Abstract: A hair treatment device includes a generator of electromagnetic radiation and optical guide components operatively connected to the generator so as to direct electromagnetic radiation from the generator away from entering a skin surface and in a direction substantially parallel to the skin surface, to impinge on hair fibers protruding from the skin surface. A control unit is connected to the generator for controlling the generator to produce the electromagnetic radiation in bursts of light pulses each having a predetermined number of pulses of light for treating the hair fibers protruding from the skin surface.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an energy irradiation apparatus including an insertion portion (3) which includes a hollow cylindrical member (14) having a sealed distal end portion and is inserted into a living body, and an energy irradiation portion (20) which applies energy to living tissue through an irradiation window portion (17) which is provided on a side wall of the hollow cylindrical member (14) to extend in the longitudinal direction. This apparatus includes a driving unit which reciprocates with substantially a constant velocity the laser irradiation portion (20) in the direction indicated by an arrow D along the longitudinal direction of the irradiation window portion (17). With this structure, the energy irradiation apparatus can uniformly irradiate a lesion with energy.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus comprises: an optical guiding body which guides a treatment laser beam omitted from a laser source; an irradiation optical system for irradiating the treatment beam guided by the optical guiding body; a first beam splitter placed in the irradiation optical system to split the treatment beam guided thereto; a photo-detector which detects output of one of the split treatment beams; and a depolarizer placed in an optical path between the optical guiding body and the first beam splitter to spatially disturb a polarization state of the guided treatment beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying light to a site to be treated on a wall of a vessel in the human or animal body, in particular for laser welding of two vessels to one another, has a light-feeding instrument that guides light generated by an extracorporeal light source to the site and radiates it onto the latter. The light-feeding instrument has an elongated optical conductor that can be inserted into the lumen of the vessel and can be displaced therein in the longitudinal direction of the vessel, and has light-deflecting means that direct the light fed through the optical conductor in a substantially radial fashion onto the site to be treated.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: To provide a medical energy irradiation apparatus which permits easy and accurate establishment of a site of tissues of a living body targeted for irradiation with energy, when doctors use the medical energy irradiation apparatus to perform a cure for a prostatic hyperplasia or the like. The doctors insert an applicator 110 of the medical energy irradiation apparatus to an urinary bladder 161 and fix an endoscope 135 near to an entrance of an urethra. In this arrangement, when observing with the endoscope (135), a seminal colliculas 144 observed through a side-observation window 130 is observed toward a lower part of an observed image (schematic diagram) displayed on a display unit, and a positioning marker 140 in an interior of the applicator is observed toward an upper part of an observed image.

Abstract: A catheter introduction apparatus provides an optical assembly for emission of laser light energy. In one application, the catheter and the optical assembly are introduced percutaneously, and transseptally advanced to the ostium of a pulmonary vein. An anchoring balloon is expanded to position a mirror near the ostium of the pulmonary vein, such that light energy is reflected and directed circumferentially around the ostium of the pulmonary vein when a laser light source is energized. A circumferential ablation lesion is thereby produced, which effectively blocks electrical propagation between the pulmonary vein and the left atrium.

Abstract: A scanning optical system for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be treated is cooperative with a lightguide or optical fiber. Radiation to be delivered is provided by a source thereof via the optical fiber. The optical system includes an optical projection arrangement comprising a plurality of lenses cooperatively arranged with the lightguide. A first of the lenses is arranged to receive radiation emerging from the lightguide. The beam of radiation is passed through the projection arrangement to form a treatment spot the radiation on the tissue. Scanning is effected by causing relative motion between the exit-end of said lightguide and at least the first lens, transverse to the optical axis of the projection arrangement. The treatment spot undergoes a related transverse motion over the tissue. In one example scanning is effected by moving the first lens with the lightguide fixed. The first lens is moved using an arrangement of piezo-electric actuators.

Abstract: A laser device for medical treatment system, comprising at least a plurality of laser beam emitting sources, a laser beam multiplexing means for superimposing the laser beams emitted from the laser beam emitting sources, and a beam mixing means where the laser beams from the laser beam multiplexing means enter.

