Cooled Laser Fiber And Method For Improved Thermal Therapy

Abstract

In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an integrated apparatus for delivering energy to a tissue. The integrated apparatus included a housing having a distal end and a tubular structure located within the housing forming a first annulus between the tubular structure and the housing. The tubular structure is configured to accept an energy delivery component and is configured to form a second annulus between the tubular structure and the energy delivery component. The first annulus and the second annulus are configured to communicate with each other proximate to the distal end of the housing.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus configured for delivering energy to a tissue, the apparatus comprising:
 a housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a lumen therein;   a structure within the housing to separate the lumen into a first channel and a second channel;   a first inlet in communication with the first channel; and   a second outlet in communication with the second channel;   wherein the lumen is configured to receive an energy delivery component;   wherein a fluid flow path enables a heat transfer fluid to flow from the first inlet to the first channel along the second channel to the second outlet to transfer heat from the energy delivery component.   
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 the energy delivery component positioned within the lumen.   
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the first channel is formed adjacent to the energy delivery component and the second channel formed adjacent to the housing. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the housing includes an outer non-stick coating configured to reduce adhesion with respect to the tissue that is thermally coagulated. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising a laser coupled to the energy delivery component. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the structure has a first cross-sectional shape and the housing has a second cross-sectional shape, wherein the first cross-sectional shape differs from the second cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the second cross-sectional shape is selected from the group consisting of circular, pentagon, triangular, star, rectangular, and oval. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the distal end includes a penetrating tip and a fluid pathway defined through the penetrating tip. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein the fluid pathway is configured to be opened or closed by retracting or advancing the energy delivery component. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , further comprising:
 a protective jacket;   wherein the energy delivery component includes a member having the protective jacket formed thereon.   
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the structure of the housing further comprises a structural element;
 wherein the structural element forms the first channel and the second channel.   
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein the structure element extends from the energy delivery component. 
     
     
         33 . An apparatus configured for delivering energy to a tissue, the apparatus comprising:
 a housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a lumen therein;   a structural element formed within the housing to separate the lumen into a first channel and a second channel;   a first inlet in communication with the first channel; and   a second outlet in communication with the second channel;   wherein the lumen is configured to receive an energy delivery component;   wherein the structural element extends from the energy delivery component to an internal wall of the housing;   wherein a fluid flow path is defined from the first inlet to the first channel and along the second channel to the second outlet.   
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the first channel is opposed to the second channel. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 34 , further comprising:
 the energy delivery component positioned within the lumen.   
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the first channel and the second channel are separated by the energy delivery component and the structural element. 
     
     
         37 . A method of forming an apparatus configured for delivering energy to a tissue, the apparatus comprising:
 providing a housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a lumen therein;   providing a structure to separate the lumen into a first channel and a second channel;   providing a first inlet in communication with the first channel; and   providing a second outlet in communication with the second channel;   configuring the lumen to receive an energy delivery component; and   forming a fluid flow path that enables a heat transfer fluid to flow from the first inlet to the first channel and along the second channel to the second outlet to transfer heat from the energy delivery component.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising:
 positioning the energy delivery component within the lumen.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein positioning the energy delivery component within the lumen completes the first channel and the second channel within the housing. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising:
 positioning a member within the lumen as providing the structure, thereby forming the first channel and the second channel.