Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of laser treatment of tissue, and particularly, to a system and method for creating microablated channels in skin. The present invention is more particularly directed to treating subsurface tissue through the created channels.

Abstract: A flexible light treatment head comprising one or more light source modules interconnected by a hinge apparatus along a flexing edge thereof. The light source modules have light emitting elements, such as LEDs or LASERs. The hinge apparatus comprises one or more hinges. Each hinge has a head wiring channel disposed to form a continuous wiring channel along the hinge apparatus. A head wiring channel is also provided for routing wires into the light source module.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for treating pustular conditions of the skin, for example, acne. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to extraembryonic cytokine secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells), conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution or ACCS), cell lysates derived therefrom, and cell products derived therefrom, each alone or in combination.

Abstract: A method and device for light color therapy, which is a method for simultaneously exposing specific surface regions of the human body to light of specific but possibly different frequencies, temporal characteristics and polarization. The device is constructed to match anatomical details of the human body such as to apply the simultaneous local light exposures to the desired body regions and to compensate for possible movement of the head, thereby minimizing the time required for a single treatment.

Abstract: A method for modifying the refractive index of ocular tissues. The method comprises irradiating select regions of ocular tissue with a visible or near-IR laser. The irradiation results in the formation of structures in the ocular tissue, characterized by a change in refractive index, and which exhibit little or no scattering loss.

Abstract: Disclosed are several methods, apparatus, and a system for providing diabetic symptom relief through a laser based medical instrument. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a radiation of a laser-light created by a laser diode of a first medical instrument. In addition, the method includes applying a treatment of the radiation to a portion of a body. The method also includes reducing elevated blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin levels caused by one or more metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The method further includes providing a relief from the secondary complications of elevated blood glucose levels such as blurred vision, etc., when the treatment is complete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-organism reducing device, comprising a radiation device which is provided with a light source, a photosensitive substance which treats the area to be treated and is irradiated by said light source. The aim of said invention is to configure said device in such a way that it is possible to carry out an efficient and controllable treatment by means of operationally low-cost and easily handling apparatus. For this purpose, the inventive device comprises at least one applicator provided with a fiber-optic waveguide. In addition, said applicator and radiation device respectively comprise corresponding liaison bodies contacting one of them in such a way that the light from the light source is emitted towards the treated area by means of the fiber-optic waveguide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, use non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:NAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the tar et tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).

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: 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: 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: A device delivers light within a patient using an inner cannula, fiber optics, LED along an endotracheal tube, ETT or tracheostomy tube or a strip with embedded LED adhered to an ETT. The inner cannula includes a tubular thin walled device that transmits light by fiber optics or delivers electrical power to an LED. The light passes along one or more fibers placed within the walls of the inner cannula for outward delivery of the light. The light affects the inside of the cannula, the area between the cannula and the ETT, the area outside the ETT, and into the tracheobronchial tree. The light delivers an antimicrobial effect into the upper airway of a patient. Alternatively, the light delivery device involves tubes and cannulas attaching to existing medical tubes and devices. Alternatively, a transparent strip of embedded LED secures to an existing medical tube.

Abstract: A method of high intensity laser treatment for stimulating regeneration of living biological tissue in a patient by applying a pulsed laser beam to a skin of the patient in need of the treatment.

Abstract: A removable tip for a light energy handpiece comprises a hollow conduit configured to surround a light guide in the handpiece; a support extension having a length longer than a length of the hollow conduit; and a shielding extension coupled to the support extension at an angle less than 180 degrees and located in front of the hollow conduit. The shielding extension is configured to be inserted behind an eyelid and extend to the fornix, the shielding extension comprised of a thermally insulative material.

Abstract: A method for low-level laser irradiation for hearing loss reversal includes: generating low-frequency laser light; controlling an output intensity of the generated laser light; determining whether or not the wavelength and output of the laser light coincides with a preset reference wavelength and reference output intensity, respectively; and irradiating with the laser light into an inner ear through an external auditory meatus, wherein the reference wavelength is set in the range of 600 nm to 10,000 nm.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus for delivering optical energy to fractionally resurface skin of a consumer is configured to be used by the non-physician consumer. The handheld apparatus includes a housing dimensioned for manual grasping and manipulation. The housing encloses a laser and an optical pattern generator having a rotatable component with a plurality of reflective segments that rotate through an optical beam from the laser to deflect and divide the optical beam into pulses that propagate from the housing and form a fractional pattern at the skin surface. The handheld apparatus also includes a transducer associated with fins on the rotatable component to generate signals for each pulse of electromagnetic radiation, the signals being monitored by a controller to enable an end of dose indication for the consumer when the treatment is completed.

