Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
193 words
A midinfrared laser tissue ablater, comprising: a) a fiber optic cable having a first end and a second end; b) a radiation source optically connected to the first end of a fiber optic cable; c) a probe having a handle and a bifurcated cannula with a first half and a second half and a substantially closed, hollow tip having an opening opposite the handle; d) a fiber optic integrally and coaxially mounted in the probe, optically and mechanically connected to the second end of the fiber optic cable at the handle and terminating at a free end in an interior of the substantially closed, hollow tip, the free end having a coating with a hole so that a pulse of radiation emitted by the radiation source is directed through the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic to the free end where the pulse of radiation is reflected by the coating out the hole in the coating and into the opening of the tip; e) an irrigation source in fluid communication with the first half of the cannula; and f) an aspiration source in fluid communication with the second half of the cannula.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
193 words
A midinfrared laser tissue ablater, comprising: a) a fiber optic cable having a first end and a second end; b) a radiation source optically connected to the first end of a fiber optic cable; c) a probe having a handle and a bifurcated cannula with a first half and a second half and a substantially closed, hollow tip having an opening opposite the handle; d) a fiber optic integrally and coaxially mounted in the probe, optically and mechanically connected to the second end of the fiber optic cable at the handle and terminating at a free end in an interior of the substantially closed, hollow tip, the free end having a coating with a hole so that a pulse of radiation emitted by the radiation source is directed through the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic to the free end where the pulse of radiation is reflected by the coating out the hole in the coating and into the opening of the tip; e) an irrigation source in fluid communication with the first half of the cannula; and f) an aspiration source in fluid communication with the second half of the cannula.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The laser tissue ablater of claim 1 wherein the radiation source is an Er:YAG laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The laser tissue ablater of claim 1 wherein the fiber optic cable comprises fluorozirconiate fiber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The laser tissue ablater of claim 1 wherein the cannula comprises titanium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The laser tissue ablater of claim 1 wherein the coating comprises gold.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The laser tissue ablater of claim 1 wherein the coating comprises silver.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The laser tissue ablater of claim 1 wherein the coating comprises enhanced aluminum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The laser tissue ablater of claim 1 wherein the cannula fiber optic comprises low hydroxyl fused-silica.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The laser tissue ablater of claim 1 wherein the cannula fiber optic comprises low hydroxyl fused-silica.