Abstract: A radiation device for therapeutic use in the human body allows the application of light waves to an affected area of the body. A bulb, preferrably a xenon bulb, produces light which is passed through a lens module having silicon and carbon granules therein. By applying different lenses to the device, a variation in the wavelengths of light and radiation applied to an area is achieved. The device has a pistol-like housing to allow for controlled application of the radiation.

Abstract: A side firing fiberoptic probe has an optical fiber with proximal and distal ends and the cladding is removed from its distal end portion. On the distal end of the core is a transparent reflector of generally cylindrical configuration and it is of larger diameter than and coaxial with the core. The reflector has a planar face at its opposite end which extends at an angle to the axis of the reflector and core. Extending about and sealingly engaged with the fiber distal end portion and the reflector is the cylindrical body portion of a transparent end cap. The cap has a closed end spaced from the planar face of the reflector, and it provides an atmospheric interface between the inner surface of its closed end and the planar face of the reflector and about the unclad distal end portion of the core. Light rays passing through the core fall on the planar face in a generally circular pattern and are reflected thereby at an angle of 50.degree.-90.degree. in a generally conical beam through the reflector and cap.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical system for performing a laser photorefractive keratectomy operation on a cornea for vision correction. The optical system comprises a laser source emitting a laser beam. The optical system also includes a beam processing subsystem for receiving and processing the laser beam for generating a processed laser beam suitable for performing the keratectomy operation. The optical system further includes an energy delivery subsystem including a continuous energy-delivery control device which may include time-varying movable slits, rotating diaphragms, or combination of lens system with moving screen, for optically controlling the energy delivered to different areas of the cornea by the processed laser beam for performing the vision correction.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide a solid-state laser device which can supply a laser beam pumped by a solid-state laser medium from the distal end of an optical fiber. In order to achieve this object, the solid-state laser device includes a solid-state laser device main body incorporating a semiconductor laser and a first optical system for shaping a first laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser; an optical fiber cable connected to the solid-state laser device main body and accommodating an optical fiber for guiding the first laser beam shaped by the first optical system; and a solid-state laser medium which is incorporated in the distal end portion, at the light exit side, of the optical fiber cable, and outputs a second laser beam by generating the first laser beam.

Abstract: Side fire laser catheter apparatus includes a fiberoptic element having a bevelled tip fused to a cap. A secondary reflector may be disposed adjacent to the fiberoptic element as fused to the cap for reflecting any axial transmission outwardly through the cap. A lensed flat may be provided on the cap through which the laser beam is reflected to control the scattering of the light energy from the laser.

Abstract: A handpiece for laser apparatus includes a handle having a proximal end connectible to a laser beam source, a distal end through which the laser beam is delivered to a working area, and a passageway connecting the proximal end to the distal end; and a mirror carried at the distal end of the handle and tilted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the passageway to deliver the laser beam to a selected point in the working area. The mirror is elongated along one direction to permit directing the laser beam along a beam axis intercepting the mirror at a first point and reflecting the laser beam to the working area, and to permit viewing the working area along a viewing axis intercepting the mirror at a second point thereof displaced from the first point in the elongated direction.

Abstract: A disposable fiber optic sleeve for attachment at the forefront of a surgical instrument. The sleeve is an elongated tubular shape and incorporates multiple fiber optic bundles for transmission of visible light to enhance intraocular visualization. Additional bundles of optical fibers may provide for the application of laser beam and video transmission to intraocular tissue. The sleeve is constructed of inexpensive plastic materials and is designed to be disposable after a single or several uses.

Abstract: A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam, and a mode distribution means for intercepting the output laser beam to control distribution of laser energy of the output laser beam across the perforation of the skin. A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam having an energy level between about 0.1 to about 2.

