Angioplasty light guide catheter for stenosis ablation with laser light energy

Abstract

Abstract The angioplasty light guide catheter has a dilatation balloon (1) which is to be introduced into the vessel to be treated. The inside of the balloon is connected via a shaft to a suction and forcing pump and can therefore be regulated precisely in diameter. Light guides (6) extend over the entire length of the shaft and are coupled to a laser device via a connection piece at the proximal end of the catheter. At the distal end the light guides are embedded in the wall of the dilatation balloon (1). For stenosis ablation using laser light energy, the outlet points of the light guides can be moved radially outwards and inwards by changing the pressure in the dilatation balloon. The distance of the outlet points (6a) from the centre line of the balloon is thus a function of the pressure of the balloon fluid. This distance can thus be altered and controlled in a simple manner. <IMAGE>

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