Photostimulation therapy of tissue and associated devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

A device includes a flexible elongate member positioned within a body lumen of a patient. The device also includes at least one optical fiber positioned within the flexible elongate member. The at least one optical fiber includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. A proximal portion of the at least one optical fiber receives light from the light source. The light includes a wavelength between 650 nm and 750 nm. The distal portion of the at least one optical fiber emits light from the light source radially outward along the length of the optical fiber into tissue of a body lumen of a patient. The wavelength of the light triggers the release of nitric oxide from the tissue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to reperfusion therapy, and more particularly to implementing reperfusion therapy using a light delivery system utilizing optical fibers. For example, an intraluminal device may include a light delivery system utilizing side scatter optical fibers to stimulate cardiovascular tissue in order to increase perfusion to the cardiovascular tissue. Background Art

[0002] Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can be used to treat the blockage (e.g., occlusion, lesion, stenosis, etc.) within a blood vessel. PCI may include treatment operations that reduce the size of the blockage or open (e.g., widen) the lumen of the affected blood vessel, such as drug administration, angioplasty, stent placement, etc. For this reason, PCI can restore blood flow through the blood vessel and blood flow to the tissue that receives blood / oxygen via the blood vessel. In addition, before providing PCI treatment, the reduction in blood flow caused by the blockage within the blood vessel can cause the tissue that receives blood / oxygen from the blood vessel to experience ischemia. Therefore, PCI can restore or increase the blood flow to the tissue that experiences ischemia, which can restore the health of the tissue. However, even after providing PCI treatment, blood / oxygen may not always be properly reperfused to the tissue that experiences ischemia. In particular, the increase and / or reintroduction of blood flow through the ischemic tissue can trigger an inflammatory response and / or oxidative damage (known as reperfusion injury), together with or in place of the recovery of the normal function of the tissue.

[0003] Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs when the myocardium (heart muscle) is deprived of blood and oxygen (usually due to an obstruction in a coronary artery) within a body lumen, such as within the coronary arteries of a heart chamber. The myocardium is damaged during an infarction. If the obstruction is cleared quickly enough and oxygenated blood can perfuse the injured area, the myocardium can remodel back into healthy tissue. If the injured myocardium does not receive blood flow, the myocardial tissue dies and the area becomes fibrotic, thereby excluding the contractile segment from the heart. This makes the heart pump less efficiently, which can affect the patient's quality of life.

[0004] Nitric oxide is a natural compound in blood vessels that acts as a vasodilator, thereby expanding the diameter of arteries to allow more blood flow. It has been shown that 670 nanometers (nm) of light can trigger the release of nitric oxide reserves in the body to increase perfusion of different tissue areas. These nitric oxide reserves come from the blood itself and the blood vessel walls. It has also been shown that the dilating effect of nitric oxide increases the ability of damaged tissue to repair itself faster with the influx of more oxygenated blood.

[0005] The information contained in the background section of this specification (including any documents cited herein and any description or discussion thereof) is included for contextual and / or technical reference purposes only and should not be construed as restricting or in any way limiting the scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0006] Disclosed herein are catheter-based light delivery devices, systems, and methods that utilize side-emitting optical fibers to deliver light to tissue adjacent to a patient's body lumen. In some examples, the disclosed devices deliver light having a wavelength of approximately 670 nm to an infarcted area to trigger the release of nitric oxide from the tissue and / or otherwise stimulate reperfusion of the tissue.

[0007] The various aspects and features disclosed herein have particular, but not exclusive, utility for intraluminal medical catheters and / or guidewires. In some instances, a device according to the present disclosure includes: a flexible, elongated member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient; and at least one optical fiber positioned within the flexible, elongated member, the at least one optical fiber including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein: the proximal portion of the at least one optical fiber is configured to receive light from a light source; and the distal portion of the at least one optical fiber is configured to emit light from the light source radially outward along the length of the optical fiber into tissue of the body lumen of the patient to trigger the release of nitric oxide from the tissue.

[0008] In one exemplary aspect, a device is provided. The device includes: a flexible, elongated member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient; and at least one optical fiber positioned within the flexible, elongated member, the at least one optical fiber including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein: the proximal portion of the at least one optical fiber is configured to receive light from a light source, wherein the light includes a wavelength between 650 nm and 750 nm; and the distal portion of the at least one optical fiber is configured to emit the light from the light source radially outward along the length of the optical fiber into tissue of the body lumen of the patient. The wavelength of the light triggers the release of nitric oxide from the tissue.

