Abstract: A launching catheter for targeting a second vessel from a first vessel includes a catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion including a needle aperture and a flat rectangular radiopaque marker. The flat rectangular radiopaque marker disappears under fluoroscopy upon rotation to provide information about rotational alignment of the launching catheter. The launching catheter includes a needle configured to extend through the needle aperture. A method of aligning the catheter includes rotating the catheter in a first blood vessel until the marker has a thickness (e.g., minimal thickness) under fluoroscopy. The thickness indicates rotational alignment of the catheter.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a health parameter of a person is disclosed. The device includes a device body, a radio frequency (RF) front-end connected to the device body and including a semiconductor substrate and an antenna array including at least one transmit antenna configured to transmit radio waves below the skin surface of a person and a two-dimensional array of receive antennas configured to receive radio waves, the received radio waves including a reflected portion of the transmitted radio waves, wherein the semiconductor substrate includes circuits configured to generate signals in response to the received radio waves, and an alignment feature integrated into the device body and configured to align the antenna array with an object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the generative production of at least one component, a device for performing the method and a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. In a method for the generative production of at least one component, a powder of a material is irradiated by means of laser radiation so that it is heated and at least partially melted and the molten material solidifies in order to at least partially form the component. Information relating to the temperature of the material irradiated and/or to be irradiated, in particular thermal radiation, is detected and used for influencing the laser intensity. The laser radiation is conducted at least in sections by means of a light guide to the material and the information relating to the temperature is transmitted in the inner region of the light guide for the purpose of its detection.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and formulations for treating, inhibiting, or ameliorating cellulite. Aspects described herein relate to formulations including a saline solution, reactive oxygen species, a rheology agent, an emollient, and a pH modifier and methods of using these formulations for treating, ameliorating, or inhibiting cellulite.

Abstract: A system for selectively carbonizing a polymer coating on a substrate includes a laser, a memory, and a controller. The memory stores data associated with at least one characteristic of a substrate having a coating that includes a polymer material. The controller is operatively connected to the laser, and is configured to control the laser based on the data such that, in an open-air environment, an interaction between the laser and the polymer material carbonizes a portion of the coating, but does not sustain combustion of the polymer material. A method of producing an article with a selectively carbonized coating includes controlling a laser system such that interaction between a laser and a polymer material forming a coating on a substrate carbonizes a portion of the coating, but does not sustain a combustion of the polymer material in an open-air environment.

Abstract: Surgical adjuncts and medicants for promoting lung function are provided. In general, an implantable adjunct can have one or more medicants releasably retained therein that are configured to promote lung function. The adjunct can be configured to be applied to lung tissue in conjunction with surgical staples using a surgical stapler. The one or more medicants can be configured to promote lung function in a variety of ways. For example, the one or more medicants can be effective to increase oxygen concentration. For another example of the one or more medicants being configured to promote lung function, the at least one medicant can be configured to treat contaminants in lung tissue.

Abstract: An improved method and device is provided for safe and efficient low power density endoluminal treatment of venous insufficiency. One such device emits pulsed or continuous energy radially through an optical fiber end with a conical shaped tip for 360° radial emission. In some embodiments, a conical reflective surface is distally spaced opposite to and faces the emitting tip for enhancing radial emission efficiency by reflecting out any designed or remnant forwardly transmitted energy in radial directions. Other devices include flat emitting faces sealed within protective, radiation transparent covers. Additional embodiments include spacing/centering mechanisms to keep emitting end radially equidistant from vein walls. Laser radiation is transmitted at a wavelength and power such that is it substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall to sufficiently damage the intravascular endothelium and, in turn, achieve blood vessel closure.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for illuminating a body surface. A light source is optically coupled to the proximal end of a light guide and a light scatterer is optically coupled to the distal end of the light guide. The device includes a deployment mechanism that is configured to bring the light scatterer from a small caliber configuration in which the light scatterer is delivered to the body surface to a large caliber configuration in which the light scatterer irradiates the body surface. The invention may be used, for example, irradiate the periadventitial surface of an aneurysmal blood vessel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making an anastomotic connection between an opening at an end of a graft conduit and an aperture in a side wall of a body tissue conduit using a hollow connector assembly are provided, wherein the cross-sectional area of the anastomotic connection is larger than that of the graft conduit. The tissue about the opening is introduced about and retained by first members of a distal portion of the connector assembly held by a loading tool. A delivery tool then collapses a proximal portion defined by second members of the connector assembly and delivers the second members into the lumen of the body tissue conduit via the aperture. Upon inserting the second members into the body tissue conduit, the delivery tool is disemployed and the second members expand such that they press against the interior wall of the body tissue conduit and such that the first members are held within the aperture against a medial wall of the body tissue conduit.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: A magnetic anastomosis device is provided for forming an anastomosis between two bodily walls. The device includes a first magnet assembly and a second magnet assembly configured to be magnetically coupled to compress the two bodily walls therebetween to form the anastomosis. The first magnet assembly includes a first magnet and a second magnet disposed within a first jacket and the second magnet assembly includes a third magnet and a fourth magnet disposed within a second jacket.

