Patent ID: 6962584
Filing Date: 2005-11-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of vascular treatment for restenosis or vulnerable plaque after an invasive procedure, such as for example angioplasty, stenting with or without drug coating, or drug delivery, the steps of the method consisting of: inserting a catheter or hollow guide wire to the treatment location; supplying power to a light source thereby generating light in the fluence range of about 100–1000 milli-joules/cm delivering light from said light source through said catheter in the wavelength range of about 700–2500 nm; using at least one optic fiber to deliver said light; configuring the distal end of said guide wire from plastic or a metal coil; keeping the windings of said metal coil separated to create a window to allow said light to exit; extending said fiber beyond a distal end of said catheter or guide wire; roughening said extend led fiber to improve light dispersion; and moving said light to treat the affected region.