| abstract |
A laser-energizable thermal probe comprising a probe assembly connected to the distal end of an optical fiber, the proximal end of the fiber being connectable to a source of laser energy. The probe assembly comprises a thermally conductive probe body, including a curvoidal tip and a neck portion, and contains an interior passage receiving the distal portion of the optical fiber. At the extremity of this interior passage may be disposed a mass of high emissivity material, to facilitate conversion of laser energy to thermal energy. The probe body is fixedly secured to the optical fiber by a helically wound conductive wire joined at its distal portion to the neck of the probe body and at its proximal portion to the optical fiber, to provide an extended heat transfer dissipation path for heat generated by the probe in use. n The disclosed device is useful for recanualization of occluded arteries, to remove intravascular plaque and thrombi therefrom. |