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

Abstract: A medical instrument includes two jaw members, at least one of which creates conditions of frustrated total internal reflection at a tissue-contacting surface when tissue is grasped between the two jaw members. The first jaw member may include an optical element having a tissue-contacting surface. The medical instrument also includes a light source that provides a light beam for sealing tissue. The light source is positioned so that the light beam is totally internally reflected from an interface between the tissue-contacting surface and air when tissue is not grasped by the jaw members. When tissue is grasped by the jaw members, at least a portion of the light beam is transmitted through that portion of the tissue-contacting surface that is in contact with the tissue. The light source may be movably coupled to a jaw member to scan the light beam and/or to change the incident angle based on optical properties of the tissue.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes two jaw members, at least one of which creates conditions of frustrated total internal reflection at a tissue-contacting surface when tissue is grasped between the two jaw members. The first jaw member may include an optical element having a tissue-contacting surface. The medical instrument also includes a light source that provides a light beam for sealing tissue. The light source is positioned so that the light beam is totally internally reflected from an interface between the tissue-contacting surface and air when tissue is not grasped by the jaw members. When tissue is grasped by the jaw members, at least a portion of the light beam is transmitted through that portion of the tissue-contacting surface that is in contact with the tissue. The light source may be movably coupled to a jaw member to scan the light beam and/or to change the incident angle based on optical properties of the tissue.

Abstract: A phototherapy device includes a light source; a light emanation block; and a heat exchanger for the dissipation of heat from one or more heat loads associated with the device. Heat may be transferred via the heat exchanger from the light source independently of the dissipation of heat from one or more of the other device heat loads. Substantially thermally isolated heat transfer regions may be provided, and such regions may be maintained at different operating temperatures, to control the transfer of heat in conjunction with a phototherapy method and to promote efficient and enhanced device operation and performance.

Abstract: A tissue transfer method for reconstruction and augmentation of soft tissue. The method includes harvesting adipose tissue from a patient. The harvested tissue is processed via centrifugation to isolate a purified subset of the adipose tissue including separating and removing a substantial amount of triglycerides from the harvested adipose tissue. The centrifugation may be performed to cause separation of water from the purified adipose tissue and to cause separation of oil from mature adipocytes. Specifically, the spin rates may be selected to be high enough to cause lesions in the mature adipocytes that results in the release of the oil. The method continues with implanting the purified adipose tissue into the patient at a breast or other area identified for reconstruction or augmentation. The implanting is performed based on an injection pathway model that defines injection point locations and a number of injection pathway directions from each point.

Abstract: A directionally limited illuminating balloon catheter includes a multi-lumen shaft having a distal end and a hollow balloon portion disposed at the distal end and inflated through the shaft, the balloon portion having a light source illuminating only a portion of the environment outside the balloon portion. The balloon portion can have a directionally limited light source directing substantially all illumination towards the shaft. Also provided is a directionally illuminating balloon catheter kit including a set of illuminating catheters each having the light source with different sized illuminating areas to illuminate a different sized partial portion of the environment outside the balloon portion.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation instrument capable of removing blood from a treatment area is provided. The instrument includes a catheter configured to deliver a distal end thereof to a patient's heart. The instrument can also include an expandable element coupled to the distal end of the catheter wherein the expandable member is configured to be positioned adjacent a target area thereby defining a treatment area between the expandable member and the target area. Further, the instrument can include an irrigation mechanism configured to dispense an irrigation fluid from the catheter thereby displacing blood from the treatment area. Additionally, the instrument includes an energy emitter configured to deliver energy to tissue within the treatment area. The instrument can also include a contact sensor configured to determine the presence of such blood within the treatment area. Methods for ablating tissue are also provided.

