Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical assemblies having thin, low profile shapes. These optical assemblies may be used with fiber coupled lasers and other light sources, including high power sources, to irradiate tissue at a wavelength suitable for inducing ablation or coagulation to a target depth, denaturation, thermal modification of a tissue, and/or preferential injury to a target tissue structure. Example optical assemblies can produce substantially uniform illumination patterns that are useful for treating superficial tissue, including the internal or luminal (e.g., esophageal) tissue. Some examples may have capability for cooling superficial tissue or skin, such as a detachable, reusable heat sink for active cooling without consumables, fluid pumps, or other cooling equipment.

Abstract: A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation.

Abstract: A flexible infrared delivery apparatus useful for endoscopic infrared coagulating of human or animal blood and tissue or for other uses employs a source of infrared radiation which is not a laser and an elongated flexible fiber optic member which transmits radiation from the source to a contact portion at a distal end of the member and to a material such as human or animal tissue proximate the contact portion. The elongated member has an outer diameter which enables it to be inserted into and through an accessory channel of an endoscope to view the human or animal tissue or material to be treated with infrared radiation. A connector on the proximal end of the member allows the elongated member to be quickly connected to and disconnected from the apparatus where the member is aligned for receiving infrared radiation from the source. The contact portion defines a size, direction and shape of a radiation delivery area from the member to the human or animal tissue or material proximate the contact portion.

Abstract: An optical fiber treatment system is provided for high power laser transmission to an area of medical treatment. A side fire optical fiber tip for use in high power laser applications having outputs of greater than or equal to 50 Watts is a key to the system. Embodiments are particularly appropriate for the medical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with a side fire optical fiber tip using a Holmium:YAG laser or a high power diode laser. Such procedures can be done with only local anesthesia. A predetermined length of an output tip on the distal end of the optical fiber of the present invention is formed with an optical fiber core and cladding layer of preselected thickness wherein the cladding to core diameter ratio is at least as great as 1.1. A side fire surface is formed on the distal end of the core/clad output end.

Abstract: An illuminated laser probe primarily designed for ophthalmic surgery provides both illumination light to a surgical site and laser light to the surgical site. The probe has an elongate handle with a tubular tip extending from a distal end of the handle. A length of illumination optic fiber and a length of laser optic fiber extend through the handle and the tip. A mechanism is provided on the handle at a position where the mechanism can easily be manipulated by a finger of a surgeons hand holding the handle. The mechanism is operatively connected with the laser optic fiber and is manipulated to selectively extend a distal portion of the optic fiber from the instrument tip and retract the distal portion of the optic fiber back into the instrument tip.

Abstract: A fiber optic device includes an optical fiber passing through a handpiece that defines an internal passageway with an apertured endwall at a distal end of the passageway. A portion of the optical fiber is disposed within the passageway, and a stop member, such as a rigid sheath, within the passageway is attached to the optical fiber. An indexing member releasably engages the rigid sheath to maintain the rigid sheath at a predetermined position within the passageway. The rigid sheath preferably contains a series of index positions for incrementally adjusting the position of the sheath within the passageway. The rigid sheath is slidably mounted in the passageway and is configured to interfere with the endwall when the rigid sheath is released for movement within the internal cavity to its final position within the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. In one embodiment a deflectable sheath catheter includes an elongate catheter body having proximal and distal ends, the distal end having a distal tip region that includes a plurality of flexible segments with varying degrees of stiffness. A handle portion can be located at the proximal end of the catheter body to provide a steering mechanism that causes the distal tip region to deflect according to a compound curve.

Abstract: An elastic structure is introduced percutaneously into the left ventricle and attached to the walls of the ventricle. Over time the structure bonds firmly to the walls via scar tissue formation. The structure helps the ventricle expand and fill with blood during the diastolic period while having little affect on systolic performance. The structure also strengthens the ventricular walls and limits the effects of congestive heart failure, as the maximum expansion of the support structure is limited by flexible or elastic members.

Abstract: A cannula for a liposuction device includes an energy source for liquefying, emulsifying or softening fatty tissue near a tip end. The energy source can provide laser energy through a fiber optic cable, or can provide energy such as RF, ultrasound or IR/UV/Vis energy from a laser diode or the like. Fat is emulsified, liquefied or softened by the energy emitted from the cannula and is removed by aspiration through a series of holes disposed in the outside wall and at the distal end of the cannula. In a power assisted embodiment, the openings in the cannula shear or cut neighboring fat tissue. The tip of the cannula can be heated to promote skin tightening.

