Optical shield for a laser catheter
US5034010A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3598
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser catheter is disclosed wherein optical fibers carrying laser light are mounted in a catheter for insertion into an artery to provide controlled delivery of a laser beam for percutaneous intravascular laser treatment of atherosclerotic disease. A transparent protective shield is provided at the distal end of the catheter for mechanically diplacing intravascular blood and protecting the fibers from the intravascular contents, as well as protecting the patient in the event of failure of the fiber optics. Multiple optical fibers allow the selection of tissue that is to be removed. A computer controlled system automatically aligns fibers with the laser and controls exposure time. Spectroscopic diagnostics determine what tissue is to be removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.