Abstract: Laser treatment appliance having an illumination system, in particular for use in the field of medicine, has a laser light source for producing a treatment laser beam which is guided essentially freely, as well as an illuminating light source for producing a visible light for illuminating an area to be treated, and one or more first optical elements via which the treatment laser beam is passed on, with at least one of the first optical elements being in the form of an optical multifunction element, such that the visible light for illumination is also steered at least over this at least one optical multifunction element. The laser treatment appliance furthermore has an optical evaluation apparatus for diagnosis or analysis of radiation which is produced during the treatment process, and all the optical multifunction elements are designed such that they influence the treatment laser beam and the visible illuminating light essentially in an equivalent reflecting and/or transmitting manner.

Abstract: The thermal treatment apparatus is equipped with a laser generator for supplying laser beams, a laser irradiation unit for applying the supplied laser beams to tissues, and a control unit for totally controlling various parts of the system. The laser irradiation unit is equipped with a movable laser emission part for emitting laser beams to tissues, a motor for reciprocating a laser emission part, and a guide lumen for supporting an endoscope in such a way as to enable it to move in the direction of the laser emission part. The control unit controls the motor that drives the laser emission part to make reciprocation motion in such a way that the laser emission part stops at a position where it does not interfere with the moving passage of the endoscope.

Abstract: A light-ray therapeutic apparatus having: a xenon illuminating lamp including a lamp body, a lamp holder provided in the lamp body, a xenon lamp held by the lamp holder, a reflecting mirror for reflecting light emitted from the xenon lamp, and a multilayer film coating-type spectral correction filter provided in a front portion of the lamp body; wherein, of the light from the xenon lamp, energy of ultraviolet rays having a wavelength not longer than 280 nm is cut off by the spectral correction filter, and spectral coincidence in an ultraviolet wavelength range of 280-400 nm, in a visible wavelength range of 380-780 nm, and in an infrared wavelength range of 780-2,500 nm are made 100±30% respectively, while the spectral coincidence is defined as a ratio of relative energy distribution of the light of the xenon lamp to relative energy distribution of the reference sunlight.

Abstract: An ophthalmological surgery system and method for performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface by offset image scanning. The image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed with a movable image offset displacement mechanism capable of effecting radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture. The profiled beam is rotated by rotating the aperture in conjunction with the offset displacement mechanism. The invention enables wide area treatment with a laser having a narrower beam, and can be used in the treatment of many different conditions, such as hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism, irregular refractive aberrations, post ablation smoothing and phototherapeutic keratectomy.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating intervertebral discs includes an energy application head having an energy application region and a tissue protecting region. A control member operationally connected to the energy application head preferably controls the energy application head during treatment. Significantly, the energy application head is preferably wedge-shaped and has a thin insertion edge sloped to a thick region for lifting vulnerable tissues away from a site of energy application to the at least one intervertebral disc. Preferably, the energy application head has a smooth surface suitable for gliding over surfaces of an annulus fibrosis without snagging other tissues. The present invention also includes a method for thermally treating an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: Laser treatment appliance having an illumination system, in particular for use in the field of medicine, has a laser light source for producing a treatment laser beam which is guided essentially freely, as well as an illuminating light source for producing a visible light for illuminating an area to be treated, and one or more first optical elements via which the treatment laser beam is passed on, with at least one of the first optical elements being in the form of an optical multifunction element, such that the visible light for illumination is also steered at least over this at least one optical multifunction element. The laser treatment appliance furthermore has an optical evaluation apparatus for diagnosis or analysis of radiation which is produced during the treatment process, and all the optical multifunction elements are designed such that they influence the treatment laser beam and the visible illuminating light essentially in an equivalent reflecting and/or transmitting manner.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible scanning beam imaging system. In specific embodiments, the scanning beam imaging system comprises a mask, and an objective lens having an objective lens focal point disposed between the mask and the objective lens. A field lens device is disposed before the mask to direct a light beam through the mask and focus the light beam at a field lens focal point. The field lens focal point is located between the field lens and the objective lens. One or more scanning mirrors are disposed at or near the objective lens focal point. As a result, the beam will be directed to different locations across the objective lens by the scanning mirror(s), and will travel from the objective lens substantially collimated and parallel toward a surface illuminated by the beam. This substantially collimated and parallel beam provides a large depth of field of the ablation pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tissue treatment. A handpiece contains a light source for emitting a light beam toward the tissue. A detector detects at least one tissue parameter along a path during an initial scan. This information is stored and a map of the parameter produced. A light beam controller controls a light beam parameter and controls a deflector in order to apply the light beam to the tissue in a predetermined path.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating intervertebral discs includes an energy application head having an energy application region and a tissue protecting region. A control member operationally connected to the energy application head preferably controls the energy application head during treatment. The present invention also includes a method for thermally treating an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: There is disclosed a laser treatment apparatus used for performing treatment on a treatment part of a patient's eye by irradiating the treatment part with a laser beam for treatment. This apparatus includes a treatment beam irradiation optical system for irradiating the treatment beam, the system including a mirror which reflects the treatment beam toward the treatment part; a mirror moving device for moving the mirror to change a point to be irradiated by the treatment beam; and a detector for detecting motion of the mirror.