Abstract: A medical laser system and related methods of monitoring optical fibers to determine if an optical fiber cap on the optical fiber is in imminent danger of failure. The laser system includes a photodetector for converting returned light from the optical fiber cap to an electronic signal for comparison to a trigger threshold value known to be indicative imminent fiber cap failure. The returned light can be the main laser treatment wavelength, an auxiliary wavelength such as an aiming beam or infrared wavelengths generated by a temperature of the optical fiber cap. In the event the electronic signal reaches the trigger threshold value, the laser system can be temporarily shut-off or the power output can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for applying energy to an object (2), wherein the apparatus (1) comprises an energy emitting element, a temperature sensor and a tube (6), in which the energy emitting element and the temperature sensor are locatable. The energy emitting elements is adapting for applying energy to the object (2) and the temperature sensor is adapted for sensing the temperature of the object (2). Both, the energy emitting element and the temperature sensor can be guided to a location of the object (2), at which the energy is to be applied.

Abstract: A device is provided for improved surgical procedures to remove unwanted or hyperplasic tissue from a patient. In particular, laser ablation, urological treatments, benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments and other applications benefit from the device. Specially prepared optical waveguide tips allow for enhanced irradiation of desired tissues with light sources including laser diodes, bright LEDs or lamps. The refractive indices of the waveguide materials and the surrounding medium are such that a significant fraction of the optical radiation, being transported in the waveguide, is coupled out of the waveguide into the surrounding medium through a peripheral surface at or near the distal end. The optical radiation is chosen to have an appropriate wavelength and sufficient power density, so that the surrounding medium will be changed in the vicinity of at least a part of the peripheral surface area.

Abstract: A laser perforation device that has a simple structure and with which pain to a person in skin perforation is reduced. In the device, a laser beam emitted from a laser emitting device (33) is branched into laser beam paths by splitters (170a, 170b, 170c) and mirrors (171a, 171b, 171c) and pierces skin (13) by applying the split beams to the same position (177) on the skin (13). Since the skin is pierced by a laser beam with a low output, pain to the person can be reduced.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for ablation, incision, and/or coagulation of biological tissue, the surgical apparatus comprising: at least one high intensity light emitting diode (LED) light source for producing a light beam with high power density; and an optical system for delivering said light beam to be absorbed by the biological tissue. The power density of the light beam is above a predetermined threshold level to increase a temperature of the biological tissue and cause a transformation for at least one constituent of the biological tissue for ablation, incision, and/or coagulation of the biological tissue.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for producing SuperContinuum (SC) light for medical and biological applications is provided. Pulses are focused from a laser system into at least one of a pressurized cell and one or more fibers. A pump pulse is converted into the SC light at a specified rate of repetition. The SC light is applied at the specified rate of repetition to tissue for medical and biological applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser handpiece 1, an exchangeable fiber-optic insert 10, and a control unit 70 therefor. The laser handpiece 1 comprises a optical waveguide 35, which is connected to a light coupling site in a base member 21 and in which the application element 10 for laser light is exchangeably attached to the base member 21. The base member 21 is mounted in a sleeve-type grip 3 for axial displacement therein. The light guide 10 can be wound around a control device 70 which has an annular gap 73 for this purpose and a lower housing part 75 which is offset from an upper housing part 74. An exchangeable fiber-optic insert 10, 27 acting as an application element is provided with a sleeve 80 serving as protection during transportation and as an assembling tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handpiece for radiating light onto a skin surface during a medical or cosmetic skin treatment. An optical coupling element (6) is provided in said handpiece (1). The light entrance surface (8) of said coupling element faces towards a light source, while its light exit surface (5) is in contact with the skin surface (2) during the skin treatment. The invention provides that the coupling element (6) of a handpiece (1) of this type consists of a bundle of light guides which end in the light entrance surface (8) and in the light exit surface (5) and which are in such close lateral contact with each other, at least in their end sections, that there are no optically ineffective intermediate spaces.

Abstract: A laser probe including a handpiece and a rigid cannula fixed to the handpiece to prevent relative translational movement-therebetween. An optical fiber for delivering laser energy is supported for translational movement relative to the handpiece. A slidable button is fixed to the optical fiber via a rigid sleeve such that the button and optical fiber move together in the same direction during operation. The fiber may be selectively positioned relative to the button to cause the button to act as a visual indicator of the direction in which the fiber will extend from the cannula. The button may be specially configured with an enlarged head portion to enhance grippability and smooth operation of the button.

Abstract: A cutting device that uses electromagnetic energy to create a cutting effect on or within a target surface is disclosed. The cutting device includes an optic guide and three or more nozzles located on a body member. The nozzles direct a volume of particles of air and liquid away from the body member, and the volume of particles of air and liquid can facilitate one or more of a disruptive effect and a cooling effect on the target surface. Energy emitted from the optic guide can interact with the particles to impart disruptive forces onto or within a target surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for the treatment of soft tissue. The apparatus includes a light source and at least two optical assemblies. Each of the optical assemblies includes at least one optical element and a light-transmitting contact surface configured to transmit a substantially uniform distribution of light therethrough. The apparatus further includes at least two optical transmission devices each disposed between the light source and a corresponding one of the at least two optical assemblies. The apparatus also includes a handpiece to which the at least two optical assemblies are attached, and which is adapted to bring the light-transmitting contact surfaces of the at least two optical assemblies in contact with soft tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A high-efficiency, wide-angle illumination surgical system is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam; an optical element, optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and scattering the light beam to illuminate an area, wherein the optical element comprises a compound parabolic concentrator (“CPC”) cone; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element. The optical element can be a small-gauge, diffusive optical element comprising a sculpted distal end of the optical fiber or a machined or injection-molded plastic CPC-cone.

Abstract: An assembly for alignment of a sterile, releasably locking optical tip assembly housing an optical fiber connection to a laser surgical device includes a conductive wire sensing element A second embodiment includes an emitter and a detector.

Abstract: Consistent with the present invention, a tube is provided that contains both a sensing and a laser delivery fiber to the target area. The length of the tube can be varied to any desired length. The end portion of the tube includes a second piece, which is a cap having two through holes or passages. These holes can be formed by standard machining or micromaching methods. The first hole can accommodate the sensing fiber, while the second hole contains the laser delivery fiber. The first and second holes extend in first and second directions, respectively, and form an angle therebetween such that the sensor fiber viewing area is within the radiation area created by the laser delivery fiber. Accordingly, the sensor fiber receives energy emitted from a central portion of the radiation area so that the temperature of the exposed tissue can be accurately determined.

Abstract: Disclosed are radiation systems and methods, including a system that includes a waveguide to direct radiation from a first radiation source, a covering to cover at least part of the waveguide and one or more optical fibers embedded in the covering to direct radiation from a second radiation source. Also disclosed is system that includes a hollow waveguide assembly including a proximal portion and a distal portion that can be coupled to the proximal portion at a coupling area, the hollow waveguide assembly being configured to direct radiation from a first radiation source to an output port at a distal end of the distal portion of the hollow waveguide assembly, and a coupling unit to couple into the distal portion of the hollow waveguide assembly radiation from a second radiation source and the radiation from the first source delivered through the proximal portion.

Abstract: A satellite platform facilitates the dividing of a laser system into functional modules, and operates to provide one or more of the functional modules directly into (e.g., closer toward) a user's operational space. In a typical implementation, the satellite platform pairs two or more of the functional modules into a combination and places it in the user's operational space. The two or more functional modules can be two of the major components of the laser-system user interface, namely, the handpiece and the control panel. The combination is provided by way of the satellite platform directly into the user's operational space, while part, all, or a majority of, the laser system may remain away from the use's operational space (e.g., on the wall, on the counter-top or at the walk-way). A particular embodiment of the satellite platform takes the form of an articulated arm similar to that used for components in conventional dental chairs.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a double bevel-cut shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side-fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.

Abstract: An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a fiber optic end having a non-cylindrical shape and further including a reflector surrounding a portion of the fiber optic end. The reflector is shaped to direct laser energy emitted from the fiber optic end in a direction away from the laser handpiece and toward a treatment site.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a non-cylindrical shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side-fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of BPH, including a laser diode module for generating laser radiation with a peak wave length in the range of 920 to 960 nm and an average output power of more than 200 W. The device can operate in a continuous wave mode and can include an optical application fiber for guiding the laser radiation generated with the laser diode module to human prostate tissue such that a spot size of laser radiation at the human prostate tissue is between 0.8 mm2 and 1.5 mm2, and a penetration depth of the laser radiation in the human prostate tissue is between 3 mm and 6 mm. The device is capable of creating a thermally damaged layer with a thickness between 3.5 mm to 6 mm. The invention also includes a corresponding method with a high three dimensional vaporization rate and a method for ablating tissue.

Abstract: A surgical laser probe includes a handpiece having a proximal end for receiving an optical fiber into a centrally located throughhole, and a distal end through which the centrally located throughhole extends and varies in diameter. An end portion of a stainless steel tube is rigidly secured within the hole in the distal end of the handpiece. An end portion of a polyimide bendable tube is secured to the free end of the stainless steel tube. A slideable finger pad is installed in a slotway of the handpiece and rigidly secured to one end of a Nitinol wire. The optical fiber is extended through the handpiece, the stainless steel tube, and into the bendable tube, with the free end of the optical fiber terminated at the free end of the polyimide bendable tube.

