Patent ID: 6389313
Filing Date: 2002-05-14
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
An optical device employing radiant energy to enhance local delivery of a compound to or from a subject, said optical device comprising:an optical probe with a tip; a source for radiant energy; a catheter for delivering a compound to or from said tip; a catheter for delivering radiant energy to said tip; and a means to observe placement of said tip; wherein said optical device is designed to enhance delivery of a compound by a method selected from the group consisting of applying optical pressure to generate propagating pressure waves in a medium to increase diffusion of a compound through said medium; applying optical pressure to a compound to directly drive said compound through membranes and tissue by optical propulsion; creating an optical trap to drive diffusion of a compound; and, directly applying radiant energy to tissue to increase the permeability of said tissue to a compound.