초록 ▼

A method of controlling laser energy removal of plaque or other obstructions from a vessel of the cardiovascular system includes advancing a laser delivery catheter to a position in proximity with a targeted lesion, placing a laser energy sensor device in a monitoring position adapted to sense laser

A method of controlling laser energy removal of plaque or other obstructions from a vessel of the cardiovascular system includes advancing a laser delivery catheter to a position in proximity with a targeted lesion, placing a laser energy sensor device in a monitoring position adapted to sense laser energy from the catheter that passes beyond the lesion, and controlling the laser energy according to the output of the sensor. An intraoperative approach places the sensor external to the vessel, while a percutaneous approach places the sensor within the vessel utilizing an additional sensor fiber on the catheter that extends beyond the lesion to the monitoring position. Each fiber in a multifiber laser delivery bundle may be controlled according to sensor output for precision aiming and improved laser control.

대표청구항 ▼

A laser delivery system, comprising: a catheter adapted to be advanced within a vessel to a position in which a distal end of the catheter is in proximity with a targeted lesion; at least one laser delivery fiber extending within the catheter to the distal end through which to propagate laser energy

A laser delivery system, comprising: a catheter adapted to be advanced within a vessel to a position in which a distal end of the catheter is in proximity with a targeted lesion; at least one laser delivery fiber extending within the catheter to the distal end through which to propagate laser energy toward the lesion; and a laser energy sensor adapted to be placed in a monitoring position beyond the lesion and sense laser energy propagated through the laser delivery fibers that passes beyond the lesion; whereby the output of the sensor can be used to control the propagation of laser energy through the fiber in order to subject the lesion to laser energy without damaging the vessel wall beyond the lesion; and wherein the laser energy sensor includes a sensor fiber extending within the catheter and beyond the distal end to a position sufficiently beyond the distal end to extend through an opening in the lesion to the monitoring position.