Abstract: An invasive laser acupuncture includes a first semiconductor laser connected to a first optical fiber acupuncture and providing red-based laser beam with the first optical fiber acupuncture; a second semiconductor laser connected to a second optical fiber acupuncture and providing a green-based laser beam with the second optical fiber acupuncture; and a driving circuit independently driving the first semiconductor laser and the second semiconductor laser in a continuous mode or a pulse mode by a switching operation. Since red and green lasers can independently be driven in the continuous mode and the pulse mode, the red and green laser can easily be adopted in a reinforcing and reducing treatment method in traditional oriental medicine. In addition, by using a metal-coated optical fiber acupuncture, the optical fiber acupuncture is injected directly into meridian pathways provided under an epidermal layer, such that it is possible to efficiently transmit a laser beam without loss.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy, and in particular laser energy, to a tissue includes a protective quartz cap that is secured to a laser delivery fiber by a crimp sleeve. The fiber may have a conical tip, and the quartz cap may be secured to the crimp sleeve by a layer of epoxy.

Abstract: Methods and instruments are disclosed for creating lesions in tissue, especially cardiac tissue, for treatment of arrhythmias and the like, by employing an elastic balloon and an energy emitter, which is independently positionable within the lumen of the instrument and adapted to project a series of spots of ablative energy through a transmissive region of the balloon to a target tissue site. The energy emitter preferably is configured such the spots of energy result in a series of lesions formed in the target tissue region when the emitter is activated, the lesions having an average area ranging from about 5 mm2 to about 100 mm2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a treatment device. The treatment device includes a treatment tip that includes one or more members with contacting surfaces to contact a target area, the tip being mechanically coupled to a body member. The tip also includes one or more heating elements placed on at least one of the one or more members of the treatment tip, the one or more heating elements configured to be heated by laser radiation and to direct heat to treat at least a portion of the target area.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that includes a modifiable fiber structure adapted to operate in at least two configurations such that in a sideways-firing configuration the fiber structure is adapted to emit radiation in a substantially sideways direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the fiber structure, and in another, axial-firing, configuration the fiber structure is adapted to emit radiation in a substantially axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the fiber structure. Also disclosed is another apparatus that includes a guide tube disposed within a scope, the guide tube configured to be advanced to a position near an area to be treated so that the scope can be advanced along the guide tube to the position near the area to be treated. The guide tube is further configured to receive a treatment instrument to perform a treatment procedure on the area to be treated.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a non-cylindrical shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side-fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.

Abstract: Output optical energy pulses having relatively high energy magnitudes and short durations are combined with optical energy pulses having relatively low energy magnitudes and long durations.

Abstract: A laser energy soft tissue aspiration device comprises a cannula defining an aspiration lumen and having one or more aspiration inlet ports at a distal end. A laser energy transmission guide delivers laser energy from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end which can be inserted to a tissue removal site within a patient. Reciprocating longitudinal motion of the cannula along with suction provided within the lumen can cause soft tissue to be suctioned into the lumen for removal. Laser energy contained within the lumen and directed by an optical delivery system can ablate soft tissue pulled within the lumen. The optical delivery system can further protect the terminal point of the laser energy transmission guide, from which, the laser energy can be delivered.

Abstract: A cannula includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a cannula axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A lumen is disposed along at least a portion of the cannula between the proximal end and the distal end, and an energy output is configured to ablate a target surface, the energy output having a longitudinal axis and a tissue-disrupting distal end that is disposed within the lumen near the distal end. The tissue-disrupting distal end is configured to direct ablating energy in a direction toward the distal end of the cannula. The cannula axis and the longitudinal axis are concentric, and a region between the tissue-disrupting distal end and the distal end of the cannula is fixed and further can be transparent to a wavelength of energy emitted from the energy output.

Abstract: Various devices for ablating tissue in a lateral direction and methods of operation thereof. One embodiment of such a device includes: (1) an elongated body configured to carry ablative energy from an ablative energy source associated with a proximal end to a distal end and (2) a distal tip located at the distal end, the distal tip configured to deliver the ablative energy in a direction substantially lateral to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, a system, and a method for removing kidney stones from the urinary system of a patient with reduced pain and expenses. The system includes expandable, elongated balloon sheaths that deliver and retrieve forceps and a urethral sparing prosthetic stent. The stent is reconstrainable with interwoven nylon strands that are strategically positioned amongst the struts to ensure smooth collapse for removal. An atraumatic coating of PTFE or PET lining on the stent extends from the struts through the tip of the penis to assist patients in passing stones while the stent is in place at the bladder neck. The stent can stay in place for several days while permitting urine drainage. The basket-shaped forceps device has multiple curved, rigid arms to dilate the urethra and capture occluded or embedded stones with a built-in camera. The method is for removing stones through a protected urethral canal.

