Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A myocardial revascularization system that includes a laser energy source (e.g., a semiconductor laser), an outer guide member providing access to a patient's heart, and an optical fiber. The optical fiber is coupled to receive laser energy pulses from the source, is slidably located within the guide member, and is extendible from the distal end of the guide member. A drive motor is connected to the fiber to automatically move the distal end of the optical fiber with respect to the distal end of the guide member. A controller controls the drive motor to automatically move the fiber in synchronism with firing of the laser energy, and automatically calibrates the position of the distal end of the fiber with respect to the distal end of the catheter. The fiber has, at its tip, an enlargened portion with a front surface coated with a heat absorbing material that is nonmetallic and is partially transparent to the pulses. The outer guide member is 7 French or smaller and has a deflectable distal end. A lubricant is located between the optical fiber and an inner lumen surface of the guide member and on the outer surface of the outer guide member. Position sensing components are carried by the optical fiber and outer guide member at or near their distal ends.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim