An endoscope provides a tube which is rigid enough along its length to be displaced by axial and rotational translation through open regions. The tip end of the tube is laterally flexible relative to the length of the tube. Wires connected to opposite sides of the flexible tip provide user control of the flexing of the tip. The sufficiently rigid length, flexible tip and dimensions of the tube enable placement of the tip end adjacent to kidney stones lodged in the ureter and calyxes of the kidne...

An apparatus for navigation of body cavities is comprised of an inner element and an outer element that surrounds the inner element. The inner element has a memorized preformed shape that it assumes when it is not disposed within the outer element. When in the outer element, the inner element is straightened by the rigidity of the outer element. The preformed shape of the inner element is adjustable. This preformed shape may be exploited to navigate branches and curves in the body cavities. The ...

A fistula is created in the sclera of a glaucoma patient by creating a passageway through the conjunctiva into the subconjunctival space of the patient. The passageway may be realized by an incision but is preferably realized as the inner lumen of a needle or sheath. One option for creating such an incision is to use an optical fiber shaped like a needle to create the incision. The passageway enables an optical fiber to pass into the subconjunctival space. Liquid is then infused into the subconj...

In an apparatus and method for thermal cutting with a surgical laser probe, fiber optics convey laser light from a source to the surgery region. The laser beam is directed towards tissue for vaporizing the tissue. A bulbous tip member is coupled to the output end of the fiber optics. Vaporization of the tissue by the laser generates charred tissue particulates which naturally collect on the face of the bulbous tip member. The collected charred tissue absorbs reflected light energy from the laser...

An endoscopic light delivery system for delivering light to tissue includes a laser source for generating light. Fiber optics encased in a plastic buffer are optically coupled to the laser source for conveying the light generated by the laser source. A tip member secured to the fiber optics positions a mirror adjacent to the light delivery end of the fiber optics. The mirror redirects light conveyed by the fiber optics in a direction lateral to the fiber optics. A heat resistant ring encircling ...

An endoscopic light delivery system for delivering light to tissue includes a laser source for generating light. Fiber optics encased in a plastic buffer are optically coupled to the laser source for conveying the light generated by the laser source. A tip member secured to the fiber optics positions a mirror adjacent to the light delivery end of the fiber optics. The mirror redirects light conveyed by the fiber optics in a direction lateral to the fiber optics. A heat resistant ring encircling ...

A fiber optic endoscope has a shaft with a varying outer diameter. The distal end of the shaft is sufficiently small in outside diameter for maneuvering it through various body canals, and is useful in dilating body orifices to allow more proximal, longer-diameter portions of the shaft to penetrate. The endoscope shaft changes in thickness and is preferably in stages of different constant outside diameter. A flexible tip portion at the distal end of the shaft which is controllable from the endos...

A method for the treatment of wrinkles on human skin, by stimulating collagen growth beneath the epidermis layer, comprising the steps of: arranging a pulsed dye laser generator in light communication with a pulsed dye laser delivery device. The pulsed dye laser delivery device is applied against tissue having wrinkles. The pulsed dye laser generator generates a pulsed dye laser light. A pulsed dye laser light from the pulsed dye laser delivery device is directed onto the tissue, to reach hemogl...

An apparatus for wrapping a balloon catheter such as an intra-aortic balloon catheter is disclosed. The wrapping apparatus comprises a housing having a channel which receives the balloon membrane of the intra-aortic balloon. The wrapping apparatus also includes a clutching means located in the channel for exerting a predetermined pressure on the balloon membrane to enable the balloon membrane to be wrapped as the wrapping apparatus is rotated relative to the balloon catheter. The clutching means...

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 deli...