Patent ID: 7359601
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A laser energy delivery device suitable for delivery of relatively long wavelength laser energy to a biological tissue in an aqueous medium comprising: (a) an elongate hollow sheath having an open aperture at distal end portion thereof and a closed proximal end, the sheath defining a lumen and a gas inlet port spaced from the proximal end of the sheath and in open communication with the lumen; and (b) a laser energy conduit having a proximal end adapted for connection to a laser energy source capable of generating light having a wavelength of at least about 1,300 nanometers and a distal end adapted for delivery of laser energy emitted from the energy source to a tissue site; the laser energy conduit being disposed within the lumen of the sheath and passing through the closed proximal end of the sheath; the distal end of the laser energy conduit being positioned at the open distal end of the sheath; and the gas inlet port being adapted for connection to a gas delivery source for concomitant infusion of a biologically compatible gas through the lumen and the open aperture at distal end portion of the sheath while laser energy is emitted from the distal end portion of the laser energy conduit.