Abstract: Described is a method and device for dilating a tubular anatomical structure. The device and method can be useful for extracting a blood clot in an artery of a mammal by concentrically irradiating an inner wall of the occluded artery using an ultraviolet (UV) laser beam delivered by an optical fiber having an external or inverted conical tip. Dilation results from photophysical production and release of nitric oxide from the cells lining the arterial wall when UV laser light is projected as a ring beam onto the inner arterial wall. This “minimal contact persistent dilation system” prepares the artery for safer mechanical extraction by thrombectomy, owing to decrease in friction and dissolution of chemical bonding.

Abstract: A light irradiating medical device 1 includes a catheter shaft 2 extending in a longitudinal direction; a balloon 5 disposed at a distal portion of the catheter shaft 2; a light guiding tool 10 disposed in a lumen of the catheter shaft 2 and movable in the longitudinal direction, the light guiding tool 10 including an optical fiber 11 extending in the longitudinal direction and a tubular member 15 covering the optical fiber 11 and having light transparency, the optical fiber 11 including a core 12, a cladding 13 and a cladding absent portion 14 disposed at a part of a distal portion of the core 12; a first radiopaque marker 21 disposed at the distal portion of the catheter shaft 2; and a second radiopaque marker 22 disposed at the tubular member 15 at a position distal to a distal end 12a of the core 12.

Abstract: A light-irradiation-device delivery apparatus includes: a metal needle tube having a longitudinal axis, a side hole, which penetrates from an inner circumferential surface to an outer circumferential surface, and a blade surface at a distal end thereof; an optical fiber that is accommodated inside the needle tube, the optical fiber including a core allowing light to propagate, a clad covering an outer circumferential surface of the core, and an emission area provided at a distal-end section of the optical fiber; and a positioning member that positions the emission area between a distal end and a proximal end of the needle tube in the longitudinal-axis direction. The distal end of the optical fiber is positioned in an interior space of the needle tube in a state where the emission area is positioned between the distal end and the proximal end of the side hole.

Abstract: A system for treating uterine tissue having a seal assembly configured for positioning in a patient's cervical canal and uterine cavity; an expandable distal balloon portion; an expandable elongate medial balloon portion configured for movement between a first transversely expanded shape for engaging a cervical canal and a second transversely non-expanded shape for trans-cervical insertion; and a fluid source in communication with distal balloon portion and medial balloon portion for expansion of said balloon portions.

Abstract: A light irradiation device having an elongated outer shape includes: an optical fiber for emitting light from its distal end, which has a curved part, in which the distal end is oriented in a direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction of the light irradiation device by the curved part; and a light transmitting holder that retains a shape of the curved part of the optical fiber. The optical fiber has a core, or has the core and an outer surface layer, and the holder has a refractive index smaller than a refractive index of the core or a refractive index of the outer surface layer of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method of preparing a ventricular partitioning device for implantation using a delivery system can include coupling the ventricular partitioning device to a delivery catheter, loading the ventricular partitioning device and a portion of the delivery catheter into a sleeve and creating a liquid-tight seal between a portion of the sleeve and the delivery catheter, coupling a distal end of the sleeve to a guide catheter, and delivering fluid through at least one of the first fluid delivery port or the second fluid delivery port. The method can be performed with the delivery catheter or the sleeve having a first fluid delivery port positioned thereon. The method can be with the guide catheter having a second fluid delivery port positioned thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft, an expandable dilator, and at least one ventilation pathway. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a distal and proximal ends with at least one shaft lumen. The expandable dilator comprises body with its own proximal and distal ends. The body is configured to transition between a contracted state and an expanded state. The body is configured to dilate a Eustachian tube of a patient in the expanded state. The at least one ventilation pathway is configured to provide ventilation from the distal end of the body to the proximal end of the body when the body is in the expanded state. In some examples, the ventilation pathway comprises a set of transversely oriented vent openings formed through the shaft. In some other examples, the ventilation pathway comprises a space defined between one or more radially outwardly protruding features of the expandable dilator.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting using a light diffusing fiber includes optically coupling a light source to a light diffusing optical fiber having a core, a cladding surrounding the core, an outer surface, and a plurality of scattering structures positioned within the core, the cladding, or both the core and the cladding. The method further includes positioning the light diffusing optical fiber in optical engagement with a pathogen sample and directing light output by the light source into the light diffusing optical fiber for a first time interval. The scattering structures scatter light propagating along the light diffusing optical fiber toward the outer surface and a portion of the light diffuses through the outer surface thereby irradiating the pathogen sample with light having an average power density of about 5 mW/cm2 to about 30 mW/cm2 at a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 495 nm for an exposure time from about 2 hours to about 24 hours.

