Laserscope, Inc.

Peter S Hertzmann

Jordan K Davis

Richard C Losch

Alan L Grantz

Tor S Larsen

David A Gollnick

An elongated tube for inserting instrumentation during a percutaneous diskectomy using a laser introduces an optical guide into the nucleus of a herniated disc. The optical guide is disposed along the elongated tube and guides a laser beam. The laser beam which is guided by the optical guide is not aligned with at least a portion of the elongated tube.

Means for inserting instrumentation for a percutaneous diskectomy using

A method for performing percutaneous diskectomy using a laser applies a laser beam from the laser to vaporize nucleus pulposus in the nucleus of the herniated disc. The wavelength of the laser beam will vary and depend on the laser system used.

Method for performing percutaneous diskectomy using a laser

Method for performing a percutaneous diskectomy using a laser

An improved configuration for interchangeable laser surgery peripheral devices is disclosed. This configuration, which is an improved embodiment of the configuration disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 525,833, includes a directional plug of predetermined fixed orientation adapted to be connected to a laser output device. Within this plug and extending therefrom is an axially centered, flexible, laser light transmissive elongated optic fiber, the plug end of which is aligned to receive the output of the laser and the distal end of which is to be used for effecting the laser surgery procedure. The plug, when connected to the laser output in its predetermined fixed orientation provides an unambiguous signature signal which distinguishes the particular peripheral device from the other interchangeable peripheral devices. This connector system has the advantage of minimizing the cost of the signature generating parts within the peripheral device and facilitating the fabricating of inexpensive disposable peripheral devices. In another of the invention a laser energy resistive ceramic is used to align and affix the optic fiber into the plug.

Medical laser peripherals and connector system

A surgical laser system includes a laser, interchangeable peripheral output devices, a sensor effective to sense the power output of a peripheral device coupled to the sensor, and a control circuit for calibrating the radiation output of each device, interlocking the system to prevent use of a device before it has been calibrated, and controlling the production of calibration, aiming and main power laser beams.

Growing community of inventors

Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Peter S Hertzmann