[0009] In some aspects, the optical fiber includes: a core; and a cladding. In some aspects, a segment of the cladding in the distal portion is configured to emit light radially outward along the length of the optical fiber. In some aspects, the segment of the cladding is laser etched. In some aspects, the segment of the cladding is acid etched. In some aspects, the segment of the cladding has a first thickness, which is less than the second thickness of the cladding in the proximal portion. In some aspects, the segment of the core in the distal portion is configured to emit light radially outward along the length of the optical fiber. In some aspects, the segment of the core includes one or more scattering elements. In some aspects, the one or more scattering elements include at least one of bubbles, nanospheres, or microspheres. In some aspects, the at least one optical fiber includes a plurality of optical fibers. In some aspects, the device also includes a light source. In some aspects, the light source is configured to emit light having a wavelength of about 670 nanometers. In some aspects, the device also includes a thermal monitoring device positioned within the flexible elongated member. In some aspects, the apparatus further includes a controller in communication with the thermal monitoring device and the light source, wherein the controller is configured to control one or more properties of the light source based on feedback received from the thermal monitoring device.

[0010] In one exemplary aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: introducing a flexible, elongated member into a body lumen of a patient, wherein the flexible, elongated member includes at least one optical fiber; positioning a distal portion of the at least one optical fiber near an area of ​​interest; and directing light from a light source radially outward along the length of the distal portion of the optical fiber into tissue within the area of ​​interest, wherein the light includes a wavelength between 650 nm and 750 nm. The wavelength of the light triggers the release of nitric oxide from the tissue.

[0011] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more general introduction to features, details, utilities, and advantages of the metallic ink conductor assembly, as defined in the claims, will be provided in the following written description of various examples and / or aspects of the disclosure and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Various illustrative aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a processing system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a human heart with an obstruction in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a human heart following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of a human heart following reperfusion therapy in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an intraluminal system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of an optical fiber according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an intraluminal system including a plurality of intraluminal devices according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible elongated member according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a side-emitting segment of an optical fiber according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of a configuration of a side-emitting section of an optical fiber according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.10 is a schematic side view of a configuration of a side-emitting section of an optical fiber according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a configuration of a side-emitting section of an optical fiber according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a configuration of a side-emitting section of an optical fiber according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to promote the understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings, and specific language will be used to describe these examples. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any changes and further modifications to the described devices, systems and methods, as well as any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure, are fully contemplated and included within the scope of the present disclosure, as this is usually present for a technician in the technical field related to the present disclosure. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components and / or steps described for one example and / or aspect can be combined with the features, components and / or steps described for other examples and / or aspects of the present disclosure. In addition, although the description below may mention blood vessels, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such applications. For example, the devices, systems and methods described herein can be used in any body chamber or body lumen, including the esophagus, veins, arteries, intestines, ventricles, atria or any other body lumen and / or chamber. However, for the sake of brevity, the numerous repetitions of these combinations will no longer be described separately.

[0028] Various aspects of the present disclosure may include features described in U.S. application number __________, filing date _________, and entitled “Treatment And Monitoring Of Tissue Reperfusion And Associated Devices, Systems, And Methods” (Agent Case No. 2022PF00060 / 44755.2275PV01), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all applicable purposes.

[0029] Reference Figure 1, shown is a schematic diagram of a system according to aspects of the present disclosure. System 100 may be configured to evaluate (e.g., assess), display and / or control (e.g., modify) one or more aspects of reperfusion therapy for a region of a patient's body (e.g., a portion of the myocardium). For example, system 100 may be used to monitor and / or control reperfusion therapy to avoid or minimize damage to the myocardium following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), as described in more detail below. In this regard, system 100 may be used to evaluate coronary vessels and / or cardiac tissue (e.g., myocardium) supplied by coronary vessels. As shown, the system 100 may include a processing system 110 that communicates with a display device 120 (e.g., an electronic display or monitor), an input device 130 (e.g., a user input device such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, microphone and / or other controller or input device), an imaging device 140, an intravascular lesion treatment device 150 (e.g., an intraluminal treatment device), an intravascular reperfusion treatment device 160 (e.g., an intraluminal reperfusion treatment device) and / or a contrast agent infusion pump 170.

