Abstract: Applicator device for laser radiation wherein the end of the radiation conducting light-wave conductor faces toward the object to be treated and is mounted in a tube-like sleeve which is closed and transparent at the end for the laser radiation. The end of the sleeve and/or the end of the light-wave conductor are provided with a scattering device which includes a scattering volume. For this purpose, the application of the scattering medium can be adapted to the particular requirement.

Abstract: A slit incision handpiece that receives a circular laser beam, reshapes the beam to have an elliptical cross-section, and focuses the beam onto target tissue. Slit incisions of approximately the dimensions of the elliptical beam are formed by stationary exposures on the target tissue from the output of the slit incision handpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for distributing and delivering laser radiation with substantially uniform intensity to multi-spatial locations. Laser radiation is directed into a fiber optic waveguide which homogenizes the spatial intensity of the laser beam via mode-mixing. The laser radiation is then coupled from the mode-mixing waveguide to multiple distribution fibers that are terminated at desired spatial locations, e.g., at the distal end of a surgical tool. The output from each of the multiple distribution fibers is laser radiation of substantially uniform intensity.

Abstract: A dental instrument for treating teeth with a laser beam has an output by a transmission element arranged in the head part of the instrument. The instrument is supplied with a gaseous agent which is conducted at least at the application side across the optics, particularly across the optical boundary surface of the transmission element facing toward the light exit side and will then flow out of the head part into the beam exit direction.

Abstract: A laser device is provided for the co-axial positioning of plural laser beams of same or different wavelengths along a single axis. At least two laser oscillators are provided, each producing a laser beam. A rotary reflector is positioned for intercepting at least one of the produced laser beams and directing the intercepted laser beam separately from, but along a single axis defined by another laser beam.

Abstract: A catheter having an ultrasound transducer and associated electrically wiring conducted through a sidewall thereof and a plurality of optical fibers provided in the lumen of the catheter for conveying laser light from an external laser source to the tip of the catheter. The laser irradiation is angularly emitted from the tip of each optical fiber. The ultrasound and the laser are connected to a computer system which is used to display ultrasonic images of internal tissue areas within the patient's body and control firing of the laser in response to delimiting input from the physician.

Abstract: An operating assembly for use in a liquid operating environment includes a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a light reflecting tip mounted thereon for reflecting the light beam laterally. The tip includes a number of features which minimize undesired heating of the tip. The tip is preferably made of solid gold and has a reflecting mirror surface coined on the gold tip. A lateral flushing passageway is disposed through the tip and allows surrounding ambient liquid to flow across the surface of the mirror to aid in cooling the tip and to aid in keeping the mirror clean. The tip is preferably mounted on the fiber by crimping.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light angioplasty catheter and method for exposing the interior of a body lumen to a source of light. Light exposure may be accomplished prior to, during, or following conventional balloon dilatation. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for exposing a preselected portion of vessel wall to a source of light. Relatively low energy light exposure has been found by the inventors herein to both inhibit restenosis following dilatation of a stenotic region, and to inhibit vascular spasms whether or not associated with a stenotic region. It may also arrest progress of a stenosis. Methods are also disclosed for cooling the vascular wall to treat a stenosis. Cooling may be accomplished prior to, during, or following dilatation.

Abstract: An endarterectomy catheter for removing obstructions from an artery comprises a cylindrical housing, the housing having an opening across which a primary shear is movable. The primary shear is razor sharp and cylindrical and movable by means of a cable and trigger backward and forward within the housing to excise obstructions that protrude into the opening. A guide wire positions the catheter in an artery.The edge of the housing at the opening may be sharp to grip the obstruction and to assist in the cutting action of the primary shear. The shear is hollow and collects debris from the excised obstruction. Openings in the housing allow blood to pass through the body.A method of removing obstructions from an artery includes locating a housing in an artery with an obstruction protruding into an opening in the housing, moving a razor sharp cylindrical shear across the opening to excise the obstruction, encapsulating the excised obstruction in the housing, and removing the housing from the artery.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a laser cutting scalpel for use in medical and other applications, and more particularly, to such an apparatus wherein the transmitted radiation is delivered at an angle to the incident radiation source and tool. The invention is capable of coagulating, cutting or vaporizing tissue and may be useful in a wide range of surgical and non-surgical applications. The device has a firing tip which has an insert with a highly polished mirrored surface lying at a specific angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. Thus impinging laser radiation is reflected to the side and delivered at approximately a right angle to the fiber. The invention also features one or more cooling vents located in the firing tip itself resulting in a device less prone to failure during operation. The device can be positioned accurately with respect to depth of insertion of the fiber.

