Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to apply substances to a biological tissue are described. The tissue having an target below a surface is stretched to provide openings in a surface. Stretching forces a material from the target onto the surface. A first substance may be applied while stretching to promote cleaning the tissue. A second substance may be applied to the surface. Energy may be applied to the tissue. Then the tissue is relaxed to draw the second substance through the openings into the tissue. The tissue may be stretched by applying a negative pressure, and relaxed by removing the negative pressure. The first substance may be an abrasive material. The second substance is a medicine, a moisturizer, a lotion, or any combination thereof. The second substance may be applied to the biological tissue using a positive pressure. The apparatus to apply substances may be a handheld device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating skin for aesthetic or health purposes are described. According to various embodiments, photoresponsive materials and light are delivered in a controlled fashion to produce a patterned distribution of a material in the skin.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices for harvesting a skin graft(s). The present invention provides a blister raising device integrated with a member for cutting the blister.

Abstract: A device for dermatological treatment, includes an energy source, the energy source generating a quasi-Gaussian laser beam, characterized in that it includes an element for shaping the beam between the energy source and a source to be treated, the shaping element being adapted for converting the beam into a beam having a power distributed homogenously on a given surface, and in that the device further includes a removable and replaceable optical unit.

Abstract: A dermatologic treatment apparatus is disclosed that is cordless and sufficiently compact as to be hand-held. A self-contained housing is configured for gripping by a person's hand for cordless manipulation in a dermatologic treatment procedure. A light source and electrical circuit are contained within the housing. The circuit includes one or more batteries and an electronic control circuit for energizing the light source to produce output light pulses. A light path is within the housing including an aperture through which the output light pulses are propagated out of the housing having properties sufficient for providing efficacious treatment.

Abstract: A method for reducing skin is disclosed, in which a plurality of incisions or removals are made to collectively form a patch of skin to be reduced, instead of making a single large treatment of the patch. Thus, scarring after healing is less noticeable. Preferably, the treated regions of skin are arranged such that a total area of all removed skin segments taken in a direction perpendicular to an axis of said patch changes gradually along said axis. The removed regions of skin are preferably navicular in shape, and the patches are preferably navicular in shape in the event an elongated incision is made. The removal of skin regions can be realized by proper treatment methods such as incisions and laser treatment. The mask may be attached to the patch of skin to be treated after said skin is stretched.

Abstract: A device for providing laser-based dermatological treatments may include a device body having an application end, a VCSEL laser supported in the device body and including multiple emitter zones, each emitter zone comprising one or more micro-emitters, each micro-emitter configured to emit a micro-beam, wherein at least two of the multiple emitter zones are configured such that the micro-beam emitted by the micro-emitters of the at least two emitter zones form a combined beam through the application end of the device to provide a treatment spot on the skin, and electronics coupled to the at least two emitter zones and configured to control the at least two emitter zones independently.

Abstract: Facilitating a dermatologic treatment by providing a light source emitting optical radiation and having a plurality of wavelengths, reflecting some of the emitted optical radiation back to the light source to enhance the brightness of the optical radiation, and applying at least some of the enhanced optical radiation to a skin surface to facilitate a dermatologic treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for hair treatment are disclosed. According to various embodiments, light is used to shave, trim, or otherwise modify hair shafts.

Abstract: Methods of treating a portion of skin are disclosed. A carbon lotion is applied to a portion of skin comprising one or more enlarged pores or one or more indicators of aging. The carbon lotion is allowed to remain on the portion of skin for a period of time, and, upon expiration of the period of time, excess carbon lotion is removed from the portion of skin. The portion of skin is irradiated with one or more first laser pulses and one or more second laser pulses. A laser producing the first and second laser pulses has an oscillation wavelength of 1064 nm.

Abstract: A method for reducing skin is disclosed, in which a plurality of incisions or removals are made to collectively form a patch of skin to be reduced, instead of making a single large treatment of the patch. Thus, scarring after healing is less noticeable. Preferably, the treated regions of skin are arranged such that a total area of all removed skin segments taken in a direction perpendicular to an axis of said patch changes gradually along said axis. The removed regions of skin are preferably navicular in shape, and the patches are preferably navicular in shape in the event an elongated incision is made. The removal of skin regions can be realized by proper treatment methods such as incisions and laser treatment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser emission system comprising a laser emission device for irradiation a laser to an area of a targeted object; a monitoring device; a display unit for displaying an image captured by the monitoring device; and a control unit connected to the monitoring device and the display unit. Here, the control unit receives the information on a movement direction and a moving distance of the laser emission device and distinguishes between an area emitted with a laser by the laser emission device and an area which is not emitted with a laser, and then displays them on the display unit. Regardless of the perceived skill of the operator, the present invention prevents the irradiation of the area from being omitted and prevents the area from being excessively or insufficiently emitted in the laser treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for hair treatment are disclosed. According to various embodiments, light is used to shave, trim, or otherwise modify hair shafts.

