Abstract: A system for applying a polymer (hydrogel) to the inner surface of a vessel by photopolymerization includes an inner catheter received within an outer catheter and a fluid channeling structure mounted on the catheters with its proximal end attached to the outer catheter and its distal end attached to the inner catheter. The fluid channeling structure includes an elastomeric sleeve sandwiched between an inner elastic coil and an outer light emission coil. Light emission coil loops are interspaced with elastic coil loops. The light emission coil has a smaller diameter than the elastic coil, drawing the elastomeric sleeve down between loops of the elastic coil to form a helical channel. The coils and sleeve are stretched to provide a narrowed crossing profile for delivery, and are contracted at a treatment site to form a helical cavity between the sleeve and the vessel wall within which to perform interfacial photopolymerization.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a light emitting circuit incorporated into an intravascular stent. The light emitting circuit emits a light to an ischemic region. The light has characteristics suitable for reliving the angina symptoms associated with ischemia.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a hair-shortening device. The device is based on the principle of laser-induced optical breakdown, wherein a laser pulse causes mechanical effects in tissue, which are used to cut the hair (20). The invention uses the insight that, when two or more such laser pulses are provided simultaneously, the mechanical effects can co-operate. This in turn allows cutting of the hair (20) with less total energy, down to about half the energy required for cases with pulses that are supplied sequentially. In one embodiment, the device comprises a laser source (2), a grating (6), and a beam manipulator (8), that aim a plurality of simultaneous focal spots (10) into a hair (20).

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel sulfenate derivatives and their bioconjugates for phototherapy of tumors and other lesions. The sulfenates of the present invention are designed to absorb low-energy ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The phototherapeutic effect is caused by direct interaction of free radicals, the reactive intermediate produced upon photofragmentation of the sulfenate moiety, with the tissue of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cosmetic skin rejuvenation treatment, comprising a continuous wave light source accommodating a high-intensity discharge lamp (104; 204; 304; 604) which has at least one predominant spectral peak between 600 and 700 nm.

Abstract: An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light is applied to an animal's blood while that blood remains in the body. The UV light is applied sublingually or directly to the blood. One of more light guides is used in connection with a bridle to help directed the ends of the light guide under the animal's tongue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing hair and/or devitalizing follicles using electromagnetic energy to actively target and treat a hair and/or a follicle are disclosed. The electromagnetic energy can be of a selective or non-selective wavelength.

Abstract: Medical applications for an infrared emitting composite are provided. The infrared emitting composite includes an infrared emitting agent dispersed in a matrix material, where the composite emits light of a wavelength range substantially non-absorbent to animal fluid or tissue. A system and method for detecting an infrared emitting composite are also provided. Exemplary applications for an infrared emitting composite include medical devices and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: An optical hair removing device includes a light emitting unit for emitting a light and an irradiation unit for irradiating the light emitted from the light emitting unit to body hairs on a skin. Further, the optical hair removing device includes a control unit for controlling the light emission unit. The irradiation unit has a movement detection unit for detecting a movement of the irradiation unit on a skin and a contact detection unit for detecting a contact between the irradiation unit and the skin.

Abstract: Neoplastic tissue, viral and bacterial infections, and other physiological disorders and conditions are treated by irradiation of the host with electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength that is differentially absorbed by the offending tissue or cells. Radiation with differential absorption is also used in the sterilization of articles and packing made from synthetic polymers and for the treatment of food stuffs.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a noninvasive living body measuring device that is capable of simplifying the structure and performing the analysis with accuracy in a short time. The noninvasive living body measuring device comprises: a light source for illuminating a living body which includes a blood vessel; an imaging part for imaging the illuminated living body to obtain a living body image; and an analyzing part for obtaining a density of a component contained in blood of the living body based on an image of the blood vessel in the living body image, and correcting the density of the component based on an image of a peripheral tissue of the blood vessel in the living body image.

Abstract: A method includes time-division multiplexing a plurality of pulsed laser signals. An apparatus includes a plurality of lasers capable of emitting pulsed laser signals; a scanner optically aligned with the laser signals; and a controller. The controller is capable of pulsing the lasers in a time-division multiplexed temporal pattern and driving the scanner to combine the time-multiplexed pulsed laser signals to generate a combined laser signal.

Abstract: A methodology and system for lysing adipose tissue including directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes within the region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, thereby to selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the target volumes and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes and computerized tracking of the multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of the body.