Abstract: A laser apparatus for medical treatment use in which a laser beam is irradiated on a portion of a human body to be treated comprises a laser beam generation unit for generating a laser beam of giant pulse, a laser beam guide member having one end through which the laser beam from the laser beam generation-unit is guided, and a hand piece attached to another end of the laser beam guide member and irradiating the laser beam to the portion to be treated. A beam converging point is formed within a laser beam propagating path formed in at least one of the light guiding means and the hand piece and a stay of air is prevented from a predetermined region in the laser beam propagating path including at least the beam converging point at which the air stays. The predetermined region is positioned within the hand piece or the laser beam guide member. The air stay is prevented by means of producing a vacuum state, gas seal state or air flow state in the predetermined region.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided to ensure efficient transmission of a light flux from a first optic element to a second optic element located close to but not in intimate contact therewith. This is accomplished by providing an intermediate element made of a light-transmissive conformable material which is disposed so as to be simultaneously pressed to both a light-transmitting surface of one element and a light-receiving surface of the second element. Selection of a suitable material for the conformable element ensures the desired optical transmissibility and intimate contact, and thereby significantly reduces Fresnel and other losses of the type normally encountered when two relatively hard optic elements cannot be placed in intimate contact with each other. Commercially available two-component silicone rubber materials are found to be suitable for forming the light-transmissive conformable optic element.

Abstract: An improved laser fiber assembly is provided which is capable of both effecting direct ablation of tissue or of effecting deep tissue coagulation. The fiber assembly is preferably provided with an orbicular tip for effecting direct ablation in a contact mode. Adjacent the orbicular tip is a cylindrical diffuser element which effects a cylindrical shaped emission pattern when the .orbicular tip is not in contact with tissue. The diffuser element is preferably protected with a covering, such as a teflon tubing element. Alternative embodiments use one or more cylindrical-segment diffuser elements in place of the cylindrical element. The fiber assembly is useful in a wide variety of surgical situations, and is particularly useful for treatment of benign prostatitis hyperplasia. The method of the invention includes the steps of bringing the tip of the dual action fiber assembly into contact with tissue to be ablated or adjacent tissue to be treated for deep tissue coagulation.

Abstract: An illuminator including a differential optical radiator and a laser fiber disposed within the differential optical radiator. The differential optical radiator includes a first region that has a first level of reflectivity and a first level of transmissivity and a second region that has a second, higher level of reflectivity and a second, lower level of transmissivity. The first and second regions are positioned such and their reflectivities and transmissivities are chosen such that the radiator produces a substantially uniform pattern of illumination from the first and second regions.In another embodiment, the illuminator includes an expandable radiator and a laser fiber disposed within the expandable radiator. The reflectivity of the expandable radiator is such that the illumination at the outer surface of the expandable radiator is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A probe for medical use includes a tip portion having a light energy input region for receiving light energy from a light source and a predetermined light energy output region whereby tissue subtended by the region may be irradiated by the light energy. The tip portion consists essentially of light propagating material having inclusions distributed therein and generally throughout the tip portion between the light energy input region and the light energy output region for interacting with the light energy to produce a predetermined light energy output pattern. The light propagating material is a light propagating inorganic compound.

Abstract: An applicator for treatment of an elevated internal ocular pressure by means of laser radiation has a handpiece, which releasably surrounds a fiber optic light guide on its exit side end. A sleeve portion is releasably connected to the exit side end of the light guide, a condensing optical element being provided in the sleeve portion, optically dimensioned and arranged in the sleeve portion at a distance from the exit side end of the light guide such that the applied laser radiation can be focused in the ciliary body of the eye on contact of the sleeve portion with the surface of the eye.

Abstract: The device of the present invention pertains to a modified medical laser delivery device with sideways directed radiation that can produce high power densities at a distance further away from the fiber, thereby enabling non-contact ablating procedures to be carried out with lower laser input power levels.

Abstract: A shapeable optical fiber apparatus includes an optical fiber, a support structure secured over a distal end portion of the optical fiber, and terminates in a lens at its distal end. The transition area between the lens and optical fiber is reinforced with a sleeve that is adhesively bonded to the lens and fiber. The shapeable optical fiber apparatus may be carried within an inflatable balloon dilation catheter, which may be used for balloon angioplasty after a laser cutting procedure using the shapeable optical fiber apparatus to remove a portion of stenosis in the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for photodynamic therapy of a dermal lesion located at a dermal treatment site on skin including the stratum corneum, transparent hydrogel for covering the dermal treatment site and containing hydration agent and photopharmaceutical, the transparent hydrogel couples the hydration agent to the stratum corneum to hydrate and soften the stratum corneum to enhance its optical transmissiveness to facilitate the transmission of light therethrough and to enhance its chemical transmissiveness to facilitate the transmission therethrough of the photopharmaceutical for treatment of the dermal lesion; and light delivery means are included for delivering light through the transparent hydrogel and the hydrated stratum corneum to photoactivate the photopharmaceutical to treat the dermal lesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a family of fiber optic laser 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 a fiber optic waveguide by an internally reflective surface. The invention is capable of coagulating, cutting or vaporizing tissue and may be useful in a wide range of surgical and non-surgical applications. A novel method for coagulating and then vaporizing or otherwise removing the coagulated tissue is also disclosed.

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 grooves 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 by irradiating an object tissue with laser lights transmitted through an optical fiber or fibers comprises a laser light reflector provided in front of the laser light emitting end of said optical fiber for reflecting the laser lights in a lateral direction of the apparatus, a covering which covers the reflector and is capable of transmitting the laser lights at least at the side portion thereof, wherein fluid is continuously supplied to a space between the covering and said reflector.

Abstract: A laser energy delivery catheter emits energy laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The catheter distal end is a cylindrical housing provided with a sidewall aperture. Within the housing is mounted a prism spaced from the distal end of a fiber optic. The refractive index of the prism is higher than the refractive indices of the fiber optic and the coupling liquid medium. A liquid medium is utilized to cool the device when in use, and may also be utilized to optically couple the fiber optic and the prism. The catheter can be configured as a rigid or semi-rigid, hand held surgical instrument, or as a flexible device that can be inserted into body lumens through an endoscope.

Abstract: An optical delivery device includes an optical fiber that receives an output beam of light from a light source such as a laser. The optical fiber includes a linear section, defining a longitudinal axis, and a curved distal end, with a curvature sufficient so that total internal reflection of the light around a bend is maintained and bending losses within the curved distal end are minimized. The curved distal end has a distal output tip that delivers substantially all of the output beam in a defined lateral direction from the longitudinal axis. The numerical aperture of the curved distal end is larger than the numerical aperture of the light in the linear section. The numerical aperture of the curved distal end can be increased by removing the fiber cladding and replacing it with a lower index material.

Abstract: A simultaneously generated caustic surface comprised of high energy photons is created for the purpose of ablating organic materials to within optical accuracies. The apparatus and method are principally for modifying, in vivo, the anterior cornea of the eye to effect refractive correction thereof. A catadioptric system in tandem with a continuously adjustable system of lenses provides a range of spherical or aspherical caustic curvatures throughout which range relatively uniform radiation intensity is maintained over the entire caustic. Ablation monitoring uses both visual and interferometric means; control is performed using interferometry in conjunction with a computer controlled excimer laser.

Abstract: A medical device and method are provided for generating deep coagulation necrosis as well as surface vaporization in the site of a body cavity. The device provides means for delivering laser energy from the side of the device while providing localized irrigation at its laser delivery port. Laser energy is delivered from a fiberoptic that is bent at its distal end and placed in a catheter body which includes an irrigation channel that terminates at the distal end of that fiberoptic. Deep coagulation necrosis is achieved by: a) placement under endoscopic guidance of the device in the body cavity, b) delivering a predetermined dose of laser energy to target tissue, and c) rotating the device continuously during laser delivery, with at least one revolution in one direction. After the coagulation session has been completed, a detachable heat-generating cap may be mounted at the distal end of the catheter in order to convert the direct laser energy into controlled thermal energy at the surface of that cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a family of fiber optic laser beam angle delivery devices for use in medical procedures such as a laser assisted transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and other applications, and more particularly, to such devices wherein the transmitted radiation is delivered through and at various angles to the central axis of an optical fiber by refraction or reflection off of a reflective insert or other reflective layer placed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the tip of the optical fiber, the tip assembly being encased by a quartz or other transparent material cap, the transparent cap being held secusely in place by an attachment means.

