A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.
申请公布号
US5662712(A)
申请公布日期
1997.09.02
申请号
US19950483194
申请日期
1995.06.07
申请人
FOCAL, INC.
发明人
PATHAK, CHANDRASHEKHAR P.;SAWHNEY, AMARPREET S.;HUBBELL, JEFFREY A.;HERMAN, STEPHEN J.;ROTH, LAURENCE A.;CAMPBELL, PATRICK K.;BERRIGAN, KEVIN M.;JARRETT, PETER K.;COURY, ARTHUR J.