Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus is constructed from a [a] laser apparatus 10 equipped with a laser light generating device 11 which has a solid-state laser 12 that generates a specified laser light, a fiber light amplifier 20 that amplifies the laser light generated by this laser light generating device, and a wavelength converter 40 that converts the amplified laser light into treatment laser light with a wavelength of approximately 193 nm using a nonlinear optical crystal, and [b] an irradiation optical device 60 which conducts the treatment laser light generated by this laser apparatus to the surface of the cornea and irradiates the surface of the cornea. As a result, a laser treatment apparatus can be obtained which is especially suitable for treatment of the cornea, and which uses a solid-state laser apparatus that is easy to maintain and that has a compact and light-weight construction.

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: Disclosed herein is a novel method of treating vitiligo by using an excimer laser that emits light in the UVB range. The invention includes a method of incrementally increasing exposure of affected vitiligo areas with UVB laser light from an excimer laser to restore pigmentation to skin areas afflicted with vitiligo.

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 method of vascular treatment for restenosis or vulnerable plaque after an invasive procedure, such as for example angioplasty, stenting with or without drug coating, or drug delivery, comprises: inserting a catheter or hollow guide wire to the treatment location; delivering light through the catheter in the wavelength range of about 700–2500 nm; and moving the light to treat the affected region.

Abstract: A method of prevention and treatment of microbial infections that occur on, or just below, the skin and nails consisting of the application of electromagnetic radiation to an infected area of skin or nails for a time and at a proximity and intensity sufficient to render the microbes substantially inactivated and incapable of reproducing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming annular lesions in tissue. The methods include introduction of an optical apparatus proximate to a tissue site, via, for example, a catheter. The optical apparatus includes a pattern-forming optical wave guide in communication with a light transmitting optical fiber. Energy is transmitted through the optical fiber, such that radiation is propagated through the optical fiber and the wave guide projects an annular light pattern, e.g., a circle or a halo.

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: A laser energy delivery device and method are provided for irradiating a body tissue with relatively long wavelength laser energy in the presence of an aqueous liquid without significant absorption of the laser energy by the liquid. The device includes an elongate hollow sheath that is open at its distal end and closed at its proximal end, a laser energy conduit such as an optical fiber or hollow waveguide, within the sheath, the distal end of the conduit being disposed near the open distal end of the sheath, and the proximal end of the conduit being adapted for connection to a source of long wavelength laser energy. The sheath also includes an inlet port, spaced from the proximal end of the sheath, and adapted to receive and deliver a biologically compatible gas through the sheath to a body tissue site in contact with the open distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily remove hair through the absorption of light energy only by endogenous chromophores of the hair. Exogenous chromophores for light absorpotion are not applied to the skin surface at any time. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair regeneration, thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin surface free of visible hair.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for effecting a bloodless incision of soft tissue within the oral cavity. A standard laser is converted into an isotopic laser replacing the gas in the discharge tube of the standard laser with isotopic gas without replacing other constituents of the gas of the standard laser. The thickness of anti-reflection coating on the windows of the discharge tube is increased and the reflectivity of the reflectors is increased to a maximal value. The pulse duration of the laser is decreased and the converted laser directing to a desired target location of soft tissue within the oral cavity. The target location is at a penetration depth deep enough to avoid bleeding and distant enough from the soft tissue to minimize collateral damage. The converted laser fired to the target location at a wavelength and at an energy level suitable to effect the bloodless incision.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which is therapeutically beneficial to the well-being of living organisms such as humans, animals, and/or plant life, using photon or light waves. The device is intended to lie against the skin or surface, near the skin/surface, and/or from a distance ranging up to several feet from the skin/surface. The device is intended to be used for: general relaxation and detoxification of an organism; stimulating the healing process in an organism which is ill, diseased or injured; aiding in the elimination of pain and inflammation in an organism; stimulating/sedating the acupressure meridian system of an organism and rebalancing the electromagnetic energy-field surrounding the organism.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus has a body portion that includes a shaft terminating in a distal head or tip for directing light radiation from the apparatus onto the lining of a body cavity for treating an ailment in a body cavity of a patient as for example a gastrointestinal ailment of a patient such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer, gastric lymphoma, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease as well as for treating diseases of the circulatory system, urogenital systems and other body cavities. During use, the shaft of the apparatus is inserted into a body cavity, e.g., stomach or colon, of the patient to place the distal tip of the shaft in the desired position. The body cavity of the patient is then irradiated with light radiation so as to kill or debilitate microorganisms lining the body cavity without serious destruction of the body tissue of the patient to thereby improve or alleviate one or more of the symptoms of the ailment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treatment of skin disorders. More particularly, the disclosed invention is directed toward the treatment of acne and acne scarring by treating sebaceous oil glands and the surrounding tissue with an exogenous chromophore composition and then exposing the target tissue to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light to inhibit the activity of the oil gland and eliminate acne bacteria. The treatment method of the present invention may be futher augmented by enhancing the penetration of the topical composition into the oil gland and surrounding tissue through the use of procedures including enzyme peeling, microderm abrasion, or ultrasound.