Abstract: A laser beam delivery system includes a fiber cord assembly connectable to a laser beam source; a probe connector assembly connectable at one end to the fiber cord assembly and having a socket at its opposite end for receiving, in a quickly attachable/detachable manner, a fiber probe to deliver the laser beam to a working site; and a fiber probe for insertion into the socket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for aligning and confining laser beam exposure to a defined target region of biological tissue during laser surgery by employing a floating lens which is mechanically coupled to a reference element, such as a target tissue securing assembly, in order to compensate for movements of the target during surgical procedures. The floating lens forms part of the imaging optics and, by its design, direct the laser beam to follow the movements of the target tissue regardless of translational movements of the target.

Abstract: A fistula is created in the sclera of a glaucoma patient by creating a passageway through the conjunctiva into the subconjunctival space of the patient. The passageway may be realized by an incision but is preferably realized as the inner lumen of a needle or sheath. One option for creating such an incision is to use an optical fiber shaped like a needle to create the incision. The passageway enables an optical fiber to pass into the subconjunctival space. Liquid is then infused into the subconjunctival space to raise the conjunctiva slightly to heighten maneuverability of the optical fiber within the subconjunctival space. The optical fiber is then positioned near a target sight on the sclera of the patient's eye. Laser radiation is transmitted down the optical fiber to create a fistula.

Abstract: An endoscope illumination optical system includes a spherical lens element and a divergent lens element, positioned in order from a circular light exit end of a light guide fiber bundle. The spherical lens element has a refractive index n satisfying the following conditions when sin=r/R:1.8 cos (.THETA./2)<n<2.2 cos (.THETA./2) andr<Rwhere r is the radius of said light exit end of said light guide fiber bundle; and R is the radius of said transparent spherical element.

Abstract: An apparatus for the isotropic irradiation of cavity walls includes in a first channel of a catheter a light conducting fiber which has a cortically shaped tip for deflecting a light beam radially outwardly through a transparent portion of the catheter and a resiliently expandable sleeve tightly disposed around the catheter and having its interior in communication by a second channel with a fluid supply for expanding the sleeve so as form a light scattering structure whose scattering characteristics are adjustable dependent on the degree of sleeve expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a family of fiber optic laser beam angle delivery devices for use in medical and other applications, and more particularly, to such an apparatus wherein the transmitted radiation is delivered through and at various angles to the central axis of an optical fiber by reflection off of a combination of surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a laser surgical tool comprises an elongate substantially hollow sheath having a pair of spaced apart axially extending guide members on a distal end and an attaching mechanism on the second end for ready attachment to a laser knife. The attaching mechanism is a grooved surface permitting rotation of the elongate sheath about its longitudinal axis which is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the laser knife. A second attaching mechanism comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart, radially inwardly extending protuberances which matingly engage corresponding dimples on the laser knife preventing rotation of the sheath about the longitudinal axis. For use with laser knives having a bent elongate center portion, the sheath includes a separately rotatable guide sheath tip for rotation of that portion of the sheath between the bend in the elongate center portion of the laser knife and the distal end thereof, including the laser lens.

Abstract: An illumination device for use in surgery on the human body has a optical fiber which terminates distally in a bullet-shaped tip. The tip has an exterior surface which is a surface of revolution of a predetermined curve about the longitudinal axis of the tip, the predetermined curve having a first proximal segment, a second intermediate segment, and a third distal segment. The first segment has tangents substantially all of which make less than a first predetermined angle with the longitudinal axis. The second segment has tangents substantially all of which make angles with the longitudinal axis which are greater than the first predetermined angle and less than a second predetermined angle. The third segment has tangents substantially all of which make angles with the longitudinal axis which are greater than the second predetermined angle. A method of manufacturing the tip is disclosed as well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for making a laser balloon catheter (10) having a diffusing tip (24) for propagating a uniform cylindrical pattern of laser energy. Included in the catheter are an elongated flexible tube (12) with an inflatable balloon (14) connected to the tube and means for inflating (16) and deflating (18) the balloon. A central channel (20) is disposed within the balloon and coupled to the tube. An optical fiber (22) with the diffusing tip at its distal end delivers laser radiation through the balloon to tissue to be treated. The method comprises the steps of etching the distal end of the optical fiber to form an etched portion thereof, cladding the etched portion with a medium which secures the optical fiber to the central channel, and microballoons which diffuse the laser radiation radially from the optical fiber, thereby substantially avoiding axial propagation and heating of blood forward of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for radiating high intensity energy at a subject for treating diseases such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis and a method for using the same. A radiation source generating radiation at a predetermined output wavelength transilluminates affected tissues of the subject for a predetermined duration. The radiation source has sufficient intensity and is applied for sufficient duration to photolyze disease-specific antigens within the transilluminated tissues responsible for evoking complex immune response, thus reducing inflammation and disease progression.

