摘要 |
<p>Device for use in removing undesired material, e.g., occlusion or plaque, from a duct or blood vessel within a patient's body. The device comprises a catheter (21) adapted to be disposed within a duct and an element disposed adjacent to the distal end portion of the catheter such as fiber optic (25) emitting laser energy, a heated element (51) or a knife (62) for intersecting and releasing the undesired material. An inflatable bladder (29) is provided for positioning the distal end portion of the catheter adjacent the inner surface of the duct to maintain the element for intersecting and releasing the undesired material adjacent thereto. The device can also include a pair of abutments (22, 23) disposed adjacent the distal end portion of the catheter to form a chamber adjacent the inner surface of the blood vessel for receiving the undesired material and for preventing the escape of laser energy.</p> |