Abstract: A methodology and system for lysis or induction of apoptosis in cellulite and fat including directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes within the region, which target volumes contain cellulite and fat, thereby to selectively lyse or induce apoptosis in the cellulite and fat in the target volumes and generally not lyse or not induce apoptosis in non-cellulite and non-fat tissue in the target volumes and computerized tracking of the multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device including an optical fiber whose distal end is disposed within a hollow tube with a sharp or needle shaped distal end, which can penetrate tissue. The distal end of the optical fiber and the hollow tube are configured so as to emit, by refraction (total internal reflection) or reflection from a metal surface, laser energy at an angle of about 80° to about 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber and hollow tube. The hollow tube is mounted to a housing and may be surrounded by a sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting or ablating hard tissue, includes an optical cavity; a gain medium disposed within the optical cavity; a diode light pump disposed within the optical cavity and optically aligned to light pump the gain medium to generate laser light. The generated laser light has a wavelength and power density suitable for cutting and ablating hard tissue.

Abstract: Functional handpiece 1 having an elongate handpiece body which has at its rearward end a connection element for connection with a flexible supply line, and has at its forward end a light emission element of a light permeable material for the illumination of the treatment site, and has in the light emission element an outlet opening for a medium such as water or air or spray, the light emission element forming a forward region of the functional handpiece and being releasably connected with the remaining region of the functional handpiece, and the light emission element having a plug-in fitting for the light emission element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a hard material, for example a hard biological material such as dental enamel or bone, with optical radiation. A treatment zone of the material is selectively cleaned of ablation products and other dirt to enhance processing efficiency, and a tip through which the optical radiation is applied to the treatment zone of the hard material is spaced slightly from the treatment zone during at least a portion of the time that hydrating fluid is being applied to the zone and/or while air or another gas is applied to the zone to clean the surface thereof.

Abstract: Laser radiation delivered to a treatment area causes vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than the volume of residual coagulated tissue. The laser radiation may have a wavelength of about 300 nm to about 700 nm, may be used with a smoke suppressing irrigant, may have an average irradiance greater than about 5 kilowatts/cm2, and may have a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2. A laparoscopic laser device, for use with an insufflated bodily cavity, may include an elongate body adapted for insertion into an insufflated bodily cavity. A laser energy delivery element, at the distal end of the elongate body, may be coupleable to a source of tissue-vaporization-capable laser energy and capable of delivering laser energy along a laser energy path extending away from the laser energy delivery element. A smoke-suppressing liquid pathway, extending along the elongate body to an exit opening at the distal end, may be coupleable to a source of a smoke-suppressing liquid.

Abstract: A method of treating patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease by locating the areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease and acting on the aforementioned areas of the patient's brain by laser energy through coronary blood vessels located adjacent to the aforementioned areas. The laser energy is delivered to the affected area through a set of microcatheters insertable sequentially and coaxially into each other and having diameters that allow insertion into distal coronary blood vessels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel sulfenate derivatives and their bioconjugates for phototherapy of tumors and other lesions. The sulfenates of the present invention are designed to absorb low-energy ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The phototherapeutic effect is caused by direct interaction of free radicals, the reactive intermediate produced upon photofragmentation of the sulfenate moiety, with the tissue of interest.

Abstract: An improved system for cellular surgery which includes a laser for producing a laser beam, and confocal optics for scanning and focusing the laser beam in tissue and generating confocal images of the tissue in accordance with returned light from the tissue. The confocal images are visualized on a display. The system includes a controller for enabling the operator to select one or more cells of the tissue in the displayed confocal images for surgical treatment. The controller operates the laser and confocal optics in a first mode to treat the tissue when the confocal optics focus the laser beam at least one region associated with the selected cells in the tissue, but at all other times operates the laser and confocal optics in a second mode which does not damage the tissue.

Abstract: A device for performing acupuncture on a patient using laser radiation as a device for producing laser radiation and a handpiece (1) which is connected thereto and which is brought into contact with the body of the patient in order to apply the laser radiation. The handpiece (1) has at least one light conducting fiber (4) which is connected to the device (7) for producing laser radiation and which is in contact with the body of the patient during the acupuncture and applies the laser radiation thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of Barrett's esophagus, including: an inflatable balloon for insertion into the esophagus, an endoscope for passing inside the balloon on a distal end thereof, a laser fiber apparatus for insertion within the balloon in the esophagus, and a balloon inflation/deflation means in fluid communication with the balloon for inflating and emptying the balloon into and out of contact with the walls of the esophagus to be treated. The balloon may occlude the stomach from the esophagus during treatment.