Abstract: A photoacoustic catheter adapted for placement within a blood vessel having a vessel wall includes an elongate shaft, a balloon and a photoacoustic transducer. The elongate shaft can extend from a proximal region to a distal region. The elongate shaft can include a light guide that is configured to be placed in optical communication with a light source. The balloon is coupled to the elongate shaft, and can be configured to expand from a collapsed configuration suitable for advancing the photoacoustic catheter through a patient's vasculature to a first expanded configuration suitable for anchoring the photoacoustic catheter in position relative to a treatment site. The photoacoustic transducer can be disposed on a surface of the balloon and in optical communication with the light guide. The photoacoustic transducer can include a light-absorbing material and a thermal expansion material.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation and laser radiation (red radiation, green radiation) device or catheter system, a broad spectrum treatment product that affects various pathogens such viral, fungal, bacterial, parasitic causing infections. The ultraviolet radiation and laser radiation device or catheter system is based on the process of eliminating the bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses in the body as a result of the ultraviolet light being introduced into the body (intravascular, intrapulmonary, intrarespiratory system, intragastric, intragastrointestinal system, intraarticular, intravesical, intraurogenital system) with the help of a disposable catheter. The ultraviolet radiation and laser radiation device or catheter system is the process of applying the laser and ultraviolet radiations used outside the body directly into the body to the infected tissues and organs with no/minimal damage (not to exceed the toxic limit) to the living creatures.

Abstract: A light treatment system includes: a probe configured to be inserted into a bladder, the probe including an optical fiber, and a diffuser that is provided at a distal end of the optical fiber, the diffuser being configured to emit the light from a surface of the cylindrical shape in a diffused manner; a balloon catheter into which the probe is inserted, the balloon catheter being configured to be inserted into the bladder, the balloon catheter including a distal end portion that is to be spherically dilated in the bladder; and a liquid that includes light scattering particles and fills inside of the distal end portion when the distal end portion has been dilated, the liquid having an equivalent scattering coefficient ??s equal to or larger than 5/R, where R is a maximum radius of the distal end portion that has been dilated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating multi-spot laser light beams, multiplexing an illumination light and the multi-spot laser light beams, and delivering the multiplexed light to a surgical handpiece via a multi-core optical fiber cable.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatus and methods to classify the plaque tissue present in the coronary artery using intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) images.

Abstract: A medical instrument may include a tube, a sheath provided around and coaxial with the tube, and an inflatable balloon at a distal end of the sheath. The balloon may receive a fluid from a lumen of the sheath, and may have a central opening along a longitudinal axis thereof, and into which the tube extends, a proximal portion, a middle portion adjacent to and distal of the proximal portion, and a distal portion adjacent to and proximal of the middle portion. When the balloon is inflated with the fluid, a maximum diameter of the middle portion may be less than a maximum diameter of the proximal portion, and less than a maximum diameter of the distal portion. The medical instrument may also include an extraction member provided at a distal end of the tube, distal to the balloon, and movable axially relative to the balloon.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying tissue use a pressurized fluid stream carrying coherent light energy. The methods and systems may be used for resecting and debulking soft and hard biological tissues. The coherent light is focused within a stream of fluid to deliver energy to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a puncture system having an outer tubular body which is designed to remain in a body part of a living being, said puncture system comprising at least one inner tubular body and a puncture needle, wherein the inner tubular body is guided through a working lumen of the outer tubular body and is longitudinally displaceable relative to the outer tubular body, and the puncture needle is guided through a puncture lumen of the inner tubular body and the inner tubular body is longitudinally displaceable relative to the puncture needle. The puncture system has a manually actuatable element that can be moved by manual actuation at least into a fixing position and into a release position, wherein, in the fixing position, the longitudinal displaceability a1) of the inner tubular body relative to the outer tubular body and/or a2) of the puncture needle relative to the inner tubular body and/or a3) of the puncture needle relative to the outer tubular body is removed or reduced.