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

Abstract: This invention concerns a system for dermatological treatment including an energy source suitable for biochemically activating healing and including at least one means of interaction between the energy source and the patient. The means of interaction is composed of a continuous adhesive support suitable for placement close to the area to be treated, the support having a means of identification and interacting without contact with a sensor allowing the energy source to function only when the distance between the sensor and the means of identification is less than a threshold value. The invention also concerns such a continuous adhesive support and a method of dermatological treatment.

Abstract: A radical prostatectomy anastomosis device including a cartridge having a plurality of anchors slidably disposed in a plurality of distally angled radial channels formed in the cartridge and a pusher assembly operatively coupled within the cartridge. The pusher assembly being configured and adapted to push each of the plurality of anchors out of the angled radial channels of the radial cartridge. The device further including a fitting removably coupled to a distal end of the cartridge. The fitting including a flange having a plurality of holes formed radially around the flange, wherein each of the plurality of holes includes suture locking means configured and adapted to permit a suture to be drawn distally through each of the plurality of holes and to prevent the sutures from being drawn proximally through each of the plurality of holes. The device further including a plurality of sutures secured to an inner surface of the cartridge.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present invention provides exemplary methods for adhering biological membranes to luminal anatomical structures using photosensitizing agents and electromagnetic energy. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provides method for stabilizing luminal anatomical structures. Further, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide arrangements for coupling to a luminal anatomical structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of layered tissue defects having a majority of the surfaces of the defect layers in contact generally involve use of a catheter having at least one energy transmission member at its distal end. The distal end of the apparatus also typically has a force applying member which can apply a force to the tissue defect. Often this force is a lateral force or vacuum which helps the tissue to appose itself. An exemplary method of closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) involves positioning a closure device between layers of the PFO. Energy is then applied to the layered tissue defect with the closure device so as to substantially close the tissue defect. The energy is often monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy. A force may also be applied by the closure device to the layered tissue defect so as to bring the layered tissue defect together.

Abstract: A device and method for endovascular radiation therapy that prevents unwanted damage to blood vessels during treatment is described. One feature is a means for preventing the emission end of an energy delivery device from coming into contact with the wall of a blood vessel. This positioning means may be a distancing catheter or ring incorporated into a catheter. Another feature is a sensing means that senses the inputted radiation power and prevents irradiation above a preselected power or energy level. Both features serve to prevent radiation, having an overly high intensity or power density, from impacting the vessel wall and causing a puncture.

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

Abstract: Methods and devices for use in tissue approximation and fixation are described herein. The present invention provides, in part, methods and devices for acquiring tissue folds in a circumferential configuration within a hollow body organ, e.g., a stomach, positioning the tissue folds for affixing within a fixation zone of the stomach, preferably to create a pouch or partition below the esophagus, and fastening the tissue folds such that a tissue ring, or stomas, forms excluding the pouch from the greater stomach cavity. The present invention further provides for a liner or bypass conduit which is affixed at a proximal end either to the tissue ring or through some other fastening mechanism. The distal end of the conduit is left either unanchored or anchored within the intestinal tract. This bypass conduit also includes a fluid bypass conduit which allows the stomach and a portion of the intestinal tract to communicate.

Abstract: An electrosurgical stapling apparatus is provided which uses thermogenic energy as well as surgical fasteners or staples for strengthening tissue, providing hemostasis, tissue joining or welding. The thermogenic energy also strengthens tissue in proximity to a staple line and knife cut line and provides hemostasis along the staple and cut lines formed by the staples and a knife blade during surgical stapling. The use of thermogenic energy provides short-term hemostasis and sealing, and reduces or prevents staple line and cut line bleeding, while the stapling features provide short and long-term tissue strength and hemostasis. The stapling apparatus further substantially reduces or prevents knife cut line bleeding by energizing a knife blade for cauterizing tissue while it is being cut. In one embodiment, energy is applied to the anvil to energize the staples as they make contact with the anvil.

Abstract: A urethral prosthesis with prostatic and bulbar segments connected by two types of ties allows the prosthesis to assume at least two configurations different with inter-segmental distances adapted to situations where the patient either has or does not have normal control of the external sphincter. This is particularly useful for a patient undergoing an anesthetic procedure that affects the external sphincter muscles. When the muscles are anesthetized, the prosthesis may provide constant urine voiding, and when the anesthetic effects wear off, the prosthesis may assume a different configuration to allow the sphincter to reassert control over urinary voiding.