Abstract: The present invention presents novel methods for performing noninvasive vasectomies in animals, including humans, and vasectomy clamps for use in such procedures. The invention further presents an apparatus for use in noninvasive male sterilization procedures. More specifically, the invention presents the application of lasers for noninvasive thermal coagulation and occlusion of the vas. Non-contact cooling of the tissue surface, for example, via cryogen or other cooling spray, prevents scrotal skin burns during the procedure. Both the laser radiation and cooling spray are delivered in a non-contact mode to the tissue. This procedure also preserves the surgical field-of-view, potentially allowing the urologist to visually monitor the skin surface during subsurface heating of the vas and preventing the formation of scrotal skin burns.

Abstract: Handpieces which comprise characteristic data storage systems electronically storing characteristic data, devices comprising these handpieces, methods of characterizing the device components, and methods of adjusting the device components based on stored characteristic data are described. The handpieces can be repeatedly connected to, disconnected from, and reconnected to an optical energy system comprising at least one optical energy source and at least one controller by a treatment provider. When the handpieces are connected to an optical energy source and a controller, the component characteristic data is accessed and used to adjust one or more of the components in order for the components to function together within a pre-determined tolerance. Once the components are connected and adjusted, the device can be used to provide an optical energy based medical and/or cosmetic treatment to a tissue such as, for example, human skin.

Abstract: A device comprises an energy source capable of generating short bursts of energy at a variable pulse repetition rates. The repetition rates range from a single shot to several hundreds Mega-Hertz so that selective, three dimensional interactions with a volumetric zone of skin or issue can be created substantially without damage or substantial changes to overlying or underlying or surrounding tissue or skin.

Abstract: A self-contained, hand-held device for providing a dermatological treatment includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a radiation source supported in the device body, the radiation source including a beam source configured to generate an energy beam; an application end configured to be manually moved across the surface of the skin during a treatment session; electronics configured to pulse the radiation source during the treatment session such that the beam source emits pulsed energy beams to the skin; and a displacement control system including a displacement sensor configured to determine a displacement of the device relative to the skin, and electronics configured to control at least one operational parameter of the device based on the determined displacement of the device relative to the skin.

Abstract: The invention provides a hand held hair treatment device for the stimulation of hair growth on the scalp, which device comprises: a housing which includes a handle portion and a head portion; a plurality of hollow tines, each tine having a proximal end affixed to the head portion, a longitudinal length extending from the head portion and a distal end terminating in a tip section; a light source disposed within the housing and configured to output light; light guide means for channelling the light from the light source through the tines and along a light guide means axis; and optical devices which are located at the distal ends of the tines; characterised in that the optical devices are configured to vector light which is incident upon them transversely to the general light guide means axis.

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: Light-source treatment devices such as dermatological or cosmetic devices include a skin contacting surface layer that is antimicrobial. The antimicrobial skin contacting surface layer enhances the cleanliness of the device and helps reduce infection and contamination risks associated with use of the devices, particularly where the treatment of multiple individuals occurs. The antimicrobial layer may be titanium dioxide.

Abstract: The present methods, systems, and kits permit the induction of multimodal injury to a subject's skin. This approach maximizes the responsiveness of the treated area to treatments for producing hair follicles; exciting, activating, and dispersing existing hair-producing structures; and bringing about other physiological changes that correspond to increased hair growth and/or the growth of more robust hairs. In contrast with conventional methodologies, the present methods and systems provide heretofore unattainable advantages through use of a multi-pronged approach of de novo hair follicle production, in combination with reorganization of existing structures to produce new follicular units, as well as pharmaceutical enhancement of both processes, and other gainful techniques.

Abstract: A method of operating a flashlamp (2) in a skin treatment system (1) comprises the steps of establishing a conductive path between the flashlamp (2) and a charged capacitor (4) causing a free discharge within the flashlamp, and interrupting said conductive path so as to cut off the current through the lamp when the current density drops below a predetermined current density threshold level (Ix) or when the energy applied to the skin reaches a certain maximum (EM).

