A photocoagulation system is described herein that facilitates multi-spot laser treatment procedures inside the eye and close to the patient's retina. In one example embodiment, a modified endocular probe operates with a laser system to move the probe or a probe needle so as to project a multi-spot pattern on a patient's retina by controlling the rotation movement of the needle (and needle tip). In addition, the system facilitates maneuverability and angular deviation of the needle tip and synchronizes these different movements with the laser photocoagulator system so as to project the aiming beam and thereafter the laser treatment beam in the desired pattern location with the desired exposure time and power.

Devices, methods and systems for removing unwanted tissue from within a patient's vasculature system are provided. Specifically, a laser ablation catheter having a tip with an open, arched-shaped cross section is described. The cross section of the tip enhances the catheter's ability to ablate, separate, and/or dilate the various layers within a patient's vasculature, thereby facilitating the removal undesirable lesions and fibrous tissue within a patient's vasculature.

Devices and methods are discussed directed to the use of a low profile laser ablation catheter for use in laser ablation removal of arterial plaque blockages to restore blood flow in the treatment of arteriovenous fistulas. Also discussed are devices and methods directed to packaging, long term storage and sterilization of liquid core ablation catheters.

A steerable laser probe may include a handle, and inner bore of the handle, an actuation lever of the handle, a housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within the inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness.

A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation lever of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of the actuation lever may gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation lever may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

The invention generally relates to devices and methods for treating cardiac tissue, including percutaneous closure of cardiac openings such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. The invention includes a device having at least one elongated member. The elongated member has a first material and a second material interwoven with at least a portion of the first material. The second material is capable of transferring energy to tissue in need of treatment.

A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a plurality of actuation controls of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Embodiments of the present invention include a laser catheter that includes a catheter body, a light guide, and a distal tip that extends beyond the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, an imaging device is disposed on the distal tip such that the imaging device is distal relative to the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, the imaging device can be gated to record images during and or slightly beyond periods when the laser catheter is not activated.

A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle, a housing sleeve, a first portion of the housing sleeve having a first stiffness, a second portion of the housing sleeve having a second stiffness, an actuation control of the handle, an optic fiber disposed in an inner bore of the handle and the housing sleeve, and a shape memory wire having a pre-formed curve. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing sleeve and the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing sleeve and the optic fiber.

Devices and methods are discussed directed to the use of a low profile laser ablation catheter for use in laser ablation removal of arterial plaque blockages to restore blood flow in the treatment of arteriovenous fistulas. Also discussed are devices and methods directed to packaging, long term storage and sterilization of liquid core ablation catheters.