Apparatus for intraluminal photothermoforming

Patent 5662712 Issued on September 2, 1997. Estimated Expiration Date:

June 7, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3847771

3878075

3915824

Sampling catheter device
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Apparatus for applying intense light radiation to a limited area
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Inventors

Application

No. 483194 filed on 06/07/1995

US Classes:

623/23.64, Hollow or tubular part or organ (e.g., bladder, urethra, bronchi, bile duct, etc.)606/195Detachable from inflation means

Examiners

Primary: Milano, Michael J.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.

Foreign Patent References

0 200 390 EP. 11/21/1986
0 355 200 EP. 02/21/1990
402467 EP. 12/21/1990
0 466 178 EP. 09/21/1991
0 540 290 EP. 05/21/1993
WO90/01969 WO. 08/21/1990
WO91/12846 WO. 05/21/1991
WO95/08289 WO. 09/21/1994

International Class

A61F 002/06

Abstract

A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.

Other References

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