Patent ID: 6953458
Filing Date: 2005-10-11
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 distal end and a closed proximal end provided with a handpiece, the sheath defining a lumen, and a gas inlet port defined by the handpiece spaced from the proximal end of the sheath and in oven communication with the lumen; and (b) a laser energy conduit extending through the handpiece, 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; 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 distal end of the sheath while laser energy is emitted directly to the tissue site from the distal end of the laser energy conduit, the sheath guiding the infused gas to direct impingement on the tissue site; and wherein the distal end of the sheath is flared.