US5437660A — Tissue ablation and a lateral-lasing fiber optic …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 114 words

A method for the removal of unwanted tissue comprising the steps of: positioning an elongated lateral-lasing fiber optic device adjacent a selected region of the tissue to be removed; delivering to the selected region a biocompatible fluid at a predetermined rate of flow contiguous with the positioned lateral-lasing fiber optic device; and energizing the positioned lateral-lasing fiber optic device at a predetermined power level to emit continuous wave laser energy in a direction substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the lateral-lasing fiber optic device and so as to irradiate the selected region of the tissue to be removed for a predetermined time period to produce a zone of coagulation in the irradiated tissue.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 114 words

A method for the removal of unwanted tissue comprising the steps of: positioning an elongated lateral-lasing fiber optic device adjacent a selected region of the tissue to be removed; delivering to the selected region a biocompatible fluid at a predetermined rate of flow contiguous with the positioned lateral-lasing fiber optic device; and energizing the positioned lateral-lasing fiber optic device at a predetermined power level to emit continuous wave laser energy in a direction substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the lateral-lasing fiber optic device and so as to irradiate the selected region of the tissue to be removed for a predetermined time period to produce a zone of coagulation in the irradiated tissue.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method according to claim 1, in which the biocompatible fluid is delivered at a flow rate in the range of 20 to 200 cubic centimeters per minute.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method according to claim 1, in which said positioning is done by means of an endoscope.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method according to claim 1, in which said positioning is adjacent to tissue in a body lumen, cavity or organ.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method according to claim 1, in which said positioning is adjacent to the prostatic urethra.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method according to claim 1, in which said positioning is adjacent to tissue in the uterus.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method according to claim 1, in which said positioning is adjacent to the endometrium of the uterus.

Claim 9

Independent Claim 124 words

A method for removing unwanted tissue in a body lumen, cavity or organ, which comprises the steps of: (a) using a viewing system to position in a body lumen, cavity or organ opposite said unwanted tissue a lateral-lasing fiber-optic device having at the distal end thereof a reflectively-coated metal tip mounted to an optical fiber, which tip is capable of directing by reflection the light energy from a laser laterally away from the axis of the optical fiber; and (b) delivering, while infusing a biocompatible fluid at a predetermined flow rate, or in the presence of sufficient fluid, a predetermined amount of light energy from a laser to said unwanted tissue for a predetermined period of time to obtain the desired zone of coagulation.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 124 words

A method for removing unwanted tissue in a body lumen, cavity or organ, which comprises the steps of: (a) using a viewing system to position in a body lumen, cavity or organ opposite said unwanted tissue a lateral-lasing fiber-optic device having at the distal end thereof a reflectively-coated metal tip mounted to an optical fiber, which tip is capable of directing by reflection the light energy from a laser laterally away from the axis of the optical fiber; and (b) delivering, while infusing a biocompatible fluid at a predetermined flow rate, or in the presence of sufficient fluid, a predetermined amount of light energy from a laser to said unwanted tissue for a predetermined period of time to obtain the desired zone of coagulation.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method according to claim 8, in which the light energy is generated by a neodymium:YAG laser.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method according to claim 8, in which the delivered light energy Is generated by a holmium laser.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method according to claim 8, in which the light energy is delivered to the prostate.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said unwanted tissue is infused with a photoactive agent prior to the delivery of light energy thereto.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said light energy is delivered while the temperature of the tip is monitored.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 171 words

A device for applying a laser energy beam to a selected body site comprising: an elongated, laser energy transmitting conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; a laser energy source optically coupled to the proximal end region of the conduit for transmitting laser energy along the conduit; a hollow, apertured bulbous element mounted on the distal end of said conduit and provided with an internal laser energy reflective surface so that a major portion of the laser energy transmitted by the conduit to the bulbous element impinges thereon and exits from the element laterally as a laser energy beam; said element defining a cavity within which the distal end of the conduit is received and further defining an aperture communicating with said cavity and positioned to one side of the laser energy path entering said cavity but in registry with the laterally exiting laser energy beam; and an covering over said cavity; said covering being permeable to the laser energy beam but preventing body tissue entry into said cavity,

Claim 17

Independent Claim 171 words

A device for applying a laser energy beam to a selected body site comprising: an elongated, laser energy transmitting conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; a laser energy source optically coupled to the proximal end region of the conduit for transmitting laser energy along the conduit; a hollow, apertured bulbous element mounted on the distal end of said conduit and provided with an internal laser energy reflective surface so that a major portion of the laser energy transmitted by the conduit to the bulbous element impinges thereon and exits from the element laterally as a laser energy beam; said element defining a cavity within which the distal end of the conduit is received and further defining an aperture communicating with said cavity and positioned to one side of the laser energy path entering said cavity but in registry with the laterally exiting laser energy beam; and an covering over said cavity; said covering being permeable to the laser energy beam but preventing body tissue entry into said cavity,

