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Opto-acoustic transducer for medical applications

  • US 6,379,325 B1
  • Filed: 07/09/1999
  • Issued: 04/30/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/24/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for removing a vascular occlusin, comprising:

  • inserting a catheter into a blood vessel, wherein said catheter comprises;

    a fiber optic having a proximal end and a distal end; and

    an opto-acoustic transducer fixedly and operatively connected to said distal end of said fiber optic, wherein said opto-acoustic transducer comprises a working fluid, wherein said opto-acoustic transducer vibrates when stimulated by light propagated through said fiber optic; and

    said method further comprising coupling a high repetition rate laser beam into said fiber, wherein said beam is absorbed by said working fluid, wherein said transducer generates acoustic waves to remove a vascular occlusion within said blood vessel.

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