Localized heat applying medical device

A localized heat applying medical device for applying heat to a site, 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 insertable into a lumen and defining a cavity into which the distal end of the fiber is positioned and a lens with a light receiving surface carried by the element, the surface adapted to collect at least part of the light emitted by the distal end of the fiber, the element converting the collected light into heat, part of the light passing through the lens to impinge directly onto the site, the element having vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity;
• and
• (c) means for mounting the element onto the distal end of the fiber such that light emitted by the distal end is received on the surface of the element, the mounting means including at least one inwardly extending peripheral ridge on the element which lockingly engages a corresponding groove defined by the fiber.

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 bulbous 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 diameter of the bulbous heat generating element being larger than the diameter of said fiber, the element converting the collected light into heat with part of the light passing through the surface and exiting the element to impinge directly onto the site;
• (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.