Abstract: Catheters for photoablating plaque build-up in blood vessels are described. In one form, the catheter includes a catheter body having a first group of optic fibers and a second group of optic fibers. The first group of optic fibers is adjacent the second group of optic fibers, and each group of optic fibers includes at least one optic fiber having a first end and a second end. The second ends of the respective optic fibers form a substantially rounded hemispherical catheter head. A control element is coupled to the catheter body and is configured to selectively transmit energy through either the first group of optic fibers, or the second group of optic fibers, or both the first and second groups of optic fibers.

Abstract: A scanning optical system for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be treated is cooperative with a lightguide or optical fiber. Radiation to be delivered is provided by a source thereof via the optical fiber. The optical system includes an optical projection arrangement comprising a plurality of lenses cooperatively arranged with the lightguide. A first of the lenses is arranged to receive radiation emerging from the lightguide. The beam of radiation is passed through the projection arrangement to form a treatment spot the radiation on the tissue. Scanning is effected by causing relative motion between the exit-end of said lightguide and at least the first lens, transverse to the optical axis of the projection arrangement. The treatment spot undergoes a related transverse motion over the tissue. In one example scanning is effected by moving the first lens with the lightguide fixed. The first lens is moved using an arrangement of piezo-electric actuators.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for performing transmyocardial revascularization through the coronary arteries or veins, and a method of using this assembly for creating TMR channels through the myocardium coronary artery shunts through the myocardium and a device and method for injecting therapeutic agents into TMR channels interoperatively, together with a number of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for tisue treatment is provided, comprising a light source for emission of a treating light beam towards a target surface and illuminating a spot on the target surface, movable deflecting means for deflection of the treating light beam, moving means for moving the deflection means, and deflecting control means being adapted to control the moving means so that the treating light beam traverses a target surface area stepwise with steps that are greater than half the diameter of the spot. Furthermore, a controlled overlap between illuminated spots may be provided, for example by user selection. The apparatus may be provided in a hand piece. The apparatus may preferably be used for removal of hairs, but also photocoagulation of veins may be obtained.

Abstract: Ear observation apparatus for self-inspecting the external auditory meatus and/or the tympanic membrane, characterized in that it comprises inspection means (2) for the external auditory meatus associated to reflection means (3) able to reflect the image of said external auditory meatus and/or tympanic membrane, illumination means (6) being provided for illuminating said external auditory meatus and/or tympanic membrane, said reflection means (3) being angularly set with respect to said inspection (2) means such as to reflect the image of the external auditory meatus and/or tympanic membrane on an external mirror.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for performing transmyocardial revascularization through the coronary arteries or veins, and a method of using this assembly for creating TMR channels through the myocardium coronary artery shunts through the myocardium and a device and method for injecting therapeutic agents into TMR channels interoperatively, together with a number of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus comprises a control unit 251a that stops issuing a signal for laser beam activation transmitted over the foot switch signal cable 291 when the temperature obtained by the mirror temperature sensor 111 that detects the temperature of the laser emission part 122 provided at the laser irradiation unit 1 exceeds a predetermined value. This stops the output of the laser beam from the laser generator 3. Alternatively, the control unit can adjust the output value of the laser beam generated by the laser beam generator 3 by transmitting a signal via the communication cable 293 to change it in accordance with the detection signal of the mirror temperature sensor 111.

