LIGHT DELIVERY CATHETER AND METHOD FOR THE USE THEREOF

摘要

This invention is a light delivery catheter (10) having a two lumen proximal shaft (14) and a single lumen distal shaft (12). A guide wire (28) and light guide (30) received in the first and second lumens of the proximal shaft may individually extend into the single lumen of the distal shaft (12). A hub (16) has ports to introduce fluids to the lumens. To remove a blood clot, the guide wire (28) is extended through the single lumen to position the catheter (10) at the clot. The guide wire (28) is then retracted, the light guide (30) extended, and contrast fluid is preferably flowed through the light guide's lumen before light energy is applied. The catheter (10) may be repositioned before subsequent applications of light energy, and a clot busting drug may be applied. Alternatively, the catheter (10) may be passed through the clot and then retracted as light energy and contrast fluid are applied.