Stetina and Brunda
Catheter devices and methods for delivering
 A method for conducting laser energy to a site includes steps of bringing the proximal end of a flexible tube near the site, filling at least a proximal portion of the tube with a liquid by introducing the liquid into the tube, allowing a portion of the liquid to flow out from the proximal end of the tube toward the site, and directing laser energy from a laser energy source into the distal end of the tube, whereby a portion of the laser energy emerges from the proximal end of the tube at the site. Also, such a method in which the liquid is a radiographic contrast medium. Also, such a method for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel in an animal. Also, apparatus for delivering laser energy to a site includes a flexible tube, a liquid, the tube having an opening in a first end through which the liquid can pass, means for providing a flow of the liquid into the tube, and a source of laser energy operationally associated with a second end of the tube, wherein the tube and the liquid are adapted to cooperate, when the tube contains the liquid, to conduct laser energy from the source and to emit a portion of the laser energy from the first end of the liquid-containing tube. 
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A61B A61B A61B A61N A61N A61B A61B A61B
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Kenton W. R. Rox
Gregory Anderson