In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a multimode electrosurgical system having an electrosurgical instrument with a first electrode configuration that operates in a bipolar mode and second electrode configuration that operates in a monopolar mode. In other embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to an instrument and system that provide multiple modes of surgical and/or therapeutic treatments, at least one being an electrosurgical mode of treatment, the instrument including at least one active electrode on a working portion, and the working portion including or supporting at least one non-electrosurgical functional element, the instrument including at least one operational return electrode configuration of selectively variable surface area.

A cosmetic method for the removal of hair from the skin tissue of a human body includes providing a device that includes a source of ultrasound energy and a source of light-based energy; activating the source of ultrasound energy and providing the ultrasound energy to the skin tissue to heat an area of skin tissue containing hair follicles from about 43 degrees C. to about 55 degrees C. for a first predetermined period of time; activating the source of light-based energy after the expiration of the first predetermined period of time to heat hair follicles in the area of skin tissue containing hair follicles to one of: above 55 degrees C., 60 degrees C., 65 degrees C. or 70 degrees C. for a second predetermined period of time.

A laser treatment system includes a laser device configured to produce a laser beam at a wavelength in an ultraviolet spectrum to provide for tissue ablation, a lens configured to focus and direct the laser beam to a site to form an opening in a surface of the site, a valve connected to a first channel, and a nozzle that emits the laser beam and controls delivery of at least a first substance and a second substance to the site. A portion of the first channel is disposed within a first sidewall of the nozzle to deliver the first substance, and a second channel unconnected with the valve is disposed within a second sidewall of the nozzle to deliver the second substance.

A surgical laser system can include a fluorescent sensing assembly for detecting fluorescent signal from a tissue under a surgical operation of the surgical laser system. The surgical laser system can include an aiming laser assembly, which can be configured to provide excitation energy for the fluorescent process. The surgical laser system can include an infrared sensing assembly, which can provide temperature related data, for example, to prevent damages to the tissue due to overheating. The surgical laser system can be configured to use the off-time of the surgical laser for tissue sensing. Data from tissue sensing can be further analyzed by an integrated robotic surgical system to provide a highly precise surgical procedure.

A method for laser assisted delivery of therapeutic agents includes selectively controlling a valve connected to a first channel disposed within a first sidewall of a nozzle, applying, through the first channel, a first substance to penetrate dermis to a predetermined depth, and administering, through a second channel unconnected with the valve and disposed within a second sidewall of the nozzle, a second substance to remove debris.

A system includes a focus optic configured to converge an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) beam to a focal region located along an optical axis. The system also includes a detector configured to detect a signal radiation emanating from a predetermined location along the optical axis. The system additionally includes a controller configured to adjust a parameter of the EMR beam based in part on the signal radiation detected by the detector. The system also includes a window located a predetermined depth away from the focal region, between the focal region and the focus optic along the optical axis, wherein the window is configured to make contact with a surface of a tissue.

Systems for laser assisted delivery of therapeutic agents include an ultraviolet laser configured to produce a laser beam at a wavelength appropriate for tissue ablation; a lens configured to focus and direct the laser beam to a site, such that an opening is produced in a surface of the site's tissue; a nozzle having an aperture that emits the laser beam and that controls delivery of one or more agents to the site; and an imaging device configured to monitor a depth of penetration of the one or more agents into the site's tissue.

Methods and systems for laser assisted delivery of therapeutic agents include preparing a site with an ultraviolet laser beam, at a wavelength appropriate for tissue ablation, such that an opening is produced in a surface of the site's tissue; and applying one or more agents to the prepared site, such that the agents penetrate the tissue through the opening to a predetermined depth.

The present application relates to a device for cutting hair (1). The device has a skin contacting face (3) that is arranged to be placed against a surface of the skin (6) of a user during use, and an optical system configured to direct a cutting laser beam (8) across a cutting zone (5) parallel to and spaced from said skin contacting face (3) to cut hairs extending into the cutting zone (5). The device also has a skin sensor (18) configured to detect one or more optical properties of the surface of the skin (6), and a control unit (20) configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the optical system in dependence on the one or more optical properties of the skin (6) detected by the skin sensor (18). The present application also relates to a system for cutting hair comprising a device for cutting hair and a base unit for receiving the device.

A variable length interstitial probe apparatus includes: a probe for effecting thermal therapy and/or cryotherapy to a tissue; a flexible umbilical sheath permanently affixed to the probe, including at least one interface for supplying energy, cooling fluid, cooling gas, heating fluid, and/or heating gas to the probe; and an adjustable depth stop configured to slide along a length of a shaft region of the probe, and lock to the shaft region at a selected position. The adjustable depth stop is configured to engage a probe driver and/or a skull mount apparatus to stabilize positioning of the probe and to control a depth of entry of the probe into a patient. The probe may be configured to effect temperature modulation therapy, where processing circuitry activates a modulation pattern of thermal therapy emission and cryogenic therapy emission for applying a thermal dose to the tissue.