DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED VASCULAR LASER TREATMENT

摘要

An improved treatment set and an improved method for endovascular laser treatments are described. The treatment set comprises an introducer sheath or tip and an optical waveguide for allowing the treatment set to be guided within a blood vessel. The introducer sheath itself acts as the guide wire in one embodiment of the procedure. The introducer includes a means for protecting the tip of the optical fiber while the set is being positioned within the vessel and protecting the introducer tip from damaging the vessel. The method includes the steps of inserting the introducer/optical waveguide combination into a blood vessel to be treated, positioning the distal end of the introducer at a proper position in the blood vessel; advancing the optical fiber through a protective cap and/or means, and irradiating the blood vessel, preferably while withdrawing the treatment set toward the point of insertion. In another embodiment, the introducer/optical fiber combination includes a monorail groove within which a guidewire resides, wherein the optical fiber resides within the introducer and is advanced along the guidewire prior to treatment. The invention is advantageous in that it is quicker, as it requires fewer parts and fewer steps for effective treatment than do prior art devices and methods.