Abstract: A laser fusion welding device includes a 1.9 ?m laser light source, a control unit and a light spot adjusting device. The control unit is configured to control the laser light source and the light spot adjusting device to adjust a laser power density at an object to be subjected to fusion welding. The 1.9 ?m laser light source has output power of 100-500 W. The control unit includes a time control unit, a power control unit and a light spot control unit. The time control unit is configured to control a turn-on time of the laser light source. The power control unit is configured to control the output power of the laser light source. The light spot control unit is configured to control the light spot adjusting device to adjust a size of a light spot at the object to be subjected to fusion welding.

Abstract: An optical numerical computation method obtains operands that have respective values, and modulates light sources to output light at amplitudes proportional to the operands. The light output for a given operand depends on whether the operand is positive or negative. The positive operands are output at wavelengths different from the negative operands. For operands that have multiple digits, the digits are separately treated so that the least significant digits are modulated with light sources at one frequency, and the most significant digits in two-digit numbers are modulated at another frequency, with positive and negative operands modulated at different frequencies. The light from the light sources enters a light collection cavity where it is sensed with sensors that generate resultant outputs at values indicative of the sensed light value.

Abstract: A dental laser treatment system may include a laser source providing a laser beam, and a focusing device to produce a laser beam having a waist. The focal length and waist of the laser beam are selected to achieve a depth of treatment that is at least 5 mm long, and has a power density of at least a minimum power density required to perform a selected treatment on dental tissue. In some instances, the focal length is 25 mm or greater.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual fractional laser instrument, which comprises: an positioning cannula, the positioning cannula being a hollow tube with openings at both ends so as to locate a lesion site and define a path of the laser; a beam combiner component, the beam combiner component being a hollow tube with openings at both ends, and a side opening is provided on a side of the beam combiner component, wherein one end of the beam combiner component is connected to one end of the positioning cannula; a camera connected to the beam combiner component by the side opening to image the lesion site; a laser scanning component connected to another end of the beam combiner component for generating a laser beam used to scan the lesion site according to the image of the lesion site; and a control system connected to the laser scanning component and the camera, respectively.

Abstract: A laser system includes a collimator configured to output a collimated laser beam, a support member to which the collimator is mounted, and a linear rail along which the support member is movable in a first dimension such that the collimator, mounted to the support member, and the collimated laser beam, outputted from the collimator, are movable in the first dimension. The laser system further includes a lens positioned downstream of the collimator and configured to direct the collimated laser beam to a target location on a specimen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for diagnosis and treatment via laser-treated skin and, more particularly, to devices, systems, and methods for inducing leakage or rupture of one or more blood vessels comprising the dermis for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Other aspects of the present disclosure can include methods for detecting one or more target analytes in a dermis of a subject, methods for facilitating skin-to-blood delivery of agent in a subject, and methods for collecting a fluid sample from the dermis of a subject.

Abstract: Small diameter tools are provided, and methods of use described, to facilitate less invasive surgical procedures employing laser beams. Such tools include distal tips that enhance the precise placement of optical waveguides, as well as enable cutting and dissecting procedures. A rotary coupler allows precise control of flexible conduits in which waveguides may be disposed. Waveguide tips with conical features protect waveguide ends and allow unobstructed propagation of the laser beam out of the waveguide. A preferentially bending jacket for waveguides may be used to control an orientation of a waveguide disposed therein. Surgical waveguide assemblies may include various combinations of these components.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ophthalmic microscope system includes an illumination system, a pair of light-receiving systems, and an irradiation system. The illumination system is configured to irradiate a subject's eye with illumination light. Each of the light-receiving systems includes a first objective lens and a first imaging device, and is configured to guide the illumination light returning from the subject's eye to the first imaging device through the first objective lens. The objective optical axes of the light-receiving systems are not parallel to each other. The irradiation system is configured to irradiate the subject's eye with light different from the illumination light from a direction different from the objective optical axes.

