Fiberoptic laser angioplasty probe with optical steerability

We have designed and bench tested an optically steerable fiberoptic probe for use in laser angioplasty. The unique feature of this design is the use of a gradient-index (GRIN) lens attached to the distal end of a seven-fiber bundle. By selecting which fiber of the bundle is illuminated by the source, the radiation pattern from the probe's tip may be steered either straight ahead or off-axis in one of six angularly biased directions. The probe may also be used to collect scattered light (for example, fluorescence) for the purpose of detecting the spatial distribution of the plaque on the vessel's walls.