Abstract: An eye stabilizing mechanism for use with a computer controlled ophthalmic laser system includes a base on which the ophthalmic laser system is mounted. A frame is slidingly mounted on the base, and the frame is connected to the base by a linear spring. A contact lens is fixedly attached to the frame and an object lens is slidingly mounted on the frame. An object lens activating device is also fixedly attached to the frame, and this device is connected to the object lens to move the object lens in accordance with preprogrammed instructions from the computer. Thus, while contact is maintained between the surface of the eye and the contact lens, the object lens can be moved by computer control to move the focal point of the laser system through selected eye tissue. Also, any movement of the frame, due to movement of the eye, is opposed only by the substantially constant force which is established by the linear spring between the base and the frame.

Abstract: A laser light irradiation apparatus used for medical treatment of living tissue. According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a probe and a plural number of optical fibers. The optical fibers surround the axis of the probe. Laser light goes through each optical fiber and is applied to the probe. Then, the laser light is emitted from the probe to be uniformly irradiate the tissues, and if desired, against the tissues over a broad area. Further, a guide wire and/or a lead wire for detecting a temperature can be placed so as to be coaxial with the probe. Therefore, a perforation of a normal part of the blood vessel can be prevented.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for correction of optical defects in vision, employing an infrared radiation source and a focusing element, for changing the curvature of the eye by application of focused infrared radiation into the collagenous tissue of the cornea in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Laser light apparatus for medical treatment to permit amputations, incisions, vaporization of living tissues of an animal such as a human body, thermal therapy and the like. This apparatus consists of a laser light generator, a laser light transmissive probe system and a laser light transmitting system. The laser light transmissive probe system is provided with an opposed pair of laser light transmissive probes. The opposed pair of probes can be controlled by a medical operator so as to be moved into or out of contact with each other at their laser light emitting portions. Laser light is transmitted to the opposed pair of probes from the laser light generator through the laser light transmitting system. Then, a target area of living tissues is pinched by the opposed pair of laser light transmissive probes so as to be disposed between the opposed pair of laser light emitting portions.

Abstract: A laser system for reprofiling a surface, such as the corneal surface of an eye, comprising a laser and a photoreactive mask disposed between the laser means and the surface for providing a predefined profile of resistance to laser radiation, such that, upon irradiation of the mask, a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed and another portion is transmitted to the surface, in accordance with the mask profile, to selectively erode the surface. The mask can be connected to the support structure and disposed in optical alignment with the laser means and the surface. The mask can be directly integrated with support structure attached to the surface or spatially separated from the surface and imaged onto the surface. In one preferred embodiment, the mask includes a transparent matrix and light-absorbing dispersoids selectively distributed within the matrix, such that the dispersed elements are progressively bleached by exposure to the laser radiation.

Abstract: A medical or dental handpiece for the performance of laser radiation treatments, composed of: an elongate housing constructed to be held in the hand, the housing having a radiation delivery end and enclosing a chamber which is adjacent the radiation delivery end; a radiation conducting element disposed in the housing for conducting laser radiation from a laser source into the chamber and toward the radiation delivery end; and a gas flow path in the chamber for guiding a flow of cooling gas through the chamber in a direction from the radiation conducting element toward the radiation delivery end.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for the correction of presbyopia by means of corneal surface modelling by photo-ablation, of the type which uses a laser beam (16) (excimer laser) which is masked with a special mask (5) in such a way as to strike surfaces (19) of the cornea (3) in a sickle-shape configuration and located in proximity to the lower area of the pupil rim (20), on which surfaces (19) a removal action of very small-thickness uniform tissue layers is effected.