Abstract: A device for detecting spatial differences in fluid level changes in a tissue of a patient may include a support structure for securing the device to a body part of the patient, a processing element operably connected to the support structure, a wireless networking interface operably connected to the support structure and in communication with the processing element and an external computing device via a network, a first transmission module operably connected to the support structure and in communication with the processing element, a second transmission module and a third transmission module operably connected to the support structure and in communication with the processing element. When activated, the first transmission module transmits a first time varying magnetic field through the tissue of the patient. The second and third transmission modules, which are spatially separated from one another, receive first and second versions, respectively, of the first time varying magnetic field.

Abstract: A spectral beam combining system includes a plurality of input fibers and a prism having a curved input surface. The plurality of input fibers are attached to the curved input surface. The spectral beam combining system also includes an immersion grating defined on a second surface of the prism, a protective cap disposed over the immersion grating, and an output surface.

Abstract: A peripheral light-emitting linear light guide member is composed of an optical fiber including a core having an outer periphery surface exposed from a cladding at one end in a longitudinal direction, and a light-scattering member covering an entire periphery of the outer periphery surface at an exposed portion of the core over a predetermined axial length range. The light-scattering member scatters a light emitted from the outer periphery surface of the core. In the light-scattering member, light-scattering particles are dispersion-mixed with an optically transparent base material having a higher refractive index than a refractive index of the core. An amount of the light-scattering particles around an outer periphery of the core is higher at a distal end of the light-scattering member than at an end closer to the cladding.

Abstract: A method treating a root canal in a tooth by introducing into the pulp chamber of a tooth and pulsing a laser light into the fluid reservoir so as to disintegrate pulp within the root canal without generation of any significant heat in said liquid fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Abstract: A photoacoustic catheter can include an elongate shaft and a first photoacoustic transducer. The elongate shaft can extend from a proximal region to a distal region and can include a first light guide that is in optical communication with a light source. The first photoacoustic transducer can be disposed within the distal region of the elongate shaft and can be in optical communication with the first light guide. The first photoacoustic transducer can impart acoustic pressure waves upon a calcified lesion to induce fractures. The first photoacoustic transducer can include a light-absorbing material and a thermal expansion material that can be in contact with one another.

Abstract: A method treating a root canal in a tooth by introducing into the pulp chamber of a tooth and pulsing a laser light into the fluid reservoir so as to disintegrate pulp within the root canal without generation of any significant heat in said liquid fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting relative location of a surgical laser fiber tip relative to a surgical laser target during a surgical laser procedure utilizes a spectrophotometer to detect radiation indicative of the relative location. For example, the detected radiation may indicate contact between the fiber tip and a stone being subjected to laser lithotripsy, so as to prompt the surgeon to withdraw the fiber tip from the stone and/or take other action to limit contact-induced erosion of the fiber tip, and to avoid saturation of the endoscope camera resulting from the flash that occurs following contact. In addition, the absence of any detected radiation by the spectrophotometer may be used to indicate that the stone is no longer present, or that the fiber tip is no longer aimed at the stone, prompting the operator to reposition the fiber and/or temporarily cease firing of the laser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining information relating to a suspected occluding structure. It is described to provide (210) a spectral resolving unit with at least one broadband radiation. The at least one broadband radiation comprises a first broadband radiation acquired from a region of interest within a vascular structure. An occluding structure is suspected to be located within the region of interest and wherein the first broadband radiation is associated with the suspected occluding structure. At least one spectrally resolved data set is determined (220) on the basis of the at least one broadband radiation, wherein the at least one spectrally resolved data set comprises a first spectrally resolved data set determined on the basis of the first broadband radiation. A processing unit is provided (230) with the at least one spectrally resolved data set on the basis of the at least one broadband radiation.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a system comprising: a catheter; an optic fiber having a long axis and a short axis that is orthogonal to the long axis; first and second radiopaque elements coupled to the optic fiber; a first wire coupled to the optic fiber and extending from the first radiopaque element to the second radiopaque element; a fluid; wherein (a)(i) the first wire wraps at least partially around an exterior surface of the optic fiber; (a)(ii) an outer diameter of the first wire and an outer diameter of the optic fiber are collectively less than an inner diameter of the catheter, and (a)(iii) the first wire is configured to center the optic fiber within the catheter within a plane orthogonal to the long axis.