Abstract: Consistent with the present invention, a tube is provided that contains both a sensing and a laser delivery fiber to the target area. The length of the tube can be varied to any desired length. The end portion of the tube includes a second piece, which is a cap having two through holes or passages. These holes can be formed by standard machining or micromaching methods. The first hole can accommodate the sensing fiber, while the second hole contains the laser delivery fiber. The first and second holes extend in first and second directions, respectively, and form an angle therebetween such that the sensor fiber viewing area is within the radiation area created by the laser delivery fiber. Accordingly, the sensor fiber receives energy emitted from a central portion of the radiation area so that the temperature of the exposed tissue can be accurately determined.

Abstract: This invention concerns a system for dermatological treatment including an energy source suitable for biochemically activating healing and including at least one means of interaction between the energy source and the patient. The means of interaction is composed of a continuous adhesive support suitable for placement close to the area to be treated, the support having a means of identification and interacting without contact with a sensor allowing the energy source to function only when the distance between the sensor and the means of identification is less than a threshold value. The invention also concerns such a continuous adhesive support and a method of dermatological treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for illuminating a body surface. A light source is optically coupled to the proximal end of a light guide and a light scatterer is optically coupled to the distal end of the light guide. The device includes a deployment mechanism that is configured to bring the light scatterer from a small caliber configuration in which the light scatterer is delivered to the body surface to a large caliber configuration in which the light scatterer irradiates the body surface. The invention may be used, for example, irradiate the periadventitial surface of an aneurysmal blood vessel.

Abstract: A laser system for a spectroscopic catheter system uses multiple semiconductor gain media having gain peaks at different wavelengths. The output from the gain media is preferably coupled into single-mode fiber using conventional opto-electronic packaging techniques. As a result, the laser oscillator source has a spectral output that is wider than the gain bandwidth of a single medium to enable it to access the entire spectrum of interest, which is presently in the near infrared. Moreover, the semiconductor gain media can be packaged in a stable and controlled environment for long-term performance.

Abstract: A urethral prosthesis with prostatic and bulbar segments connected by two types of ties allows the prosthesis to assume at least two configurations different with inter-segmental distances adapted to situations where the patient either has or does not have normal control of the external sphincter. This is particularly useful for a patient undergoing an anesthetic procedure that affects the external sphincter muscles. When the muscles are anesthetized, the prosthesis may provide constant urine voiding, and when the anesthetic effects wear off, the prosthesis may assume a different configuration to allow the sphincter to reassert control over urinary voiding.

Abstract: A bypass conduit assembly is placed in a hollow body organ to route food and liquids past the hollow body organ. A flexible tubular member extends from a narrowed section through the hollow body organ and into either the pylorus or intestines. The tubular member is connected to tissue by fasteners such as clips, staples or stents.

Abstract: Methods and devices for use in tissue approximation and fixation are described herein. The present invention provides, in part, methods and devices for acquiring tissue folds in a circumferential configuration within a hollow body organ, e.g., a stomach, positioning the tissue folds for affixing within a fixation zone of the stomach, preferably to create a pouch or partition below the esophagus, and fastening the tissue folds such that a tissue ring, or stomas, forms excluding the pouch from the greater stomach cavity. The present invention further provides for a liner or bypass conduit which is affixed at a proximal end either to the tissue ring or through some other fastening mechanism. The distal end of the conduit is left either unanchored or anchored within the intestinal tract. This bypass conduit also includes a fluid bypass conduit which allows the stomach and a portion of the intestinal tract to communicate.

Abstract: A method of achieving tissue changes in bone or bone-derived organic tissue, in which method bone or bone-derived organic tissue is provided, an interfacing agent is applied to the bone or bone-derived organic tissue, and electromagnetic energy is applied to the interfacing agent. The interfacing agent can include collagen, preferably bone-derived collagen, and a therapeutic agent. In a related embodiment, a method of treating bone tissue is provided wherein a bioactive interfacing agent is placed between the bone segments of the bone tissue to be treated.

Abstract: Various tissue glues have drawback such as toxicity, causing inflammatory reactions or insufficient bonding strength. The present invention is directed to methods of form tissue adhesion by administering to tissues compositions comprising proteins conjugated to one or more novel photosensitizers and irradiating the composition. The composition may further comprise one or more proteins not conjugated to the photosensitizer. Additionally, the present invention relates to compositions and methods wherein increased ratios of protein to photosensitizer enhance weld strength.

