heat through the fixation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: M. Bret Schneider, Karl Deisseroth
  • Publication number: 20150045779
    Abstract: Embodiments of a laser ablation system include a shaft, a balloon and a laser fiber. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The balloon is attached to the distal end of the shaft, a portion of which is disposed within the balloon. A light dispenser at a distal end of the laser fiber deliver laser light through the balloon. A central axis of the balloon is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The balloon has a variable transparency such that the transmission of laser light through the balloon is non-uniform along the central axis. Accordingly, an energy of laser light transmitted from the light dispenser through the balloon to the targeted tissue varies due to the variable transparency of the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael T. Beck, Edouard A. Koulick, Robert E. Lund, Douglas L. Evans, Samuel L. Will, Stuart F. Watson, Hyun Wook Kang, Justin M. Crank, Somany Dy, Micah D. Thorson
  • Publication number: 20150025512
    Abstract: An endovascular laser treatment device for causing closure of a blood vessel uses an optical fiber adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel. An inner sleeve is arranged around a distal portion of the optical fiber core such that both distal ends of the inner sleeve and the optical fiber core form an enlarged light emitting face. The enlarged emitting face provides substantially lower power density while providing the same amount of total energy during a treatment session. An outer sleeve arranged around the inner sleeve acts as a spacer to position the light emitting face away from an inner wall of the blood vessel. The enlarged light emitting face and the outer sleeve acting as a spacer reduces the possibility of thermal run-away and device damage, and reduce the possibility of vessel perforations, leading to less bruising, post-operative pain and other clinical complications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: William M. Appling, Ralph A. Meyer, Theodore J. Beyer, William C. Hamilton, Jr., Joe D. Brown
  • Patent number: 8936592
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a laser ablation system. In one embodiment, the laser ablation system comprises a shaft, a balloon, a laser fiber and a viewing fiber. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The balloon is attached to the distal end of the shaft, a portion of which is within the balloon. The laser fiber has a distal end comprising a light dispenser that is configured to deliver laser light through the balloon. The viewing fiber is configured to image an interior balloon. In accordance with another embodiment, the laser ablation system comprises a shaft, a balloon and a laser fiber. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The balloon is attached to the distal end of the shaft, which is within the balloon. The balloon includes an inflated state, in which the balloon is shaped to conform to a cavity of a patient. The laser fiber has a distal end comprising light dispenser that is configured to deliver laser light through the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Beck, Edouard A. Koullick, Robert E. Lund, Douglas L. Evans, Samuel L. Will, Stuart F. Watson, Hyun Wook Kang, Justin M. Crank, Somany Dy, Micah D. Thorson
  • Patent number: 8936593
    Abstract: An improved procedure for performing liposuction is obtained by utilizing a needle that includes a laser source conductor with one end of the needle being configured for insertion into a target adipose skin volume and the other end being coupled to a laser source. The needle may include one or more channels for extracting the treated adipose area. A vacuum source can be used in the extraction of the treated adipose. Further, the first end of the needle may include a cap or end-piece that reduces the build up of carbon deposits. A temperature sensor may be used as input to adjust the laser power and prevent over exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Syneron Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Haim Epshtein, Boris Vaynberg
  • Publication number: 20150011985
    Abstract: An optical fiber includes an internal fiber, an end surface, a first cap member and a second cap member. The internal fiber terminates at a fiber tip. The end surface transmits laser energy delivered through the internal fiber. The first cap member extends over the end surface and includes a first end on a first side of the end surface and a second end on a second side of the end surface. The second cap member extends over the first cap member and includes a first end on the first side of the end surface and a second end on the second side of the end surface, the second end of the second cap member is attached to the second end of the first cap member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Yihlih Peng, Gerald M. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20150011986
    Abstract: An apparatus may include an optical fiber having an angled grating aligned along a plane non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The angled grating may be configured to redirect a first laser energy propagated within the optical fiber and incident on the angled grating to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a metallic cap coupled to the optical fiber. The metallic cap may have an inner surface configured to redirect a second laser energy incident on the inner surface along the direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The second laser energy being different than the first laser energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. ZERFAS
  • Patent number: 8926601
    Abstract: An improved system for safe and efficient generation of plasmas and vapors bubbles with continuous wave radiations and low levels of power densities, sufficient to treat medical pathologies and to avoid the creation damage to healthy tissue is provided. Transmission means in different configurations are used to achieve a high absorption in water, which is able to initiate plasma with low levels of power density. Once plasma and vapor bubbles are formed, they absorb other wavelengths in addition to the one that initiated it. Other wavelengths, more efficiently generated by diodes or diode pumped lasers, are added into the beam to improve treatment efficiency. This modulated plasma produces fast tissue ablation and good hemostasis effect with minimal overheating of remaining tissue. After plasma and high-energy vapors are generated, only laser radiation that passes through the plasma bubble directly interacts with soft tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Biolitec Pharma Marketing Ltd
