| 摘要 |
<p>Expandable laser catheters (10) for utilizing laser energy to remove obstructions (36) from body passages (34) are described. In one embodiment, the laser catheter includes a shaftway (12) having a distal end (18) including a flexible portion (20) configured in a series of radial folds. Multiple optical fibers (30), configured to transmit laser energy, extend along the shaftway and are attached to the flexible portion. An inflatable, ring-shaped balloon (22) is attached to the catheter (10) within the flexible portion (20). In use, the catheter (10) is inserted into a body passage (34) such as an artery, and advanced until the distal end (18) is adjacent to an obstruction. The balloon (22) is inflated to expand the flexible portion (20) and to bring the optical fibers (30) nearer the inner wall of the body passage. Laser energy is directed by the optical fibers (30) toward targeted regions of the obstruction (36). As the catheter is advanced and the process repeated, a core (50) is formed from the obstruction (36) and contained within the flexible portion (20). The flexible portion (20) is then contracted to hold the core (50), and the core (50) is removed from the body passage (34) by withdrawing the catheter (10).</p> |
