Abstract: A catheter tip apparatus arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of a light-energy signal to permit subsequent computerized analysis of body tissue by the collected signal. The apparatus comprises an elongated housing supporting a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface. The first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. A first flexible, elongated energy bearing delivery fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the first reflective surface. A second flexible, elongated energy bearing collection fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the second reflective surface. The housing is rotatably supported on a flexible catheter sheath for insertion of the catheter into a mammalian body for tissue analysis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: Method to apply photo-stimulation, photo-dynamic therapy and/or ablation laser treatment to biological tissue including directing radiation from at least one radiation energy source for supplying a treatment radiation; adjusting a collimator assembly for directing radiation from the at least one radiation energy source to the treatment site; collecting radiation not absorbed at the treatment site and reflecting the radiation back to the treatment site, while a contact surface of the collector is engaged with the surface of the biomass; maintaining a set distance between the adjustable collimator assembly and the contact surface; and moving a lens relative to an outlet aperture of the adjustable collimator assembly when the collector is adjusted to thereby produce a given spot size, shape or energy density of the treatment radiation emitted from the adjustable head assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for applying radiation to the retina of a patient. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a radiation source for generating a radiation beam suitable for absorption by retinal pigment epithelial cells. One or more optical components are included to direct the beam onto the retina. A scanner is optically coupled to the radiation source to control movement of the beam in two dimensions to allow a scan over the retina. A controller applies control signals to the scanner to adjust beam movement to illuminate a plurality of retinal locations in a temporal sequence according to a predefined pattern. The device can be operated in one mode to effect selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelial cells, or in another mode to effect thermal photocoagulation of the retina.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation instrument capable of removing blood from a treatment area is provided. The instrument includes a catheter configured to deliver a distal end thereof to a patient's heart. The instrument can also include an expandable element coupled to the distal end of the catheter wherein the expandable member is configured to be positioned adjacent a target area thereby defining a treatment area between the expandable member and the target area. Further, the instrument can include an irrigation mechanism configured to dispense an irrigation fluid from the catheter thereby displacing blood from the treatment area. Additionally, the instrument includes an energy emitter configured to deliver energy to tissue within the treatment area. The instrument can also include a contact sensor configured to determine the presence of such blood within the treatment area. Methods for ablating tissue are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.

Abstract: Switching power supplies made in accordance with the disclosed technology drive flash lamps of dermatologic treatment devices to emit a sequence of relatively small light pulses that are aligned with particular locations within the waveform of the AC line source. Such power supplies not only enable sufficient light energy in aggregate to therapeutically heat target chromophores in a skin region without causing undesired damage to surrounding tissue, but also provide the added benefit that the corresponding electrical energy need not be substantially drawn from any charged capacitor. The disclosed power supply further compensates for performance degradation of the flash lamps during their usable life, by modifying its operation based on predetermined values that are indicative of flash lamp aging/efficiency characteristics. The flash lamps and their associated stored values are preferably incorporated into a replaceable cartridge that facilitates user maintenance of the dermatologic treatment device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, use non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).

Abstract: Optical energy-based methods and apparatus for sealing vascular tissue involves deforming vascular tissue to bring different layers of the vascular tissue into contact each other and illuminating the vascular tissue with a light beam having at least one portion of its spectrum overlapping with the absorption spectrum of the vascular tissue. The apparatus may include two deforming members configured to deform the vascular tissue placed between the deforming members. The apparatus may also include an optical system that has a light source configured to generate light, a light distribution element configured to distribute the light across the vascular tissue, and a light guide configured to guide the light from the light source to the light distribution element. The apparatus may further include a cutting member configured to cut the vascular tissue and to illuminate the vascular tissue with light to seal at least one cut surface of the vascular tissue.

Abstract: The invention involves a device and a procedure for refractive laser surgery on a target object. With the aid of a laser beam source, an fs-impulse laser beam is generated. A second laser beam source generates a UV laser beam. A shared scanner device utilises the fs-impulse laser beam and the UV laser beam for the scanning of the target object.

Abstract: In a fractional treatment system, an adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment. Illustrative examples of adjustable mechanisms include a set of spacers of different lengths, a rotatable turret with lens elements of different focal distances, an optical zoom lens, and a mechanical adjustment apparatus for adjusting the spacing between two optical lens elements. In one aspect, the fractional treatment is configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue decreases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1480-1640 nm).

Abstract: A strain sensing assembly implements thermal management and/or temperature measurement techniques to adequately mitigate against and compensate for temperature changes in optical fiber strain sensors of a distal end of a catheter. In one embodiment, the distal end of the catheter includes an end effector such as an ablation head that introduces significant thermal temperature changes proximate the distal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, a plurality of temperature sensors is utilized for accurate determination of each of a plurality of optical fiber strain sensors. In other embodiments, a single temperature sensor may be utilized by implementing thermal management techniques that adequately reduce temperature differences between the single temperature sensor and the plurality of optical fiber strain sensors.

Abstract: A method and device used for treating body cells affected by abnormal cell growth or by oncogenic viruses. In particular the invention relates to photonic device for treating gynecological problems comprising at least one light source incorporated into the irradiation head or into the hand piece or as a external unit connected by light guide. The light source used in the photonic device has a LED, Laser or lamps. This photonic device is used for treating a subject having unwanted cell proliferation, example dysplasia of the portio and/or cervix with Photodynamic therapy (PDT). The advantage of using LED device is, for its radiation safety, cost effectiveness and is easy to handle compared to laser system. A drug applicator is also described which is employed for homogenously application of photoactive drug in the affected area.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a laser beam aligning unit comprising an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve arranged inside the outer sleeve such that a laser beam may be guided through an inner chamber thereof in a direction of an area of material to be treated. A laser treatment device may comprise the laser beam aligning unit and/or a distribution device for distributing an ectoine solution.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: A device for achieving high vacuum stability during phacoemulsification surgery includes a main aspiration line connected to a vacuum source which enables a fluid flow from a phacoemulsification handpiece tip to a drainage reservoir. A first tubing segment is provided in the main aspiration line along with a second tubing segment generally parallel to the first tubing section and a valve disposed in the second tubing segment regulates fluid flow through the second tubing segment in order to limit vacuum surge in the main aspiration line upon clearing of an occlusion in the phacoemulsification handpiece tip.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and method for the removal of diseased cells during surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for applying radiation to the retina of a patient. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a radiation source for generating a radiation beam suitable for absorption by retinal pigment epithelial cells. One or more optical components are included to direct the beam onto the retina. A scanner is optically coupled to the radiation source to control movement of the beam in two dimensions to allow a scan over the retina. A controller applies control signals to the scanner to adjust beam movement to illuminate a plurality of retinal locations in a temporal sequence according to a predefined pattern. The device can be operated in one mode to effect selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelial cells, or in another mode to effect thermal photocoagulation of the retina.

Abstract: A surgical device based on the concept of controlling the laser power during laser surgery based on optical and other signals from the tip and the tissue is described. A laser surgical system generally comprises several basic components, such as a laser, a delivery system, a tip and a control system. A tip may be considered as a particular case of a thermo-optical tip (TOT). TOT is an optical and mechanical element which could be used to modify or treat soft and hard tissues, including cutting, coagulation, vaporization, carbonization, and ablation of tissues.

Abstract: An eye surgical instrument, comprising at least one optical fiber for lighting of the interior of the eye, which at least one optical fiber, at a free end thereof, is provided with a light exit and with a stop situated at a distance from the free end, which stop defines an insertion part situated between the end and the stop, and at an other end is connectable to a light source, while the stop forms a separate element which is arranged so as to be slidable along the at least one fiber.

Abstract: An ultrashort pulsed laser instrument is used to perform refractive surgery. The invention operates in ablative and incisional modalities. In the ablative mode, spiral ablation disks (10) consisting of individual laser pulses (40) are produced at high scanning speeds. Ablation profile (11) may be produced in cornea (22) by stacking and arranging multiple ablation disks (10) to produce a specified shape change. Placement of ablation disks (10) is assisted by an optical tracking and control system that compensates for eye motion. A preferred embodiment allows for ablative corrections to be performed on non-planar posterior surface (112) of a laser cut flap affixed to registration platen (120), thereby avoiding exposing the eye interior to high radiant power. Laser cut and contrast agent dyed fiduciary marks (30) may serve as reference features for the optical tracking system. Incisional procedures, such as corneal flaps for LASIK, may also be performed.