Abstract: The invention related to a method and a system for non- or minimally disruptive photomanipulation of the lens and/or its constituents collectively or selectively of an animal or human eye, comprising focusing a treatment laser beam into a selected part of the lens and/or its constituents collectively or selectively where treatment is intended to occur, pulsing of said treatment laser beam, scanning the beam over at least a part of the lens, measuring one or more types of radiation from the said selected part and utilizing this measurement to decide to stop the said treatment laser beam or to adjust at least one of the parameters: focus, intensity, wavelength, pulse length, repetition frequency, pulse train length, scan velocity, size of scanned volume, scan repetitions, and scan pattern of said treatment laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using an array of VCSELs operable to emit light at one or more wavelengths, pulse-repetition rates, pulse durations, pulse powers, pulse energies, and/or light-distribution spatial and/or temporal patterns, that are effective to stimulate or photostimulate human or other animal tissue, and in particular, nerve tissue. In some embodiments, the invention provides an implantable device that includes an array having a plurality of VCSELs in a spatial pattern suitable to stimulate or photostimulate a plurality of different areas of tissue (e.g., a plurality of different nerves). In some embodiments, the device is instead partially implantable. In some embodiments, the device is instead external to the body of the animal.

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 system, method and apparatus tracks targets (e.g., tumors) during treatment (e.g., radiation therapy) using a radar motion sensor by generating a microwave signal, radiating the microwave signal to a subject, and receiving a modulated microwave signal from the subject. The modulated microwave signal is processed to provide a subject motion information using a sensor having an arctangent-demodulation microwave interferometry mode. A location of a target on or within the subject is determined based on the subject motion information and a three-dimensional model for the subject and the target. One or more control signals are generated based on the location of the target, and the treatment device is controlled using the one or more control signals to treat the target on or within the subject.

Abstract: An optical nerve stimulation system for optically stimulating and locating a nerve, includes: a laser radiation source positioned adjacent to the nerve and configured to deliver laser radiation to the nerve through one or more optical fibers, thereby heating it; wherein the laser radiation source is operated in a continuous-wave mode; and a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the nerve and a feedback loop configured to control the laser radiation source such that a predetermined temperature is maintained. The laser radiation source is one or more of an infrared laser and a near-infrared laser. Optionally, the laser radiation has a wavelength of between 1400 and 1900 nm. The one or more optical fibers are one or more single-mode fibers. The ONS probe includes one or more SMFs with chemically-etched tips and lenses for providing collimation and/or beam shaping to provide a flat-top spatial beam profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat superficial venous malformations, such as spider veins. The systems and methods distribute a reactive agent, e.g., a light-reactive agent such as talaporfin sodium or verteporfin, at or near an inner wall of a vein. The systems and methods activate the reactive agent by applying energy, e.g. non-thermal light energy at a wavelength that activates the reactive agent to cause localized injury to the inner wall of the vein.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a target for generating charged particles, a target structure, and a treatment apparatus including the target structure. The method includes forming a source layer on a substrate, forming balls on the source layer, forming a metal thin layer on the source layer exposed between the balls, and removing the balls to form holes in the metal thin layer so as to expose the source layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

Abstract: A method of light therapy includes non-invasive, intra-cranial administration of bright light via the ear canal of a subject by using a light intensity of 0.7-12 lumens, and a treatment time of 1-15 minutes. A medical device including radiation elements for directing the light via the ear canal for use in the light therapy is described.

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 moving a fluorescent substance through the waveguide. The fluorescent substance includes a fluid base and a fluorescing agent and is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation. A device is provided to remove a fluorescing agent from the fluorescing substance so that more of the same fluorescing agent can be added to clean fluid base.

Abstract: A method of immunotherapy of a mammal, or a laser device therefor, includes the step of treating one or more immune privileged cells, tissues or organs of said mammal with a laser to reduce or eliminate the immune privilege status of said one or more cells, tissues and/or organs to thereby elicit an immune response that is beneficial to the mammal. The method of immunotherapy avoids or minimizes lasting damage to the treated cells, tissues and/or organs. The laser treatment is typically, although not exclusively, to the pigmented epithelium of the eye or eyes. The method may be for treating a disease or condition selected from: a bacterial infection; a viral infection; early AMD; glaucoma; diabetic retinopathy; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson's disease; and Alzheimer's disease. Typically, the radiant exposure level of the laser treatment is no greater than 60-100% of a visible effect threshold.

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 patient's skin. The dosage exceeds 1 MED as determined for the particular patient and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are preferably restricted to diseased tissue areas. A specialized handpiece provides a beam profile especially suitable for application of controlled doses. A specialized delivery device is useful for UV treatment of tissue within the mouth.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.

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: A device and method to improve the ultrasound visibility of a catheter placed inside the body is described. The catheter is sonically vibrated by an external driver device that transmits the acoustic vibration down the catheter and inside the body. An ultrasound transducer is used to pick up the ultrasound vibrations directly or detects the sonic vibrations using a Doppler mode ultrasound machine.

Abstract: Disclosed are a light irradiating device for enhancing cell-mediated immunity and a method using the same. The light irradiating device generates a radiation with a specific peak wavelength at 610±20 nm or 710±30 nm which activates the structure of proteins involved in the activation of T lymphocytes responsible for cell-mediated immunity thus effecting immunopotentiation.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a method for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. In one embodiment, the method has the steps of generating at least one beam of radiation; introducing at least one of one or more chromophores and one or more optical agents to a target neural tissue; and delivering the at least one beam of radiation to the target neural tissue, wherein the at least one beam of radiation is delivered with a radiant exposure that causes a thermal gradient in the target neural tissue, thereby stimulating the target neural tissue.