Abstract: For good health, exposure to a variety of wavelengths is needed. A balance in the exposure from day to day and throughout the year is necessary. Avoidance of overexposure by having moderation in the exposure is essential to prevent skin cancer and other disorders. The present invention can enhance the probability for good health and reduce the risk of diseases associated with solar radiation exposure and diet for those person with deficient, excess or non-balanced exposure and diet. A key feature of the invention is the use of whole body exposure when possible. This enables the use of very low irradiances for short periods. This results in an overall reduction in the risk of skin cancer. Several techniques are included to increase the UV-B exposure.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the treatment of diseased tissue in breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway, a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than said tube internal cylindrical passageway to receive and guide an endoscope, the smaller cylindrical tube forming together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube a second passageway. A light transmitting probe is mounted in the second passageway and is connected at the distal end of the guide tube with an energy transmitting device. The light probe is activated to generate light at a particular wavelength to cause the tissue to fluoresce and is again activated to generate light at a specific wavelength to necrose the diseased tissue.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily remove hair. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair regeneration, thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin surface free of visible hair.

Abstract: A non Q-switched erbium laser operating on the I11/2→I13/2 transition produces laser output pulses characterized by a single spike containing approximately 90% of the energy, rather than a series of multiple spikes. The laser includes an optical gain medium with erbium being the lasing species, such as an erbium doped YAG rod. The gain medium is pumped with a flashlamp, with the voltage applied to the flashlamp and the duration of the applied voltage being carefully controlled to produce the single spike laser output. Depending upon the operating conditions, the full width half maximum (FWHM) of the spikes can be varied between 0.1 and 10 microseconds. The output of the erbium has fewer than 10 transverse modes. Output from the erbium laser may be directed onto corneal tissue in a preferred corneal sculpting procedure, in which the ablation rate is limited to no more than about 3 microns per laser pulse.

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 comprising LBO or BBO producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 20 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 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 diode-pumped neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 20 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 and a method for the photolithographic exposure of biological substances is described, which comprises at least one light source, a bundle of optical fibers and a control unit, whereby each of the optical fibers can be controlled by light independently from one another and/or light can be coupled to each fiber independently. The device is particularly suitable for the exposure of DNA, PNA or peptide chips.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus comprising a laser diode (2) whose wavelength is modulated by an amplitude modulator (1). The laser output is collimated by a lens (3) and passed through an optical element (4) which contains two diffraction gratings spaced by a refractive element. The resulting output contains an interference pattern which can be selected and controlled to interact with chosen molecules so as to induce molecular resonance.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for the site specific enhancement of cytokine release (through chemotaxis) namely beta chemokines and enhance healing via an enhanced overall immune response. The site specific enhancement of cytokine release is achieved by initiating an inflamatory response by laser therapy.

Abstract: A device and a method for treating the human body is provided. The method includes generating electromagnetic radiation for example laser radiation, passing the electromagnetic radiation through a graded index optical fiber, the graded index optical fiber outputting the modified electromagnetic radiation and applying the modified electromagnetic radiation to the human body.

Abstract: A method for firming and removing cellulite comprising: exfoliating an area of a body for treatment of the cellulite; applying an anti-cellulite/firming agent to the area of a body for treatment of the cellulite; and administering light treatment to the area of a body for treatment of the cellulite.

Abstract: Atherosclerotic vascular disease is treated by exposing the interior of an artery or vein to visible or ultraviolet light of a selected spectrum to thereby sterilize the artery, eradicating infectious pathogens and reverse the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic artery disease. A fiber optic bundle positioned via an intra-arterial catheter is connected to an appropriate light radiation source located outside of the body during treatment. In another form, the light energy is produced by means of a light energy source located at the distal tip of the instrument shaft positioned centrally within the atherosclerotic plaque formation. In this case, the power source at the distal tip of the instrument can be a light emitting diode (LED) or a transparent tube containing a chemilumlumenescent substance for producing cool light energy within the vessel to destroy the pathogenic microorganisms in the surrounding plaque or vessel without damage to the body tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for improved treatment of oral tissues using 980 nm laser radiation and a handpiece with means for concurrently delivering the laser radiation and a liquid/gas spray onto the treatment area to improve the treatment effects. Unwanted heating and carbonization of surrounding tissues is reduced. The liquid/gas spray may be mixed inside the handpiece or in a separate device. The combination of cooling sprays with radiation wavelengths having high absorption in water has previously been avoided due to the thought that energy absorption by the cooling fluid would render the energy delivered to the tissue uncontrollable and of minimal benefit. Preferably, pulsed laser light provides a localized energy deposition and heating to avoid unwanted heating of underlying tissue. The liquid spray flushes away tissue debris in addition to cooling the treated tissue.