Abstract: A method of laser processing of materials and specifically laser induced ablation processes for laser removal of material by impulsive heat deposition (IHD) by direct and specific excitation of short lived vibrations or phonons of the material in such a way as to not generate highly reactive and damaging ions through multiphoton absorption. The heat deposition and ensuing ablation is achieved faster than heat transfer to surrounding tissue by either acoustic or thermal expansion or thermal diffusion. The deposited laser energy is channeled into the ablation process to drive the most efficient ablation process possible with minimal damage to surrounding areas by either ionizing radiation or heat effects.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laser perforation apparatus including a laser light oscillator for emitting laser light that radiates skin, and a protection member 4—disposed on an optical path taken by the laser light as the laser light is emitted from the laser light oscillator and reaches the skin. The protection member 4—covers a laser light emitting portion in the laser light oscillator and includes plural laser light transmission portions permitting transmission of the laser light. Preferably, the protection member 4—is configured to be movable in a direction intersecting a transmission direction of the laser light.

Abstract: A side fire optical device comprises a cap member, a sleeve and a fiber optic segment. The cap member comprises a closed end section, a tube section having a bore, and a transmitting surface. The sleeve is received within the bore of the tube section. The sleeve includes a bore and an exterior surface that is fused to a surface of the bore of the cap member. The fiber optic segment comprises an exterior surface that is fused to a surface of the bore of the sleeve, and a beveled end surface that is positioned adjacent the transmitting surface of the cap member. The beveled end surface is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic segment such that electromagnetic radiation propagating along the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic segment is reflected by the beveled end surface at an angle that is transverse to the longitudinal axis and through the transmitting surface of the cap member.

Abstract: A catheter with a fluorescent temperature sensor is shown and described. The catheter includes a lumen, a fiber-optic cable that extends through the lumen. A distal end of the fiber-optic cable is coated with a fluorescent material and a proximal end of the fiber-optic cable is connected to a console. The console includes a light source for transmitting light through the fiber-optic cable for exciting the fluorescent material. The console further includes a photo multiplier tube for converting light emitted by the excited fluorescent material to a plurality of analogue voltage signals. The console further includes a digital oscilloscope linked to the photo multiplier tube for converting the plurality of analogue voltage signals to at least one digital signal. The console further includes a processor linked to the digital oscilloscope for converting the at least one digital signal to a temperature value for the distal end of the fiber-optic cable.

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: A handpiece for treatment of the surface of a target tissue with at least one light beam is provided, the handpiece including a housing, at least one light source for generating at least one light beam, an opening for allowing the emission of the at least one light beam out of the housing and towards the target surface, a mechanism for controlled displacement of the at least one light source to move the at least one light beam across the target surface; and a controller for controlling the mechanism. A method is provided for treating a tissue surface with a light beam that includes directing a light beam towards the tissue surface, focusing the light beam at the tissue surface so that the focal point is positioned proximate the surface of the tissue so that the diameter of the light beam is smaller at the surface of the tissue than below the surface.

Abstract: A fractional treatment system can be configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue increases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1390-1425 nm). Desirably, the laser wavelength is primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water and has a thermally adjusted absorption coefficient within the range of about 8 cm?1 to about 30 cm?1. An adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. The system may be designed to be switchable between a treatment mode that is semi-ablative and a treatment mode that is not semi-ablative. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber comprising a waveguide with an input for coupling focused laser energy into the waveguide and communicating electromagnetic radiation in a propagation direction to an internally reflective tip of the waveguide, a tissue contacting surface wherein the light path from the reflecting surface to the transmitting surface in substantially homogenous in refractive index and cooled by fluid flow. In minimizing the variations in refractive index within the lateral light path, while providing active cooling directly below the tissue contact surface, the invention prevents internal reflections and beam distortion and greatly improves the efficiency and durability of the laterally directing probe. Free rotation of the tissue contact surface, about the lateral tip, may be provided and tissue vaporization efficiency may be improved by providing a morcellating tool on the tissue contact surface.

