The Beth Israel Hospital Association

Richard E Kuntz

Donald S Baim

Method to remove an eccentric vascular obstruction by excision with laser energy, preferably excimer laser energy, delivered through a mobile fiber optic shelf, and collecting the excised section within a housing. Apparatus to perform a surgically smooth excision of an eccentric vascular obstruction whereby a mobile fiber optic shelf delivers excimer laser energy to the obstruction to sever the obstruction from the vessel wall, a housing collects the excised section through a radially located cut-out window, the mobile fiber optic shelf traps the excised section within the housing, and a laser light collector prevents the escape of laser energy after application to the obstruction wherein the excised obstruction is physically removed from a patient's body.

Laser atherectomy catheter

Apparatus for performing subselective arteriography or angioplasty on an internal mammary artery or graft which avoids dissection or stenosis of the internal mammary artery or graft. A catheter having a balloon and a proximal port delivers an angiographic dye or a device for treating vascular obstructions to the internal mammary artery or graft from a stable position within the subclavian artery. Method for injecting angiographic dye into an internal mammary artery or graft. A catheter having and a balloon and a proximal port is inserted over a guide wire into a subclavian artery and inflated at a point distal to the junction of the subclavian artery and the internal mammary artery or graft. An angiographic dye is delivered through the proximal port and flows into the internal mammary artery or graft. Method for cannulation of an internal mammary artery or graft which avoids dissection or stenosis of the internal mammary artery or graft. A catheter having a balloon and a proximal port is inserted over a guide wire into a subclavian artery and inflated at a point distal to the junction of the subclavian artery or internal mammary artery or graft. A device for treating vascular obstructions is advanced over a guide wire through the proximal port of the apparatus of the present invention and into the internal mammary artery or graft. Support for the device for treating vascular obstructions is provided by the catheter of the present invention, not by the internal mammary artery ostium.

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Newton, MA, United States of America

Richard E Kuntz