    Inventors: Wolfgang Neuberger, Walter Cecchetti, Leonardo Cecchetti, Filiberto Zattoni
  • Publication number: 20150005751
    Abstract: A method and device for cosmetic surgery, especially fat reduction and collagen reformation, by means of a high power laser operating at about 980 nm is presented. The cosmetic surgery method substantially reduces or removes localized lipodystrophies, and essentially reduces flaccidity by localized laser heating of adipose tissue using an optical fiber inserted into a treatment area. The method and device are particularly well suited for treating Lipodystrophies with flaccidity High power laser energy is applied to “fat” cells to breakdown the cell walls releasing the cell fluid. The laser radiation is applied through an optical fiber which is held within a catheter-like device having a single lumen. Traditionally difficult fat cells are treated well. Delicate areas are treated safely. A saline solution may also be inserted into the treatment site to aid in the heating of the fat cells and their eventual destruction as well as their removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Biolitec Pharma Marketing Ltd
    Inventors: Wolfgang Neuberger, Danilo Castro Saurez
  • Patent number: 8911432
    Abstract: An apparatus for medical treatment by means of laser light includes an optical conducting fiber which has a curved light emission end and includes a core, a cladding arranged above the core for conducting laser light coupled into the optical conducting fiber, and capillaries arranged in the cladding, wherein the capillaries run in a longitudinal direction of the optical conducting fiber at a radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the optical conducting fiber and form a capillary ring when viewed in cross-section, wherein the capillaries have cavities which are separated by bridges which have a width which is smaller than a wavelength of the laser light, wherein the laser light emerges from a forward surface of the light emission end and is transmitted in a direction which runs transverse to a substantially straight longitudinal section located directly in front of a curvature which defines the curved light emission end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Adavanced Fiber Tools GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Kuka, Naim Ashraf, Torsten Hähnel
  • Patent number: 8911433
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a first capillary component. A second capillary component may be disposed outside of the first capillary component and may have an inner surface, wherein a portion of the inner surface may be heat-fused to an outer surface of the first capillary component. The apparatus may also include a portion of an optical fiber disposed inside of the first capillary component and the portion of the optical fiber can have an outer surface. A portion of the outer surface of the optical fiber may be heat-fused to an inner surface of the first capillary component. The optical fiber may have a distal surface configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation propagated along a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber in a lateral direction through the inner surface of the first capillary component and the inner surface of the second capillary component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., Coherent, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica Hixon, Christopher Oskin, Richard Tumminelli
  • Patent number: 8908740
    Abstract: A light emitting device, comprises: a light source that emits excitation light; a light guide that propagates the excitation light, and in which the refractive index of the center part (core) of a cross section is higher than the refractive index of the peripheral part (cladding); a wavelength conversion member that absorbs the excitation light propagated by the light guide and converts the wavelength thereof, and releases light of a predetermined wavelength band; and a shielding member that blocks the wavelength of at least part of the excitation light and the light emitted from the wavelength conversion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nichia Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Nagahama, Atsutomo Hama, Takafumi Sugiyama, Tomohisa Kishimoto
  • Publication number: 20140358134
    Abstract: An endovascular laser treatment device designed to be used with an optical fiber to treat venous diseases such as varicose veins is provided. The device includes a spacer that positions the distal end of the optical fiber away from the inner wall of the blood vessel during delivery of laser energy to provide an even distribution of thermal energy around the vessel, thereby avoiding vessel perforation and incomplete vessel collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: William M. Appling, Eamonn Hobbs
  • Patent number: 8894636
    Abstract: A Minimally Invasive Surgical Laser Hand-piece (“MISLH”) for use with a probe is described. The MISLH has a MISLH proximal end and MISLH distal end, and the MISLH may include an optical coupler located at the MISLH proximal end, a substantially straight central bore within the MISLH, and an internal beam stop aperture within the central bore adjoined to the optical coupler. The central bore may extend from the optical coupler to the MISLH distal end and the central bore may be configured to accept the insertion of the probe within the central bore at the MISLH distal end. Additionally, the central bore may be configured to accept the insertion of the probe such that the probe is adjoined to the internal beam stop aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventors: Henrick K. Gille, Fritz A. Brauer
  • Patent number: 8893722
    Abstract: A surgical endoscopic cutting device includes cutting elements fitted in a protective tube. The device has an inlet for fluid, a discharge outlet for tissue and fluid, and a further outlet that discharges most of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Hans Emanuel