Medical probe assembly having combined ultrasonic imaging and laser ablation capabilities
US5010886A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 1989 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/378
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Intravascular probe assemblies are provided with both ultrasonic imaging and laser ablation (angioplasty) capabilities. In preferred embodiments, the probe assemblies will include a distally positioned rotatable housing having an ultrasonic transducer and an optical fiber operatively fixed therein so as to respectively emit acoustic energy and laser radiation along a common path generally parallel to the housing's axis, but in opposing axial directions. An optical and acoustic reflector is interposed between the transducer and optical fiber so as to redirect incident acoustic energy and laser radiation generally radially with respect to the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.