Abstract: An apparatus for ablating biological tissue having a deflectable ablation area including an elongated catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, and an elongated body portion. A plurality of optical fibers extend between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter. The distal ends of all of the plurality of optical fibers define an ablation area at the distal end of the catheter. The catheter includes a device for selectively deflecting the distal ends of all of the optical fibers so that at least a portion of the ablation area extends beyond an area defined by the cross-sectional area of the catheter while the amount of light energy over the entire ablation area remains constant.

Abstract: A disposable fiber optic sleeve for attachment at the forefront of a surgical instrument. The sleeve is an elongated tubular shape and incorporates multiple fiber optic bundles for transmission of visible light to enhance intraocular visualization. Additional bundles of optical fibers may provide for the application of laser beam and video transmission to intraocular tissue. The sleeve is constructed of inexpensive plastic materials and is designed to be disposable after a single or several uses.

Abstract: An endoscopic light delivery system for delivering light to tissue includes a laser source for generating light. Fiber optics encased in a plastic buffer are optically coupled to the laser source for conveying the light generated by the laser source. A tip member secured to the fiber optics positions a mirror adjacent to the light delivery end of the fiber optics. The mirror redirects light conveyed by the fiber optics in a direction lateral to the fiber optics. A heat resistant ring encircling the fiber optics near the light delivery end shields the fiber optics from heat to prevent the plastic buffer near the light delivery end from melting. A lateral extension of the tip member spaces the mirror and fiber optics away from tissue. A band with a circumferential groove encircles the light receiving end of the fiber optics. A connector having a bore is capable of receiving the light receiving end of the fiber optics in the bore and locking the band within the bore by engaging the groove with a locking device.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing an output beam from a laser system on a body which provides for a uniform fluence level throughout an entire treatment region. A first structure receives the laser beam and aims it along a propagation axis. A scanner scans the propagation axis of the laser beam at a controlled scan velocity, so that the laser beam essentially continuously scans a treatment pattern on the body. The treatment pattern can consist of an essentially straight line, or a ring, or other pattern which can be easily fitted together with other patterns to fill in a treatment area.The method includes the steps of:supplying a laser beam,directing a laser beam along a propagation axis to the body, andscanning the propagation axis of the laser beam at a controlled scanned velocity, so that the laser beam essentially continuously scans the treatment pattern on the body.

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 deflectable guidewire for a catheter includes a core extending from the proximal end of the guidewire toward the distal end thereof; a hollow sheath for encasing the core; the hollow core including a deflecting region at the distal end of the guidewire, the deflecting region having a first side and a second side, the first side being on an opposite side of a plane extending axially through the hollow means than the second side; the first side of the deflecting region being able to be compressed a greater distance than the second side of the deflecting region; the core being fixed to the hollow sheath at the distal side of the deflecting region; and a control handle mounted at the proximal end of the core and the hollow sheath for applying tension to the core with respect to the hollow sheath so that the tension causes the first side of the deflecting region to compress a greater amount than the second side, thus deflecting the deflecting region.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having a diode laser at the distal end of the instrument for cutting and/or coagulating tissue during an endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods for a circumferential laser and methods for using a circumferential burning laser are disclosed. The circumferential burning laser comprises a conical surface at the distal end of a probe of the laser which is coated with a highly reflective material such as gold. The conical, reflective surface is designed so as to direct the laser light which is emitted through the interior metal lumen of the laser probe so that the laser light is redirected perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the laser probe. This is in contradistinction to the typical laser probe wherein the laser light is directed longitudinally through the end of the laser probe. The laser light is provided by a carbon dioxide laser which is attached at the proximal end of the laser probe.The present invention also comprises methods for using a circumferential burning laser. The methods for using a circumferential burning laser involve placing the above-described laser probe in position relative to a target site.

Abstract: Laser surface ablation methods and apparatus are disclosed reprofiling surfaces astigmatically. An optical system includes cylindrically-powered elements to form an elliptical laser irradiation pattern on a target surface. By successively altering the area of the elliptical irradiation, an astigmatic, bi-powered ablation profile is achieved. Preferably, the invention is used with an excimer laser for excimer laser keratoplasty, keratomileusis or other ablative eye surgeries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the ablation of hard biological material, such hard dental material, using a rapidly pulsed laser employ a crystal or absorber film disposed in the propagation path of the laser radiation, the crystal or absorber film being disposed at the laser output and serving as an interface with an optical conductor which conveys the laser radiation to the treatment site. The crystal or absorber film smooths the time/intensity characteristics of the pulsed laser radiation to the extent that transmission to the treatment site using optical wave guides is possible. Additional protective features are provided to prevent the ablated biological material to destroy the exposed optical end surfaces of the treatment applicator. Additional design features improve the ergonomic efficiency of the handpiece and its ability to be sterilized.

