| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20100137847 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR LASER LITHOTRIPSY - A system and method for the destruction/ablation of stones, calculi or other hard substances by means of laser energy is disclosed. As a consequence, several important medical treatments can be performed, especially lithotripsy. The system comprises a diode laser source emitting at least at one wavelength, one or more optical fibers which convey laser radiation to the treatment site and a liquid delivery system used for creating a liquid environment around the stones (calculi). The laser device emits at least one wavelength which is highly absorbed in the surrounding/covering medium, thus causing evaporation and cavitation effects that lead to stone/calculi destruction. Different radiation configurations may be used. In one embodiment continuous radiation is used to create sparkler-less plasma bubbles able to destroy hard substances. In another embodiment high peak power pulsed radiation is used. Wavelengths of 1470 nm, 1940 nm, or 1550 nm are preferred. Additionally it can be applied in combination with another wavelength with medium absorption in water such as 980 nm. In another embodiment a concentric double core fiber is used, in which the ignition radiation is guided in near single mode, inner core and the radiation used to maintain and enhance the pulse is guided into the surrounding second outer core. In another preferred embodiment, the use of multiple optical fibers allows for treating larger stones in a shorter time period. In another preferred embodiment, cooling liquid is supplied to the impact site to further reduce thermal heating of the stone, thus diminishing risks of tissue damage caused by stone fragment anchorage and thermal energy. With these safer and improved methods and system, enhanced lithotripsy treatments can be performed in a shorter treatment time, destroying a wider range of stones with less risk of tissue damage, and less patient and physician stress. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100262131 | Medical laser treatment device and method utilizing total reflection induced by radiation - A device is provided for improved surgical procedures to remove unwanted or hyperplasic tissue from a patient. In particular, laser ablation, urological treatments, benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments and other applications benefit from the device. Specially prepared optical waveguide tips allow for enhanced irradiation of desired tissues with light sources including laser diodes, bright LEDs or lamps. The refractive indices of the waveguide materials and the surrounding medium are such that a significant fraction of the optical radiation, being transported in the waveguide, is coupled out of the waveguide into the surrounding medium through a peripheral surface at or near the distal end. The optical radiation is chosen to have an appropriate wavelength and sufficient power density, so that the surrounding medium will be changed in the vicinity of at least a part of the peripheral surface area. The changes of the surrounding medium result in a change of its refractive index such that the optical radiation is redirected. Device is particularly useful for treatments within a patient where entry and/or treatment space is limited/restricted. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20110166561 | Method for Treatment of Varicocele - A minimally invasive method for treating varices in especially sensitive areas, including pelvic varices in females, varicoceles, and also oesophageal varices is presented. The method comprises the steps of making a micro incision into the blood vessels of a patient, endoscopically inserting a catheter device into the blood vessel of a patient and advancing the distal end of the catheter to reach the varix or varices. For treatment of male varicocele, insertion is preferably made directly at the testicle. Alternatively, insertion can be made in the femoral vein and advanced using a catheter. Preferably, x-ray, angiography, or other imaging techniques are used to visualize and position the catheter. An optical fiber is then inserted into the catheter and the distal end is advanced to a predetermined point near the varix or varices. Optical fiber distal end is preferably a slim, radial 360 degree emitting fiber end. Laser energy of preferably 1470±30 nm is then transmitted to the varix to close the blood vessel. Other wavelengths with similar or greater absorption in blood/water than at 1470 nm are also effective. Imaging techniques such as angiographies may again be performed to confirm closure of the vein. | 07-07-2011 |
