Laser tipped catheter

Apparatus for internal treatment with radiation in a selected first wavelength range, comprising:

• an elongated, flexible tube for insertion in a body passage or cavity, said tube having a distal end and a proximal end;
• optical waveguide means for carrying laser radiation in a second wavelength range through said tube;
• and
• means for generating radiation in said first wavelength range adjacent to an internal treatment site, said generating means being affixed to said tube at the distal end thereof and being responsive to radiation in said second wavelength range carried through said optical waveguide means.

A method for treatment of a selected internal body location with radiation in a selected first wavelength range, comprising the steps of:

• advancing a catheter containing an optical waveguide through a body passage or cavity to the vicinity of the selected location;
• transmitting radiation in a second wavelength range through said optical waveguide to the vicinity of the selected location;
• and
• generating radiation in said first wavelength range for treatment of the selected location, said generating step being carried out in the vicinity of the selected location in response to radiation in said second wavelength range transmitted through said optical waveguide.

A catheter assembly for internal treatment with radiation in a first wavelength range, comprising:

• an elongated, flexible catheter adapted for insertion in a body passage or cavity, said catheter having a distal end and a proximal end;
• optical waveguide means for carrying radiation in a second wavelength range through said catheter;
• and
• means attached to said catheter at the distal end thereof and responsive to radiation in said second wavelength range for generating radiation in said first wavelength range adjacent to an internal treatment site.