Patent ID: 8979828
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A tapered liquid light guide configured to increase energy density of light emanating from a laser catheter, the tapered liquid light guide comprising: a proximal end including a proximal aperture having an inside diameter; coupling means for mechanically and detachably coupling the proximal end to a distal end of the laser catheter; a distal end including a distal aperture having an inside diameter, wherein the inside diameter of the distal aperture is less than the inside diameter of the proximal aperture; and an elongated tubular structure including an inner lumen and extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the elongated tubular structure is configured to direct light received from the proximal aperture toward the distal aperture, wherein the elongated tubular structure is configured to allow a liquid medium to flow toward the distal end within the inner lumen, wherein at least a portion of the inner lumen includes a taper from a first cross-section adjacent to the proximal end to a second cross-section adjacent to the distal end, wherein the first cross-section is greater than the second cross-section, and wherein at least a portion of the tapered portion of the inner lumen is constructed from a material configured to induce internal reflection of light within the liquid medium.