Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for transmitting laser energy to occlusions within obstructed vessels. In the preferred embodiments, a laser delivery catheter includes a hollow tip that encloses a laser energy optical fiber and retractable endoscope. In use, the hollow tip is first positioned adjacent an occlusion. The endoscope can then be retracted within the hollow tip to enhance utilization of the internal volume of the hollow tip for positioning of the laser energy optical fiber, thereby allowing targeting of the occlusion substantially beyond a cross-sectional area of the hollow tip. In a "balloon" embodiment, the position of the laser energy optical fiber is adjusted by an inflatable balloon, adjacent the optical fiber, within the hollow tip. In a "wire" embodiment, the position of the optical fiber is adjusted by a longitudinal movement of a torque wire.

Abstract: A light transmitting and diffusing apparatus is disclosed for activating photodynamic therapy in soft cancerous tumors. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is affixed to a standard medical laser that transmits light through an optical fiber to a point adjacent to or within a cancerous tumor. The apparatus includes an unclad fiber-optic core with a reflective cap at a terminal end of the core. A diffuser matrix coats the unclad fiber-optic core and a transparent tubular sleeve encases the matrix and core. The transparent tubular sleeve includes a conical tip adjacent to the terminal end of the core for easy penetration of the cancerous tumors. In use, light leaves the medical laser, travels along the optical fiber into the unclad fiber-optic core. There, some light passes directly out of the core through the diffuser matrix, and the remaining light is reflected, by this reflective cap, back into and around the core, away from its terminal end.