The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 04, 2001
Filed:
May. 13, 1996
Thomas J. Pacala, Palm Desert, CA (US);
James Correia, Shelton, CT (US);
Michael S. Kolesa, Norwalk, CT (US);
Oleg Shikhman, Fairfield, CT (US);
Edwards Lifesciences Corp., Irvine, CA (US);
Abstract
A controlled advancement laser ablation device is provided for precise ablation of body matter. The laser ablation device includes a laser energy transmission mechanism such as, e.g. a fiber optic fiber mounted for controlled translational longitudinal movement relative to a housing structure. A laser energy generator is optically connected to the laser energy transmission mechanism. A controlled advancement mechanism is provided in engagement with the laser energy transmission mechanism for advancing the mechanism through the housing structure at a controlled rated coordinated with the laser energy generator output to ablate body tissue. Controlled advancement mechanisms include constant and/or variable rate springs, motors, and other mechanisms which can be coordinated with the laser energy generator to advance the laser energy transmission mechanism as the targeted substance is ablated. The device is particularly suitable for use in transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) and angioplasty procedures.