[0030] Processing system 110 generally represents any device suitable for performing the processing and analysis techniques disclosed herein. In some aspects, processing system 110 includes a processor circuit such as Figure 2 . In some aspects, the processing system 110 is programmed to perform steps related to data acquisition, analysis and / or instrument (e.g., device) control as described herein. Therefore, it is understood that any steps related to data acquisition, data processing, instrument control and / or other processing or control aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented by the processing system 110 (e.g., a computing device) using corresponding instructions stored on or within a non-transitory computer-readable medium accessible by the computing device. In some cases, the processing system 110 is a console device. In addition, it is understood that in some cases, the processing system 110 includes one or more computing devices, such as computers, with one or more processor circuits. In this regard, it is particularly understood that different processing and / or control aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented separately or within predefined groups using multiple computing devices. Any division and / or combination of the processing and / or control aspects described below on multiple computing devices is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a processing system according to aspects of the present disclosure. Processor circuit 200 may be Figure 1The processor circuit 200 may be implemented within and / or as part of the processing system 110. As shown, the processor circuit 200 may include a processor 210, a memory 212, and a communication module 214. These elements may communicate with each other directly or indirectly, for example, via one or more buses.

[0032] The processor 210 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. The processor 210 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0033] Memory 212 may include cache memory (e.g., cache memory of processor 210), random access memory (RAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid-state storage devices, hard drives, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different types of memory. In some examples, memory 212 includes non-transitory computer-readable media. Memory 212 may store instructions 216. Instructions 216 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 210, cause processor 210 to perform operations described herein with reference to processing system 110 ( Figure 1 ) instructions for the operations described by the instructions 216. Instructions 216 may also be referred to as code. The terms "instructions" and "code" should be broadly interpreted to include any type of computer-readable statements. For example, the terms "instructions" and "code" may refer to one or more programs, routines, subroutines, functions, processes, etc. "Instructions" and "code" may include a single computer-readable statement or multiple computer-readable statements.

[0034] Communications module 214 may include any electronic circuitry and / or logic circuitry to facilitate communication between processor circuit 200 and / or processing system 110 ( Figure 1) components of the system 100. Additionally or alternatively, the communication module 214 may facilitate data communication between the processor circuit 200, the display device 120, the input device 130, the imaging device 140, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150, the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160, the contrast agent infusion pump 170, and the like. In this regard, the communication module 214 may be an input / output (I / O) device interface that facilitates a communication connection between the processor circuit 200 and an (I / O) device such as the input device 130. Furthermore, the communication module 214 may facilitate wireless and / or wired communication between the components of the processor circuit 200 and / or devices and systems of the system 100 using any suitable communication technology, such as a cable interface such as a USB, microUSB, Lightning, or FireWire interface, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Li-Fi, or a cellular data connection such as 2G / GSM, 3G / UMTS, 4G / LTE / WiMax, or 5G.

[0035] Now turn back to Figure 1 , the imaging device 140 may include an X-ray system, an angiography system, a fluoroscopic system, an ultrasound system, a computed tomography (CT) system, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, other suitable imaging devices, and / or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the imaging device 140 may include a nuclear medicine imaging device, such as a gamma camera or a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system, other suitable devices, and / or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the imaging device 140 may be configured to acquire imaging data of anatomical structures (such as the heart and blood vessels) when the imaging device 140 is positioned outside the patient's body. The imaging data may be visualized in the form of two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional images of the heart, blood vessels, and / or other anatomical structures. In some aspects, the imaging device 140 may be an internal device positioned inside the patient's body. For example, the imaging device 140 may be an intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) catheter that obtains images when positioned inside a heart chamber. In some aspects, imaging device 140 can be an external device in that it is positioned outside of the specific anatomical structure being imaged (e.g., blood vessels and / or the heart), but is positioned within the patient's body. For example, imaging device 140 can be a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) probe that obtains images while being positioned within the esophagus.

[0036] In addition, the imaging device 140 can obtain cardiac images that indicate the health of the heart muscle or myocardium. In particular, the imaging device 140 can be configured to obtain imaging data (e.g., myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) data) that shows the perfusion of the myocardium. For example, the MPI data can be acquired by imaging a radiopharmaceutical (such as thallium) in the myocardium of a patient using a SPECT system. Additionally or alternatively, the imaging data can be obtained by imaging a contrast agent, which can be administered to the patient's vasculature, for example manually or by a contrast agent infusion pump 170. In any case, the imaging data can show vessels and / or muscle tissue with blood flow and / or vessels and / or muscle tissue lacking blood flow within the heart region.