Abstract: Various systems, processes, and computer program products may be used to perform retinal laser surgery. In particular implementations, systems, processes, and computer program products may include the ability to identify retina blood vessels from a retina image and determine a retina location needing therapy and not substantially intersecting a retina blood vessel. The systems, processes, and computer program products may also include the ability to generate a command to activate a retinal laser when a beam from the retinal laser will be aligned with the therapeutic location.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus comprises: a laser source that emits a laser beam for treatment of an affected part of a patient's eye; an optical fiber that transmits the laser beam emitted from the laser source; and a delivery optical system that irradiates the laser beam emitted from the optical fiber to the affected part of the patient's eye, the delivery optical system including: a plurality of diffraction optical elements each being configured to shape a beam profile of the laser beam at an emission end face of the optical fiber into a beam profile having one of a uniform intensity and a lower intensity in the center than on the periphery on the affected part and also to shape the laser beam to have a different spot size on the affected part of the patient's eye; and a changing unit which selectively disposing one of the diffraction optical elements on an optical path.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, method, devices and instruments, including an apparatus that includes a flexible waveguide coupled to a supporting structure, and further coupled to a treatment tip. The apparatus also includes a beam controller to control application of a radiation beam emitted from the flexible waveguide to distribute the beam over an area different than an area covered by direct application of the beam to a single location on a target tissue. Further disclosed is an apparatus that includes a waveguide, coupleable to a laser source, and a thermal protection instrument. The thermal protection instrument includes a tissue contacting member to contact a part of an area of a tissue irradiated by laser radiation, and a beam blocking element to absorb at least some of radiation not absorbed by the area of the tissue, the beam blocking element being thermally isolated from the area of the tissue.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system may include a housing, one or more lenses, and a scanning system. The housing has an interior region. A lens is disposed within the interior region and transmits a light beam. The scanning system is disposed within the interior region and comprises a number of scanning cells, where each scanning cell comprises an electro-optical (EO) material. The scanning system performs the following for a number of iterations to yield a spot pattern: receive one or more voltages and electrically steer the light beam with the EO material from a current direction to a next direction in response to the voltages.

Abstract: A cold plasma device having a broad surface of plasma generation allowing for the efficient treatment of larger areas with the benefit of being durable, portable and able to treat almost any anatomical structure. The cold plasma device has a constant radius surface, which creates a tangential surface with an infinite number of distances between the surface edge of the substrate under treatment and the device.

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 technique for detecting and providing alerts or indications that can be used for controlling or altering the displacement speed of an applicator coupling skin heating energy across a treated skin. A temperature sensor monitors the rate of skin temperature change and provides feedback related to altering the applicator displacement speed according to the rate of skin temperature change. Disclosed is also an applicator for implementing this method.

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

Abstract: A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes a disposable optical speculum and an image acquisition system having the speculum assembled on and mechanically secured thereto. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field ring illumination divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.

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

Abstract: A radiation emitting apparatus is disclosed that emits a substantially homogenous beam of radiation from an irregularly shaped output end. As described herein, a radiation emitting apparatus includes a bundled fiber guide coupled to an energy distribution tuner. The bundled fiber guide is coupled to the energy distribution tuner to receive a substantially uniform distribution of high power energy. The bundled fiber guide is configured to distribute the energy to emit a substantially uniform distribution of lower power energy toward a target surface, such as a body surface. The bundled fiber guide may include a plurality of fused optic fibers, a plurality of beam splitting mirror elements, or tapered waveguides.

Abstract: Optical imaging techniques and systems provide high-fidelity optical imaging based on optical coherence tomographic imaging and can be used for optical imaging in ophthalmic surgery and imaging-guided surgery. One method for imaging an eye includes positioning the eye relative to a Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomographic (SD-OCT) imaging system, the eye having a first and a second structure, and imaging the eye with the SD-OCT imaging system by selecting one of a direct image and a mirror image of the first eye-structure and generating a first image-portion corresponding to the selected image of the first eye-structure, selecting one of a direct image and a mirror image of the second eye-structure and generating a first image-portion corresponding to the selected image of the second eye-structure, and suppressing the non-selected images of the first and second structures.

