Systems for enabling delivery of very high peak power laser pulses through optical fibers for use in ablation procedures preferably in contact mode. Such lasers advantageously emit at 355 nm wavelength. Other systems enable selective removal of undesired tissue within a blood vessel, while minimizing the risk of damaging the blood vessel itself, based on the use of the ablative properties of short laser pulses of 320 to 400 nm laser wavelength, with selected parameters of the mechanical walls of the tubes constituting the catheter, of the laser fluence and of the force that is applied by the catheter on the tissues. Additionally, a novel method of calibrating such catheters is disclosed, which also enables real time monitoring of the ablation process. Additionally, novel methods of protecting the fibers exit facets are disclosed.

Methods and apparatus provide therapeutic electromagnetic radiation (EMR) for inactivating infectious agents in, on or around a catheter residing in a patient's body cavity and/or for enhancing healthy cell growth. Transmitting non-ultraviolet therapeutic EMR substantially axially along an optical element in a lumen of the catheter body and/or the catheter body. Through delivery of the therapeutic EMR to particular infected areas and/or areas requiring tissue healing. The inactivation of the major sources of infection in, on, and around catheters and/or enhance healthy cell growth around catheters is accomplished by utilizing controlled relative intensity and/or treatment region specific dosing of the therapeutic EMR emitted radially from the optical element. Specific embodiments of urinary catheters, peritoneal dialysis catheters, dialysis accesses, and hemodialysis accesses are also disclosed.

A UV light delivery device for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy is provided. The device includes an elongated body separated by a proximal end and a distal end. The device also includes a UV light source configured to be received at the receiving space. In some examples, the UV light source is configured to emit light with wavelengths with significant intensity between 320 nm and 410 nm and is utilized in conjunction with an endotracheal tube or a nasopharyngeal airway.

According to an embodiment, an autonomous endoscopic system capable of controlling movement of an endoscope inserted into a protective sheath installed in the body of a patient may comprise: an endoscope operating device capable of operating a relative position of the endoscope with respect to the protective sheath, a rolling angle of the endoscope, and a bending angle of a bending portion which is located at the end of the endoscope and is bendable; and a control unit for controlling the endoscope operating device, wherein the control unit controls the endoscope operating device on the basis of a driving record of the endoscope.

A treatment method for non-ablative tissue regeneration includes directing at least one laser pulse having a wavelength onto a tissue surface of a human or animal body, and controlling an energy delivery time t.sub.ed of the at least one laser pulse, during which the second half of the pulse energy is delivered, to be sufficiently short, so that, given the wavelength and thus a corresponding penetration depth δ of the at least one laser pulse, a thermal exposure time texp of the tissue surface is smaller than 900 microseconds. The thermal exposure time t.sub.exp of the tissue surface is defined as a time interval in which the temperature of the tissue surface is above T.sub.o + (T.sub.max - T.sub.o)/.sub.2, wherein T.sub.o defines the initial temperature of the tissue surface, before the laser pulse arrives, and T.sub.max is a maximal temperature of the tissue surface.

A treatment method for non-ablative tissue regeneration includes directing at least one laser pulse having a wavelength onto a tissue surface of a human or animal body, and controlling an energy delivery time t.sub.ed of the at least one laser pulse, during which the second half of the pulse energy is delivered, to be sufficiently short, so that, given the wavelength and thus a corresponding penetration depth δ of the at least one laser pulse, a thermal exposure time t.sub.exp of the tissue surface is smaller than 900 microseconds. The thermal exposure time t.sub.exp of the tissue surface is defined as a time interval in which the temperature of the tissue surface is above T.sub.o+(T.sub.max−T.sub.o)/2, wherein T.sub.o defines the initial temperature of the tissue surface, before the laser pulse arrives, and T.sub.max is a maximal temperature of the tissue surface.

A light-emitting, antimicrobial tuber, instrument or catheter includes a thin, flexible tube having an optically transparent wall; and a light transmitter configured and arranged to emit light through the tube, which may be ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation, photodynamic therapy (PDT), violet-blue light therapy, and other light-based therapies. In one embodiment, violet-blue light from 400-500 nm in wavelength, such as 405 nm, for instance, is used. The device is used on a patient and a therapeutic amount of light is administered to the patient, thereby reducing the risk of infections being transmitted from the instrument, tube or catheter to the patient, generally. The device may be configured for use in the urinary tract or as intravascular, and may be indwelling or temporary. Light may be administered for the duration of use or another time period effective to halt, inhibit, or reduce microbial or fungal growth.

Devices and methods for treating central nervous system disorders by administering light to a user are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices are positioned away from the user, and in other embodiments, the devices are attached to the user. In some embodiments, the light is applied through the users skin, and in other embodiments, through an implanted or percutaneous device. Representative central nervous system disorders include cognitive, motor, and behavioral disorders. Where these disorders include an inflammatory component, light is administered at wavelengths which decrease inflammation in the brain. Where these disorders are caused by poor vascularization, light is administered at wavelengths which improve vascularization in the brain. The methods also include repairing damage to the blood brain barrier, and can be used to more effectively administer drugs, such as anticancer drugs, to the brain.

Apparatus for the treatment of a target tissue with a laser beam in which the target tissue is immersed in a liquid medium within a body lumen. The laser device is configured to provide one or more laser pulses which are configured by a controller to have an energy sufficient to form one or more vapor bubbles in the liquid medium at the distal delivery end of the fiber. The one or more pulses are configured by the controller to: first, cause a vapor bubble to be formed distally of the distal end portion of the endoscope and around the distal delivery end of the optical fiber; second, cause a second bubble to be formed distally of the first bubble; and, third, inflate the second bubble as the first bubble has begun to collapse to expand an amount sufficient to displace a substantial portion of the liquid medium from the space between the distal delivery end of the fiber and the target tissue.

A light emitting device is disclosed for intracorporeal Photobiomodulation (photostimulation, low-level light therapy, low-level laser therapy, phototherapy, photobiostimulation). The device will be removably inserted via a natural or surgically created orifice. The device will deliver therapeutic doses of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) light energy (photons) to cells, tissues, organs or body systems. The purpose of the device is to deliver light energy to cause a photochemical reaction for improving functionality, restoring functionality or causing a healing effect as needed for treating diseases, conditions or disorders of the body.