Provided is a light diffusion device capable of irradiating laser light onto a plurality of locations in a human body in a state in which a distal end portion of an optical transmission cable is placed in the human body. The light diffusion device includes an optical transmission cable including a plurality of cores, and a light refracting portion configured to refract the light emitted from each of the plurality of cores so that irradiation directions thereof are different from each other. With such a configuration, it is possible to irradiate the laser light in a plurality of directions when the distal end of the optical transmission cable is placed in the human body. Therefore, it is possible to change the location where the laser light is irradiated without extracting or re-inserting the optical transmission cable from or into the human body, thereby shortening the time required for photoimmunotherapy.

A catheter and method for managing fluid in a patient, the catheter having an elongated shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines at least one lumen extending substantially therethrough, the shaft further defining a plurality of drainage holes along a distal portion of the shaft, with the drainage holes in fluid communication with the lumen. The catheter further has a substantially transparent tip portion attached to the distal end of the shaft with an outer distal leading surface that is substantially rounded to assist insertion through tissue.

A method for using a sonic wave to influence material in a target structure requires using a confined plasma antenna to generate an electromagnetic carrier wave, λ. The confined plasma antenna also pulses the carrier wave at a sonic frequency, f, to create a sonic wave. In detail, pulsing the carrier wave results in a sequential plurality of solitons which are separated from each other by a periodicity p, wherein λ«p. For the present invention, f is selected to resonate with a material (e.g. a cellular structure) in a target structure (e.g. a patient).

An implantable device for optically stimulating a brain of a human being or animal, including: a multi-channel biocompatible catheter including a plurality of channels extending substantially parallel to each other relative to a longitudinal axis of the multi-channel catheter; a light guide, extending into one channel, for optically stimulating the brain, the multi-channel catheter acting as a sheath totally enveloping the light guide; a functional element, extending into another channel, to measure light injected into a surrounding medium at a distal end of the light guide and/or an element acting on the shape of the multi-channel catheter.

Systems, devices, and methods for delivering laser energy to a target in an endoscopic procedure are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises providing a first laser pulse train and a different second laser pulse train emitting from a distal end of an endoscope and incident on a target. The first laser pulse train has a first laser energy level, and the second laser pulse train has a second laser energy level higher than the first laser energy level. In an example, the first laser pulse train is used to form cracks on a surface of a calculi structure, and the second laser pulse train causes fragmentation of the calculi structure after the cracks are formed.

A photodynamic therapy (PDT) apparatus and method are disclosed. The PDT apparatus can include a flexible optical applicator that includes a plurality of light emitting devices for producing an irradiance pattern of therapy light to a target area of a patient. The PDT system includes an optical light controller that includes a computer processor. The method disclosed includes determining a treatment plan based on a plurality of therapy light parameters, photosensitizing drug selection, patient specific parameters, optimized light interval and other relevant parameters. The method further includes monitoring the application of the therapy light against the treatment plan and determining an updated treat plan in the event of a deviation from an initial treatment plan.

A system for facilitating stress-adaptive virtual experience station includes a virtual display system and camera system coupled to a kinematic rig. An array of transducers coupled to the station interact with a user based on a feedback signal, configured for user health treatments, audio effects, or computational imaging techniques.

Various systems and methods are implemented for controlling stimulus of a cell. One such method is implemented for optical stimulation of a cell expressing a NpHR ion pump. The method includes the step of providing a sequence of stimuli to the cell. Each stimulus increases the probability of depolarization events occurring in the cell. Light is provided to the cell to activate the expressed NpHR ion pump, thereby decreasing the probability of depolarization events occurring in the cell.

A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments, and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.

An apparatus for treating TBI or TSI comprises at least two optical fibers and a light source which is operatively connected to at least one of the optical fibres. The apparatus may comprise an adapter for securing the optical fibres to the body of the subject, enabling the direct delivery of light to the brain or spinal cord. Methods and kits for treating TBI or TSI, and methods for determining the effectiveness of treatment are also provided.