Abstract: The disclosure relates to a 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 adapted to be disposed within a duct and an element disposed adjacent to the distal end portion of the catheter such as a fiber optic emitting laser energy, a heated element or a knife for intersecting and releasing the undesired material. An inflatable bladder 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 disposed adjacent the distal end portion of the catheter to form a chamber adjacent the inner surface of the blood vessle afor receiving the undesired material and for preventing the escape of laser energy after it has been applied to the undesired material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for use in removing undesired material, e.g., an occlusion or plaque, from a duct or blood vessel within a patient's body. The device comprises a catheter adapted to be disposed within a duct and having a distal end portion with a tip and a tapered surface extending from the tip to the side of the catheter. The catheter has a lumen extending through the length thereof. The intersection of the lumen and the tapered surface forming an elongated opening. Pulsed laser energy is applied by an optical fiber extending through the lumen to the elongated openings and thereby the undesired material. An inflatable bladder is provided for positioning the distal end portion of the catheter adjacent the inner surface of the duct to position the elongated opening adjacent the undesired material to be removed. A filament extending through the catheter and connected to the distal end portion can be rotated at the proximal end of the catheter to rotatably position the distal portion thereof.