Importance

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Abstract

A catheter device and a method for using same to facilitate removal of obstructive material in a human body channel. The catheter comprises an elongated body with a distal end portion adapted to be inserted within the channel and a proximal end portion. A lumen, extending lengthwise through said catheter body, supports a guidewire having a distal end along which the catheter body can be moved within the channel. A series of parallel, closely spaced fiber members extend through the catheter body from its proximal end and terminate near a distal end face of said catheter. Laser energy supplied at the catheter's proximal end is transmitted along the fiber members and is emitted forwardly therefrom at the catheter's distal end face. In one embodiment the catheter has a tapered nose portion for displacing obstructive material in the body channel before the emission of laser energy. In another embodiment, the fiber members are movable longitudinally in unison to sever and trap obstructive material which is removed from the body channel.

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First Claim