A multiwavelength laser-based intense light source is described having applications in incision, excision and ablation of soft tissues with minimal collateral tissue damage. The light source combines the output of a plurality of relatively low power laser sources, emitting radiation in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum bounded by approximately 350 nm to 450 nm, where the combined output may be coupled into a single fiber optic energy delivery device: a standard surgical probe. Spectral and spatial beam combining are used to produce an incoherent light source with relatively low average power at any given wavelength, but with high total power and superior M2 beam quality, targeting multiple chromophores in target tissue and tissue breakdown product chromophores for consistently high and target absorption without indiscriminant char interference throughout a surgical procedure.

Systems, devices, and methods for identifying different structure types with distinct composition in vivo and adjusting surgical laser output accordingly in a medical procedure are disclosed. An exemplary laser treatment system comprises a laser system configured to generate a laser beam for delivery to a target in a body, and a controller circuit configured to receive a signal reflected from the target in response to electromagnetic radiation produced by a light source, and generate one or more spectroscopic properties from the reflected signal. The controller circuit can identify the target as one of a plurality of structure types, such as tissue types or calculi types with respective compositions, using the one or more spectroscopic properties. The laser system can be controlled to operate in an operating mode based on the target identification.

In one aspect, a method of tightening skin and/or reducing scar tissue is described herein. The method comprises performing a fractional laser ablation in a treatment area of the skin, thereby removing a column of the skin and forming a columnar vacancy in the skin, the columnar vacancy having a perimeter defined by a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side and the second side each comprising an epidermal layer, a dermal layer, and a subcutaneous layer of skin. The first side of the columnar vacancy is contacted to the second side of the columnar vacancy, thereby closing the columnar vacancy.

An ophthalmological laser device for treatment of eye tissue is disclosed, comprising a base station having a treatment laser source configured to generate a treatment laser beam, an application head, an arm arranged between the base station and the application head, wherein the arm is configured to provide a beam path for the treatment laser beam, the arm having at least one joint, and a scanner arranged in the joint and configured to dynamically deflect the treatment laser beam about two axes, wherein the treatment laser beam upstream of the scanner is collinear with an axis of rotation of the joint and an orientation of the scanner is dependent on a movement of the joint.

Apparatus, systems and methods for fracturing calcium in an artery of a patient. Certain embodiments include a diode laser light source and an optical fiber. In particular embodiments, the optical fiber comprises a polymer or glass optical core, a cladding surrounding the polymer or glass optical core. The optical fiber can comprise one or more emission elements configured to emit electromagnetic energy from the laser light source. The electromagnetic energy can be transmitted through a fluid in the expandable member to fracture the calcium.

Systems, devices, and methods for identifying different structure types with distinct composition in vivo and adjusting surgical laser output accordingly in a medical procedure are disclosed. An exemplary laser treatment system comprises a laser system configured to generate a laser beam for delivery to a target in a body, and a controller circuit configured to receive a signal reflected from the target in response to electromagnetic radiation produced by a light source, and generate one or more spectroscopic properties from the reflected signal. The controller circuit can identify the target as one of a plurality of structure types, such as tissue types or calculi types with respective compositions, using the one or more spectroscopic properties. The laser system can be controlled to operate in an operating mode based on the target identification.

An apparatus and method of treatment of an animal using the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a scalpel, a laser included in the scalpel, and a visible light source included in the scalpel. The visible light source provides a visible targeting beam. The method of treatment includes activating a visible targeting beam in a laser scalpel. The visible targeting beam has an illumination intensity. The method further includes illuminating a tumor that includes cancerous cells and non-cancerous cells with the visible targeting beam, activating an invisible mid-infrared laser included in the scalpel to produce a laser spot at the tumor, and ablating the cancerous cells while leaving the non-cancerous cells substantially undamaged.

In one aspect, a method of tightening skin and/or reducing scar tissue is described herein. The method comprises performing a fractional laser ablation in a treatment area of the skin, thereby removing a column of the skin and forming a columnar vacancy in the skin, the columnar vacancy having a perimeter defined by a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side and the second side each comprising an epidermal layer, a dermal layer, and a subcutaneous layer of skin. The first side of the columnar vacancy is contacted to the second side of the columnar vacancy, thereby closing the columnar vacancy.

A catheter assembly is provided having a working lumen and a guide. The guide is configured to position a fragmentizing device within the working lumen. The guide is configured to prevent or minimize any unintended movement of a distal section of the fragmentizing device within the working lumen when the distal section of the fragmentizing device is positioned at a distal end of the working lumen.

An apparatus and method of treatment of an animal using the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a scalpel, a laser included in the scalpel, and a visible light source included in the scalpel. The visible light source provides a visible targeting beam. The method of treatment includes activating a visible targeting beam in a laser scalpel. The visible targeting beam has an illumination intensity. The method further includes illuminating a tumor that includes cancerous cells and non-cancerous cells with the visible targeting beam, activating an invisible mid-infrared laser included in the scalpel to produce a laser spot at the tumor, and ablating the cancerous cells while leaving the non-cancerous cells substantially undamaged.