Importance

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Abstract

A medical probe apparatus comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. The stylet guide has an integrated circuit or semiconductor apparatus at the distal end thereof to generate electromagnetic radiation directly at the point of the desired target tissue. The stylet includes at least one semiconductor or integrated circuit radiation emitter adapted for electromagnetic radiation when electrically energized. An elongated electrical insulator includes proximal and distal ends adapted to be introduced into a body opening, such as the urethra. First and second elongated electrical conductors are electrically isolated by the insulator. The distal ends of the electrical conductors are connected to the semiconductor, so that electrical energy coupled to the proximal ends of the conductors energizes the semiconductor to cause radiation. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the semiconductor radiation emitter(s) is (are) a laser(s). In another embodiment, it is a microwave oscillator or integrated circuit. In yet another embodiment, two types of semiconductor radiator emitters are located distally on the catheter, and each type is connected to one of the electrical conductors. According to one aspect of the invention, a third conductor may be connected in common to both types of semiconductor radiation emitters. The stylet may include an antenna to aid in coupling radiation from a semiconductor radiation emitter to the surrounding tissue. The stylet may also include an axial aperture adapted for use with a guide filament.

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First Claim