Abstract: Removal of body tissue with a long pulsed lasers is achieved such that sufficient energy to remove tissue is transmitted to the desired body without damaging an optical fiber transmitting the laser radiation. Pairs of pulses having the same or different wavelengths are coupled to more effectively remove tissue from the surgical site.

Abstract: The invention contemplates controlled ablation of the cornea, using ultraviolet laser radiation, wherein irradiated flux density and exposure time are so controlled as to achieve desired depth of the ablation. Sculpturing action results from precharacterized distribution of flux density across the cross-section of laser-beam projection, in the context of beam size, at cornea incidence, to match the area to be ablated, and the duration of exposure determines the extent of curvature change. Illustrative techniques and situations are disclosed, for myopia correction, for hyperopia correction, and for astigmatism correction.

Abstract: A beam delivery apparatus, including a set of focusing mirrors (or transmissive lenses) mounted along an endoscope channel. A laser beam can be focused into an input end of the channel with a smaller F number (wider cone angle) than is possible in a conventional endoscope. As the beam propagates down the channel, it is reflected (or transmitted) a finite number of times by the focusing elements. The focusing elements act as a periscope to focus and refocus the beam as it propagates along the channel, with little loss of beam power. The invention enables delivery of the beam to the channel's distal end with a smaller F number than can be achieved using a conventional endoscope. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of reflecting strips are mounted the channel, the surface of each strip defines six focusing mirrors, and the beam undergoes a total of twelve reflections from the mirrors as it propagates down the channel.

Abstract: A lens exchanger for a laser surgical tool is disclosed. This lens exchanger installs easily between the coupler for the laser source and the surgical tool (such as a laparoscope). The lens exchanger protects the lens on the surgical tool from contamination by water vapor, smoke and debris. The lens exchanger can be configured to provide clear windows so the surgeon can conveniently switch to a clean lens during surgery as needed. The lens exchanger can also be configured with lenses that change the focus of the laser cutting beam, making the cutting spot more or less focused as required by the particular application.

Abstract: A laser treatment device provided with a laser light source, a laser-light transmitting optical fiber for transmitting laser light output from the laser light source and a probe for guiding the laser light transmitted by the laser-light transmitting optical fiber to an object to be irradiated. Further, the probe is constituted by a laser-light guiding optical fiber separated from the laser-light transmitting optical fiber. Moreover, a cooling chamber for cooling the optical fibers is provided in the neighborhood of an output end of the laser-light transmitting optical fiber, from which the transmitted laser light is output, and an input end of the laser-light guiding optical fiber, from which the laser light output by the laser-light transmitting optical fiber is input to the laser-light guiding optical fiber. Thereby, a medical treatment of a deep part of an affected or diseased region can be achieved without worsening the state of the exit of the laser-light transmitting optical-fiber.

Abstract: A photocoagulator for guiding a semiconductor laser beam to an eye to be treated for a photocoagulation operation. The photocoagulator comprises a main device for incorporating first semiconductor laser light sources, an auxiliary device for incorporating second semiconductor laser light sources, an optical fiber for guiding to the auxiliary device output beams from the first semiconductor laser light sources incorporated in the main device, a combining optical element disposed in the auxiliary device for combining the output beams from the first semiconductor laser light sources and the output beams from the second semiconductor laser light sources into a combination beam, and a beam guide optical system for guiding the combination beam combined by the combining optical element to the eye to be treated. The photocoagulator having such an arrangement is made compact and can emit a laser beam having a sufficient energy level.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser apparatus has a proper exit angle from a probe to prevent a sclera from being damaged when the probe is used to treat an eye of a patient. A laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator is directed to a light cable receptacle connector by an optical system. The laser beam is directed to a delivery optical system or a probe by a light cable having a connecting part at one end thereof to be connected to the light cable receptacle connector. The probe is bent near an end thereof and the end of the probe is generally spherically shaped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing damage to an optical fiber used as part of a laser radiation delivery system are disclosed. The apparatus includes the use of a spacer positioned adjacent the tip of the fiber to minimize the impact on the fiber tip of debris and vapor generated by exposure of a tissue target to high energy radiation. The end of the apparatus is configured to vent debris and vapor from the end of the tip to reduce damage. The fiber tip may also be annealed to enhance its resistance to damage. The buffer material may also be stripped from the delivery end of the fiber so that the inner diameter of the outer support can be narrowed. An epoxy resin is injected into the space between the uncoated fiber and the support to stabilize the fiber and prevent it from bending. The delivery end of the fiber can also be enlarged to shield the remainder of the fiber from debris and vapor.