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: The invention features a treatment method of deeply seated tissue and a corresponding medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a light guide adapted to transmit light energy of a selected wavelength from a light source to a selected volume of tissue, a conduit constructed to deliver a flow of coolant from a source of coolant to a surface of the selected tissue volume through which the light energy passes in reaching the volume. The irradiation and cooling is governed by control means adapted to regulate the intensity of the light energy in respect of the flow of coolant delivered to the surface to prevent substantial damage of surface tissue while irradiating the tissue volume.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for modifying the corneal curvature by irradiating the cornea to deliver thermal energy to the stroma. The system includes multiple irradiation ports for introducing electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength suitable for absorption in the stroma; positioning means, such as a hemi-spherical dome with several tracks for positioning the irradiation ports, respectively, at locations of a preselected geometric pattern relative to the pretreated cornea, the geometric pattern being selected to correspond to a desired modified shape of the cornea; transmission means adapted to deliver controlled amounts of the radiation from a radiation source to each of the irradiation ports; and the irradiation ports, positioned at the locations of the geometric pattern, constructed to introduce the radiation to treatment volumes of the stroma in a cooperative manner to induce desired shrinkage of the collagenous stromal tissue and cause change in the corneal curvature.

Abstract: A method for removing unwanted material in a body lumen, cavity or organ provides the steps of using an endoscope or other viewing system to position a suitably sized lateral-lasing fiber optic device axially at one or more places in a body lumen, cavity or organ and delivering a predetermined amount of light energy for a predetermined period of time laterally in one or more directions, while delivering a biocompatible fluid at a predetermined rate of flow. The distal end of the lateral-lasing fiber optic device includes a reflectively-coated metal tip, which is capable of directing, by reflection, the light energy from the optical fiber laterally from the longitudinal axis of the light energy carrying optical fiber and outwardly toward a target tissue region.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe and its use in performing a sclerostomy (forming a small hole in the sclera of an eye) as a treatment for glaucoma. The minimally dimensioned probe is designed to direct laser light out of its side and, as a result, allows a sclerostomy procedure to be performed with minimal trauma to the conjunctiva and other surrounding ocular tissues of the patient. A series of pulses of infrared laser radiation delivered through the side of the probe forms the hole in the sclera.

Abstract: A fiberoptic diffuser has an optical fiber having a light transmitting core, cladding about the core, and a buffer layer about the cladding. The core at the distal end portion of the fiber is exposed and a diffusing sleeve is disposed thereabout. A transparent cylindrical cap is disposed outwardly of the diffusing sleeve and overlies the exposed core, and a reflector is provided in the cap in axial alignment with the distal end of the core to reflect light rays exiting the core. The light rays exiting the core are reflected by the reflector and are refracted by the sleeve to exit through the cap over substantially the entire length of the exposed core.

