Laser apparatus for the recanalization of vessels and the treatment of other cardiac conditions
US5041109A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/043
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Cardiac conditions such as blockages in arteries caused by plaque build-up are treated intravascularly with laser radiation using an optical fiber having a heat conducting end cap on its distal end. A spherical lens within the end cap focuses a small portion of the laser energy directly into the plaque which is in contact with the tip of the end cap and disperses the remaining energy into the end cap for heating it up. The direct laser energy vaporizes part of the plaque so that the end cap can be easily forced through the blockage, and the tissue in contact with the heated end cap is burned away. A diffuser catheter for the ablation of electrical conduction tissue in the heart employs spaced electrodes for detecting the presence of the conduction tissue, and directs laser energy outwardly through the side of the catheter for vaporizing the tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.