Devices and method of producing larger lumens with high energy pulsed ultraviolet laser ablation

Abstract

Embodiments relate to the design and use of a low profile ablation catheter with a liquid core for use in laser ablation removal of arterial plaque blockages to restore blood flow.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of enlarging an initial lumen in a target lesion in a vessel of a human being, comprising:
 positioning a catheter near the target lesion of the vessel;   inserting a liquid core ablation catheter through an inner lumen of the catheter adjacent the target lesion;   passing a guidewire into the initial lumen in the target lesion with the liquid core ablation catheter withdrawn from the initial lumen; and   thereafter advancing the liquid core ablation catheter through the initial lumen substantially parallel to the guidewire while lasing and emitting ablation energy from the distal end of the liquid core ablation catheter.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising passing a plurality of guidewires into the initial lumen in the target lesion with the liquid core ablation catheter withdrawn from the initial lumen and advancing the liquid core ablation catheter through the initial lumen substantially parallel to the plurality of guidewires while lasing and emitting ablation energy from the distal end of the liquid core ablation catheter. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising forming the initial lumen with the liquid core ablation catheter by advancing the liquid core ablation catheter into the target lesion while lasing and emitting ablation energy from the distal end of the liquid core ablation catheter. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one radiopaque marker is disposed on each of the liquid core ablation catheter and the catheter and wherein the radiopaque markers are used to identify a location of each of the liquid core ablation catheter and catheter in the vessel and the location of each catheter with respect to each other while lasing and emitting ablation energy from the distal end of the liquid core ablation catheter. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising injecting saline through an inner lumen of the catheter to flush contrast fluid and blood from a distal tip of the liquid core ablation catheter. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the catheter further comprises at least one guidewire lumen separate from the inner lumen thereof and further comprising passing a guidewire through the at least one guidewire lumen into the initial lumen prior to advancing the liquid core ablation catheter therethrough.