Multifiber gradient-index lens laser angioplasty probe

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Arterial diseases require advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
• Current laser angioplasty probes have limitations in optical directionality and size.
• Simultaneous light transmission and signal reception are crucial for in-situ monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel laser angioplasty probe with a gradient-index (GRIN) lens.
• To enable selectable optical directionality for arterial wall illumination.
• To assess the probe's suitability for coronary laser angioplasty and its diagnostic/therapeutic capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 1 mm diameter probe with a GRIN lens at the tip of a seven-fiber bundle.
• Demonstration of selectable axial and six off-axis illumination directions.
• Evaluation of simultaneous laser light transmission and fluorescent signal reception.
• Characterization of the optical beam pattern within a 2 mm diameter lumen.

Main Results:

• The probe successfully transmitted laser light and received fluorescent signals concurrently.
• Selectable optical directionality (axial and off-axis) was achieved.
• In a 2 mm lumen, the spot width was approximately 2 mm, with a lateral spot size of about 10 mm.
• The probe's small diameter (1 mm) is suitable for coronary applications.

Conclusions:

• The novel GRIN lens-based laser angioplasty probe offers versatile optical directionality.
• Simultaneous signal transmission and reception capabilities enhance diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
• The probe's design facilitates flexible application in coronary laser angioplasty.