Abstract: A catheter for intraluminal lithotripsy including an outer wall, at least one balloon extending from the outer wall, the balloon having a first portion, a second portion proximal of the first portion and an intermediate portion between the first and second portions such that a transverse dimension of the intermediate portion is less than a transverse dimension of the first and second portions. The catheter includes a first lumen, at least one energy emitter mounted on the balloon for emitting energy to break down or soften calcium and a connector connecting the at least one energy emitter to an external energy source, the connector extending through the catheter.

Abstract: A dilation catheter includes a shaft, a distal tip sized and configured to pass through an isthmus of a Eustachian tube (ET), and an expandable element moveable along an exterior of the shaft between a proximal position and a distal position. The expandable element is operable to transition between an unexpanded state in which the expandable element is configured for insertion into the ET via the isthmus, and an expanded state in which the expandable element is configured to dilate the ET.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass fiber (1) comprising at least one fiber core (10), at least one fiber cladding (11) which at least substantially encloses the fiber core (10) in the circumferential direction (U) and along the longitudinal axis (X), and at least one fiber coating (12) which substantially encloses the fiber cladding (11) in the circumferential direction (U) and along the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the glass fiber (1) has at least one first exposed portion (13a) where the fiber cladding (11) is exposed by the fiber coating (12), for removing light (B) at least from the fiber cladding (11), wherein at least the fiber cladding (11) has a plurality of recesses (14) at least substantially in the radial direction (R), which recesses are designed to at least partially discharge the light (B) at least from the fiber cladding (11).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a proximal portion and a distal portion attached to the proximal portion. The proximal portion includes a proximal surface. The proximal portion defines a first pathway and a second pathway that both extend distally from the proximal surface. The first pathway is dimensioned to receive a shaft while the second pathway is dimensioned to receive a navigation guidewire. The distal portion includes a distal tip terminating into a distal end. The second pathway extends from the proximal portion into the distal tip.

Abstract: Described is a method and device for dilating a tubular anatomical structure. The device and method can be useful for extracting a blood clot in an artery of a mammal by concentrically irradiating an inner wall of the occluded artery using an ultraviolet (UV) laser beam delivered by an optical fiber having an external or inverted conical tip. Dilation results from photophysical production and release of nitric oxide from the cells lining the arterial wall when UV laser light is projected as a ring beam onto the inner arterial wall. This “minimal contact persistent dilation system” prepares the artery for safer mechanical extraction by thrombectomy, owing to decrease in friction and dissolution of chemical bonding.

Abstract: Provided is a guidewire connector that does not interfere with an introduction of another in-body insertion instrument and is capable of maintaining cleanliness of the guidewire when connecting a guidewire mounted with a photo-acoustic ultrasonic wave generator. The guidewire connector according to the present disclosure includes an adapter member detachably attached to an light emitting apparatus, and a wire fixing member attaching the guidewire to the adapter member, in which the wire fixing member has an outer diameter equal to or smaller than an outer diameter of the guidewire.