[0037] The contrast agent infusion pump 170 can administer a contrast agent, which can change the appearance (e.g., brightness, intensity, contrast) of features in imaging data (e.g., imaging data obtained by the imaging device 140). In this regard, the contrast agent infusion pump 170 can be configured to administer a contrast agent that is radiopaque and improves the visibility of internal fluids or structures in the patient's anatomical structure to the patient. For example, in some aspects, the contrast agent absorbs external X-rays from an X-ray source, thereby resulting in reduced exposure on an X-ray detector together with the X-ray source. The contrast agent can be any suitable substance, chemical or compound, and before being administered to the patient, it can be a liquid, powder, paste, tablet or any other suitable form. For example, the contrast agent can include an iodine-based compound, a barium sulfate compound, a gadolinium-based compound, microbubbles or any other suitable compound, which can be contained in, for example, a solution or suspension, so as to be administered to the patient. In some aspects, the contrast agent can include carbon dioxide, which can be a gas. In this case, the contrast agent can reduce the absorption of external X-rays from the X-ray source when being administered. Additionally, contrast agents may also be referred to as radiocontrast agents, contrast dyes, radiocontrast dyes, contrast materials, radiocontrast materials, contrast media, or radiocontrast media, etc. Furthermore, in some aspects, the contrast infusion pump 170 may be configured to combine or switch between different contrast agents, which may reduce stress on the patient's body. For example, the contrast infusion pump 170 may administer a first contrast agent for a period of time and then administer a different second contrast agent to the patient during imaging.

[0038] The intravascular lesion treatment device 150 can be any form of device, instrument or probe that is sized and shaped so as to be positioned within a blood vessel. For example, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 generally represents a guidewire, a catheter or a guide catheter. However, in other aspects, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 can take other forms. In this regard, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 can be a device configured to provide PCI treatment to a blood vessel. In particular, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 can be an intravascular guidewire or catheter that is configured to ablate lesions (e.g., an obstruction) within a blood vessel, deploy a balloon, a stent and / or a drug to a target site within a blood vessel, etc. That is, for example, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 can be a stent or balloon delivery device (such as an angioplasty device), a thrombectomy device, an atherectomy device, etc. In this regard, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 may include a coil retriever, a suction (e.g., aspiration) device and / or a similar device to assist in removing a thrombus or occlusion from a patient's blood vessel. In some aspects, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 may include a laser, a blade (e.g., a knife), a sanding crown, and / or any suitable device that can assist in cutting, scraping, sanding, vaporizing, and / or removing atherosclerotic plaque from a patient's blood vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 may also be the treatment itself that is delivered into the blood vessel. More specifically, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 may represent a stent or balloon deployed to a blood vessel, a drug administered intravascularly or extravascularly (e.g., orally), and the like. To this end, although the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 is shown as being communicatively coupled to the processing system 110, aspects are not limited thereto.

[0039] In some aspects, the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160 can be a device, an instrument, or a probe that is sized and shaped so as to be positioned within a blood vessel. According to the present disclosure, the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160 may include an intraluminal device having one or more laterally emitting optical fibers. In some instances, the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160 may be a device or an instrument configured to control the reperfusion of blood flow into a target tissue region (e.g., a capillary bed) (e.g., a portion of a patient's myocardium). In some aspects, the target tissue region may be an ischemic region and / or a tissue region that receives reduced blood flow due to an obstruction within a related blood vessel (e.g., an upstream artery). As described in more detail below, treatment (e.g., treatment) of a blood vessel associated with the obstruction, such as treatment performed via the intravascular lesion treatment device 150, can reintroduce or increase blood flow to the target tissue region. In order to reduce and / or prevent damage to the target tissue area caused by such increased blood flow, the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160 can be positioned within a blood vessel, such as within a coronary vessel, and can be configured to direct light into and / or around the target tissue area. In some instances, the light directed into and / or around the target tissue area may have a wavelength configured to stimulate the release of nitric oxide (NO). In some aspects, the reperfusion therapy may also include administering an anti-inflammatory drug or nitric oxide (NO) to the patient. In some aspects, the reperfusion therapy may include cold fluid provided via the arterial side.

[0040] In some aspects, one or more of the imaging device 140, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150, the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160, and / or the contrast agent infusion pump 170 are disposed proximate to one or more of the processing system 110, the display device 120, and / or the input device 130, for example, in the same operating room. In some aspects, one or more of the imaging device 140, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150, the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160, and / or the contrast agent infusion pump 170 are disposed spaced apart from one or more of the processing system 110, the display device 120, and / or the input device 130, for example, in a different operating room or facility. For example, the imaging device 140, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150, the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160, and / or the contrast agent infusion pump 170 may be part of different systems that are communicatively coupled. In this regard, the processing system 110 may be configured to acquire data acquired from the spaced apart components and process the data as described herein. The imaging device 140 , the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 , the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160 , and / or the contrast agent infusion pump 170 may be configured to transmit acquired data to the processing system 110 .

