APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVE LASER-INDUCED HEATING OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUE

摘要

A probe (20) for selectively delivering laser radiation to a first tissue (34) having a first index of refraction relative to a second tissue having a second index of refraction less than the first index. The probe includes a laser transmitting medium having an optical axis and a tissue-contacting surface (30). In some embodiments, the optical axis (22) contacts the tissue-contacting surface (30) at an angle that is less than the critical angle for an interface (31) between the tissue-contacting surface and the first tissue (34) and greater than or equal to the critical angle for an interface between the tissue-contacting surface and the second tissue, wherein during operation the probe (20) directs the laser radiation along the optical axis to the tissue-contacting surface. In other embodiments, the optical axis (22) forms an angle with the tissue-contacting surface (30), and during operation the probe (20) directs the laser radiation along the optical axis (22) to the tissue-contacting surface.