Abstract: A catheter for vascular surgery includes a circular array of optical fibers therein disposed at the distal end of the catheter with each lightguide being separated by an elastically deformable member with compartments therein for receiving pressurized fluid. Upon pressurizing the compartments the diameter of the catheter expands. The optical fibers are bunched at the end of the catheter proximate the source of laser light where shutters are positioned for selecting only those lightguides at the distal end which are needed to remove blockages. By pressurizing selected elastically expandable members, groups of optical fibers can be isolated from the rest of the optical fibers and deflected toward the wall of the vessel in which the catheter is being used.

Abstract: To protect the launch surfaces of laser catheters fed with short-pulsed laser radiation, the individual optical fibers are placed on the launch side in hexagonally closest packing. Ablation-resistant materials are applied to the outer circumference of the cross-section area adjacent to the launch device, and the individual fibers and the ablation-resistant materials are connected to one another by material or friction connections. The ablation-resistant materials are of the same material, silicate, or PTFE, as the optical fibers.

Abstract: A catheter for vascular surgery includes a circular array of lightguides disposed at the distal end of the catheter about an inflatable balloon. Upon pressurizing the balloon the diameter of the catheter expands. The lightguides are bunched at the end of the catheter proximate the source of laser light where shutters are positioned for selecting only those lightguides at the distal end which are needed to remove blockages.