Abstract: The thermal treatment apparatus is equipped with a laser generator for supplying laser beams, a laser irradiation unit for applying the supplied laser beams to tissues, and a control unit for totally controlling various parts of the system. The laser irradiation unit is equipped with a movable laser emission part for emitting laser beams to tissues, a motor for reciprocating a laser emission part, and a guide lumen for supporting an endoscope in such a way as to enable it to move in the direction of the laser emission part. The control unit controls the motor that drives the laser emission part to make reciprocation motion in such a way that the laser emission part stops at a position where it does not interfere with the moving passage of the endoscope.

Abstract: A handpiece for cosmetic tissue treatment includes an input connector for connection of a first beam-outlet end of a first optical fiber to the handpiece and for alignment of the first optical fiber with an axis of the handpiece so that a first light beam emitted from the first beam-outlet end is transmitted substantially along the axis, a movable first deflecting device for deflection of the first light beam into a second light beam, and an output for emission of the second light beam towards a target surface. The handpiece may be used for ablating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. In addition, warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc., may be ablated or treated.

Abstract: This invention concerns a lateral-irradiation type laser irradiation device which is capable of effectively irradiating a target site, particularly at a considerable deth, with a laser beam while infallibly and easily preventing normal tissue from injury/and a method for curing prostate gland by the use of the laser irradiation device. The laser irradiating device 1 moves either or both of the laser probes 3, 4 having the reflecting mirrors 32, 42 provided at the distal end parts of the optical fibers 31, 41 in the longitudinal direction of the sheath 2 so as to alter the interval between the reflecting mirrors 32, 42 and move the position at which the reflected laser beams are concentrated (condensed), namely the target position 5 moves, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sheath 2.

Abstract: Laser eye surgery systems, methods, and devices makes use of a two-pivot scanning system for laterally deflecting the laser beam across the corneal surface to provide X-Y scanning. An imaging lens pivots about two eccentric axes extending along, but disposed beyond the laser beam. As the lens pivots, the beam will follow a substantially arc-shaped path. The eccentric axes are offset about the laser beam axis by about 90°, and the system controller can compensate for the arc-shaped path deflections by adjusting the angular position of the imaging lens about complementary stage.

Abstract: The controller 6 in the apparatus 10 for thermotherapy automatically computes the power P of the laser beam and the flow volume Q of the refrigerant forwarded to the main body 110 as the therapeutic conditions required for effecting the thermotherapy. The controller 6 delivers control signals to the laser beam generating device 2 and the refrigerant circulating device 4, depending on the therapeutic conditions obtained as described above. The therapeutic conditions thus set are displayed on the monitor 7 together with the input information introduced into the operating part 8. The controller 6 is further capable of automatically computing the therapeutic conditions required for effecting the thermotherapy based on the minimum distance d1 and the maximum distance d2 between the laser beam emitting terminal 111a, namely the surface of the surface layer 21, and the target site 30.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system includes a laser for producing a laser beam capable of making refractive corrections, an optical system for shaping and conditioning the laser beam, a digital micromirror device (DMD) for reflecting the shaped and conditioned beam toward the eye, and a computer system for controlling the mirrors of the DMD. The computer system generates one-bit resolution images corresponding to ablation layers defining a correction for the eye. The images are then transferred to the DMD for appropriate reflection of the laser beam toward the eye such that the shape of the cornea of the eye is corrected.