Abstract: A jointed mirror arm includes at least two tubular pieces, connected to each other by a joint with a reflecting mirror, which, as a result of the joint, may be arranged in varying configurations and which form a beam path for the radiation, with a fixed inlet on a first tube piece for the introduction of radiation from a stationary optical source and a position different from the position of the inlet for the outlet from the intermediate joint arm on a final tube piece for emitting said radiation. The jointed mirror arm is characterized in that a scanner for the radiation is arranged before the inlet into the intermediate jointed arm and an optical imaging system is provided in the at least two tube pieces of the intermediate jointed arm, for imaging the scanner after the output from the intermediate jointed arm.

Abstract: The illumination system described below comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: A method for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be ‘treated with the radiation includes delivering the radiation onto the tissue in a treatment-spot having a polygonal shape such as a rectangle or a hexagon. The polygonal shape is selected such that a region of the tissue to be treated’ can be completely covered by a plurality of such shapes essentially without overlapping the shapes. The radiation to be delivered is passed through a lightguide having a cross-section of the polygonal shape. Radiation exiting the lightguide is projected onto the tissue via a plurality of optical elements to provide the treatment-spot.

Abstract: A therapeutic device has a first chamber that retains an oxalic ester solution, and a second chamber that retains a hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution. The therapeutic device is activated by causing the oxalic ester solution to mix with the hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution, which produces chemiluminescent light for treating a wound.

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 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: 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 device is disclosed usable for low level laser therapy to induce a photochemical reaction (non-heating) which is used in the treatment of conditions like tendonitis and other soft tissue injuries, wound healing and pain relief. The arrangement proposed will allow the device to be a Class I laser device thus providing long term minimization of the running costs of the device. The device includes a laser generating means (10) for generating a laser beam (14), the laser generating means (10) having an apparent source size and homogenising means (12) for modifying the laser beam (14) for modifying the apparent source size of the laser beam (14).

Abstract: The invention involves a device and a procedure for refractive laser surgery on a target object. With the aid of a laser beam source, an fs-impulse laser beam is generated. A second laser beam source generates a UV laser beam. A shared scanner device utilizes the fs-impulse laser beam and the UV laser beam for the scanning of the target object.

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 safety system providing a system for checking the presence, focus and integrity of a laser beam focusing lens is disclosed. The laser safety system checks the focusing lens properties by capturing an image of a target by viewing the target through the focusing lens from along the laser beam path. An initial, known good, image is compared to an image captured immediately before enablement of the laser beam source to determine if the focusing lens is present, focused and is not damaged. The system may also utilize a mask projected onto the target as well as a low-power visible light laser directed along the path of the processing laser to determine the focusing lens properties. The system can also provide target recognition.

Abstract: A skull cutting device for cutting a skull by means of laser comprises a body for emitting the laser introduced from a laser oscillator through an optical fiber from an exit opening arranged at a distal end thereof, a contact portion arranged in the body to determine the posture of the body such that a predetermined distance is set between a surface of the skull and the exit opening by touching the surface of the skull in a predetermined mode, a support bar of a predetermined length extending from the body toward the emitting direction of the laser while avoiding the optical path of the laser (R), and a light interception board arranged at a distal end of the support bar to block farther advance of the laser by interfering with the laser beam path.

Abstract: A therapeutic device has a first chamber that retains an oxalic ester solution, and a second chamber that retains a hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution. The therapeutic device is activated by causing the oxalic ester solution to mix with the hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution, which produces chemiluminescent light for treating a wound.

Abstract: A laser surgical apparatus for performing treatment by irradiating a part to be treated by a laser beam is disclosed. This apparatus includes a laser source which emits the treatment laser beam; a multi-articulated arm for delivering the treatment laser beam emitted from the laser source, the arm including a plurality of light delivery pipes, a joint part for jointing the light delivery pipes, the joint part being rotatable with respect to at least one of the pipes jointed by the joint part, a reflection mirror disposed in the joint part; and a surgical instrument is connected to an end of the arm and used for irradiating the treatment laser beam delivered therein through the arm to the treatment part.

