Importance

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Abstract

Systems and methods for advancing a guide wire through body tissue are described. In one form, the guide wire includes an interferometric guidance system and a tissue removal member. The interferometric guidance system is coupled to the guide wire and includes a first optic fiber, a second optic fiber, and a detecting element. The first optic fiber includes a first end and a second end, and extends through a guide wire bore so that the second end is adjacent the guide wire second end. The second optic fiber of the guidance system similarly includes a first end and a second end, and a reference mirror is positioned adjacent the second optic fiber second end. The detecting element is configured to determine interference between a light beam propagating through the first optic fiber and a light beam propagating through the second optic fiber. The tissue removal member also is coupled to the guide wire and is configured to create a path through body tissue so that the guide wire may be advanced therethrough. A treatment laser to ablate tissue may also be used to open a channel through the plaque. A guide wire or centering catheter may be used to facilitate this maneuver.

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First Claim