Multi-fiber linear array laser catheter connector
AssigneeAngeion Corporation
InventorsCharmaine Vercimak, Steven D. Savage, Gregory G. Brucker
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Abstract
A multi-fiber linear array laser catheter for use in irradiation of biological tissue where a circular laser beam is optically transformed to coincide with the cross-section of a linear array of optical fibers. The transformed laser beams are focused onto a linear connector and transmitted through a plurality of parallel optical fibers. Heat is extracted and drawn from the vicinity of the parallel optic fibers by metallic plates acting as heat sinks on opposing sides of the parallel optic fibers.
Claims15
An apparatus comprising:
- a. means for generating a beam of laser energy;
- b. means coupled to said generating means for transferring said beam of laser energy;
- c. means coupled to said transferring means for transforming said beam of laser energy into a line of laser energy having a first width and a first length.
- d. linear array means coupled to said transforming means for coupling said line of laser energy to a plurality of optical fibers;
- said linear array means comprising a connector housing comprising a plurality of outer metal plates and filler material comprising index matching epoxy located between said metal plates and positioned around the optical fibers, the metal plates having a high thermal conductivity suitable for rapid external dissipation of heat from within the connector housing to prevent optical misalignment and degradation of optical fibers;
- and,
- e. a medical catheter located about said plurality of optical fibers for housing said plurality of optical fibers.
An apparatus according to claim wherein each of said plurality of optical fibers has a proximal end and a distal end and said proximal ends of said plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a line.
A method of coupling a medical laser energy generator to a plurality of optical fibers within a medical catheter comprising:
- a. transforming the output of said laser generator to a line of laser energy;
- b. arranging the proximal ends of said plurality of optical fibers in an index matching epoxy surrounded by a plurality of metal plates to receive said line of laser energy;
- and,
- c. positioning said arranged proximal ends of said plurality of optical fibers in alignment with said line of laser energy.
A laser catheter comprising:
- a. means for generating a laser beam;
- b. means for transporting said laser beam to a laser interface module;
- c. a linear connector comprising a plurality of optical fibers, an index matching epoxy filler between the interstices of said plurality of optical fibers, and metal heat dissipator means;
- and,
- d. means for refocusing said cylindrical laser beam into a thin rectangular beam aimed to impinge said linear connector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.