Abstract: Laser tissue welding can be achieved using tunable Cr4+ lasers, semiconductor lasers and fiber lasers, where the weld strength follows the absorption spectrum of water. The use of gelatin and esterified gelatin as solders in conjunction with laser inducted tissue welding impart much stronger tensile and torque strengths than albumin solders. Selected NIR wavelength from the above lasers can improve welding and avoid thermal injury to tissue when used alone or with gelatin and esterified gelatin solders. These discoveries can be used to enhance laser tissue welding of tissues such as skin, mucous, bone, blood vessel, nerve, brain, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney, lung, bronchus, respiratory track, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, or gynecologic tract and as a sealant for pulmonary air leaks and fistulas such as intestinal, rectal and urinary fistulas.

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: A method for generating a long effective pulse duration output beam of laser radiation using a flashlamp-excited dye laser is described. A spaced series of excitation pulses is electronically generated using a pulse forming module. The series of excitation pulses are provided to a flashlamp-excited dye laser, which generates an output beam of laser radiation. The output beam is comprised of a series of spaced micropulses of laser radiation which, in combination, provide a long effective pulse duration.

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: A system and method for exposing ocular tissue to a beam of electromagnetic radiation tuned to an NIR wavelength between about 1380 nm and about 1600 nm in the water absorption band. The laser energy is absorbed by the water, which in turn, transfers the energy to collagen molecules. The helical collagen molecules partially denature and then re-nature to form a weld across the region of the tissues to be joined. In a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation originates from a laser. The lasers may be Cr4+ doped crystals, Erbium fibers, and alloys of semiconductor laser diodes.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or suppressing stenosis associated with an arteriovenous access. A dosage of photosensitive compound is introduced into the artery or vein. An anastomotic area of the artery or vein is then exposed to a source of light having a wavelength suitable for photoactivating the photosensitive compound for a period of time sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect. A method is also described for the delivery of drugs into the anastomotic site of an AV access to inhibit the formation of stenotic lesions at those sites.

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: 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: The invention is directed to a method including the steps of providing at least one layer of unlaminated elastin or unlaminated elastin-based materials or unlaminated tropoelastin materials. Then, the unlaminated elastin or unlaminated elastin-based materials or unlaminated tropoelastin materials is subjected to heating and pressing steps. The pressing step of the present invention is preferably conducted in the presence of steam. The laminated elastin or laminated elastin-based materials or laminated tropoelastin materials preferably comprises a multi-layer composite material. Typically, the step of adhering with an adhesive material the laminated elastin or laminated elastin-based materials or laminated tropoelastin materials is employed in order to achieve a water-tight engagement with the tissue substrate. A biogradable cyanacrylate glue is generally used in order to achieve quick and easy way to secure the patch in place and provide watertight fusion instantly.

Abstract: Various tissue glues have drawback such as toxicity, causing inflammatory reactions or insufficient bonding strength. The present invention is directed to methods of form tissue adhesion by administering to tissues compositions comprising proteins conjugated to one or more novel photosensitizers and irradiating the composition. The composition may further comprise one or more proteins not conjugated to the photosensitizer. Additionally, the present invention relates to compositions and methods wherein increased ratios of protein to photosensitizer enhance weld strength.

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: A delivery guide frame attachment for a laser scanner mechanism for a laser treatment operation, to permit proper spacing and dimensional stability of the laser scanner with respect to the skin of a patient being treated. The delivery guide frame attachment includes a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is applyable to the skin of a patient. The upper end is attached to the laser scanner. A chilled fluid supply conduit is arranged in communication with the housing for delivering a chilled fluid onto the skin of a patient when the housing is applied thereto. A chilled fluid containment arrangement in the housing retains and delays escape of chilled fluid from the housing placed on the patient, for a short period during the laser treatment operation.

Abstract: Various tissue glues have drawback such as toxicity, causing inflammatory reactions or insufficient bonding strength. The invention is directed to methods of form tissue adhesion by administering to tissues compositions comprising proteins conjugated to one or more novel photosensitizers and irradiating the composition. The composition may further comprise one or more proteins not conjugated to the photosensitizer. Additionally, the present invention relates to compositions and methods wherein increased ratios of protein to photosensitizer enhance weld strength.