Patent · US Expired

Laser catheter system

US5005180A · kind A · utility

74Cited by
12References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 1, 1989
Grant dateApr 2, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 1, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2017/00154
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A fiber optic device for remote delivery of intense ultraviolet optical signals comprising an excimer laser source and an optical fiber. The output of the pulsed, transverse discharge, high pressure laser source is coupled to an articulating reflection mechanism which directs the pulsed laser output to an input end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber serves to transmit the light from the laser source to a remote location or target. The excimer laser further comprises a segmented first elongated laser electrode and a coextensive second laser electrode which is substantially solid. The discharge is stabilized by inductors connected to each segment of the first electrode and further by preionization electrodes located adjacent and coextensive with the second electrode. The preionization electrodes comprise a central conductor surrounded by a dielectric sleeve. The laser further comprises a closed gas system for the lasing medium gas. The gas system comprises a circulating blower, a heat exchanger and a cryogenic trap. The optical fiber comprises a central core having a substantially constant index of refraction and a cladding having an index of refraction which varies as the radiu…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.