Abstract: A non-contact laser handpiece contains optical components modified to provide a high-density uniform laser beam at a distance from the handpiece that minimizes effects of back reflection.

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: 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 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: A laser tissue fusion device is optimized for particular surgical applications to join tissue layers. The device has two opposed arms that engage and disengage to clamp and release layers of tissue therebetween. The distal end of the first arm is disposed opposite the distal end of the second arm. A laser energy source generates therapeutic laser energy is either integrated within the device is a separate unit. An energy pathway transmits the laser energy to the distal end of the first arm to deliver the laser energy to tissue layers clamped between the distal ends of the arms. An actuator decreases the separation distance between the distal ends of the arms to clamp the tissue layers. A switch activates the laser energy source upon engagement. The laser energy source delivers a burst of energy at a predetermined wavelength for a predetermined period of time sufficient to spot-weld the tissue.

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 monolithic, side pumped solid-state laser (1) comprising a laser resonator structure (3) comprised of a laser gain medium (2) having a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the laser resonator structure (3) comprises end faces (4) forming a linear optical path resonant cavity there between, at least one of the end faces (4) comprising at least partially reflecting laser mirrors (4a, 4b) in particular deposited thereon, the laser gain medium (2) comprising a side face (2a) for receiving pump light (5a) of a pump source (5), wherein the pump light (5a) is generated by a diode laser (5), and comprising a conductive cooler (6) comprising contact faces (6c) contacting the laser gain medium (2), and comprising a reflector (7) arranged opposite to the side face (2a) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the laser gain medium (2) is a low gain material.

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

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: 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 radiation emitting apparatus is disclosed that emits a substantially homogenous beam of radiation from an irregularly shaped output end. As described herein, a radiation emitting apparatus includes a bundled fiber guide coupled to an energy distribution tuner. The bundled fiber guide is coupled to the energy distribution tuner to receive a substantially uniform distribution of high power energy. The bundled fiber guide is configured to distribute the energy to emit a substantially uniform distribution of lower power energy toward a target surface, such as a body surface. The bundled fiber guide may include a plurality of fused optic fibers, a plurality of beam splitting mirror elements, or tapered waveguides.

Abstract: A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue includes a disposable optical speculum and an image acquisition system having the speculum assembled on and mechanically secured thereto. The image acquisition system is arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field ring illumination divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets. An image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system analyzes the data sets and applies algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells.

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: It is possible to provide a laser unit which can sting a skin with a small-diameter hole causing a small pain. The laser unit (1) includes: a laser rod (3) which applies a laser beam; a lens (7) which collects a laser beam applied from an irradiation unit; and a laser transmission plate (9) having a mirror portion on the side to which the laser beam comes in and a rough portion having an average surface roughness Ra on the side from which the laser beam goes out. With this configuration, the laser beam which has passed through the laser transmission plate (9) is scattered by the rough portion and the intensity of the laser beam applied to the skin is not concentrated to the center. Moreover, the laser beam generates an impulse wave when passing through the rough portion. That is, the energy is discharged in advance.

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

Abstract: A medical or cosmetic hand-held laser device with an optical waveguide device is subdivided into a first section and a second section arranged at an angle thereto for emitting laser radiation onto a treatment area. To deflect the laser beam from the first section into the second section as effectively as possible and in particular to launch the laser beam with the lowest possible loss into a waveguide that conducts the laser beam further, the hand-held device is provided with a reflector that is arranged between the two sections and has an essentially elliptical reflective surface.

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

Abstract: A non-contact laser handpiece contains optical components modified to provide a high-density uniform laser beam at a distance from the handpiece that minimizes effects of back reflection.