[0041] The system 100 includes a display device 120 that is communicatively coupled to the processing system 110. In some aspects, the display device 120 is a component of the processing system 110, while in other aspects, the display device 120 is different from the processing system 110. In some aspects, the display device 120 is a monitor integrated in the console device or an independent monitor (e.g., a flat panel or flat monitor). The processing system 110 may be configured to generate a visual display (e.g., a screen display) based on imaging data from the imaging device 140. The processing system 110 may provide (e.g., output) a screen display to the display device 120. To this end, the display device 120 may be configured to output (e.g., display) a two-dimensional image and / or a two-dimensional representation of a heart, blood vessel, and / or other anatomical structure, which may be included in the screen display. In some aspects, the display device 120 is configured to output a three-dimensional graphical representation of the heart, blood vessel, and / or other anatomical structure. For example, the display device 120 may be a holographic display device that is configured to output a three-dimensional holographic display of an anatomical structure. Any suitable display device is within the scope of the present disclosure, including stand-alone displays, projection / screen systems, heads-up display systems, etc. The display device can implement principles based on mobile reflective micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), laser plasma, and electronic holography. In some aspects, the display device 120 is implemented as a bedside controller with a touch screen display, for example, as described in the patent application entitled “Bedside Controller for Assessment of The invention is described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 049,265 entitled "Bedside Controller for Assessing Vascular Vessels and Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] The system 100 includes an input device 130 that is communicatively coupled to the processing system 110. The input device 130 can be a peripheral device, such as a touch-sensitive pad, a touch screen, a joystick, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a microphone, an imaging device, etc. In other aspects, the user interface device is part of the display device 120, such as a touch screen display. In addition, a user can provide input to the processing system 110 through the input device 130. In particular, the input device 130 can enable a user to control one or more components of the system 100, such as the imaging device 140, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150, the intravascular reperfusion treatment device 160, the contrast agent infusion pump 170, or the processing system 110 itself, through input to the processing system 110. Additionally or alternatively, the input device 130 can facilitate interaction with a screen display provided at the display device 120. For example, a user can select, edit, view, or interact with multiple portions of a screen display (e.g., a GUI) provided at the display device 120 through the input device 130.

[0043] The system 100 may include various connectors, cables, interfaces, connectors, etc. to facilitate communication between elements of the intravascular lesion treatment device 150, the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160, the processing system 110, the imaging device 140, the display device 120, and / or the input device 130. For example, in some aspects, the communication module 214 ( Figure 2 ) may include such connectors, interfaces, etc. In this regard, the processing system 110 may control and / or communicate with one or more components of the processing system 110 via mechanical and / or electromechanical signals and / or controls. In addition, the illustrated communication paths are exemplary and should not be considered limiting in any way. In this regard, it is understood that any communication path between the components of the system 100 can be used, including physical connections (including electrical connections, optical connections and / or fluid connections), wireless connections and / or combinations thereof. In this regard, it is understood that in some cases, one or more components of the system 100 can communicate via wireless connections. In some cases, one or more components of the system 100 and / or other systems (e.g., systems of a hospital or a healthcare provider) communicate via communication links on a network (e.g., an intranet, the Internet, a telecommunications network, and / or other networks).

[0044] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3CA schematic diagram of a human heart 300 is shown. As shown, the heart 300 includes coronary arteries 302 (shown as having a first fill pattern) that deliver oxygenated blood to tissue of the heart 300, such as muscle tissue (e.g., myocardium). The heart 300 also includes coronary veins 304 (shown as having a second fill pattern) that include a coronary sinus 306 that deliver deoxygenated blood away from tissue of the heart and toward a chamber of the heart 300 (e.g., atrium).

[0045] exist Figure 3A In the schematic diagram shown, a coronary artery 302 of a heart 300 includes an obstruction 308 (e.g., an occlusion, a lesion, a stenosis, etc.) according to aspects of the present disclosure. The obstruction 308 can disrupt blood flow through the coronary artery 302. In particular, the obstruction 308 can reduce the diameter of a portion of the lumen of the coronary artery 302, which can reduce blood flow through this portion of the lumen. As a result, a first tissue region 310 (e.g., a portion of the myocardium) associated with the coronary artery 302 having the obstruction 308 (e.g., receiving blood from the coronary artery 302) may not receive a healthy amount of blood / oxygen. For example, in some cases, the blood / oxygen delivered to the first tissue region 310 may not be sufficient to perfuse the entire first tissue region 310 (e.g., be distributed to the entire first tissue region 310). In this regard, the first tissue region 310 may experience ischemia (e.g., a decrease in delivered blood / oxygen, shown by the fill pattern), which can damage the first tissue region 310. The illustrated different second tissue region 312 (e.g., a portion of the myocardium) can receive blood / oxygen from a different coronary artery 302 than the first tissue region 310. In this regard, the second tissue region 312 can remain relatively unaffected by the blockage 308. As such, the second tissue region 312 can receive a healthy amount of blood / oxygen and the second tissue region 312 can not experience ischemia. Thus, the second tissue region 312 is shown as healthy by the lack of the fill pattern shown in the first tissue region 310.

