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:
May. 14, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 05, 1999
George S. Abela, E. Lansing, MI (US);
Other;
Abstract
Tissue of a patient is tested for dangerous characteristics by using a laser that stimulates fluorescence in the tissue. The laser energy is applied to the tissue by from an opening in a catheter, which catheter supplies clear flushing solution out the same opening. The clear solution therefore provides a clear path for the laser energy and for the fluorescent light from the tissue. An optical fiber carries the laser energy to a distal end of the catheter and carries back fluorescent light to a proximal end of the catheter. The fluorescent light is checked for fluorescent peaks by a detection subsystem by the proximal end. The detection subsystem may include an optical channel analyzer (OMA). The distal end of the catheter has a dual hood design to best provide for the passage of light and clear flushing solution through the same opening. A balloon is used in some embodiments to maintain the clear path for the light for a longer time period than otherwise possible or appropriate.