Versatile balloon catheter for pulsed laser surgery - uses segmented multi-fibre optics to control energy distribution

摘要

The balloon-catheter used in laser arterio-surgery comprises a leading central optical fibre (8) and multiple fibres (7) some transmitting energy for ablating obstructions and others for observing and guiding the catheter position. External channels carry fluids controlling the balloon sections (4, 5, 6). The fibre array is divided into segments and the laser energy optically channelled into all or any selected areas (2) or down the centre fibre (8). A pulsed laser is employed with wavelengths from 720 to 860 nM plus their second harmonics. ADVANTAGE - Versatility in distribution of laser energy at catheter.