Patent ID: 6066130
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: A61B,A61F,G02B

Abstract:
A flowing fluid laser catheter system for delivering laser energy to target matter located within a mammalian body, said catheter comprising:an elongate, pliable catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally there through, said lumen being defined by a luminal surface;an outlet opening formed in the catheter body such that fluid flowing through said at least one lumen may pass out of said outlet opening,a source of liquid radiographic contrast medium which is unmixed with other oxygen-bearing fluid and which is connected to said at least one lumen and useable to pass a flow of liquid radiographic contrast medium through said lumen, out of said outlet opening and into contact with said target matter;a laser transmitting member which is connectable to a laser generating apparatus, said laser transmitting member being operative to pass laser energy from said laser generating apparatus into radiographic contrast medium which is flowing trough said at least one lumen, such that the laser energy will be carried by said flow of radiographic contrast medium out of said outlet opening and into contact with said target matter.