Ceramoptec Industries, Inc.

Biolitec Pharma Marketing Ltd

Walter Cecchetti

Wolfgang Neuberger

Leonardo Cecchetti

Fabio Coluccia

Carol Morello

Filiberto Zattoni

Stefano Guazzieri

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&#xb1;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. The laser source linked to a radial emitting fiber allows for thermo occlusion of varicoceles using about 2-3 W of emitting power with little or no pain or discomfort for patient. The present invention is an out-patient procedure that requires no anesthesia and minimal recovery time, and does not require that any foreign objects be left in the body. This method has been shown to have a high success rate and minimum pain or side effects for the patient.

Method for treatment of varicocele

An improved system for safe and efficient generation of plasmas and vapors bubbles with continuous wave radiations and low levels of power densities, sufficient to treat medical pathologies and to avoid the creation damage to healthy tissue is provided. Transmission means in different configurations are used to achieve a high absorption in water, which is able to initiate plasma with low levels of power density. Once plasma and vapor bubbles are formed, they absorb other wavelengths in addition to the one that initiated it. Other wavelengths, more efficiently generated by diodes or diode pumped lasers, are added into the beam to improve treatment efficiency. This modulated plasma produces fast tissue ablation and good hemostasis effect with minimal overheating of remaining tissue. After plasma and high-energy vapors are generated, only laser radiation that passes through the plasma bubble directly interacts with soft tissues.

Laser plasma modulator system for endoscopy and endocavitary surgery

An improved method and device for safe and efficient medical applications is provided. In a preferred embodiment, based on using the inherent benefits of laser diodes (such as efficient power generation from a reliable and compact solid state device), plasmas and high energy vapors are produced for medical applications with power levels and power densities sufficient to treat medical indications and avoid the creation of extensive damage zones. Transmissions means in different configurations are used to achieve a high power density, which is able to initiate plasma and high-energy vapor at the tip. Once a sparkless plasma and high energy vapor bubbles are formed, it is often found that it will also absorb other wavelengths in addition to the one that initiated it. As a consequence, other wavelengths more efficiently generated by diodes or diode pumped lasers may be added into the beam in order to improve treatment efficiency. For example, the 1470 nm wavelength can be used to produces sparkler-less plasma bubbles, together with the 980 nm wavelength to produce tissue vaporization and an excellent haemostasis effect. Once plasma and or high-energy vapors are in place, radiation from this zone determine tissue effects. 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.

Diode laser induced vapor/plasma mediated medical procedures and device

A device for improved surgical procedures to remove unwanted or hyperplasic tissue from a patient during laser ablation, urological treatments, benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments and other applications. Specially prepared optical waveguide tips allow for enhanced irradiation of desired tissues with light sources including laser diodes, bright LEDs or lamps. 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.

Medical laser treatment device and method utilizing total reflection induced by radiation

A system/method for destruction/ablation of stones, calculi or other hard substances using laser is disclosed. Lithotripsy is particularly benefitted. The system comprises a diode laser source, one or more optical fibers and a liquid delivery system creating a liquid environment around stones (calculi). At least one emitted wavelength is highly absorbed in surrounding/covering medium, 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 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 device/method is used with another wavelength having absorption in water e.g. 980 nm. Safer/improved methods/system provide enhanced lithotripsy treatments with shorter treatment times to destroy a wider range of stones with less tissue damage risk.

Method and device for laser lithotripsy

A method too permanently remove unwanted hair using a diode or other laser source in a post-treatment mode is disclosed. The method is not limited by skin pigmentation, causes no pain, and minimizes damage to surrounding tissue. The hair in the treatment area is first removed using conventional stripping techniques leaving the hair follicles substantially empty. While the follicles are still open, a special photosensitizing lotion is rubbed into the skin and then penetrates in the depth of the follicle. A solvent is then used to clean the surface of the skin from excess photosensitizer, while the photosensitizer remains in the follicles. In this way, the follicular ducts are selectively sensitized. An area containing the follicles is then irradiated by a diode laser in the near IR range and the follicles are thereby killed. There is no waiting time necessary in between different steps of treatment and generally only one application of laser radiation is required. The photosensitizer of the present invention may operate through photochemical or photothermal action.

Post laser treatment for permanent hair removal

The invention is a safe, hygienic method to use a laser toothbrush employing low power radiation in conjunction with an enhanced dental liquid or paste. The method provides a safe hygienic dental treatment that can be practiced by anyone and enhances destruction of oral viruses and bacteria. The present invention teaches a method which will have a significant effect on the treatment of all types of oral diseases, inflammations, and infections. A pulsed diode laser as well as a continuous wave diode laser can be used with an enhanced dental liquid or paste for selective bio-stimulation within the oral cavity with little more effort than a conscientious person spends brushing their teeth.

Hygienic dental laser photo treatment method

The invention is an oral cleaning device incorporating a low power laser radiation source and means for producing pulsed or continuous wave delivery of low power radiation to teeth, gums and oral tissue. The device is used alone or in conjunction with a liquid jet or jets and/or with photosensitizer dental paste or liquid. The device destroys bacteria and viruses in the mouth and on surrounding tissue. It increases oral blood circulation and enhances the body's immune system response to oral infection. The device may be operated by a trained professional at three different repetition rate frequencies, selected by the operator to threat different dental conditions. The specific photosensitizer liquid or paste which is activated at a certain wavelength is chosen by the operator to treat different dental conditions. The device is also intended for home dental hygiene at low power.

Dental laser brushing or cleaning device

A surgical device is provided that is to be used with standardly available resectoscopes, combining the better qualities of familiar tissue scraping tools and real time imaging with the better qualities of laser radiation surgery. The laser radiation is delivered using side-firing optical fibers and is capable of delivering the amount of power needed to ablate or coagulate tissue. The state of the useful art is advanced by incorporating the ability to ablate as well as coagulate tissue using laser radiation, together with the ability to scrape and/or cauterize tissue and simultaneously use familiar real time imaging capabilities, all fitted into a single device that is used with a standard resectoscope. This allows surgeons to use as many familiar and tested techniques as possible and allows hospitals to purchase the device with minimal additional procurement activity. This small and economically packed device will actively promote the surgical use of the best attributes of electromechanical tissue removal devices, laser irradiation devices, and optical imaging devices.

Laser assisted device and method for resectoscopes

The device of the present invention pertains to a modified medical laser delivery device with sideways directed radiation that can produce high power densities at a distance further away from the fiber, thereby enabling non-contact ablating procedures to be carried out with lower laser input power levels.

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Saonara, Italy

Walter Cecchetti