[0046] In some aspects, the blockage 308 may be treated using percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In particular, PCI may include a treatment procedure that reduces the size of the blockage 308, opens (e.g., widens) the lumen of the vessel, etc., in order to restore blood flow through the vessel (e.g., the coronary artery 302) having the blockage 308. In this regard, PCI may include, for example, angioplasty (e.g., deploying a balloon) and positioning a stent across the stenosis to open the vessel (e.g., the coronary artery 302 having the blockage). Additionally or alternatively, PCI may include thrombectomy, atherectomy, administration of a drug, etc. To this end, the intravascular lesion treatment device 150 ( Figure 1 ) can facilitate and / or provide PCI to a vessel having an obstruction (e.g., obstruction 308).

[0047] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of a heart 300 is shown after providing a therapeutic procedure (e.g., PCI) (e.g., post-treatment) according to aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 3B A stent 320 is shown positioned within a coronary vessel at the site of an obstruction 308. However, various aspects are not limited thereto. In this regard, the PCI provided to a coronary artery 302 or a vessel having an obstruction may include any appropriate combination of the above-described treatments.

[0048] As described above, a stent 320 and / or another suitable PCI (e.g., a treatment procedure) may be provided to the blood vessel to reduce the effect of the blockage on blood flow through the blood vessel. In this regard, placing a stent 320 within the coronary artery 302 (e.g., at the site of the blockage 308) may open (e.g., widen) the portion of the lumen of the coronary artery 302 having the blockage 308, which may increase blood flow through the portion of the lumen. In addition, placing a stent 320 within the heart 300 may increase blood flow downstream of the blockage 308, for example, may increase blood flow within a vessel that receives blood flow from the portion of the lumen. In this way, a vessel (e.g., a capillary bed) that delivers blood / oxygen to the first tissue region 310 may receive increased blood flow, which may increase blood / oxygen delivery to the first tissue region 310. To this end, blood / oxygen may reperfuse the first tissue region 310. Thus, the stent 320 may reverse or alleviate the ischemic condition experienced by the first tissue region 310. In this regard, Figure 3B The first tissue region 310 shown in FIG. Figure 3A The fill pattern shown in FIG. 3 is a different fill pattern to represent the increased blood / oxygen supply to the first tissue region 310.

[0049] In some cases, after providing PCI treatment, blood / oxygen may not be properly perfused to tissue associated with an occluded vessel (e.g., a vessel with an obstruction), such as the first tissue region 310. For example, in some cases, introducing and / or increasing blood flow to a tissue that has experienced ischemia may result in reperfusion injury (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion injury). In particular, the returning blood flow may trigger an inflammatory response and / or oxidative damage, along with or in lieu of restoration of normal function of the tissue. Inflammation, inflammation-induced damage, and / or oxidative damage may block the flow of blood / oxygen within a tissue (e.g., within a capillary bed associated with the tissue). Therefore, even after providing PCI treatment, blood / oxygen may not be distributed throughout the tissue (e.g., perfused throughout the tissue) at healthy levels. For example, blood may preferentially flow through a first portion of the tissue that lacks inflammation and / or damage, and may flow through a second portion of the tissue that has a lesser degree of inflammation and / or damage. Therefore, the second portion of the tissue may continue to receive less than healthy blood flow. In this regard, Figure 3B 3. The first tissue region 310 is shown having a different fill pattern than the second tissue region 312 (eg, a healthy tissue region) to illustrate that the stent 320 alone may not be able to fully restore the health and / or function of the first tissue region 310.

