Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing that has at least an inlet and an outlet. The housing is configured to receive a volume of fluid via the inlet. The volume of fluid is in a substantially liquid state and at least a portion of the volume of fluid includes a dissolved impurity. The apparatus also includes a heat-transfer element coupled to an interior volume of the housing. The heat-transfer element includes a surface, at least a portion of which is disposed at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The volume of fluid includes a surface parallel to the horizontal plane. The apparatus further includes a compression component configured to compress at least a portion of fluid boiled from the volume of fluid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing that has at least an inlet and an outlet. The housing is configured to receive a volume of fluid via the inlet. The volume of fluid is in a substantially liquid state and at least a portion of the volume of fluid includes a dissolved impurity. The apparatus also includes a heat-transfer element coupled to an interior volume of the housing. The heat-transfer element includes a surface, at least a portion of which is disposed at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The volume of fluid includes a surface parallel to the horizontal plane. The apparatus further includes a compression component configured to compress at least a portion of fluid boiled from the volume of fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel laser catheter assembly including a unitary connector for coupling a laser beam in proper alignment with an optical fiber. An optical fiber assembly comprising an optical fiber interposed within a catheter tube is permanently mounted to the connector which is of one-piece molded construction. A presently preferred embodiment of the connector has an axial bore at the proximal end thereof of substantially the same diameter as the optical fiber, and a second bore larger than the diameter of the fiber, the second bore being in communication with a source of coolant. In a preferred embodiment the connector is further provided with a cavity in the area about the proximal tip of the optical fiber so as to minimize fouling of the fiber tip in the event of misalignment of the laser beam.