Claim 18

Independent Claim 164 words

A device for applying a laser energy beam to a selected body site comprising: an elongated, laser energy transmitting conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; a laser energy source optically coupled to the proximal end region of the conduit for transmitting laser energy along the conduit; a hollow apertured bulbous element mounted on the distal end of said conduit and provided with an internal laser energy reflective surface so that a major portion of the laser energy transmitted by the conduit to the bulbous element impinges thereon and exits from the element laterally as a laser energy beam; said element defining a cavity within which the distal end of the conduit is received and further defining an aperture communicating with said cavity and positioned to one side of the laser energy path entering said cavity but in registry with the laterally exiting laser beam; and a bar that extends longitudinally across said cavity and prevents body tissue entry into said cavity.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 164 words

A device for applying a laser energy beam to a selected body site comprising: an elongated, laser energy transmitting conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; a laser energy source optically coupled to the proximal end region of the conduit for transmitting laser energy along the conduit; a hollow apertured bulbous element mounted on the distal end of said conduit and provided with an internal laser energy reflective surface so that a major portion of the laser energy transmitted by the conduit to the bulbous element impinges thereon and exits from the element laterally as a laser energy beam; said element defining a cavity within which the distal end of the conduit is received and further defining an aperture communicating with said cavity and positioned to one side of the laser energy path entering said cavity but in registry with the laterally exiting laser beam; and a bar that extends longitudinally across said cavity and prevents body tissue entry into said cavity.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 164 words

A device for applying a laser energy beam to a selected body site comprising: an elongated laser energy transmitting conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; a laser energy source optically coupled to the proximal end region of the conduit for transmitting laser energy along the conduit; a hollow, apertured bulbous element mounted on the distal end of said conduit and provided with an internal laser energy reflective surface so that a major portion of the Laser energy transmitted by the conduit to the bulbous element impinges thereon and exits from the element laterally as a laser energy beam, said element defining a cavity within which the distal end of the conduit is received and further defining an aperture communicating with said cavity and positioned to one side of the laser energy path entering said cavity but in registry with the laterally exiting laser energy beam; and a plurality of bars across said cavity that prevent body tissue entry into said cavity.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 164 words

A device for applying a laser energy beam to a selected body site comprising: an elongated laser energy transmitting conduit having a proximal end and a distal end; a laser energy source optically coupled to the proximal end region of the conduit for transmitting laser energy along the conduit; a hollow, apertured bulbous element mounted on the distal end of said conduit and provided with an internal laser energy reflective surface so that a major portion of the Laser energy transmitted by the conduit to the bulbous element impinges thereon and exits from the element laterally as a laser energy beam, said element defining a cavity within which the distal end of the conduit is received and further defining an aperture communicating with said cavity and positioned to one side of the laser energy path entering said cavity but in registry with the laterally exiting laser energy beam; and a plurality of bars across said cavity that prevent body tissue entry into said cavity.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 21 words

The device according to claim 14 wherein the covering is a laser energy transparent baffle that extends partially across said cavity,

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 18 words

The device according to claim 14 wherein the covering is a laser energy transparent lid over said cavity,

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 33 words

The device according to claim 14 wherein the covering is a laser energy transparent lid over said cavity and wherein the lid and said hollow apertured element together define a sealed space therebetween.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 43 words

The device according to claim 14 wherein the laser energy beam exits the hollow element through said covering and in a direction substantially transverse to the major axis of the elongated laser energy transmitting conduit at the distal end region of the conduit.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 41 words

The device according to claim 14 wherein an energy reflective surface layer for receiving and reflecting the laser energy transmitted by the conduit is provided within said cavity and in the path of the laser energy beam emitted from the conduit.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device according to claim 14 wherein the energy reflective mirror surface is defined by a layer of gold.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 20 words

The device according to claim 14 wherein a reflective coating is provided on the external surface of the hollow element.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 34 words

The device according to claim 14 wherein the energy reflective surface is provided by an inset mounted in the hollow element and situated in the path of a laser beam exiting from said conduit.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the lateral-lasing fiber optic device is energized to emit laser energy at a wavelength of about 1064 nanometers.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the lateral-lasing fiber optic device is energized to emit laser energy at a wavelength generated by a holmium laser.

Claim 32

Independent Claim 50 words

The method in accordance with claim wherein the lateral-lasing fiber optic device is energized to emit laser energy at a wavelength of about 1064 nanometers and at a power level of about 40 watts while said biocompatible fluid is delivered at a rate of about 50 cubic centimeters per minute.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 46 words

The method in accordance with claim 27 wherein the lateral-lasing fiber optic device is positioned within prostatic urethra adjacent to a selected region of the prostate to be removed and said selected region of the prostate is irradiated for a time period of about 30 seconds.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 45 words

The method in accordance with claim 27 wherein the lateral-lasing fiber optic device is positioned within prostatic urethra adjacent to a selected region of prostate to be removed and said selected region of the prostate is irradiated for a time period of about 60 seconds.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1998-07-31	1999-01-30	1999-08-01	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2002-07-31	2003-01-30	2003-08-01	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2006-07-31	2007-01-30	2007-08-01	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Tissue ablation and a lateral-lasing fiber optic device therefor

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