Systems and methods for creating multi-spot laser light beams, multiplexing an illumination light and the multi-spot laser light beams, and delivering the multiplexed light to a surgical handpiece via a multi-core optical fiber cable.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a thermally robust laser probe assembly. The probe assembly comprises a cannula through which one or more optical fibers extend at least partially for transmitting laser light from a laser source to a target location. The probe assembly also comprises a lens housed in the cannula and a protective component at a distal end of the cannula, wherein the lens is positioned between the one or more optical fibers and the protective component, and wherein the distal end of the cannula is sealed at a sealing location of the probe assembly.

A multiple-modality ablation probe can include a tube configured to transmit mechanical modality energy from a first end to an obstruction in contact with a second end. A first optical transmission media can extend along the tube to transmit laser modality energy from a laser energy source to the obstruction. A connector assembly can be mechanically coupled with the first end of the tube and with the first end of the first optical transmission media. The connector assembly can be configured for user-attachment and detachment of the tube and the first optical transmission media with a mechanical energy source coupling and a laser energy source coupling, respectively.

The present disclosure relates to a fiber and a laser probe assembly with a probe tip that houses the fiber. In certain aspects, the fiber includes a core and an outer cladding surrounding the core. The core is configured to transmit a laser light beam while the core and the outer cladding are both configured to transmit an illumination light. Using a fiber that is configured to transmit a laser light beam as well as an illumination light allows for a more compact fiber and probe tip, allowing for medical procedures that require a narrower probe.

Described herein are methods, devices, and support structures for assembling optical fibers in catheter tips and facilitating alignment and structural support. A method for assembling a plurality of optical fibers and lenses in a support structure for an ablation catheter includes providing a support structure with a proximal end, a body, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a plurality of alignment orifices or slits. A plurality of optical fibers are threaded through the alignment orifices or slits, such that each optical fiber is threaded through a corresponding alignment orifice or slit. An adhesive material is applied at each alignment orifice or slit to secure the optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are then cleaved at the distal end to remove portions of the fibers extending out of the distal end. Finally, a lens is attached to each of the ends of the plurality of optical fibers.

Embodiments of an apparatus and method for sealing and cutting of tissue during surgeries, especially in general, endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic, are described. In one aspect, an apparatus comprises a laser system and a laser beam delivery unit. The laser system comprises a tissue cutting laser configured to emit a first laser beam to cut a tissue. The laser system also comprises a tissue sealing laser configured to emit a second laser beam to seal the tissue. The laser beam delivery unit is detachably coupled to the laser system and is configured to guide and direct the first and second laser beams to cut and seal the tissue.

A catheter system for treating a treatment site within or adjacent to a vessel wall or a heart valve within a body of a patient includes an energy source, an inflatable balloon, an energy guide, and an acoustic sensor. The energy source generates energy. The inflatable balloon is positionable substantially adjacent to the treatment site. The inflatable balloon has a balloon wall that defines a balloon interior that receives a balloon fluid. The energy guide receives energy from the energy source and guides the energy into the balloon interior. The acoustic sensor is positioned outside the body of the patient. The acoustic sensor senses acoustic sound waves generated in the balloon fluid within the balloon interior. The acoustic sensor generates a sensor signal based at least in part on the sensed acoustic sound waves. A system controller receives the sensor signal from the acoustic sensor and controls operation of the catheter system based at least in part on the sensor signal.

A catheter system includes a power source, a controller, and a light guide. The power source generates a plurality of energy pulses. The controller controls the power source so that the plurality of energy pulses cooperate to produce a composite energy pulse having a composite pulse shape. The light guide receives the composite energy pulse. The light guide emits light energy in a direction away from the light guide to generate a plasma pulse away from the light guide. The power source can be a laser and the light guide can be an optical fiber. Each of the energy pulses has a pulse width, and the energy pulses are added to one another so that the composite energy pulse has a pulse width that is longer than the pulse width of any one of the energy pulses. At least two of the energy pulses can have the same wavelength as or a different wavelength from one another.

A catheter system for treating a vascular lesion within or adjacent to a vessel wall within a body of a patient includes a single light source that generates light energy, a first light guide and a second light guide, and a multiplexer. The first light guide and the second light guide are each configured to selectively receive light energy from the light source. The multiplexer receives the light energy from the light source in the form of a source beam and selectively directs the light energy from the light source in the form of individual guide beams to each of the first light guide and the second light guide.

The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for skin treatment and tissue remodeling. The apparatus includes an array of needles that penetrate the skin and serve as electrodes to deliver radio frequency current or other electrical or optical energy into the tissue being treated, causing thermal damage in controlled patterns. The damaged regions promote beneficial results such as uniform skin tightening by stimulation of wound healing and collagen growth.