Abstract: A device and method for steering a laser beam to a focal point in target tissue requires generating a laser beam. Diversions of the laser beam from a central beam path are minimized by a sequential arrangement of optical steering components. In order, the beam is first directed to the center of a z-scanning apparatus which will move the focal point in the medium in a z-direction. The beam is then passed to the center of a first galvanometric mirror which introduces focal point movements in the x-direction. A second galvanometric mirror then compensates for the x-direction movement by redirecting the beam to the center of a third galvanometric mirror where focal point movements in the y-direction are introduced.

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 device and method for steering a laser beam to a focal point in target tissue requires generating a laser beam. Diversions of the laser beam from a central beam path are minimized by a sequential arrangement of optical steering components. In order, the beam is first directed to the center of a z-scanning apparatus which will move the focal point in the medium in a z-direction. The beam is then passed to the center of a first galvanometric mirror which introduces focal point movements in the x-direction. A second galvanometric mirror then compensates for the x-direction movement by redirecting the beam to the center of a third galvanometric mirror where focal point movements in the y-direction are introduced.

Abstract: A dermatological treatment device is disclosed for generating a matrix of two dimensional treatment spots on the tissue. A handpiece carrier a laser which generates a beam of laser pulses. The pulses are focused onto the tissue with a lens system. A diffractive element is positioned between the laser and the lens system for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of sub-beams. A scanner translates the beam over the diffractive element to generate the two dimensional spot pattern. The laser has a semi-monolithic resonator design with one integral end mirror defining the output coupler and a second, independent mirror for adjustment.

Abstract: An illumination device for medical and dental procedures is described. The illumination device includes an elongate body configured to contain two or more optical fibers to transmit electromagnetic energy from a power source toward a target surface. The distal end of the illumination device is illustrated as a unitary structure, and the proximal end is illustrated as having multiple proximal end members. The illumination device includes two or more optical fibers for transmitting energy toward the distal end, and at least one optical fiber for transmitting energy from the distal end toward the proximal end of the device.

Abstract: A radiation emitting apparatus is disclosed that emits a substantially homogenous beam of radiation from an irregularly shaped output end. As described herein, a radiation emitting apparatus includes a bundled fiber guide coupled to an energy distribution tuner. The bundled fiber guide is coupled to the energy distribution tuner to receive a substantially uniform distribution of high power energy. The bundled fiber guide is configured to distribute the energy to emit a substantially uniform distribution of lower power energy toward a target surface, such as a body surface. The bundled fiber guide may include a plurality of fused optic fibers, a plurality of beam splitting mirror elements, or tapered waveguides.

Abstract: A radiation emitting apparatus is disclosed that emits a substantially homogenous beam of radiation from an irregularly shaped output end. As described herein, a radiation emitting apparatus includes a bundled fiberguide coupled to an energy distribution tuner. The bundled fiber guide is coupled to the energy distribution tuner to receive a substantially uniform distribution of high power energy. The bundled fiber guide is configured to distribute the energy to emit a substantially uniform distribution of lower power energy toward a target surface, such as a body surface. The bundled fiber guide may include a plurality of fused optic fibers, a plurality of beam splitting mirror elements, or tapered waveguides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process of selectively exposing matter to a specific wavelength of electromagnetic energy in sufficient flux density per wavelength to cause or promote a desired effect. The process includes, but is not limited to, destroying, disinfecting, denaturing, disinfesting, disrupting, or dehydration of one or more of the substances present. More specifically, present invention relates to subjecting matter, which may contain a mixture of substances, to electromagnetic energy, in concurrence with its spectral properties to exploit the spectral differences within the substance or within a mixture of substances. Energies are applied to cause wavelength-dependent reactions resulting from differential absorption; this additional applied energy manifests itself in changes, or quantum transitions, in the vibrational, rotational, magnetic, and electronic states of the molecules.

Abstract: A method for applying energy to biological tissue. An electromagnetic energy source is directed to apply the energy to a region of the tissue, so as to ablate a portion of the tissue in the region. Preferably, cooling of tissue in the region is initiated subsequent to the ablation.