Abstract: The present invention involves a medical delivery system capable of emitting radiation with wavelengths between 190 nm and 16 um in one or more essentially directed, predetermined patterns. It includes at least one solid optical fiber, having a core and a cladding on the core. The cladding has a refractive index smaller than the core, having an input end suitably configured to connect to an appropriate radiation source and having a distal end in the proximity of which two or more grooves are penetrating into the core. The gooves have at least partial reflector capability so as to deflect radiation thereto radially in one or more predetermined patterns. The invention also includes methods of performing medical procedures utilizing the aforesaid device.

Abstract: A laser light irradiation apparatus for medical treatment of living tissues, a preferred embodiment, comprises a laser light emitter and plurality of optical fibers. The fore end portion of each optical fiber is exposed to form an exposed light emitting core. The exposed cores are surrounded by a clad-material serving as the laser light emitter in order to reduce power loss of the laser light. Also, since there is no space between the emitting face of the optical fiber and the impinging face of the emitter, a cooling fluid is not required to pass through. The laser light is emitted from the emitter to irradiate uniformly against the tissues, and if desired, against the tissues having a broad area. Further, a guide wire and a lead wire detecting a temperature can extend coaxially through the emitter. Therefore, a perforation of a normal part of the blood vessel can be prevented. To provide a more uniform power level distribution of the laser light, the optical fibers at the base portions are twisted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for highly localized treatment of biological tissue by a laser includes a micropipette having a tip with a central opening having a diameter of less than about 10 microns. The micropipette is mounted on an articulated arm for precision motion with respect to tissue to be treated. Gas is supplied to the micropipette to prevent the entry of liquid, and laser light supplied through the articulated arm is directed into the pipette. The pipette is positioned in X, Y and Z directions with respect to the tissue to control the location and depth of treatment.A protective window may be positioned at the tip of the micropipette to prevent the entry of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful handpiece for use in connection with a orbicularly tipped contact surgical laser. The handpiece has a handle portion and an extended portion. The handle portion is sized for comfortable handling and is of sufficient strength to accommodate the stresses incident to use in rigorous applications such as orthopedic surgery. The extended portion is connected to the handle portion, and is sized so as to be inserted into the surgical site. The extended portion of the handpiece is adapted to enclose and support the orbicular tip of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus and method for marking a cornea of a patient's or donor's eye in transplanting surgery or keratoplasty, and in incising or excising the corneal tissue in keratotomy, and for tissue welding and for thermokeratoplasty. The noncontact laser microsurgical apparatus comprises a laser source and a projection optical system for converting laser beams emitted from the laser source into coaxially distributed beam spots on the cornea. The apparatus further includes a multiple-facet prismatic axicon lens system movably mounted for varying the distribution of the beam spots on the cornea. In a further embodiment of the method of the present invention, an adjustable mask pattern is inserted in the optical path of the laser source to selectively block certain portions of the laser beams to thereby impinge only selected areas of the cornea.

Abstract: A laser beam guiding fiber comprising, in a tip portion of an optical fiber, an oscillating member which oscillates the tip of the optical fiber along a direction which intersects an axis of the optical fiber can irradiate a wide range with laser beam, since the tip of the optical fiber oscillates by means of the oscillating member along the direction which intersects the axis of the optical fiber and the irradiated position with the laser beam reciprocates periodically with the oscillation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of aspirating vapors during laser surgery couples a vaporizing device with a source of vacuum. The apparatus includes an aspiration connector insertable into the vaporizing device and coupled to an optical waveguide disposed along a bore of the device. An aspiration pathway extends along with the optical waveguide in the bore of the vaporizing device forming a compact single passageway vaporizing device with aspiration capability. Vacuum control points are provided along the aspiration pathway to adjust the vacuum at an end where the vapors are formed.

Abstract: A laser system applies energy of the proper wavelength to the cornea of the eye and the stroma of the cornea is thereby heated and changes permanently, causing the shape of the cornea to change. Laser treatment patterns are disclosed for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatisms.