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 method and device to modify tissue in a manner such that it will take on a permanent new shape. Subdermal tissue is heated to approx 60° C. at which point it becomes pliable and moldable and will take on a permanent new shape if allowed to cool and heal in a new position.

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: Various systems, processes, and computer program products may be used to perform retinal laser surgery. In particular implementations, systems, processes, and computer program products may include the ability to identify retina blood vessels from a retina image and determine a retina location needing therapy and not substantially intersecting a retina blood vessel. The systems, processes, and computer program products may also include the ability to generate a command to activate a retinal laser when a beam from the retinal laser will be aligned with the therapeutic location.

Abstract: A method and device to stabilize the cornea with fewer adverse effects. In particular, a greater stability and shorter treatment time are to be made possible. To this end, the cornea is locally irradiated successively at different sites so that collagen fibers are indirectly or directly crosslinked at the irradiated sites. In this way, the collagen fibers are advantageously crosslinked in a spatially resolved manner. Accordingly, the entire eye need not be irradiated with tissue-damaging UV light, and regions having a weaker structure can be locally stabilized selectively. The sites of the cornea are preferably irradiated so that the collagen fibers are ionized in each instance by photoabsorption of a plurality of photons which each have an energy below an ionizing energy of a given molecule. After a short treatment period, strong covalent bonds are formed directly between the collagen fibers. Crosslinking agents need not be used.

Abstract: Optical rods which transmit light exteriorly of their length are coupled to one or more lasers at ends. The optical rods are mounted on various carriers or as part of an optical bandage to provide therapeutic light to a portion of a human body. The lasers may be activated at various times in a 24-hour period, while the optical rods are worn by a user.

Abstract: A portable electronic ear light device comprising a support member and an optical radiation source resting on the support member and a light guide for directing optical radiation energy non-invasively at the user's intracranial nerve tissue via the outer auditory canal of the user of the portable electronic device to stimulate the user's intracranial nerve tissue. In the device, the support member is around the light guide at a distance from the radiation guide, thus providing an air gap around the radiation guide. In the device there is a sealing structure between the support member and the light guide for preventing the contamination of the light guide and the air gap.

Abstract: Disclosed are several methods, apparatus, and a system for providing arthritic symptom relief through a laser based medical instrument. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a radiation of a laser-light created by a laser diode of a first medical instrument. In addition, the method includes applying a treatment of the radiation to a portion of a hand. The method also includes reducing a pain caused by one or more diseases associated with a degradation of a joint in the hand. The method further includes providing a relief from the pain when the treatment is complete.

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: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for treating the retina and/or other areas of a patient's eye. The procedures may involve using one or more treatment beams (e.g., lasers) to cause photocoagulation or laser coagulation to finely cauterize ocular blood vessels and/or prevent blood vessel growth to induce one or more therapeutic benefits. In other embodiments, a series of short duration light pulses (e.g., between 5-15 microseconds) may be delivered to the retinal tissue with a thermal relaxation time delay between the pulse to limit the temperature rise of the target retinal tissue and thereby limit a thermal effect to only the retinal pigment epithelial layer. Such procedures may be used to treat diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and/or other conditions of the eye. The treatment beam may be delivered within a treatment boundary or pattern defined on the retina of the patient's eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of skin or other tissue, using a source of thermal, electromagnetic radiation, electrical current, ultrasonic, mechanical or other type of energy, to cause minimally-invasive thermally-mediated effects in skin or other tissue which stimulates a wound-healing response, in conjunction with topical agents or other wound healing compositions, for application on the skin or other tissue which accelerate collagenesis, such as in response to wound healing. The dosage and time period of application of the compositions are adjusted to prevent external or surface tissue damage.

Abstract: A device and methods for treating tissue via laser energy to induce tissue reduction and/or necrosis are described herein. Laser energy may be applied to a tissue region via an optical fiber advanced through a lumen of at least one needle. Fluid may also be infused or injected into the tissue region through at least one needle. Tissue reduction and/or necrosis of a target tissue region in turn reduces the appearance of droopy, baggy and/or wrinkled skin.

Abstract: Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with a laser tip extending therefrom. The laser module is controlled by wireless footswitch. Fiber extension modules may be used with the later embodiment.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods of preventing or treating skin disorders exhibiting telangiectasia, for example, rosacea exhibiting an erythematotelangiectatic subtype. Exemplary methods comprise administering to a patient a formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor, such as rapamycin, wherein the mTOR inhibitor is the only active agent in the formulation. Suitably, the formulations are topical formulations administered to the face.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a medical apparatus, including: a light source unit configured to be capable of emitting light including at least natural emission light, the light being guided into an optical probe; a first detecting unit configured to detect an intensity of light exiting from the light source unit; and a calculation unit configured to calculate to approximate to a non-linear function based on an intensity of light detected by the first detecting unit for calibration of the optical probe.

Abstract: Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with a laser tip extending therefrom. The laser module is controlled by wireless footswitch. Fiber extension modules may be used with the later embodiment.

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.