Abstract: A medical device and method are provided for generating deep coagulation necrosis as well as surface vaporization in the site of a body cavity. The device provides means for delivering laser energy from the side of the device while providing localized irrigation at its laser delivery port. Laser energy is delivered from a fiberoptic that is bent at its distal end and placed in a catheter body which includes an irrigation channel that terminates at the distal end of that fiberoptic. Deep coagulation necrosis is achieved by: a) placement under endoscopic guidance of the device in the body cavity, b) delivering a predetermined dose of laser energy to target tissue, and c) rotating the device continuously during laser delivery, with at least one revolution in one direction. After the coagulation session has been completed, a detachable heat-generating cap may be mounted at the distal end of the catheter in order to convert the direct laser energy into controlled thermal energy at the surface of that cap.

Abstract: A heart tissue mapping and lasing catheter well suited for control of tachyarrhythmias is disclosed. A distal end region of the catheter has an electrode envelope constituted by plural surface electrode pairs spaced from one another and is provided with at least one fiber optic within the electrode envelope. The emissive face of the fiber optic is situated between adjacent electrode pairs in the electrode envelope.