Abstract: A laser catheter includes an elongated tubular catheter body, one or more optical fibers extending through the catheter body and a catheter window mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. The optical fibers direct laser energy through the catheter window for removal of biological material. A diffraction grating is formed on the proximal surface of the catheter window in alignment with laser energy from the optical fibers. The laser energy is modified by the diffraction grating to provide a desired spatial distribution pattern. Preferably, the diffraction grating provides a diverging beam suitable for forming a hole in an obstruction, the hole having a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the catheter. The diffraction grating enables formation at the distal end of the catheter of a beam pattern having an elliptical or other noncircular cross section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing light at an angle provides an optical fiber with a bevelled end which internally reflects light or refracts light from the bevelled end at an angle to the fiber's axis depending on the bevelled angle. The apparatus also includes a cylindrical probe for surgical applications having a central bore and a cut-out in a side of the probe near one end. The cylindrical probe may have a sharp tip at the one end for penetrating tissue. The optical fiber having a bevelled end is insertable into the cylindrical probe. The bevelled end of the optical fiber is aligned with the cut-out in the cylindrical probe. Light transmitted through the optical fiber is directed from the bevelled end and through the cut-out to provide light at an angle to the axis of the fiber. A bevelled end plug is positioned adjacent to the bevelled end of the fiber. A housing holds the optical fiber and cylindrical probe and limits axial travel. An aspiration connector is coupled to the optical fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in removing atherosclerotic plaque deposits in a blood vessel comprises a high power laser, an elongated, flexible catheter adapted to be inserted into and advanced through the blood vessel, a plurality of circumferentially arrayed optical fibers extending axially through the catheter, and an ultrasonic transducer at the distal end of the catheter for transmitting acoustical energy toward a selected area of the inner surface of a blood vessel in response to laser energy coupled through any one of the optical fibers and impinging upon the transducer. A detector proximal of the ultrasonic transducer is responsive to ultrasonic energy reflected from the blood vessel and produces a signal indicative of the tissue interfaces of the blood vessel. Laser energy can be transmitted from the high power laser through the same optical fiber used for the diagnostic procedure to ablate plaque in the blood vessel.

Abstract: A medical laser delivery system is disclosed which includes a laser generating a high power, pulsed, treatment beam. The beam is coupled to an optical fiber which is placed adjacent to a tissue site immersed in a fluid medium. The wavelength of the laser light and the energy of the pulses is selected so that the fluid medium will be quickly vaporized creating a vapor bubble around the end of the fiber. The end surface of the fiber is angled in a manner such that after the vapor bubble is formed, the laser output will be totally internally reflected at the end surface and be redirected out of the side of the fiber.

Abstract: A fiber-optic probe for soft-tissue laser surgery such as angioplasty comprising a section of an optical fiber having a beam-inlet end (23) and a beam-outlet end (22) and composed of a beam-propagating core (18) and a cladding (19) a part of which is removed in the form of openings (20, 21) through which a portion of the laser beam leaves the fiber-optic probe and is directed laterally to the longitudinal axis 34 of the fiber to the operation site. The intensity distribution of the outgoing beam can be controlled by selecting a required pattern of distribution of the openings.

Abstract: A catheter arrangement and associated method provides for the application of a cell treatment agent, such as genetic material or drugs to be inserted within the cells of a patient in vivo. The catheter arrangement uses an optical fiber having a prism at its tip. Laser energy from the optical fiber is directed by the prism through a window portion on a side of the catheter. The window portion has a plurality of holes so as to divide the laser energy into a plurality of microbeams. The microbeams porate cell walls of the patient's cells. A treatment agent channel in the catheter allows the treatment agent to be provided directly to the same holes through which the microbeams pass such that the treatment agent is very efficiently applied to the porations in the cell walls.

Abstract: A midinfrared laser tissue ablater having an Er:YAG radiation source optically connected to a first end of a fiber optic cable, a probe with a handle and a bifurcated cannula having a first half and a second half and a generally closed, hollow tip having an opening opposite the handle, a fiber optic integrally and coaxially mounted in the probe, optically and mechanically connected to a second end of the fiber optic cable and terminating at a free end in an interior of the hollow tip, the free end having a coating with a hole so that a pulse of radiation emitted by the radiation source is directed through the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic to the free end where the pulse of radiation is reflected by the coating out the hole in the coating and into the opening in the tip, an irrigation source connected to the first half of the cannula and an aspiration source connected to the second half of the cannula.