Patent ID: 8256430
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of repairing, reconstructing, coagulating or removing a target tissue comprising: a) identifying a target that comprises tissue to be repaired, reconstructed, coagulated or removed; b) percutaneously inserting a probe having a distal end capable emitting energy; c) positioning said probe such that said distal end is operationally proximate said target tissue; d) emitting energy from the distal end of the probe sufficient to repair, reconstruct, coagulate or remove said target tissue; e) moving the distal end of the probe through the target tissue and emitting energy from the distal end, either successively or simultaneously, until the target tissue has been repaired, reconstructed, coagulated or removed; and f) cooling the distal end of the probe to prevent overheating tissue that is not included in the target tissue by wherein emitting energy from the distal end of the probe comprises directing laser energy through an optical fiber contained within the probe and deflecting the laser energy off of a chamfered end of the optical fiber located in the expansion zone.