Apparatus and method for performing a surgical procedure

A method of performing a surgical procedure other than arthroscopy and endoscopy, comprising the steps of:

• advancing a delivery catheter to a procedure specific area;
• activating a laser fiber assembly disposed within the delivery catheter;
• and
• advancing the laser fiber assembly to create a treatment specific hole at the procedure specific area.

A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising the steps of:

• advancing a delivery catheter to a procedure specific area;
• activating a laser fiber assembly disposed within the delivery catheter, wherein at least one fastener is positioned at the distal portion of the laser fiber assembly;
• advancing the laser fiber assembly and the at least one fastener through at least one material at the procedure specific area to create a treatment specific hole in at least one material;
• and
• retracting the laser fiber assembly such that the at least one fastener remains inserted in the at least one material.

A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising the steps of:

• advancing a delivery catheter through a vessel to a procedure specific area within the vessel;
• activating a laser fiber assembly disposed within the delivery catheter, wherein at least one fastener is positioned at a distal portion of the laser fiber assembly;
• advancing the laser fiber assembly and the fastener through a surgical component and the vessel to create a treatment specific hole in the surgical component and the vessel through which the fastener extends;
• and
• retracting the laser fiber assembly such that the at least one fastener remains attached to the surgical component and the vessel.

A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising the steps of:

• advancing a delivery catheter through a vessel to a procedure specific area within a vessel;
• extending the delivery catheter such that an inner sheath of the delivery catheter extends from the delivery catheter, wherein an end portion of the inner sheath assumes an angular configuration;
• advancing the inner sheath from within the delivery catheter such that the delivery catheter contacts a surgical component at a location opposite to a point of contact of the inner sheath;
• further advancing the inner sheath such that the inner sheath contacts the surgical component;
• activating a laser fiber assembly disposed within the inner sheath, wherein at least one fastener is positioned at a distal portion of the laser fiber assembly;
• advancing the laser fiber assembly and the at least one fastener through the surgical component and the vessel to create a treatment specific hole in the surgical component and the vessel through which the fastener extends;
• and
• retracting the laser fiber assembly and the inner sheath such that the at least one fastener remains attached to the surgical component and the vessel.

A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising the steps of:

• threading a suture through a passageway of a delivery catheter, wherein the delivery catheter contains a laser fiber assembly;
• activating the laser fiber assembly;
• and
• advancing the laser fiber assembly into the passageway to transect the suture.