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of soft tissue includes a source of radiation, a handpiece which is adapted to transmit radiation emitted from the source of radiation to a region of soft tissue, resulting in irradiated soft tissue, said handpiece being positioned adjacent to or in contact with said soft tissue region, a grid element adapted to hold at least one temperature sensor in contact with or embedded in said region of soft tissue, and a microprocessor, which converts a signal from the at least one temperature sensor into a measure of damage produced in at least two components of the irradiated soft tissue, said components comprising at least one normal tissue component and at least one malignant, hypertrophic, diseased, or unwanted component.

Abstract: A system is provided for photodynamic diagnosis and therapy of skin diseases. In particular, a camera head is provided to irradiate a white light, a fluorescent excitation light and a therapeutic light for the photodynamic therapy from the inside of a case onto the skin region being in contact with a view hole. Additionally, a digital color TV camera collects the light from the skin region and outputs a generated image signal. In particular, an image processing and analysis system receives the image signals from the camera head to process, analyze and store the same, displays a color image by the white light, a fluorescent image by the excitation light and the therapeutic light for the photodynamic therapy, obtained by the digital color TV camera, and a synthesized image thereof, and controls the general operations of the camera and the light source system.

Abstract: A device and a method for thermal treatments of target material with various thermal interactions are disclosed. A device for treating hair on the skin comprises a treatment head coupled to a housing; a hair remover for removing the hair from a target area of the skin; a light source for transmitting a predetermined amount of energy to the skin. A device and method for treatment of tissue. The device comprises of an energy source for treatment of surface and subsurface tissue, And of a mechanical source of energy for mechanically deforming the treated tissue. Both the Mechanical Energy (ME) and the Treatment Energy (TE) may be either continuously operating (CO) or modulated in time and space.

Abstract: Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patients skin. The dosage employed exceeds 1 MED, an MED being determined for the particular patient being treated, and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of between about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers and preferably is between about 300 nanometers and about 310 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are restricted to diseased tissue areas so as to avoid risk of detrimental side affects in healthy skin, which is more susceptible to damage from UV light. Cooling the skin prior to and/or while exposing the skin to the UV light can be used to minimize tissue damage resulting from exposure to the UV light. Higher doses of UV light can therefore be employed without injurious affects.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new low-level laser therapy apparatus and method of treating tissue. The invention includes a laser system that uses laser diodes and/or alternatively light emitting diodes (LED's), or both, and a digital interface that gives the operator the ability to generate sine waves or scalar waves as opposed to the simple on/off square waves. The invention also enables the operator to modulate not only the frequency, but also other wave characteristics such as the amplitude and phase. In one aspect, the invention involves modulating the phase relationship between multiple waves by taking one channel or wave which is pulsed through the laser system and then running a second channel or wave in relationship to the first channel, thereby creating a phased relationship, which has been discovered to provide a therapeutic and quantum healing effect on tissue.

Abstract: Switching power supplies made in accordance with the disclosed technology drive flash lamps of dermatologic treatment devices to emit a sequence of relatively small light pulses that are aligned with particular locations within the waveform of the AC line source. Such power supplies not only enable sufficient light energy in aggregate to therapeutically heat target chromophores in a skin region without causing undesired damage to surrounding tissue, but also provide the added benefit that the corresponding electrical energy need not be substantially drawn from any charged capacitor. The disclosed power supply further compensates for performance degradation of the flash lamps during their usable life, by modifying its operation based on predetermined values that are indicative of flash lamp aging/efficiency characteristics. The flash lamps and their associated stored values are preferably incorporated into a replaceable cartridge that facilitates user maintenance of the dermatologic treatment device.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for optical ablation of tissue in a living body, the catheter including: a distal end; a proximal end; an elongate catheter body coupled between the distal end and the proximal end; a light emission device at the distal end and configured to emit an ablation light having characteristics selected to regulate an optically regulatable transcription control element operably linked to a nucleic acid sequence for a gene product, the expression of which gene product in cells directly or indirectly kills cells; and a projection control mechanism coupled to the light emission device and configured to control an effectively illuminated area where the optically regulatable transcription control element is effectively regulatable by the ablation light projected from the light emission device. Also provided is a system which includes the catheter, and methods to prevent, inhibit or treat AF which employ an expression cassette and/or one or more selected wavelengths of light.