Abstract: An electric heat therapy instrument has an electric ampere controller 1 connected by two outside electric wires 2 to a 110-v electric outlet. The handle tube 3 is joined in its inferior extreme to a heating tube 9. A 110-v, 20-w bulb 6 is putting on the bulb socket 5 inside of the heating tube 9. To conserve the heating tube 9 temperature level and avoid the heat expansion to the handle tube 3, I invent a technique to cut the expansion of the heat in a metal material, it consists in making horizontal and round holes 7 around the top of the heating tube 9.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for delivering energy to a tissue. The method includes providing an apparatus which includes an energy delivery component and an inflatable member disposed around the energy delivery component. At a minimum, the inflatable member is constructed of a flexible inner wall and a flexible outer wall, which, taken together, enclose a cavity therebetween. The inflatable member is expanded such that the inflatable member's outer wall contacts the tissue's surface. Cooling fluid is disposed in the cavity, and energy is delivered to the energy delivery component so that at least a portion of the energy delivered to the energy delivery component passes through the inflatable member's inner wall, through the cooling fluid disposed in the cavity, through the inflatable member's outer wall, and into the tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for targeting lipid-rich tissue to effect a desired, the method/apparatus involving irradiating the lipid-rich tissue with energy at a wavelength preferentially absorbed by lipid cells, such wavelength being preferably in a band between 880 nm and 935 nm, 1150 nm and 1230 nm, 1690 nm to 1780 nm, or 2250 nm to 2450 nm with a fluence and duration sufficient to achieve a desired treatment. For preferred embodiments, the irradiation wavelength is between 900–930 nm, 1190–1220 nm, 1700–1730 nm, or 2280–2350 nm. The method and apparatus may for example be used to target one or more sebaceous glands for the treatment of acne or hair removal, to target subcutaneous fat for removal thereof or for targeting fat on anatomical elements for various purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for processing biological tissue and dental materials which involves providing or distributing a substance containing abrasive particles to an area in front of at least a portion of a surface of the tissue/material and irradiating both the substance and the portion of the surface with light from a selected source, the light being selected and delivered in a manner such that selective ablation is caused on the substance sufficient to force the abrasive particles under a selected pulse against the portion of the surface. Ablation may be of the particles themselves or the particles may be contained within a shell, with ablation being of the shell. The substance is preferably delivered as a series of distribution pulses with the light being delivered either continuously or as light pulses having a predetermined relationship to the distribution pulses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for Raman imaging of carotenoids and related chemical substances in biological tissue, such as macular pigments. The method and apparatus utilize the technique of resonance Raman spectroscopy to produce an image of the levels of carotenoids and similar substances in tissue. In this technique, light is directed upon the area of tissue which is of interest such as the retina of an eye. A small fraction of the scattered light is scattered inelastically, producing a carotenoid Raman signal which is at a different frequency than the incident light. The Raman signal is collected, filtered, and analyzed to determine the spatial position and intensity of the Raman signals in the inelastically scattered light. An image of the Raman signals is then produced on an output device, with the image representing the spatial distribution and concentration level of carotenoids in the tissue.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device is comprised of a shaft with a relatively planar but possibly lenticulate and even slightly curved tip that can divide and energize various tissue planes causing contraction especially via the fibrous tissues. Various forms of energy can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause desirable tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control power output.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spatially resolved Raman detection of molecules indicative of the borders of lesions with normal tissue are disclosed. A region of biological tissue was illuminated with monochromatic light. A Raman shifted light signal is detected from endogenous molecules in the region, the molecules being spatially organized in a localized first area of the region. These molecules are indicative of a border between normal tissue and a lesion. The Raman shifted light signal is then spatially resolved in at least one direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface placed in a fluid. A mask containing an orifice, placed between the work surface and the cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface. The cavitation bubble may be formed in the desired location by focusing an energy flow proximate to the mask. The energy flow may be obtained by radiation from laser, x-ray, or electrical discharge sources.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spatially resolved Raman detection of calcification in tissues are disclosed. A region of soft non-arterial biological tissue is illuminated with monochromatic light. A spatially organized first area of calcified tissue is then detected in the region by detecting a Raman shifted light signal. The Raman shifted light signal is spatially resolved in at least one direction.

Abstract: This invention provides a cutting tool, comprising a sleeve enclosing a suction chamber where, during use, a reduced pressure prevails and wherein a cutting member is arranged so as to be movable along a suction opening provided in the wall of the sleeve. The wall of the sleeve forms a light conductor. The sleeve can be tubular and is preferably manufactured from light conduction material, in particular glass.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the directed formation of a re-entrant micro-jet formed upon the collapse of a working cavitation bubble formed proximate to a work surface. A target bubble, formed between the work surface and the working cavitation bubble, is utilized to direct the re-entrant micro-jet to the work surface.

