CPC A61B 18/245 (2013.01) [A61F 2/95 (2013.01); A61M 25/104 (2013.01); A61B 2017/22068 (2013.01); A61B 2017/22079 (2013.01); A61B 2018/0041 (2013.01); A61B 2018/2261 (2013.01); A61F 2002/9528 (2013.01); A61M 2205/053 (2013.01)] | 6 Claims |
1. A method for reperfusing arterial vessels distal to a thrombus, said method comprising the steps of:
providing an optical fiber having a distal end configuration selected from an everted cone, a negative axicon, and a diffractive optical element, capable of emitting UV laser light as a ring beam;
extending the distal end of the optical fiber through and distal to the thrombus;
emitting UV laser light as a ring beam from the optical fiber distal to the thrombus to dilate arterial vessels distal to the thrombus;
after emitting UV laser light from the optical fiber distal to the thrombus, withdrawing the optical fiber to a position proximal to the thrombus;
emitting UV laser light as a ring beam proximal to the thrombus to facilitate removal of the thrombus; and
removing the thrombus by thrombectomy, employing a thrombectomy catheter while the arterial vessels are dilated by the UV light emitted from the optical fiber,
thereby allowing blood flow to, and reperfusion of, the dilated arterial vessels distal to the thrombus.
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