Abstract: A method for removing tattoos using two laser beams and a multi-photon process is disclosed. A 0.1 to 100 nsec pulse secondary laser beam focused to 108 W/cm2 creates a temporary channel from the skin surface to the tattoo pigment. A 100 fsec pulse main laser beam is then guided through the channel to the pigment and focused to sufficient intensity, i.e., 1012 W/cm2 or more, to initiate a multi-photon process that breaks up the pigment, disrupting its light reflecting properties. The channel allows the main laser beam unobstructed passage to the pigments, resulting in efficient use of the main laser. The pigment fragments escape through the temporary channel or diffuse into the blood stream. A suitably configured Ti/Sapphire laser beam is split into two components, with an uncompressed component used as the secondary laser beam, and a compressed component as the main laser beam.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for non-ablative laser treatment of dermatologic conditions. A laser energy is transmitted to an underlying target element in the skin. The target element is heated to a temperature of at least forty degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, a pulsed, near infrared, high peak power laser energy is used. The systems and methods of the present invention may be used to treat acne, smooth wrinkles, remove hair, treat leg veins, treat facial veins, improve skin texture, decrease pore sizes, reduce rosacea, reduce “blush/diffuse redness, reduce striae, reduce scarring, or the like.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation 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 reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface.

Abstract: The hair-removal device comprises a housing, a flashlamp arranged inside the housing, the housing having an opening through which electromagnetic energy originating from the flashlamp can be transmitted towards a skin surface. The housing comprises: a cavity adjacent to the flashlamp; at least one aeration orifice; and at least one mobile component in the housing, which can be displaced between a first so-called aeration position, in which said cavity communicates with said aeration orifice and a second so-called closed position, for which said cavity is closed in order to limit the light escaping from the opening. Said mobile component can be formed by a housing portion that can close the cavity except for the opening, by moving towards a complementary housing portion.

Abstract: A flashlamp device having a small diameter waveguide is disclosed for use in localized dermatological applications. A preferred waveguide has a curvilinear wall surface. The waveguide is supported by a plurality of spaced apart thermally-conductive elements in contact with the curvilinear wall surface allowing sufficient cooling of the waveguide while minimizing the amount of high angle light stripped from the waveguide at points of contact with the contact elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field of systems for human skin medical treatments. The system consists in a biomedical apparatus (1) connected to a scanning device (5) by means of an articulated transmission system.

Abstract: An apparatus enabling a casual user in a residential set-up to perform himself almost every skin treatment procedure by using a variety of modules that may be inserted into an infrastructure frame. The apparatus presents a docking station and an applicator. The applicator simultaneously receives only two types of skin treatment modules, these may be replaced after use for modules providing a different type of skin treatment. Such skin treatment modules like epilator, shaver, exfoliation or abrasive module, suction head, and massage head apply a mechanical action to the skin. Ultrasound module applies ultrasound waves to the skin. Intense pulsed light and RF apply electromagnetic radiation to the skin. A combination of these modules may be used to provide a variety of skin treatments such as hair removal, skin rejuvenation, skin exfoliation, acne treatment, circumference reduction, and other skin treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for treatment of skin wounds, comprising an energy source for activation of a biochemical healing effect, and at least one dressing intended to be placed on the wound before the step of activation by said energy source, characterized in that said dressing comprises an identification means interacting in a contactless manner with a sensor that triggers the function of the energy source only when the distance between the sensor and said identification means is below a threshold value.

Abstract: The skin treatment device comprises a housing, a flashlamp arranged inside the housing, the housing having an opening through which electromagnetic energy originating from the flashlamp can be transmitted towards a skin surface. The housing comprises: a cavity adjacent to the flashlamp; at least one aeration orifice; and at least one mobile component in the housing, which can be displaced between a first so-called aeration position, in which said cavity communicates with said aeration orifice and a second so-called closed position, for which said cavity is closed in order to limit the light escaping from the opening. Said mobile component can be formed by a housing portion that can close the cavity except for the opening, by moving towards a complementary housing portion.

