Importance

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Abstract

A spiral catheter apparatus for access to, and laser or other treatment within, cavities and organs in the human body, the apparatus comprising a flexible, main catheter shaft defining a central axis of the apparatus, the catheter shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a first hollow lumen region extending therethrough, the catheter shaft further having a spiral portion adjacent the distal end with a selected curvilinear shape, the curvilinear shape defining an inner arcuate sidewall and an outer arcuate sidewall, the catheter shaft flexible enough to assume a temporarily elongated shape such that the apparatus can be extended through at least a portion of the body in the temporarily elongated shape and will assume the selected curvilinear shape when extended into a body cavity or organ, the selected curvilinear shape serving to securely position the apparatus adjacent a selected surface within the body cavity or organ, at least the spiral portion of the catheter shaft having a plurality of guide holes thereon, the plurality of guide holes disposed at least on the outer arcuate sidewall in communication with the first lumen such that a distal end of a laser delivery means or other functional device can be controllably advanced through the plurality of guide holes for laser or other treatment on the selected surface.

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First Claim