Coherent, Inc.

Other

George Marcellino

J Michael Yarborough

R Rox Anderson

Gerald M Mitchell

Mahendra G Jani

Robert W Snyder

Donald J D'Amico

An aspirating handpiece for laser surgical applications, includes an elongated hollow cylindrical probe member (22). A proximal end (24) of the probe member is arranged such that aspiration means can be connected therewith, and a distal end (26) of the probe member has an aperture therein for receiving matter to be aspirated. An elongated optical fiber (50) extends along the probe member with the distal end (59) of the fiber proximate the aperture therein. The proximal end (52) of the fiber is arranged to receive laser radiation. The probe member has an inside diameter progressively increasing from the distal end thereof to the proximal end thereof.

Aspirating handpieces for laser surgical operations

An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating vascular lesions. In the preferred embodiment, an intracavity, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser is used to generate output pulses having a duration of 0.5 to 10.0 milliseconds. This laser output is used to irradiate the lesions. The laser energy is absorbed in the blood of the vein, causing it to coagulate and collapse. The long pulse duration helps to minimize bleeding while controlling thermal damage to surrounding tissue.

Method and apparatus for treating vascular lesions

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Los Gatos, CA, United States of America

George Marcellino