IRVINE, Calif., July 5 -- Trimedyne Inc. has received clearance from the People's Republic of China to begin selling its holmium laser systems in mainland China. According to the company, two laser systems have already been sold and will be stationed in a major university hospital in Beijing. One laser will be used in the orthopedic department of the hospital to treat lower back pain due to a herniated or ruptured lumbar disc in a minimally invasive, outpatient foraminoplasty procedure. Trimedyne's holmium laser is the only laser cleared for sale by the US Food and Drug Administration for this application, which affects millions of people worldwide. The other laser will be used in the urology department of the hospital to fragment stones in the kidney, bladder, and elsewhere in the urinary system in addition to treatment for BPH, strictures, and other soft tissue applications.