[0050] Now go to Figure 3C In some cases, according to aspects of the present disclosure, reperfusion of blood / oxygen within ischemic tissue can be further assisted and / or controlled by reperfusion therapy. To this end, Figure 3C A schematic diagram of a heart 300 is shown after providing PCI therapy and reperfusion therapy (e.g., therapy provided by an intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 3C A schematic diagram of a heart 300 is shown after providing reperfusion therapy to a first tissue region 310. In accordance with the present disclosure, one or more side-emitting optical fibers of an intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160 may be used to direct light into and / or around a target tissue region (e.g., the first tissue region 310). In some examples, the light directed into and / or around the target tissue region may have a wavelength configured to stimulate the release of nitric oxide (NO), including but not limited to light having a wavelength of approximately 670 nm (e.g., ±100 nm, ±50 nm, ±25 nm, ±10 nm, ±5 nm, ±1 nm, and / or other suitable ranges).

[0051] According to the techniques described in more detail below, reperfusion therapy can be provided by the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160 to reduce or minimize damage at and / or improve blood flow in tissue undergoing blood reperfusion (e.g., a tissue region receiving increased blood flow, such as the first tissue region 310). In particular, the reperfusion therapy can affect the distribution of blood flow through the target tissue so that blood flow is perfused (e.g., distributed) throughout the tissue and / or increased throughout the tissue, including perfusion to tissue regions that are inflamed or have oxidative damage. Thus, providing reperfusion therapy to a tissue region can restore blood flow to a healthy amount, or to an amount that exceeds the blood flow generated by PCI therapy alone. For example, in the illustrated aspect, the health and / or function (e.g., blood flow) of the first tissue region 310 is shown as being fully restored by reperfusion therapy (e.g., using the intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160 to direct light into and / or around the first tissue region 310), as shown by the fill pattern of the first tissue region 310 (matching the second tissue region 312). However, in some aspects, reperfusion therapy can restore the health and / or function of the tissue (e.g., blood flow to the tissue) to levels greater than that produced by PCI therapy, but less than levels at a region of tissue (e.g., second tissue region 312) that is relatively unaffected by the occlusion (e.g., associated with a vessel different from the vessel having the occlusion). Specific mechanisms are described herein for using one or more components of system 100 to control reperfusion of a region of tissue associated with a vessel receiving PCI therapy (e.g., a vessel having an occlusion) and / or a vessel that otherwise receives increased blood flow (e.g., is configured to receive blood / oxygen from the vessel).

[0052] Figure 4is a schematic diagram of an intraluminal system 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The intraluminal system 400 may include an intraluminal device 402 (which may be an intravascular reperfusion therapy device 160 (e.g., an intraluminal reperfusion therapy device), such as a catheter, a guidewire, or a guide catheter), an interface 415, a processing system or controller 110, and a display device 120. At a high level, the intraluminal device 402 emits light radially outward along the length of a distal portion of the intraluminal device into tissue of a patient's body lumen (e.g., an area of ​​interest) to trigger the release of nitric oxide from the tissue. In this regard, the intraluminal device 402 may be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be positioned within a patient's body lumen 420. In some aspects, the intraluminal device 402 may include a soft, non-invasive tip to guide the intraluminal device 402 into the body lumen 420. Body lumen 420 may be a blood vessel, such as an artery or vein in a patient's vascular system, including cardiac vessels, peripheral vessels, neural vessels, renal vessels, and / or any other suitable lumen within the body. For example, intraluminal device 402 may be used to direct light into any number of anatomical locations and tissue types, including, but not limited to: organs, including the liver, heart, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, lungs; ducts; intestinal tract; nervous system structures, including the brain, thecal sac, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves; urinary tract; and valves within the blood, ventricles, or other cardiac sites and / or other systems of the body. In addition to natural structures, intraluminal device 402 may also be used to inspect artificial structures, such as, but not limited to, heart valves, stents, shunts, filters, and other devices.

[0053] In some aspects, the intraluminal device 402 may include a flexible elongated member 421, which includes an optical fiber 422. In some aspects, the optical fiber 422 is a single optical fiber. In some aspects, the optical fiber 422 includes a plurality of optical fibers. The optical fiber 422 includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the optical fiber 422 may be coupled to the light source 413. The proximal portion of the optical fiber 422 may be coupled to the light source 413 via an interface 415, as further described below. For example, in some instances, the intraluminal device 402 may include and / or be coupled to a connector 414. The connector 414 may be configured to couple the intraluminal device 402 to the interface 415, directly or indirectly. The interface 415 may couple the intraluminal device 402 and / or one or more components of the intraluminal device 402 to the light source 413 and / or the processing system 110. In some instances, when the optical fiber 422 is a plurality of optical fibers, each of the plurality of optical fibers may simultaneously illuminate a plurality of tissue regions in the body lumen 420. The proximal portion of the optical fiber 422 is configured to receive light from the light source 413. In some examples, when the optical fiber 422 is a plurality of optical fibers, each of the plurality of optical fibers may be coupled to the same light source 413. In some examples, when the optical fiber 422 is a plurality of optical fibers, one or more of the plurality of optical fibers may be coupled to different light sources, for example, a plurality of light sources 413. In some examples, when a plurality of light sources 413 are used, the light sources 413 may be configured to emit the same or different wavelengths of light.