Abstract: An side irradiating type laser ray irradiation apparatus for irradiating a tissue with a laser ray having a deep transmitting capability for the purpose of treating, for example, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, cancer or other tumors. The apparatus includes an irradiating unit for reflecting the laser ray, a transporting device for transporting the irradiating unit, and an interlocking device for changing the irradiation angle of the laser ray in correspondence with the movement so that the laser ray radiated from the moving irradiating unit always passes through the same point. Since the laser ray constantly passes through a point in a deep area of the tissue, it is capable of effectively heating only the deep lesional region.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which includes a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus comprises a control unit 251a that stops issuing a signal for laser beam activation transmitted over the foot switch signal cable 291 when the temperature obtained by the mirror temperature sensor 111 that detects the temperature of the laser emission part 122 provided at the laser irradiation unit 1 exceeds a predetermined value. This stops the output of the laser beam from the laser generator 3. Alternatively, the control unit can adjust the output value of the laser beam generated by the laser beam generator 3 by transmitting a signal via the communication cable 293 to change it in accordance with the detection signal of the mirror temperature sensor 111.

Abstract: Fluorescence imaging of tissue is used as a diagnostic tool in which geometric effects and specular reflections are compensated for by normalizing a fluorescence image with a cross-polarized image.

Abstract: A surgical laser scanner having optics that scans a pulsed laser beam onto a target tissue is disclosed. The laser scanner has a lens and a scanning mirror or mirrors located upstream of the lens at a distance substantially equal to the focal length of the lens. The laser beam hits the scanning mirror and is reflected onto the lens in a pattern defined by sequential positions of the scanning mirror. The laser beam is projected onto the target tissue by the lens in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens. The projected pattern has a constant size regardless of the distance between the laser scanner and the target tissue.

Abstract: A laser handpiece using an optical system such as a prism. The laser handpiece includes a laser fiber for irradiating laser beam output from a laser generating device, a first beam path changing portion for changing a traveling path of the laser beam output from the laser fiber, a second beam path changing portion for changing finally the traveling path of the laser beam output from the first beam path changing portion, a focus lens for focusing the laser beam output from the second beam path changing portion onto a point, and a main body for containing the laser fiber, the first beam path changing portion, the second beam path changing portion and the focus lens. Thus, an optical axis can be easily aligned and the traveling path of the laser beam can be easily changed within a small space, so the laser handpiece can be manufactured in a convenient shape for use.

Abstract: A handpiece for cosmetic tissue treatment includes an input connector for connection of a first beam-outlet end of a first optical fiber to the handpiece and for alignment of the first optical fiber with an axis of the handpiece so that a first light beam emitted from the first beam-outlet end is transmitted substantially along the axis, a movable first deflecting device for deflection of the first light beam into a second light beam, and an output for emission of the second light beam towards a target surface. The handpiece may be used for ablating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. In addition, warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc., may be ablated or treated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating the epidermis with actinic light includes a solid state diode system with a continuous output. The light beam is generated by either a high power light emitting diode or a laser diode or a combination thereof. A computer controlled pattern generator (CCPG) directs the continuous light beam to trace predetermined patterns on a selected area of the skin. This integrated continuous light source and patterned treatment technique obviate the need for high peak power pulsed systems, while providing sufficient energy density at the target site to effect hair removal and other skin treatment modalities. The moving light beam has a computer controlled dwell time to generate a relatively high amount of energy in a short period of time at the target. The optimum dwell time is about 0.5 ms to 500 ms, and the wavelength is in the range of 600 nm to 990 nm. The spot size is in the range of 0.01 to 10.0 mm and the treatment area is in the range of 0.01 to 100 cm.sup.2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the diagnosis of the state of health of tooth tissue, having a first light source (1) for the generation of an excitation radiation (2), which is to be directed via a light conductor arrangement (4) onto a tooth tissue region (6) to be investigated and which excites a fluorescence radiation (7) at the tooth tissue region (6), and having detection means (4b, 10) for the detection of the fluorescence radiation (7). In order on the one hand to improve ease of use for the treating dentist and on the other hand to be able to reliably recognize a diseased tooth region, whereby at the same time the patient should not be subjected to unnecessary ablation processes or the removal of healthy tooth substance, the diagnosis device has a second light source (11) for the generation of a treatment laser radiation, which is likewise to be directed onto the tooth tissue region (6) to be investigated, via a light conductor arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus that efficiently and accurately splits a laser beam input into eight or more outputs where the beam energies of the output beams are within ten and preferably within five percent of each other. The apparatus includes an arrangement of at least seven beam splitters each of which can split an incident laser beam into two exit beams of equal energy at a particular incident angle. At least some of the splitters have different particular incident angles but the particular incident angle of the first splitter is used as the incident angle for all splitters. The exit beams of the first splitter are directed to second and third splitters that have particular incident angles relatively close to the particular incident angle of the first splitter when compared with the relationship of the particular incident angle of the first splitter to the particular incident angles of the remaining splitters.

