Importance

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Abstract

A steerable, direct myocardial revascularization catheter comprises a catheter body, a control handle, a tip section, and a means for deflecting the tip section by manipulation of the control handle. The catheter body has an outer wall, proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The control handle is situated at the proximal end of the catheter body. The tip section comprises a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The catheter also comprises an optic fiber having proximal and distal ends. The optic fiber extends through a lumen in a catheter body and tip section. The distal end of the optic fiber is substantially flush with the distal end of the tip section. The catheter further comprises an infusion tube having proximal and distal ends. The infusion tube extends through a lumen in the catheter body and tip section. The distal end of the infusion tube is fixedly situated within the tip section, and the proximal end of the infusion tube extends outside of the catheter body for receiving fluids. A method for inducing revascularization in the heart tissue comprises providing a catheter as described above, inserting the catheter into a heart chamber, transmitting sufficient laser energy through the optic fiber to create a channel in the heart wall, and administering at least one drug to the channel through the infusion tube.

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First Claim