SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STEERING A CATHETER THROUGH BODY TISSUE

摘要

Catheters for photoablating plaque build-up in blood vessels are described. In one form, the catheter (18) includes a catheter body (26) having a first group of optic fibers, and a second group of optic fibers. The first group of optic fibers (36A) is adjacent the second group of optic fibers (36B). Each group of optic fibers includes at least one optic fiber having a first end, and a second end. The second ends of the respective optic fibers form a substantially rounded hemispherical catheter head (30). A control element is coupled to the catheter body (26), and is configured to selectively transmit energy through either the first group of optic fibers (36A), or the second group of optic fibers (36B), or both the first and second groups of optic fibers.