Abstract: A light diffusing tip is provided. The light diffusing tip comprises a housing and a monolithic light scattering medium disposed within the housing. The monolithic light scattering medium comprises a first scattering region at a first position, the scattering region having a first scattering property and a second scattering region at a second position, the second scattering region having a second scattering property different from the first scattering property, wherein the first scattering region and the second scattering region are coextensive along a substantial portion of a length of the housing. A light diffusing applicator also is provided. The light diffusing applicator comprises at least one optical waveguide, a first termination coupled to a first end of the at least one optical waveguide, the first termination to couple to a light source and a light diffusing tip coupled to a second end of the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: An illumination device is described containing optical fibers that transmit electromagnetic energy from a source to a target. Additional optical fibers return reflected electromagnetic energy from the target. High-level electromagnetic energy can be used for cutting, reforming, or treating a surface. Low-level electromagnetic energy illuminates the surface.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery light transmitting apparatus has an optic fiber having a flexible length with a light source connector mounted on one end of the optic fiber and the opposite end of the optic fiber being adapted to be mounted to an ophthalmic surgery instrument to provide illumination for the instrument. The cross-sectional area of the optic fiber transitions as it extends from the end connected to the light source connector to the opposite end of the optic fiber. The optic fiber transitions from a larger cross-sectional area of the optic fiber at the light source connector to a smaller cross-sectional area of the optic fiber at the opposite end.

Abstract: A disposable hand piece can be attached at the end of a laser beam delivery assembly. The hand piece can be longitudinally tapered and generally wedge-shaped in its width and slightly bent so as to form a tool which can be comfortable grasped by a Dentist for purposes of more accurately controlling the laser beam applied through the laser hand piece. The hand piece can include an internal means to supply fine mist of air and water for cooling of the treated area. The hand piece is constructed of inexpensive plastic materials and is designed to be disposable after a single use.

Abstract: A device and method are presented that allow for accurate insertion, positioning and withdrawal of a laser fiber/catheter for minimally invasive laser treatment by utilizing a single mark in the form of a continuous spiral on either a fiber jacket or a catheter (introducer) or both. Viewed from a fixed position the frequency of the appearance of the line can be used to regulate the speed of withdrawal either manually, automatically or through a combination of both, i.e., visual speed feedback and manual withdrawal, automatic speed feedback and manual pullback or automatic feedback and withdrawal. The distal spiral end terminates preferentially in a circumferential loop at some distance back from the distal tip of the catheter or fiber jacket to serve as a safety marker to indicate when to stop lasing during withdrawal to prevent accidental exposure of the patient or attending hospital personnel.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for navigating through bone. In one embodiment, a bone navigation device is provided and includes a bone penetrating member configured to be implanted in bone and having at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough. The optical waveguide is adapted to illuminate tissue surrounding the device and to receive reflected/transmitted light from the tissue to determine the optical characteristics of the tissue, thus facilitating navigation through the tissue. At least one window can be formed in the bone penetrating member for allowing light from the at least one optical waveguide to illuminate the tissue, and for receiving the reflected light.

Abstract: An orthopedic device in the form of an unloading osteoarthritic knee brace has proximal and distal frame members with a flexion-extension hinge positioned between the proximal and distal frame members. At least one articulating free hinge is positioned in an upright between the flexion-extension hinge and one of the proximal and distal frame members. The free hinge provides free rotation of the proximal or distal frame member about the anteroposterior axis with respect to the flexion-extension hinge.

Abstract: A biological photometric device includes a light irradiating unit for irradiating an object to be examined with light having a predetermined wavelength and sympathizing with oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin through an optical fiber, a light detecting unit for detecting and amplifying light passing through a detecting optical fiber and the object as detected signals, a signal processing unit adapted for computing hemoglobin time change information based on oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin in the object from the detected signals light detecting unit, and including a noise detector for arithmetically processing the detected signals and determining/detecting whether the time change information is noise attributed to the presence of obstacles to passing of light between the object and the end face of the optical fiber or noise attributed to the damage to the light irradiating unit, and a display unit for displaying the noise signals.