Liquid core light guide for laser angioplasty

• Published in: IEEE journal of quantum electronics Vol. 26; no. 12; pp. 2289 - 2296
• Main Authors: Gregory, K.W., Anderson, R.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01-12-1990; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Angioplasty; Arteries; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical optical imaging; Catheters; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical sciences; Optical fibers; Optical films; Optical refraction; Optical scattering; Silicon compounds; Stimulated emission; Single mode waveguide; Angiography; Optical transmission; Laser beam; Laser; Measurement method; Experimental study; Medical application
• ISSN: 0018-9197; 1558-1713
• DOI: 10.1109/3.64367

It is shown that delivery of laser energy to intravascular targets through a flowing fluid-core laser angioplasty catheter offers new design possibilities and solutions to current practical problems facing laser angioplasty. Fluid-core catheters using iodinated radiographic contrast material as the core fluid can transmit high-peak-power visible laser pulses at high efficiencies while offering improved imaging of the target and distal vasculature. These catheters are simple to produce, are optically and mechanically stable, and are compatible with conventional angioplasty equipment and techniques. In canine coronary arteries in vivo, the catheters proved to be flexible, atraumatic, and able to deliver ablative high-peak-power laser pulses.< >