Fiberoptic Laser Tunneling Device

Abstract

Thromboembolic disease accounts for half of all hospital admissions. Current therapy is either medical (anticoagulation) or surgical (endarterectomy). Each has its own particular disadvantages. Moreover, there are many anatomic sites that cannot be reached by the surgical knife. The Gruntzig balloon catheter can only be used in incomplete vessel obstructions.

The author describes a new invention called a "laser catheter," which has these capabilities:

1. Direct visualization via coherent fiberoptics.

2. It can be introduced percutaneously and threaded to the site of vessel obstruction under fluoroscopic guidance.

3. Laser energy can be conducted through the fiberoptic core and concentrated into a cone that vaporizes the obstruction.

4. Heat and gases generated are removed through continuous suction via the hollow catheter.

5. At the end of the procedure, patency of the vessel can be demonstrated (a) by direct inspection and (b) by injecting a radiopaque dye through the catheter and performing fluoroscopy.