Apparatus for laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization and other surgical applications

Abstract

Abstract A balloon end contact scope device for performing laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) or other surgical and catheter procedures is provided, which is particularly adapted for delivery of laser energy via a laser delivery means and is configured to reach inside a body cavity or organ chamber at a point not directly accessible, either visually or otherwise, such as in a lateral or posterior position, the device having a hollow outer lumen, a balloon scope portion with an internal guide tube extending through the balloon portion for directing a laser delivery means or other surgical or catheter device through the visualization balloon toward the area being visualized. The balloon scope portion may have a plurality of guide holes extending therethrough. On the essentially transparent contact viewing surface a high friction surface may be applied to facilitate precise positioning and treatment therethrough. The device can be used for attaching a guide tether for placing marking devices or fluoroscopic locators, or for placing other interventional devices. The device may be used in a method of visualizing and treating the heart, other organs and internal parts of the human body comprising the following steps: providing a balloon end contact scope with a main lumen and an essentially transparent contact viewing portion of a predetermined size and material of construction and integral laser delivery means or other equipment channel suitable for viewing the heart, other organs and internal parts of the human body; precisely positioning the contact viewing portion in contact with a portion of the heart, other organ or internal body part adjacent the position to be viewed; and visualizing the heart, other organ or internal body part. The method can be used to place a guide wire or tether to the heart, other organ or internal body part in order to locate a fluoroscopic or other visualization means or to perform additional visualization, fluoroscopic marking or other interventional procedure. The method also comprises the step of delivering laser energy to a portion of the heart to effect transmyocardial revascularization. The method can be performed either by surgically introducing a balloon end viewing scope into the chest cavity of a patient and through the pericardial sac of the heart to a position between the pericardial sac and the epicardial surface of the heart or by introducing a balloon end viewing scope into the vasculature of a patient, for example at a point on the femoral artery, and into an internal chamber of the heart.

Inventors

• 👤 Richard L. Mueller

Bibliographic Details