Abstract: A fiberoptic diffuser for photodynamic therapy applications comprises an optical fiber having a light transmitting core, cladding about the core, and a buffer layer about the cladding. The distal end portion of the fiber core is free from the cladding and buffer layer, and the exposed distal end of the core has a conical configuration. A cap extends about the distal end portion of the fiber and has a spheroidal end portion of light diffusing material which extends about the exposed conical end of the fiber core. The cap also has a mounting portion engaged with the buffer layer of the fiber, and it provides a cavity in which the exposed core is disposed. Light rays passing through the fiber to its distal end are refracted outwardly at the conical end of the core into the spheroidal end portion of the cap and are further refracted by the cap to exit therefrom over substantially the entire surface of the spheroidal end portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical instrument. Specifically, a surgical instrument is disclosed which dispenses incising, transecting, or tissue treating energy to a body site or part undergoing an operation or treatment where energy is discharged from a conduit to effect the treatment. The disclosed instrument is inserted to an operative site that effectively rules out proximal manipulation of the instrument. Therefore, proximal insertion with subsequent distal manipulation excluding proximal side-to-side or up and down manipulation is disclosed. The disclosure further includes a deployable shield and is ideal for operative engagement to surgical sites on the body such as the carpal tunnel, tarsal tunnel, the wrist, temporomandibular joint, or scar tissue capsules forming around implants of the breast.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering radiant energy beams onto an area of a cornea in a line focus to create a linear incisions. The radiant energy beams may be focused in a linear configuration onto the external surface of the cornea or onto intrastromal areas of the cornea of an eye to ablate the cornea in a radial slot, circumferential curved slot, or lenticular pattern, and thereby modify its curvature and refractive power. The apparatus includes an array of central reflectors and an assembly of peripheral reflectors. Each central reflector is associated with a respective peripheral reflector so that a beam reflected by the central reflector is intercepted by its associated peripheral reflector and is again reflected to precisely incise either external or internal areas of the cornea. Each peripheral reflector has a curved reflective surface to provide a line focus on the cornea, including both rectilinear and curvilinear line focus to create radial and circumferential curved incisions.

Abstract: An improved side-firing laser fiber assembly is provided in which the output end terminates in a substantially flat face having an arcuate edge around the circumference thereof. The presently preferred fiber has a preferred diameter of about 1000 microns and is made from quartz, silica or a thermoplastic. A bend is preferably located approximately 1.5 millimeters proximally of the emitting face of the fiber, and has a preferred bend angle of about 135 to 145 degrees, resulting in a laser beam directed approximately 30 degrees off-axis of the main body of the optical fiber suitable for use in a non-contact mode to effect deep tissue coagulation and tissue necrosis. The configuration of the optical fiber minimizes burning and cracking typically associated with quartz fibers without the need for a protective metal cap.

Abstract: A medical device has a flexible light guide having a light energy input end adapted for connection to a source of light energy and a light energy output end. The output end outputs a beam of light energy. The device includes a tip for contacting tissue to be treated by the device and irradiating the tissue with light energy. The tip consists essentially of light-transmissive material and has a working region for contacting and irradiating the tissue to be treated. The working region of the tip includes sidewalls. The tip has a bore therein for receiving the output end of the light guide. The output end of the light guide is at least partially surrounded by the light-transmissive material, and is positioned relative to the light-transmissive material so as to define an interface therebetween. The interface is in proximity to and in thermally-conductive relationship with the working region of the tip so that heat energy generated at the interface significantly raises the temperature of the tip's working region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the ablation of hard biological material, such hard dental material, using a rapidly pulsed laser employ a crystal disposed in the propagation path of the laser radiation, the crystal being disposed at the laser output and serving as an interface with an optical conductor which conveys the laser radiation to the treatment site. The crystal smooths the time/intensity characteristics of the pulsed laser radiation to the extent that transmission to the treatment site using optical wave guides is possible. Additional protective features are provided to prevent the ablated biological material to destroy the exposed optical end surfaces of the treatment applicator. Additional design features improve the ergonomic efficiency of the handpiece and its ability to be sterilized.

Abstract: A laser delivery system which may be coupled to a stereomicroscope or camera equivalent, may be three dimensionally positioned such that a laser beam may irradiate a wide range of treatment sites from a variety of angles and distances, and where the laser beam may be positioned at an angle to the viewing axis and track along therewith. A laser delivery system including a filter/mirror system which allows only proper wavelengths to be transmitted.

Abstract: A submersible lens fiberoptic assembly for PDT treatment includes an optical fiber, a fiber jacket, a ball lens made of zirconia and a housing. This fiberoptic assembly is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and has a high quality of output light beam. A submersible lens fiberoptic assembly for PDT treatments is also disclosed which uses a hemisphere ball lens for treatment of areas inaccessible to a normal "forward looking" lens.

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. An introducer which fits snugly to the outside of the extended port,on may be utilized to ease the task of placing the contact tip within the surgical site and also to restrict loss of cooling liquids from the insertion incision.