Abstract: An adaptor attachable to a laser apparatus and to a microscope for directing a laser beam from the laser apparatus onto an object in a working plane as viewed via the microscope. The adaptor includes an optical system located in the path of the laser beam for focusing the laser beam onto an object in the working plane. The optical system includes a number of mirrors. The adaptor also includes a manipulatable mirror located between the optical system and the working plane. The manipulatable mirror is selectively manipulatable to direct the laser beam to any desired location in the working plane. Further the adaptor includes a focusser coupled to the optical system that is capable of selectively focusing and defocussing the laser beam.

Abstract: Ophthalmologic surgical microscope which is combined internally with an optical coherence tomography ("OCT") apparatus wherein auto-focusing is provided by driving a motorized internal focusing lens of the ophthalmologic surgical microscope with a signal output from the OCT apparatus. An embodiment of the inventive ophthalmologic surgical microscope includes: (a) an optical coherence tomography ("OCT") apparatus; (b) a beamcombiner for internally coupling output from the OCT apparatus into the ophthalmologic surgical microscope; and (c) a motor for moving an internal focusing lens of the ophthalmologic surgical microscope in response to a signal from the OCT apparatus, whereby the ophthalmologic surgical microscope is auto-focused.

Abstract: A mirror for use during eye surgery comprises a handle, a reflective surface oriented at a skewed angle with respect to the handle and a needle holder oriented with respect to the reflective surface to allow viewing of the distal end of the needle as it is passed under the iris and inserted into the tissue of a patient's eye.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus which irradiates a laser beam produced by a treatment laser source to an area of treatment, the apparatus comprises an irradiation condition setting device which sets irradiation conditions of the laser beam, such as an irradiation area, a laser scanning device provided with a plurality of reflectors including at least a reflector which is continuously rotated in a predetermined direction by a motor to perform a laser two-dimensional scanning on the treatment area, a scanning controller which controls the operation of the laser scanning device, and an irradiation controller which controls the laser source to turn on and off the laser beam depending on the irradiation conditions in correspondence with the operation of the laser scanning device.

Abstract: A surgical laser scanner having optics that scans a pulsed laser beam onto a target tissue is disclosed. The laser scanner has a lens and a scanning mirror or mirrors located upstream of the lens at a distance substantially equal to the focal length of the lens. The laser beam hits the scanning mirror and is reflected onto the lens in a pattern defined by sequential positions of the scanning mirror. The laser beam is projected onto the target tissue by the lens in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens. The projected pattern has a constant size regardless of the distance between the laser scanner and the target tissue.

Abstract: Fluence monitoring apparatus is disclosed for a system for modifying curvature of a cornea by selective laser photoablation of corneal tissue by means of a succession of pulses of laser radiation delivered to the cornea in an overlapping pattern corresponding to a desired pattern of photoablation. The system includes a scanning arrangement for directing the pulses to form the overlapping pattern. The fluence monitoring apparatus includes a beamsplitter located between the scanning arrangement and the cornea for directing a fraction of each of the pulses to a monitor plate. The monitor plate emits fluorescent light on being irradiated by each pulse-fraction. A video camera provides an electronic image of the monitor plate. Processing circuitry periodically records the electronic image, and the periodic image recordings are integrated to form a composite image representative of spatial distribution of laser fluence on the cornea.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue treatment is provided, comprising a light emitter for emission of a first light beam, director for directing the first light beam towards a target area to be treated, detector for detecting at least one tissue parameter at the target area, and first light beam controller for controlling at least one parameter without interruption of the propagating light beam. The tissue parameter may be selected from the group of texture, elasticity, size and shape. The apparatus may be used for ablating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. as well as warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc. may be ablated or treated.