LIGHT DELIVERY CATHETER AND METHOD FOR THE USE THEREOF

摘要

A catheter (10) comprising a flexible tube having a proximal portion (12) and a distal portion. The proximal portion comprises a first lumen (12A) and a second lumen (12B) for a guide wire (22). The distal portion has a single lumen. The catheter has a tapered transition portion (13) interconnecting the proximal and distal portions. Coupled to a proximal end of the catheter are means for inserting an ultrasound or optical fiber into the first lumen for transmitting energy through the catheter, and means for inserting the guide wire through the second lumen. The means for inserting permit extension and retraction of the fiber and the guide wire in their respective lumens. The distal portion is sized to a diameter less than that of the proximal portion, and is just large enough to receive one of the guide wire and the fiber but not both.