| 摘要 |
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for treating intraluminal blockage using radical species generated with a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst may comprise, for example, a photocatalytic semiconductor, a photosensitizer, or a combination thereof. The radical species are brought into contact with the blockage, thereby locally oxidizing or transferring energy to the blockage, which disrupts the blockage. The photocatalyst is preferably disposed on the distal end of an optical fiber that is brought into close proximity or contact with the intraluminal blockage. The photocatalyst is then excited in a manner capable of generating radical species, for example, oxygen-containing radical species, in appropriate media.
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