Abstract:
A surgical laser scanner having optics that scans a pulsed laser beam onto a target tissue is disclosed. The laser scanner has a lens and a scanning mirror or mirrors located upstream of the lens at a distance substantially equal to the focal length of the lens. The laser beam hits the scanning mirror and is reflected onto the lens in a pattern defined by sequential positions of the scanning mirror. The laser beam is projected onto the target tissue by the lens in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens. The projected pattern has a constant size regardless of the distance between the laser scanner and the target tissue.
Abstract:
A controlled process for thoroughly curing light-activated surgical and dental composites is presented using a hand-held, self-contained, cordless, rechargeable laser instrument. At least one diode laser generates focused laser light, and enhances efficiency and control of curing. The process of use includes switching from stand-by mode to curing mode of operation of the instrument to save time during surgical and dental procedures.
Abstract:
A method for photoablation in the field of dermatological medicine and to an arrangement for carrying out this method is disclosed in which the laser radiation and the outlet channel for the laser radiation are directed to a portion of skin to be treated during the treatment and the outlet opening is positioned near the treatment area. In this method, the area to be treated is subjected to a suction vacuum during treatment over its entire extent. In particular, the outlet opening communicates with a device for generating a vacuum.
Abstract:
A handpiece for use in transmyocardial revascularization heart-synchronized pulsed laser system includes a barrel having a passage for transmitting a laser beam; a surface at the distal end of the barrel for contacting the wall of the heart; an aperture located at the distal end of the barrel and the enlarged surface for transmitting the laser beam; and means for focusing the laser beam proximate to the aperture to vaporize the tissue of the heart wall and create a hole to the interior heart chamber.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for transurethral resection of the prostate, which includes inserting a transurethral incisional device through the patient's urethra, incising off at least one piece of targeted prostatic tissue using the incisional device, inserting a morcellation probe through the patient's urethra, morcellating the excised piece of targeted prostatic tissue with the morcellation probe, and aspirating the morcellated prostatic tissue through the morcellation probe and out of the patient.The morcellation probe of the present invention includes an elongated inner probe tube that defines an aspiration channel therein. The inner probe tube is slidably disposed inside an outer probe tube. The outer probe tube has a first aperture with a first cutting edge for cutting tissue. The inner probe tube has a second aperture or a spiral shaped groove defining a second cutting edge that moves relative to the first cutting edge to cut tissue drawn through the first aperture. The second aperture or groove are in communication with the aspiration channel. A tissue manipulation port can be formed in either the outer or inner probe tubes to overlap with the inner or outer probe tube apertures or the groove to provide continuous aspiration adjacent the first aperture if/when the first aperture is sealed by the inner probe tube.
Abstract:
A surgical laser scanner having optics that scans a pulsed laser beam onto a target tissue is disclosed. The laser scanner has a lens and a scanning mirror or mirrors located upstream of the lens at a distance substantially equal to the focal length of the lens. The laser beam hits the scanning mirror and is reflected onto the lens in a pattern defined by sequential positions of the scanning mirror. The laser beam is projected onto the target tissue by the lens in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens. The projected pattern has a constant size regardless of the distance between the laser scanner and the target tissue.
Abstract:
An improved dental procedure and apparatus where ultraviolet radiation pulses are used to etch selectively both hard tissue and soft tissue in dental procedures. There exists distinct ablation thresholds for hard and soft tissue which are dependent on the material being ablated for a given wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation. Sufficient differences in ablation threshold exist for enamel, dentin, and carious material, thereby allowing dentists to perform both hard tissue and soft tissue procedures without excess damage of healthy enamel, dentin or other pulp structures.
Abstract:
A surgical laser handpiece comprising: an outer barrel having an inner chamber; an inner zoom barrel movable in said chamber relative to said outer barrel; at least a first lens device in said zoom barrel for propagating and focusing a laser beam; and a drive member externally accessible on said outer barrel for moving said zoom barrel with one hand relative to said outer barrel for varying the focus of the laser beam.
Abstract:
A pivotable handle assembly for an endoscope such as an operative laparoscope having a proximal end is shown. The handle assembly includes a handle support operatively connected to the proximal end of a laparoscope. A handle including a mounting end is operatively connected by a member to the handle support. The mounting end is pivotally attached to the handle support enabling the handle to be pivoted relative to the operative laparoscope. In the preferred embodiment, the operating laparoscope is a video operating laparoscope and includes an image transferring member for producing an optical image at the proximal end of the laparoscope. A video camera is operatively connected to the proximal end to receive the optical image. A method for using the video operating laparoscope with a pivotable handle assembly in a surgical procedure is also shown.
Abstract:
A surgical laser scanner having optics that scans a pulsed laser beam onto a target tissue is disclosed. The laser scanner has a lens and a scanning mirror or mirrors located upstream of the lens at a distance substantially equal to the focal length of the lens. The laser beam hits the scanning mirror and is reflected onto the lens in a pattern defined by sequential positions of the scanning mirror. The laser beam is projected onto the target tissue by the lens in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens. The projected pattern has a constant size regardless of the distance between the laser scanner and the target tissue.