Patent ID: 6135996
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A laser ablation device comprising:a handle portion having proximal and distal openings;a fiber advancing device having a stationary member and a movable member, the movable member being movable towards and away from the stationary member;a fiber casing having proximal and distal ends, the distal end being secured to a proximal end of the handle portion and the proximal end being secured to the stationary member of the fiber advancing device;at least one optical fiber having proximal and distal ends, the distal end being extendible through the handle portion and a portion of the fiber defined between the proximal and distal ends being secured to the movable member of the fiber advancing device; anda laser energy generator optically connected to proximal end of the at least one optical fiber;said handle portion including a self-biasing advancing mechanism comprising:a guide member positioned within at least a portion of a channel extending within said handle portion; andat least one biasing member operatively connected to the guide member to guide the guide member proximally as a proximal force is applied to the distal end of said at least one optical fiber and to guide the guide member distally when laser energy is transmitted to the at least one optical fiber by the laser energy generator.