Abstract: A device for use in laser surgical procedures for moving axially an optical fiber bundle that is connected at its proximal end to a source of laser energy. The distal end of the fiber bundle has a generally tapered configuration so that it is capable of penetrating soft tissue of membrane such as the myocardium or epicardium of a human heart during the surgical procedure. Various combinations of bundled optical fiber elements are disclosed which provide different tapered distal end configurations used for various surgical procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a laser delivery device used during a surgical procedure by securing the laser delivery device to a surgeon's hand is defined by a finger mounting portion for securing at least one laser delivery device to at least one of the surgeon's fingers, and laser delivery device guide attached to the finger mounting portion for directing laser energy from the distal end of the laser delivery means. The finger mounting portion has at least one ring portion for removably encircling the surgeon's finger(s). Embodiments of the guide orient the laser delivery device either axially or trans-axially at a predetermined angle. The guide may be tubular with a preselected curvature, or tubular and adjustable so as to orient the laser delivery device into a plurality of positions. A locking mechanism couples the laser delivery device to the guide and rotating the guide may orient the laser delivery means into a plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: A torque control mechanism for a medical catheter, comprising a torque wire affixed to a tip of the catheter, and attached to a rotation control mechanism carried by a proximal end of the catheter. The torque wire has high torsional stiffness but longitudinal flexibility, so that rotation of the torque wire is efficiently transmitted to the catheter tip, but so that the torque wire may flex easily as the catheter is put into place adjacent a treatment site within a patient. The catheter tip includes a guide wire lumen for sliding over a conventional guide wire in emplacing the catheter, and rotation of the torque wire causes the catheter tip to rotate about an axis of the guide wire. However, when high friction is encountered by the catheter, rotation of the torque wire causes rotation of the catheter tip about a central axis of the catheter. This is assisted by the configuration of a preferred embodiment, wherein the catheter tip is rotatable separately from the catheter body.

Abstract: A catheter device and a method for using same to facilitate removal of obstructive material in a human body channel. The catheter comprises an elongated body with a distal end portion adapted to be inserted within the channel and a proximal end portion. A lumen, extending lengthwise through said catheter body, supports a guidewire having a distal end along which the catheter body can be moved within the channel. A series of parallel, closely spaced fiber members extend through the catheter body from its proximal end and terminate near a distal end face of said catheter. Laser energy supplied at the catheter's proximal end is transmitted along the fiber members and is emitted forwardly therefrom at the catheter's distal end face. In one embodiment the catheter has a tapered nose portion for displacing obstructive material in the body channel before the emission of laser energy.