Abstract: A full-body non-invasive laser scanner for mapping or measuring a patient's body and for treating a patient's body with laser energy comprises a patient support, one or more laser devices, a laser guidance system, a control center, and optionally feedback sensors. The patient support aids in maintaining body alignment during treatment, and the laser devices are moveably positioned on a laser guidance system such that they can be driven about a stationary patient. To map and contour a patient's body, the patient aligns himself on the patient support. With the control center, an operator chooses whether to map, contour, or map and contour the patient's body either manually or according to preprogrammed treatment protocols. The carriage assembly translates and the laser devices apply laser energy to the surfaces of the patient's body according to the chosen protocol. Feedback sensors provide data for mapping the contours of the patient's body.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for using an imaging detector to image an optical pattern created by illumination of a viscous material that is applied to the skin. The viscous material forms a detectable pattern that can be imaged by the imaging detector. In some examples, the viscous material is reflective and allows reflection from an illumination source to create an optical pattern on the imaging detector. In other cases, the variation in thickness of an absorbing or scattering viscous substance can be imaged by the detector. Polarized illumination and detection can be used to enhance the response.

Abstract: Optical methods and devices are provided for the reduction of the lipid content of adipocytes without significant heat or intolerable adverse effect on the cells and their surrounding tissues. The optical method and device can be used to irradiate adipose tissue through the skin with non-thermal and non-destructive effects by application of near infrared (NIR) irradiation at selected wave bands in selected ranges to affect modulation of innate enzymatic processes involved in lipolysis, lipogenesis, leptin secretion, adiponectin secretion, and/or glucose absorption.

Abstract: A device for treating an area of skin by scanning radiation to form a pattern of treatment spots on the skin includes an automated scanning system configured to receive an input beam generated by a radiation source and scan the received input beam to provide a sequential series of output beams that form a pattern of treatment spots on the skin, the automated scanning system including a generally cup-shaped scanning element configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The generally cup-shaped scanning element may include a plurality of lenslets arranged around the rotational axis, each lenslet configured to provide one of the output beams, such that as the rotating scanning element rotates about the rotational axis, the input beam is sequentially reflected by different lenslets surfaces to provide the sequential series of output beams.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity. A light sensor monitors output from the U-shaped tubes to provide a signal for adjusting the output from the tubes.

Abstract: An automatic beauty therapy equipment contains a displacement driving device including a pedestal to be driven by a displacing mechanism so as to move straightly or curvedly in a first-axis direction, a second-axis direction, and a third-axis direction; a therapy device including a therapy element fixed in the pedestal; a controlling device including a controller electrically connecting with the displacement diving device and the therapy device, the controller being used to control the displacement driving device to urge the therapy element of the therapy device to move straightly or curvedly within a therapy area in the first-axis, the second-axis, and the third-axis directions, and the controller being served to set a therapy area so that the therapy element is driven to move vertically and swing with a curved profile of the therapy area to have a precise and stable beauty therapy in the therapy area.

Abstract: An optical imaging system comprises at least one deformable mirror (34) and an adjustment and control arrangement (36, 38) which is coupled to the mirror and is adapted to displace the image-side focal point (52) of the imaging system in the beam propagation direction by deformation of the mirror, particularly in accordance with a predetermined focal point displacement profile. The optical imaging system is preferably employed in a device for femtosecond laser surgery of the human eye, for example for corneal lenticle extraction.

Abstract: A red and near infra-red light phototherapy apparatus designed to accommodate an adult user. A user support of the device may have a hingably connected canopy that contains the red, and infra-red, light source. When the canopy is open, a user may lie on the user support. When adjusted to an operational position, the upper light source may illuminate the entire user support. The apparatus may include an acrylic support with a lower red, and infra-red, light source attached beneath. The acrylic support may be transparent to the red, and infra-red, light. The lower light source may illuminate the entire acrylic support from below. The red narrow band, light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be selected to have a wavelength in a range of approximately 625 nm to 645 nm, and the infra-red LEDs to emit in a range of approximately 820 nm to 860 nm.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including: an incoherent light source that generates a treatment beam having a non-uniform energy profile, the non-uniform energy profile being included of regions of relatively high energy per unit area within a substantially uniform background region of relatively low energy per unit area.

Abstract: A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a waveguide. The waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for circulating a fluorescent substance through the waveguide. The fluorescent substance is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A photo-epilation device including a hand-held housing with at least one window opening; a lamp accommodated in the housing for generating light having a spectral range from approximately 575 nm to approximately 1700 nm; and a control device for driving the lamp. The lamp is switched on in brief pulses having a pulse duration in the range from 1.1 ms to 1.9 ms, and a pulse repetition frequency in the range from 0.1 Hz to 0.5 Hz. The fluence on skin level is in the range from 2 to 7 J/cm2, dependent on the skin type.