Abstract: A laser perforator for perforating skin of a patient and obtaining of blood samples consists of laser light source for producing an output laser beam, a focusing arrangement for focusing the output laser beam at a skin area selected for perforation, a guiding arrangement, a power supply unit and a retaining arrangement for retaining the skin area. The retaining arrangement is formed to intensify blood circulation in the skin area selected for perforation.

Abstract: A method for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be ‘treated with the radiation includes delivering the radiation onto the tissue in a treatment-spot having a polygonal shape such as a rectangle or a hexagon. The polygonal shape is selected such that a region of the tissue to be treated’ can be completely covered by a plurality of such shapes essentially without overlapping the shapes. The radiation to be delivered is passed through a lightguide having a cross-section of the polygonal shape. Radiation exiting the lightguide is projected onto the tissue via a plurality of optical elements to provide the treatment-spot.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to ablate tissue and provide lesion qualitative information on a real time basis, having an ablation tip section with a generally omni-directional light diffusion chamber with one openings to allow light energy in the chamber to radiate the tissue and return to the chamber. The chamber is irrigated at a positive pressure differential to continuously flush the opening with fluid. The light energy returning to the chamber from the tissue conveys a tissue parameter, including without limitation, lesion formation, depth of penetration of lesion, cross-sectional area of lesion, formation of char during ablation, recognition of char during ablation, recognition of char from non-charred tissue, formation of coagulum around the ablation site, differentiation of coagulated from non-coagulated blood, differentiation of ablated from healthy tissue, tissue proximity, and recognition of steam formation in the tissue for prevention of steam pop.

Abstract: A method for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be treated with the radiation includes delivering the radiation onto the tissue in a treatment-spot having a polygonal shape such as a rectangle or a hexagon. The polygonal shape is selected such that a region of the tissue to be treated can be completely covered by a plurality of such shapes essentially without overlapping the shapes. The radiation to be delivered is passed through a lightguide having a cross-section of the polygonal shape. Radiation exiting the lightguide is projected onto the tissue via a plurality of optical elements to provide the treatment-spot.

Abstract: A system for treating a selected dermatological problem and a head for use with such system are provided. The head may include an optical waveguide having a first end to which EM radiation appropriate for treating the condition is applied. The waveguide also has a skin-contacting second end opposite the first end, a temperature sensor being located within a few millimeters, and preferably within 1 to 2 millimeters, of the second end of the waveguide. A temperature sensor may be similarly located in other skin contacting portions of the head. A mechanism is preferably also provided for removing heat from the waveguide and, for preferred embodiments, the second end of the head which is in contact with the skin has a reflection aperture which is substantially as great as the radiation back-scatter aperture from the patient's skin.

Abstract: An operating room magnifier is adapted to utilize an operating room light source and may be sterilized to allow use on a sterile field. The magnifier comprises a base, a neck, and a lens frame. The lens frame holds a lens and receives a light connected to the light source, providing a light beam to an object held under the magnifying glass. The light source may be a known fiber optics light source commonly used in operating rooms, or a special dedicated light source. The magnifier is particularly useful in identifying microsurgical instruments.

Abstract: A catheter tip for delivering laser light energy to create lesions extending to a depth of several millimeters in tissue includes an elongated, flexible housing. A reflector is oriented longitudinally in a channel the housing. A side emitting optical fiber diffuser, extending the length of the reflector, is held at a fixed separation from the reflector. The reflector and the side emitting diffuser are configured and spaced to provide a convergent beam directed through the tissue under treatment. Reflector curvature may be circular or elliptical in cross section, or other selected shape. The diffuser and reflector relative positioning being selected to place the beam focal point (or image) at a predetermined lateral distance from the reflector preferably not closer than the far wall of the tissue under treatment. Temperature probes are provided to monitor the temperature gradient through the tissue thickness. Optionally cooling and/or irrigation fluid are provided.