Apparatus and method for selective laser-induced heating of biological tissue
US6126655A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/2272
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention features a probe for selectively delivering laser radiation to a first tissue having a first index of refraction relative to a second tissue having a second index of refraction less than the first index. The probe includes a laser transmitting medium having an optical axis and a tissue-contacting surface. In some embodiments, the optical axis contacts the tissue-contacting surface at an angle that is less than the critical angle for an interface between the tissue-contacting surface and the first tissue and greater than or equal to the critical angle for an interface between the tissue-contacting surface and the second tissue, wherein during operation the probe directs the laser radiation along the optical axis to the tissue-contacting surface. In other embodiments, the optical axis forms an angle with the tissue-contacting surface, and during operation the probe directs the laser radiation along the optical axis to the tissue-contacting surface, transmits a first amount of laser energy through the tissue-contacting surface when contacting the first tissue, and transmits a second amount of laser energy through the tissue-contacting surface when contacting the second t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.