Fiber photo-catheters for laser treatment of atrial fibrillation

Abstract

A fiber photo-catheter has been developed for surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation with laser radiation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart rhythm abnormality that involves irregular and rapid heartbeats. Recent studies demonstrate the superiority of treating AF disease with optical radiation of the near infrared region. To produce long continuous transmural lesions, solid-state lasers and laser diodes, along with end-emitting fiber catheters, have been used experimentally. The absence of side-emitting flexible catheters with the ability to produce long continuous lesions limits the further development of this technology. In this research, a prototype of an optical catheter, consisting of a flexible 10-cm fiber diffuser has been used to make continuous photocoagulation lesions for effective maze procedure treatments. The system also includes: a flexible optical reflector; a series of openings for rapid self-attachment to the tissue; and an optional closed-loop irrigating chamber with circulating saline to cool the optical diffuser and irrigate the tissue.

Novel On‐Demand Bioadhesion to Soft Tissue in Wet Environments

“…This would eliminate most non‐specific fouling. If the on‐demand event were based on light activation, it would build on technologies that are already in place—such as photo‐catheters and laser angioplasty balloons . Our design incorporates the on‐demand bioadhesion (see Figure ).…”

“…If the on-demand event were based on light activation, it would build on technologies that are already in place-such as photo-catheters and laser angioplasty balloons. [25,26] Our design incorporates the ondemand bioadhesion (see Figure 3). Unmodified PLGA film and surface grafted films containing polyamine and polydiazirine were characterized through lap-shear bioadhesion tensile forces with freshly procured swine aortas.…”

Review of diverse optical fibers used in biomedical research and clinical practice

“…However, a different category of optical fiber that emits light along its entire length is finding increased biomedical applications. [65][66][67][68][69][70][71] Such a side-emitting fiber or glowing fiber acts as an extended emitting optical source. These side-emitting fibers are widely available and their popular nonmedical applications include decorative lamps, submersible lighting, event lighting, and lighted signs.…”

“…Uses of side-firing fibers for biomedical procedures include PDT, therapy for atrial fibrillation, treatment of prostate enlargements, and dental treatments. [69][70][71] A variety of fiber materials and construction designs have been used to fabricate side-emitting fibers. Both plastic and silica fibers are available.…”

Spatial effect of conical angle on optical-thermal distribution for circumferential photocoagulation

“…Thermal injury or incomplete treatment can also lead to complications such as discomfort, pain, and risk of recurrence. For light diffusers, a number of fabrication techniques have been developed, including acid-etching [9,10], melt-drawing [9,11], scattering media [12,13], CO 2 laser polishing [14], long period gating (LPG) [15,16], and UV micro-drilling [10,17]. However, both the acid-etching and melt-drawing techniques are limited to using small core diameters (33-125 µm), and external impact is often employed to roughen the fiber tip surface, causing physical damage to the fiber surface [9,11].…”