Use of lasers to break down objects for removal from within the body
First Claim
1. Apparatus for breaking down a calculus, stone, or calcified tissue for removal from within a body, comprisinga source of laser pulses,a wavelength regulator arranged to regulate the wavelength of said pulses,an optical fiber having a proximal end arranged to receive said pulses from said source and a distal end arranged to deliver said pulses to the surface of said object, anda pulse controller connected to said laser pulse source and arranged to control the duration of said pulses, said pulses having a duration of less than 10.0 microseconds and to maintain the energy delivered in each said pulse at a level no greater than 0.2 joules,said source of pulses, said wavelength regulator, and said pulse controller being further arranged to cause said pulses to have a wavelength and a pulse duration such that said pulses break down said calculus, stone, or calcified tissue into smaller particles without delivering energy sufficient to cause damage to other tissue in the vicinity of said calculus, stone, or calcified tissue.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Calculi, stones, or calcified tissue are broken down for removal from within a body using laser pulses that are delivered via an optical fiber and have a wavelength and pulse duration selected to break down the object into smaller particles without delivering energy sufficient to cause damage to other tissue.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. Apparatus for breaking down a calculus, stone, or calcified tissue for removal from within a body, comprising
a source of laser pulses, a wavelength regulator arranged to regulate the wavelength of said pulses, an optical fiber having a proximal end arranged to receive said pulses from said source and a distal end arranged to deliver said pulses to the surface of said object, and a pulse controller connected to said laser pulse source and arranged to control the duration of said pulses, said pulses having a duration of less than 10.0 microseconds and to maintain the energy delivered in each said pulse at a level no greater than 0.2 joules, said source of pulses, said wavelength regulator, and said pulse controller being further arranged to cause said pulses to have a wavelength and a pulse duration such that said pulses break down said calculus, stone, or calcified tissue into smaller particles without delivering energy sufficient to cause damage to other tissue in the vicinity of said calculus, stone, or calcified tissue.
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16. Apparatus for breaking down a calculus, stone, or calcified tissue for removal from within a body, comprising
a pulsed laser operating at a wavelength of between 350 and 550 nanometers, an optical fiber having a distal end in contact with said calculus, stone, or calcified tissue, and a proximal end which receives laser pulses from said laser, said pulses having durations of between 10 nanoseconds and 10.0 microseconds.
Specification