Abstract:
A medical laser device (600) that generates a laser beam controllable with presets (695) as to pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, power, and energy per pulse. The device also provides presets with respect to water and air outputs. Parametric values for power, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, and energy per pulse as well as for water and air settings maybe programmed by the end user and stored as presets.
Abstract:
An identification connector (25) is disclosed that provides a link (16) between a laser housing (20) and a laser handpiece (11). The connector (25) integrates a laser delivery guide with ancillary connections and provides information for verifying proper connection and protection against use of unauthorized delivery system.
Abstract:
Outputs of a plurality of electromagnetic energy emitting devices are merged to create merged electromagnetic energy. The merged electromagnetic energy illuminates a target with a spot size larger than a spot size obtained with a single electromagnetic energy emitting device.
Abstract:
An identification connector is disclosed that provides a link between a laser housing and a laser handpiece. The connector integrates a laser delivery guide with ancillary connections and provides information for verifying proper connection and protection against use of unauthorized delivery systems.
Abstract:
A laser device is disclosed that directs light to a tooth and analyzes scattered light reflected from the tooth. The device measures a time delay between excitation and reflections of light. Reflected light is analyzed to determine a presence and extent of dental caries on the tooth.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are described for controlling temperature of a fluid used with electromagnetic energy in medical and dental laser procedures. Received fluid is passed through a heat exchanger (125), and heat is added to or removed from the fluid depending upon a desired effect, which may be influenced by a temperature setting. Temperature of output fluid is sensed (140), and heating or cooling is controlled in order to maintain output fluid temperature in a desired range. Ultraviolet radiation is used to sterilize the fluid.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are described for controlling temperature of a fluid used with electromagnetic energy in medical and dental laser procedures. Received fluid is passed through a heat exchanger, and heat is added to or removed from the fluid depending upon a desired effect, which may be influenced by a temperature setting. Temperature of output fluid is sensed, and heating or cooling is controlled in order to maintain output fluid temperature in a desired range. Ultraviolet radiation is used to sterilize the fluid.
Abstract:
A laser device that includes a dual pulse-width laser-pumping circuit generates long and short laser pulses. The laser-pumping circuit employs a single power supply with dual high voltage outputs that are selectable under control of a user. The laser device conveniently generates long and short laser pulses or a mix of the two for performing specialized surgical procedures.
Abstract:
Output optical energy pulses including relatively high energy magnitudes (62, 68) and steep slope at the beginning (64,66 ) of each pulse are disclosed. As a result of the relatively high energy magnitudes which lead each pulse, the leading edge of each pulse includes a relatively steep slope. This slope is preferably greater than or equal to 5. Additionally, the full-width half-max value of the output optical energy distributions are between .025 and 250 microseconds and, more preferably, are about 50-70 microseconds. A flashlamp is used to drive the laser system, and a current is used to drive the flashlamp. A flashlamp current generating circuit includes a solid core inductor which has an inductance of about 50 microhenries and a capacitor which has a capacitance of about 50 microfarads. The output optical energy pulses cut target surfaces by interacting with fluid that is located above, on and/or in the target surface. Methods are disclosed for therapeutically treating tissue with pulses of electromagnetic energy.
Abstract:
A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a non-cylindrical shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side-fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.