Importance

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Abstract

A method of treating the interior surface of a body cavity of a patient using an optical fiber having at its distal end a tip which partially absorbs and partially emits laser radiation supplied to the tip by the optical fiber. The distal end of the optical fiber is inserted into the cavity. An irrigating fluid is introduced into the cavity, wherein the fluid irrigates the interior surface. The irrigating fluid is in heat-transfer relationship with the tip. The irrigation fluid is heated by supplying laser radiation to the tip whereby laser radiation absorbed by the tip raises the temperature of the tip and the surrounding irrigating fluid. The surface of the body cavity to be treated is selectably exposed with the laser radiation for thermally and optically treating said surface.

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First Claim