Flexible flow apparatus and method for the disruption of occlusions

Abstract

The invention encompasses methods and flexible apparatus for delivering radiation energy to a radiation-absorbing fluid within the apparatus to generate a series of expanding and collapsing bubbles therein, and thereby generate flow in a fluid surrounding the apparatus. Effective fluid flow is obtained via at least one optical fiber, disposed within the apparatus near a distal opening therein, that, when fired, tends to pump fluid with respect to the apparatus, and at least one other optical fiber, disposed within the apparatus in the vicinity of a side opening thereof, that, when fired, tends to agitate fluid near its distal end. These pumping and agitative actions cause a net fluid motion that is particularly effective in disrupting a partial or total occlusion in a body passage, such as a blood vessel, within which the apparatus is operated. While a relatively low level of radiation energy or power may be used for such applications, it may be desirable to increase the radiation energy or power to obtain greater disruption effects. The apparatus is adapted to provide a cooling medium to the body passage to avoid causing any substantial thermal injury to the walls of the passage, particularly when the apparatus is operated using the higher power levels within a suitable power range.