Intravascular laser catheter

Claim 2

Apparatus for directing laser energy at a fixed focal point in the body of a patient, said apparatus comprising:- a catheter having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough; a bundle of solid optical fibres in an annular array about the outer wall of said catheter, said fibres having proximal and distal ends and being adapted at their proximal ends for association with an energy source to supply laser energy for transmission to the body of the patient; the distal end of said fibre bundle being bevelled at such an angle as to substantially focus said laser energy at a single focal point.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fibres are made of fused silica.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fibres are made of glass or quartz.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 including an outer annular sheath enclosing said fibre bundle.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said sheath is bifurcated in the vicinity of its proximal end, forming a first leg adapted to receive said fibres and a second leg enclosing said catheter.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said second leg terminates in an injection port.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said injection port is provided with means for injection of contrast media through said lumen.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said injection port is provided with means for injection of a therapeutic fluid.

Claim 10

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said injection port is provided with means for insertion of a guide wire through said lumen.

Claim 11

Apparatus for directing laser energy to an occlusion at a fixed focal point in a blood vessel, said apparatus comprising:- a catheter having proximal and distal ends and a lumen therethrough; a bundle of solid optical fibres in an annular array about the outer wall of said catheter, said fibres having proximal and distal ends, the distal end of said fibre bundle being bevelled at such an angle as to substantially focus said laser energy at a single focal point, said fibres being adapted at their proximal end for association with an energy source to supply laser energy for transmission to said occlusion; and an outer annular sheath enclosing said fibre bundle, said sheath being bifurcated in the vicinity of the proximal end thereof, thereby forming a first leg adapted to receive said fibres and a second leg terminating in an injection port provided with means for insertion through said lumen of a guide wire.

Claim 12

Apparatus for directing laser energy to an occlusion at a fixed focal point in a blood vessel, said apparatus comprising:- a catheter having proximal and distal ends and a lumen therethrough; a bundle of solid optical fibres in an annular array about the outer wall of said catheter, said fibres having proximal and distal ends, the distal end of said fibre bundle being bevelled at such an angle as to substantially focus said laser energy at a single focal point, said fibres being adapted at their proximal end for association with an energy source to supply laser energy for transmission to said occlusion; and an outer annular sheath enclosing said fibre bundle, said sheath being bifurcated in the vicinity of the proximal end thereof, thereby forming a first leg adapted to receive said fibres and a second leg terminating in an injection port provided with means for insertion through said lumen of a guide wire.