US5643253A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Phototherapy apparatus with integral stopper device
Assignee: Cardiofocus Inc
•
Filing: 1995-06-06
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Granted: 1997-07-01
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Expires: 2015-06-06
Abstract
Abstract Phototherapeutic instruments are disclosed having integral stopper devices which limit the penetration of an optical fiber during tissue penetrating phototherapy. In one preferred embodiment, a fluted outer sheath is disposed about an internal optical fiber. The fluted sheath is configured to expand during penetration of the optical fiber into a patient's tissue. As the fluted elements expand, the present a much larger cross-sectional area which resists further penetration of the instrument beyond a predetermined desirable distance. The invention is useful in limiting an optically-transmissive fiber's penetration and, thereby, reduce the possibility of perforation of a body lumen or organ. The invention is particularly useful in placing a ablative laser radiation device into the ventricle of the heart when performing arrhythmia-correcting laser ablative procedures or when revascularizing the heart percutaneously. The stopper devices limit penetration and stabilize the optically-transmissive tip during such procedures.
Inventors
- 👤 Lincoln S. Baxter
- 👤 Norman Farr
- 👤 Edward L. Sinofsky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/02; A61L2/08; A61L2/10; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/06; A61N5/0601; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B18/22; A61B2018/2255; A61B2018/2261
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A phototherapeutic apparatus comprising an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end adapted for coupling to a source of phototherapeutic radiation; and the distal end having means for directing such radiation into biological tissue; the apparatus further comprising a sheath surrounding said optical fiber and having a fluted region which is capable of expanding upon penetration of the optical fiber into biological tissue.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
A phototherapeutic apparatus comprising an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end adapted for coupling to a source of phototherapeutic radiation; and the distal end having means for directing such radiation into biological tissue; the apparatus further comprising a sheath surrounding said optical fiber and having a fluted region which is capable of expanding upon penetration of the optical fiber into biological tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the optical fiber has a pointed distal end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises a light diffusing tip assembly connected to the distal end of said optical fiber to diffuse radiation into said tissue.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the diffusive tip further comprises a light transmissive housing adapted with the distal end of the fiber, the housing having a light scattering medium disposed therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the housing further includes an end cap having a reflective surface such that light radiation propagating through said fiber and enters the scattering medium and a portion of the radiation is emitted outward through said housing, and another portion is reflected by the reflective surface of the end cap for re-transmission through said scattering medium and further outward emission.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the scattering medium further comprises a medium having light-scattering particles dispersed therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the scatterer particles are chosen from the group consisting of alma, silica, titania compound and mixtures thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the tip element is a pointed element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluted region is made of a radio-opaque material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the housing is made of a polymeric material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the polymeric material of the housing is a fluorocarbon polymer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the optical fiber and surrounding sheath are constructed with sufficient clearance therebetween for delivery of therapeutic liquids to the radiation site.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-06-30 | 2000-12-30 | 2001-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-06-30 | 2004-12-30 | 2005-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-06-30 | 2008-12-30 | 2009-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |