Localized heat applying medical device
First Claim
1. A localized heat applying medical device for applying heat to a site in a selected lumen and usable with a guide wire, the device comprising in operative association:
- (a) a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being adapted to emit light transmitted by the fiber;
(b) a metal heat generating element defining a cavity into which the distal end of the fiber is positioned and a light receiving surface adapted to collect at least a part of the light emitted by the distal end of the fiber, the element converting the collected light into heat;
(c) means, carried by the heat generating element, for engaging the guide wire such that the element can be positioned at the site; and
(d) means for affixing the element to the distal end of the fiber such that at least part of the light emitted by the distal end is received on the surface of the element.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A medical device for applying localized heat to a site in a patient'"'"'body is described. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, e.g., a fiber optic, and a heat generating element which converts the transmitted radiant energy into heat. A suitable exterior guide member can also be provided for positioning the heat generating element. An opening can be provided in the heat generating element to enable a portion of the radiant energy to impinge directly upon the site. The medical device can be used to cauterize or destroy tissue, or to alter or remove undesirable deposits from lumens. The medical device can also serve as part of a system which provides the radiant energy and measures the temperature of the heat generating element while within the patient.
-
Citations
21 Claims
-
1. A localized heat applying medical device for applying heat to a site in a selected lumen and usable with a guide wire, the device comprising in operative association:
-
(a) a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being adapted to emit light transmitted by the fiber; (b) a metal heat generating element defining a cavity into which the distal end of the fiber is positioned and a light receiving surface adapted to collect at least a part of the light emitted by the distal end of the fiber, the element converting the collected light into heat; (c) means, carried by the heat generating element, for engaging the guide wire such that the element can be positioned at the site; and (d) means for affixing the element to the distal end of the fiber such that at least part of the light emitted by the distal end is received on the surface of the element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A system for applying heat to a body site within a selected lumen of a patient, the system comprising in operative association:
-
(a) a medical device including flexible, elongated guide wire means insertable into the lumen;
an elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, a heat generating element mounted with respect to the distal end such that light transmitted by the fiber to the element is converted into heat by the element, and means, carried by the heat generating element, for engaging the elongated guide wire means such that the element may be selectively positioned within the lumen; and(b) a radiant energy source associated with the proximal end of the fiber for providing sufficient radiant energy of sufficient intensity to raise the temperature of the element above the body temperature of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
Specification