Abstract: A percutaneous cellulite removal needle of the present invention can be used to make the appearance of cellulite less obvious by cutting the fibrous bridges that connect the skin to muscle/fascia or fibrous septae in the subcutaneous fat in a minimally invasive manner. The percutaneous cellulite removal needle of the present invention preferably includes a body having an internal chamber that ends at a laterally disposed aperture. A cutting mechanism is substantially positioned within the internal chamber in a retracted position and at least partially protrudes through the laterally disposed aperture in a cutting position. A situating mechanism transitions the cutting mechanism between the retracted position and the cutting position. The present invention also includes a method in which the percutaneous cellulite removal needle is inserted through the skin with the cutting mechanism in the retracted position. The cutting mechanism is then extruded so that the cutting mechanism is in the cutting position.

Abstract: A system and method for localizing an in vivo signal source using a wearable antenna array having at least two antenna elements. The signal is received and a signal strength is measured at two or more antenna elements. An estimated coordinate set is derived from the signal strength measurements.

Abstract: A surgical probe is disclosed that disperses light sideways from its fore end. A light-dispersive and light-transmissive medium is enclosed within a housing. The medium is preferably divided into sections containing different concentrations of a light-dispersing material within a matrix. The sections are preferably separated by non-dispersive spacers. At the tip end of the probe is preferably a mirror to reflect the light back into the dispersive medium. The mirror may consist of layers with multiple indexes of refraction. By these features, especially in combination, the directionality and intensity distribution of the emitted light may be controlled. The present invention is designed to be useful especially in the use of laser energy in the percutaneous, interstitial irradiation of tissue growths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the thickness of arterial walls is disclosed. Ablation of the exterior layer of the arterial walls is performed using mechanical or laser ablation techniques. Surveying is preferably carried out during the procedure to ensure optimal ablation. The ablation reduces the effective thickness of the arterial walls and increases flexibility so that the walls distend under normal blood pressure, thereby improving blood flow. Advantageously, the procedure is carried out without invasion of the blood vessel lumen and without damage to the inner layer of the artery wall.

Abstract: An LED fixation device that is secured to a patient's face and covers the patient's fellow eye during eye surgery to provide a lighted fixation target. The fixation device includes an eye shield, a battery, a switch and an LED light source secured to the eye shield. The light source is switched on, and the patient is directed to look at the light source during the surgical procedure. The eye shield can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic and paper, and can be disposable.

Abstract: An automated energy irradiator guidance system is disclosed which reduces the potential for human error and improves the consistency and repeatability of tissue welding techniques. The system includes a mapper, a patternizer, an energy director and can additionally include an energy regulator. An interface is included, allowing pattern creation, selection and editing by a user. The system further provides control of energy irradiator parameters for use in tissue welding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser apparatus comprising a laser light emitting optical system for emitting laser light to a surface, a power stabilizing system for stabilizing the laser light power with a predetermined power interval, and a deflection system for deflecting light reflected from the surface away from the power stabilizing system. Thereby, the power stabilizing system will not erroneously regulate the power due to reflections from the surface to be treated. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for treating an animal, including a human being, for a laser light treatable disease using the laser apparatus on the skin or the mucosa of the animal and allowing laser light to be emitted from the laser light emitting optical system to the skin or mucosa.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface by laser ablation to modify selected regions of the surface, while other regions of the surface not to be substantially ablated are protected from the laser beam by a masking fluid, wherein the masking fluid comprises a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable pyrido benzoxazine compound or derivative thereof effective as a masking agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument with an elongated shaft (1) and with a handle part (2) that is linked with the proximal end of the shaft (1) and that is used to actuate a tool (4) located on the distal end of the shaft (1). Said shaft (1), in the area of the proximal end, is provided with a seakable flushing connection piece (5). Air and/or a flushing liquid can be guided through said flushing connection piece, especially for the purpose of cleaning, via an adjacent flushing channel (6) up to the stem of the shaft (1). The flushing connection piece (5) is disposed in an acute angle (alpha) with respect to the shaft (1) and faces the proximal end of the shaft (1). The aim of the invention is to provide a medical instrument that is easy to handle and that can be reliably cleaned via the flushing connection piece (5).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having treatment means at its distal end. In some embodiments, the treatment means includes one or more retractable abrasive needles used to abrade tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. In other embodiments, treatment means includes an energy transmission member or one or more apertures for dispensing a fluid to contact and close the PFO. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter device to position the distal end adjacent the PFO, exposing a plurality of abrasive needles from the catheter, advancing the needles through the PFO and/or tissue adjacent the PFO, and retracting the needles relative to the PFO to abrade at least a portion of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of ablation laser-machining, that includes the steps of generating pulses at 1 to 50 MHz by one or more semiconductor-chip laser diodes, each pulse having a pulse-duration less than three picoseconds, directing a less than 1 square mm beam of the pulses to a work-piece with an ablating pulse-energy-density; and scanning the beam with a power-driven scanner to ablate a scanned area at least 25 times larger than the beam area.