Fiber optic laser catheter
US4519390A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 1982 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2007/0064
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a novel laser catheter assembly including a unitary connector for coupling a laser beam in proper alignment with an optical fiber. An optical fiber assembly comprising an optical fiber interposed within a catheter tube is permanently mounted to the connector which is of one-piece molded construction. A presently preferred embodiment of the connector has an axial bore at the proximal end thereof of substantially the same diameter as the optical fiber, and a second bore larger than the diameter of the fiber, the second bore being in communication with a source of coolant. In a preferred embodiment the connector is further provided with a cavity in the area about the proximal tip of the optical fiber so as to minimize fouling of the fiber tip in the event of misalignment of the laser beam.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.