| 摘要 |
<p>A laser catheter for directing a laser beam (5) to an affected part such as an obstruction inside a living body includes a catheter tube (1) having a smooth inner surface and a window member (3) attached to one end. A liquid injection port (2) is provided at the one end of the catheter tube (1). A transparent liquid (4) is injected into the catheter tube (1) via the liquid injection port (2). The liquid has a greater refractive index than that of the material that forms the catheter tube (1). Thus, the catheter tube (1) acts as a clad optical fibre with its cladding formed by the catheter tube (1) and its core formed by the liquid (4). The laser beam is directed through the catheter (1) to an affected part in order to destroy it. The overall outer diameter of such a catheter (1) is much smaller than conventional devices and it is therefore possible to insert it into relatively thin blood vessels. In addition, since the catheter (1) is very flexible its distal end can reach a remote affected part of a curved blood vessel.</p> |