Abstract: In a probe (10, 20) for laser treatment of uneven structures or deformations of a body, the laser devices (16, 20, 22) are arranged on a partially domed surface (18, 24) in order to cover the uneven structures. The doming has a smooth surface treatment, which facilitates sweeping in the probe over uneven structures. The probe includes a handgrip (12), covered with a material that increases the adhesion to a hand. In particular, the probe is intended for treatment of neurological and rheumatic disease conditions.

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: A device for the cosmetic treatment of skin, especially for epilation, skin remodeling and treatment of acne whereby an appropriate cosmetically effective wavelength of light is produced using a fluorescent material pumped with ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source.

Abstract: The acne treatment devices use an array of LEDs, which emit monochromatic light substantially at a wavelength of 405 nanometers, which is coincident with the peak absorbance of light by acne porphyrins. The emitted light is directed from the light source to an acne area of the skin. The device can either be hand-held, with the LEDs mounted on a handle portion, or an LED can be mounted on a patch-like mounting element, which is adapted to be secured to the skin for longer exposure at less intensity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating mammalian, for example, human, skin afflicted with a sebaceous follicle disorder, for example, acne. The method involves cooling an exposed surface of a region afflicted with the disorder and applying energy, for example, energy from a coherent or incoherent light source, to the region. The applied energy reduces the size and/or density of lesions associated with the disorder in the treated region, and can reduce or otherwise alleviate lesion-associated skin inflammation in the treated region. Cooling preserves the surface, for example, epidermis, of the skin. The method, therefore, is effective at treating the disorder while at the same time avoiding or minimizing thermal damage to the exposed surface of the skin.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method and device for treating varicose veins 200 or the greater saphenous vein 202. The method comprises the use of infrared laser radiation in the region of 1.2 to 1.8 um in a manner from inside the vessel 200 or 202 such that the endothelial cells of the vessel wall 704 are damaged and collagen fibers in the vessel wall 704 are heated to the point where they permanently contract, the vessel 200 or 202 is occluded and ultimately resorbed. The device includes a laser 102 delivered via a fiber optic catheter 300 that may have frosted or diffusing fiber tips 308. A motorized pull back device 104 is used, and a thermal sensor 600 may be used to help control the power required to maintain the proper treatment temperature.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily remove hair. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair regeneration, thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin surface free of visible hair.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily remove hair through the absorption of light energy only by endogenous chromophores of the hair. Exogenous chromophores for light absorpotion are not applied to the skin surface at any time. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair regeneration, thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin surface free of visible hair.

Abstract: A method for altering iris pigment in a human or animal, thereby altering iris color of an iris from a first iris color to a second iris color. The method comprises selecting one or more than one laser capable of generating one or more than one laser beam that will remove iris pigment of at least two different iris pigment colors from the iris and applying the one or more than one laser beam to the iris of a first iris color to remove the iris pigment. Removal of the iris pigment causes an alteration in the color of the first iris from the first iris color to the second iris color, where either the second iris color is both a different hue and less saturated than the first iris color, or where the second iris color is both a different hue and less saturated than the first iris color.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for template-controlled, precision laser interventions is described that greatly improves the accuracy, speed, range, reliability, versatility, safety, and efficacy of interventions such as laser microsurgery, particularly ophthalmic surgery, and industrial micromachining. The instrument and system are applicable to those specialties wherein the positioning accuracy of laser lesions is critical, wherever accurate containment of the spatial extent of a laser lesion is desirable, and/or whenever precise operations on a target or series of targets subject to movement during the procedure are to be effected. A key object of the present invention is to implement a fully integrated approach based on a number of different instrumental functions all operating in concert within a single, fully automated unit. Each of the complementary, and at times competing, functions requires its own technologies and corresponding subassemblies.

Abstract: A system and method for applying, essentially simultaneously, RF energy and optical energy to skin. The system comprises one or more RF electrodes for providing RF energy to the skin; and one or more light sources for providing optical energy to the skin. The method comprises applying, essentially simultaneously, RF energy and light energy to the skin. The method may be used for treating complex targets in the skin.

Abstract: An ocular iontophoretic device for delivering an interferon to an affected area of a living being's eye comprising an active electrode assembly associated with a matrix, wherein the matrix includes an interferon capable of treating viral, immunoregulatory, and/or neovascularization conditions. A method for treating an affected area of a living being's eye comprising the steps of: associating an interferon with an ocular iontophoretic device; positioning at least a portion of the ocular iontophoretic device on the eye of a living being; and iontophoretically delivering the interferon to an affected area of the living being's eye.

