Apparatus and method as preparation for performing a myringotomy in a child's ear without the need for anaesthesia

A method useful in preparing to perform laser surgery on a subject without the need for anesthesia, said method comprising of steps of:

• imaging a target area suited for performing laser surgery with an imaging device mounted within a housing and aimed at the target area to obtain at least one image;
• retaining the housing on said subject to move in unison with and in response to movement of the target area to maintain a relative position of said housing relative to said target area throughout said movement;
• and
• utilizing said image to adjust a beam positioning device in operative communication with said imaging device, so that upon firing of a laser that emits a laser beam, the laser beam travels along a path through said housing and passes through said housing to strike the target area, the beam positioning device being mounted to said housing.

An apparatus suitable for preparing to perform laser surgery on a subject without the need for anesthesia, said apparatus comprising:

• an imaging device aimed in a direction to pick up an image of a target area;
• a screen responsive to said imaging device for displaying images as viewed by said imaging device;
• a beam positioning device in operative communication with said viewing device, said beam positioning device being movable to alter a path traveled by a laser beam aimed to strike the target area, said beam positioning device having an exit region from which the beam emerges to leave said beam position device prior to striking the target area;
• and
• a retainer that retains on said subject, said imaging device and said beam positioning device at a relative position of the imaging device and exit region of said beam positioning device with respect to a target area so that both the imaging device and exit region move in unison with and in response to movement of the target area and so that said relative position is maintained throughout said movement.

A method suitable for preparing to perform laser surgery on a subject without the need for anesthesia, comprising the steps of:

• aiming an imaging device towards a desired target area suitable for performing laser surgery;
• displaying an image indicative of the desired target area on a viewing screen;
• adjusting a beam positioning device in operative communication with said viewing device to alter a path that a laser beam emitted from a laser is to travel, the beam positioning device having an exit region through which emerges the laser beam upon leaving the beam position device;
• and
• retaining on said subject, said imaging device and said beam positioning device so as to maintain a relative position of the imaging device and the exit region with respect to the target area so that both the imaging device and exit region of said beam adjusting device move in unison with and in response to movement of the target area and so that said relative position ins maintained through said movement.