Laser Tissue Vaporization

• US 20080039828A1
• Filed: 08/10/2007
• Published: 02/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ams Research Corporation (Endo International PLC)
• Original Assignee: Ams Research Corporation (Endo International PLC)
• Inventors: Mitchell, Gerald, Jimenez, Jose, Olig, Christopher, Jahns, Scott
• Application Number:
  US11/837,052
• Publication Number:
  US 20080039828A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/13
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/24 with a catheter A61B18/26, A61B18/28 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0601 Apparatus for use inside the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/062 Photodynamic therapy, i.e. excitation of an agent

Abstract

A system and related methods of use for selectively vaporizing targeted tissue. The system includes a laser capable of emitting a particular wavelength of laser light, a biocompatible colorant selected to absorb the particular wavelength and an injection device for tinting targeted tissue with the biocompatible colorant. The use of a laser tuned to selectively vaporize tinted, targeted tissue is especially suited to treatment of a wide range of medical conditions including effecting minimally invasive treatment of male reproductive organs and/or female reproductive organs to effect contraception, sterilization or fibroid removal.

Claims

1. A method for performing a sterilization procedure comprising:

providing a laser capable of emitting a selected wavelength of laser light;

selecting a biocompatible colorant for absorbing the selected wavelength of laser light;

depositing the biocompatible colorant proximate a portion of a reproductive lumen; and

actuating the laser such that laser light emitted from the laser is delivered to the biocompatible colorant to vaporize the portion of the reproductive lumen.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein depositing the biocompatible colorant comprises:

injecting the biocompatible colorant into a tissue pocket adjacent to the portion of the reproductive lumen.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein depositing the biocompatible colorant comprises:

injecting the biocompatible colorant into the portion of the reproductive lumen.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the reproductive lumen comprises a female fallopian tube or a male vas deferens.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

positioning the laser percutaneously such that the laser light is focused on the biocompatible colorant.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the biocompatible colorant is deposited proximate a plurality of distinct portions of the reproductive lumen and wherein the laser is sequentially actuated to vaporize the distinct portions of the reproductive lumen.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein depositing the biocompatible colorant comprises percutaneously injecting the biocompatible colorant.

8. A method for selectively vaporizing tissue comprising:

providing a laser capable of emitting a selected wavelength of laser light;

selecting a biocompatible colorant for absorbing the selected wavelength of laser light;

depositing the biocompatible colorant proximate targeted tissue; and

actuating the laser such that laser light emitted from the laser is delivered to the biocompatible colorant to vaporize the targeted tissue.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein depositing the biocompatible colorant comprises:

injecting the biocompatible colorant into a tissue pocket adjacent the target tissue.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein depositing the biocompatible colorant comprises injecting the biocompatible colorant into the targeted tissue.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the targeted tissue comprises a fibroid.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

positioning the laser percutaneoulsy such that the laser light is focused on the biocompatible colorant.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein depositing the biocompatible colorant comprises percutaneously injecting the biocompatible colorant.

14. A system for selectively vaporizing tissue comprising:

a laser capable of emitting a selected wavelength of laser light;

a biocompatible colorant for absorbing the selected wavelength of laser light; and

an injector for depositing the biocompatible colorant within targeted tissue.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the laser is selected from a group comprising:

a KTP laser, a lithium triborate (LBO) laser, a beta barium borate (BBO), a holmium laser and a thulium laser.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein the wavelength of the emitted laser light ranges from about 200 nm to about 1100 nm.

17. The system of claim 14 further comprising a laser fiber capable of delivering a selected wavelength of laser light.

18. The system of claim 17 further comprising a catheter capable of minimally invasively positioning the laser fiber.

19. The system of claim 14 further comprising a catheter capable of minimally invasively positioning the injector.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the targeted tissue is selected from the group consisting essentially of:

a fallopian tube, a vas deferens and a fibroid.