Abstract: A process for treating diseased cells with protons and light nuclei, comprising the steps of: (a) disposing a multiplicity of nanocapsules a biological organism, (b) focusing laser energy at awavelength of from about 350 nanometers to about 850 nanometers and an intensity of from about 1019 to about 1021 watts/square centimeter, and (c) contacting the nanocapsules with the focused laser energy for less than about 30 femtoseconds, thereby producing charged nuclei within said capsules.

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: A method for the reduction in healing time for a wound on the skin of a mammalian patient. The method comprises the steps of providing an optical radiation apparatus with a handpiece communicating therewith, energyzing the optical radiation apparatus to provide a beam of light, and directing the light beam onto a wound or surgical site of a patient. The beam has a wavelength range of about 530 nm to 1000 nm and the beam has a fluence range of from 2 J/cm2 to 5 J/cm2. The beam is preferrably generated by a pulse dye laser apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilization of aneurysm is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an ultraviolet radiation generator for generating UV radiation having a wavelength, strongly absorbed by the DNA and a catheter including means for delivering the ultraviolet radiation to the aneurysm. The distal end of the catheter is placed inside the aneurysm. Stabilization of the aneurysm is achieved by forming a mural arterial thrombus inside the aneurysm. To make irradiation possible, the blood is displaced from the aneurysm by a steady stream of UV radiation transparent fluid. The injury to the endothelium that triggers the thrombus formation is caused by UV radiation delivered to the aneurysm. In several days after intervention the thrombus becomes fully organized, leaving on the inside surface of the aneurysm a thick layer of fibrotic tissue that stabilizes the aneurysm.

Abstract: A system for non-invasive treatment of a patient's trabecular meshwork to treat primary open-angle glaucoma, exfoliation glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma wherein the meshwork can be clogged with cellular debris and other accumulations. The system and technique applies energy directly to media within clogged spaces in a patient's trabecular meshwork to increase aqueous outflow facility by (i) localization of microimplantable bodies carrying a selected exogenous chromophore in deeper regions of the trabecular meshwork and (ii) irradiation of the microimplantables with a selected coherent wavelength having a power level and pulse duration that is strongly absorbed by the exogenous chromophore. The chromophores are preferably carried in uniform nanocystalline particles having an average diameter ranging from about 0.5 nm to 20 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating various dermatalogical conditions using electromagnetic radiation. Particularly preferred are narrowband, multichromatic electromagnetic radiation emitters having a dominant emissive wavelength corresponding to the peak absorption wavelength of the mammalian tissue targetted for treatment. Topical compositions are disclosed for pretreating the targetted tissue to alter the peak absorption wavelength of the tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of providing endovascular therapy. The steps include arranging optical fibers within a catheter, the catheter having a tip whose length is at least 1 cm and whose diameter of less than 1 millimeter, connecting an excimer laser to the optical fibers; and delivering laser energy from the excimer laser in excess of a fluence of 60 -mJ/mm2 at 40 Hertz through the optical fibers. The delivering of the laser energy may be to non-calcified or calcified deposits of an atherosclerotic lesion to ablate the same. The method also includes the step of inserting the catheter through an artery by pushing the same until the tip is in within laser energy striking distance of the atherosclerotic lesion.

Abstract: An electromagnetically induced cutting mechanism provides accurate cutting operations on soft tissues. The electromagnetically induced cutter is adapted to interact with atomized fluid particles. A tissue remover comprises an aspiration cannula housing a fluid and energy guide for conducting electromagnetically induced cutting forces to the site within a patient's body for aspiration of soft tissue. The cannula is provided with a cannula distal end. The proximal end of the cannula is provided with fluid flow connection to an aspiration source. Separated soft tissue and fluid are aspirated through the cannula distal end and the cannula by an aspiration source at the proximal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating acne. The methods include exposing the subject afflicted with acne to ultraviolet light having a wavelength between about 320 to about 350 nm, such that the acne is treated, e.g., inhibited, diminished, eradicated or prevented. In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength is 335 nm and is emitted by either a nitrogen laser or a third harmonic of a NdYAG laser. Treatments can be administered over a several week period, where the subject is exposed to sequential doses of ultraviolet light to obtain beneficial effects, e.g., a reduction or elimination of the acne, e.g., an eradication or diminishment of the bacteria responsible for acne, e.g., Propionibacterium acnes.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for the photomodulation of living tissue. When photomodulated, living tissue will exhibit bioactivation or bioinhibition according to the present invention and, when using the disclosed sources of narrowband multichromatic radiation can cause significant dermatologic advantages such as hair removal, hair growth stimulation, wrinkle reduction, acne reduction and scar removal, vitiligo, etc. This invention may be applied to non-dermatological medical treatments including tumor growth inhibition, cell regeneration, the stimulation of tissue in organs, etc.