Abstract: Provided herein are conjugates, compositions and methods for use in photoimmunotherapy, such as photoimmunotherapy induced by activation of a phthalocyanine dye conjugated to a targeting molecule that binds a protein on cell, for example, an IR700-antibody conjugate. In some embodiments, the phthalocyanine-dye conjugate can be activated by irradiation with near-infrared light. Features of the conjugates, compositions and methods, including the dose of the conjugate, provide various advantages, such as lower toxicity and/or improved efficacy. In some embodiments, also provided is a dual label phthalocyanine-dye conjugate in which the targeting molecule is conjugated to an additional fluorescent dye, which can be used for photoimmunotherapy while, for example, also exhibiting improved performance for imaging or detection. Also provided are therapeutic methods using the conjugates and compositions for treatment of diseases and conditions, including tumors or cancers.

Abstract: An endoluminal lasing system for treating vascular disorders is disclosed. Treatment comprises an elongated member that conveys laser radiation to tissue and a motorized mechanism, through which elongated member is rotated. As motor drives, its movement spins elongated member leading to a spiral movement as physician manually moves member in a longitudinal direction. In a preferred embodiment, elongated member is an optical fiber for endoluminal vessel treatment. In another preferred embodiment optical fiber comprises an off-axis firing distal end or side-firing distal end. Optical fiber can be a radial emitting fiber. Spin velocity can be varied according to treatment needs, i.e., pathology, type of vessel, energy source, vessel diameter, etc. One advantage, spiral movement prevents adherence to vessel wall in treatments. Another advantage is that radiation is applied more uniformly along vessel wall. The vessel wall is, thus more evenly treated under most conditions.

Abstract: Systems for enabling delivery of very high peak power laser pulses through optical fibers for use in ablation procedures preferably in contact mode. Such lasers advantageously emit at 355 nm wavelength. Other systems enable selective removal of undesired tissue within a blood vessel, while minimizing the risk of damaging the blood vessel itself, based on the use of the ablative properties of short laser pulses of 320 to 400 nm laser wavelength, with selected parameters of the mechanical walls of the tubes constituting the catheter, of the laser fluence and of the force that is applied by the catheter on the tissues. Additionally, a novel method of calibrating such catheters is disclosed, which also enables real time monitoring of the ablation process. Additionally, novel methods of protecting the fibers exit facets are disclosed.

Abstract: A test device is used to test photosensitivity of a skin. The test device is provided with an irradiation unit including a plurality of light irradiation units arranged in a first direction. The plurality of light irradiation units output, in a second direction intersecting the first direction, irradiation light beams that mutually differ at least in one of wavelength characteristics and intensity. The irradiation unit is configured such that intensities of the irradiation light beams output from the plurality of light irradiation units are progressively smaller in the first direction.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing and a shaft coupled to the housing. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. An end effector assembly is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members. At least one of the first and second jaw members is movable from a first position wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes one or more light-emitting elements and one or more light-detecting elements configured to generate one or more signals indicative of tissue reflectance. The one or more light-emitting elements are adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm2.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of ultrasound energy. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves by means of shielding it from the effects of laser radiation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the optical fiber configured to emit light at the distal end. The surgical instrument also includes at least one scattering material coupled to the proximal end, the distal end, or a combination of both the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: A balloon catheter (10) has a shaft (12) having an elastically expandable balloon (11) on the distal end side and space provided inside and allowing a fluid to flow into and flow out the balloon (11), a heat generating member (22) provided in the internal space of the balloon (11), and optical fibers (20A, 20B) which are extended up to the internal space of the balloon (11) along the shaft (12) and emit light beams input into the proximal end to the heat generating member (22) from the distal end.

Abstract: A system in one embodiment includes an image forming device for forming an image from an area of interest containing different image components; an illumination device for illuminating the area of interest with light containing multiple components; at least one light source coupled to the illumination device, the at least one light source providing light to the illumination device containing different components, each component having distinct spectral characteristics and relative intensity; an image analyzer coupled to the image forming device, the image analyzer decomposing the image formed by the image forming device into multiple component parts based on type of imaging; and multiple image capture devices, each image capture device receiving one of the component parts of the image. Additional systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for illumination of a vascular space and its contents using an electromagnetic energy source that supplies a plurality of wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to infrared are shown. Illumination can be performed using multiple wavelengths, simultaneously or sequentially, and can be performed in accordance with a protocol where an initial illumination produces an effect that is at least partially reversed by a subsequent illumination. Illumination protocols can be stored on a database and accessed via a user interface displayed on the electromagnetic energy source. The database can be used to store data related to performance of system components, and such data can be used to override or modify an illumination protocol.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device and methods are disclosed for creating a channel through a region of tissue. The device comprises an elongate member for receiving the energy from an electrical energy source. An electrical insulation layer surrounds the elongate member along the device proximal region. An electrode tip is coupled to the distal end of the elongate member for delivering the energy, the electrode tip being configured and sized for delivering the energy in a manner such that electrical arcing is generated in the region of tissue in order to create a channel through at least a portion of the region of tissue. An electrically insulative thermal shield is disposed between the electrode tip and the device proximal region for preventing arcing therebetween during the delivery of the energy and for thermally protecting the device proximal region from heat produced by the delivery of the energy through the electrode tip.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes an internal fiber, an end surface, a first cap member and a second cap member. The internal fiber terminates at a fiber tip. The end surface transmits laser energy delivered through the internal fiber. The first cap member extends over the end surface and includes a first end on a first side of the end surface and a second end on a second side of the end surface. The second cap member extends over the first cap member and includes a first end on the first side of the end surface and a second end on the second side of the end surface, the second end of the second cap member is attached to the second end of the first cap member.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least three radially-spaced struts, each, each strut connecting the proximal end to the distal end and having one or more bends that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stent is made or a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation of the balloon.

Abstract: A handheld controller for laser surgical applications includes a variable time delay control to allow a surgeon to delay interruption of laser firing in response to feedback from an overheating detector, and a detector sensitivity control for changing a sensitivity of the detector.

Abstract: Embodiments of a balloon biasing laser catheter are provided. In some embodiments, the laser catheter may include a distal tip that extends from the distal end of the catheter from a point near the light guide aperture. The distal tip may be disposed at the periphery of the catheter. In some embodiments, a balloon may be disposed between the light guide aperture and the distal tip, such that the a light guide extending from the aperture may be disposed proximate with the distal tip having the balloon in between. A retaining wire may be coupled with the distal tip and slidably coupled with the light guide. The retaining wire may keep the light guide biased relatively parallel with the distal tip and/or the catheter body when the balloon is inflated. The light guide may include a guidewire lumen the extends to the distal end of the distal tip.

Abstract: Expandable laser catheters for utilizing laser energy to remove obstructions from body passages are described. In one embodiment, the laser catheter includes a shaftway having a distal end including a flexible portion configured in a series of radial folds. Multiple optical fibers, configured to transmit laser energy, extend along the shaftway and are attached to the flexible portion. An inflatable, ring-shaped balloon is attached to the catheter within the flexible portion. In use, the catheter is inserted into a body passage such as an artery, and advanced until the distal end is adjacent to an obstruction. The balloon is inflated to expand the flexible portion and to bring the optical fibers nearer the inner wall of the body passage. Laser energy is directed by the optical fibers toward targeted regions of the obstruction. As the catheter is advanced and the process repeated, a core is formed from the obstruction and contained within the flexible portion.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a housing sleeve disposed in an inner bore of the handle configured to project a distance from the handle distal end, an optic fiber disposed in the housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve disposed over a distal end of the optic fiber, and a light source configured to connect to a proximal end of the optic fiber. The shape memory sleeve may be configured to curve the distal end of the optic fiber at an angle, e.g., 90 degrees, when the shape memory sleeve is not contained within the housing sleeve.