[0054] In some aspects, the light emitted from the light source 413 can be a wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum, the visible spectrum, or the infrared spectrum. In some aspects, the light emitted from the light source can be a wavelength of 400 nanometers (nm) to 700nm, for example, 670nm. In some aspects, the light emitted from the light source can be a wavelength of 700nm to 1 millimeter, for example, 720nm. In some aspects, the wavelength can be between 400nm and 1mm, between 600nm and 800nm, between 650nm and 750nm, between 665nm and 725nm, including values ​​such as 670nm, 720nm and / or other larger and smaller values. The wavelength of light can be selected so that the wavelength triggers the release of nitric oxide from the tissue. The distal portion of the optical fiber 422 is configured to be positioned near the tissue (i.e., the area of ​​interest), and the light from the light source 413 is radially emitted outward along the length of the optical fiber 422 into the tissue of the patient's body lumen 420 to trigger the release of nitric oxide from the tissue. Thus, in some aspects, the distal portion of the optical fiber 422 can extend longitudinally outward from the end of the flexible elongated member 421. In some aspects, the intraluminal device 402 can be a balloon-delivered intraluminal device, wherein the length of the optical fiber 422 from which the light from the light source 413 is emitted radially outward is enclosed within the balloon.

[0055] The optical fiber 422 may include a core and a cladding positioned around the core. As previously described, the distal portion of the optical fiber 422 may be configured to emit light from the light source 413 radially outward along the length of the optical fiber 422 into the tissue of the patient's body lumen 420 so as to trigger the release of nitric oxide from the tissue. In order to emit light radially outward along the length of the optical fiber 422, one or more sections of the optical fiber 422 may be configured to emit light radially outward along the length of the optical fiber 422. In some aspects, the one or more sections may be a single section. In some aspects, the one or more sections may be multiple sections. In some aspects, the section of the cladding in the distal portion of the optical fiber 422 is configured to emit light radially outward along the length of the optical fiber 422, as described below. Figure 7 In some aspects, the section of the cladding can be laser removed. In some aspects, the section of the cladding can be acid etched. In some aspects, the laser removal or acid etching can be performed in different patterns, as described below in Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In some aspects, the section of the cladding can be stripped. In some aspects, the section of the cladding can be thinned and / or contoured so that the section of the cladding has a first thickness, and the first thickness is less than a second thickness of the cladding in the proximal portion, as described below in Fig.10 In some aspects, the segment of the core in the distal portion of the optical fiber 422 is configured to emit light radially outward along the length of the optical fiber, as described below in Fig.11 . In some aspects, the section of the core includes one or more scattering elements. The one or more scattering elements may include one or more of bubbles, nanospheres, or microspheres. Each configuration of the cladding and / or the core may change one or more properties of the core and / or the cladding of the optical fiber 422 so that light from the light source 413 is emitted radially outward from the optical fiber 422. In some aspects, the section of the cladding and the section of the core may be between 30 cm and 50 cm, for example, 40 cm.

[0056] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the intraluminal device 402 includes a guidewire port 416 and a guidewire lumen 417. In this regard, the intraluminal device 402 can be a rapid exchange catheter. The guidewire port 416 and the guidewire lumen allow the intraluminal device 402 to be introduced into the patient's body lumen 420 on the guidewire 418. In some aspects, the intraluminal device 402 includes a guidewire lumen extending along most of the length or the entire length of the intraluminal device 402. In this regard, the intraluminal device 402 can be an integral exchange catheter. In some instances, the intraluminal device 402 includes one or more optical fiber lumens 419, which receive an optical fiber 422 to be positioned in a flexible elongated member 421.

[0057] The interface 415 can facilitate signal communication between the processing system or controller 110, the intraluminal device 402, and / or the light source 413. That is, the interface 415 can have appropriate connectors / components for optical, electrical, and / or wireless communication with the processing system or controller 110, the intraluminal device 402, and / or the light source 413. In some aspects, the interface 415 and the light source 413 can be the same. That is, the intraluminal device 402 can be directly coupled to the light source 413, and the light source 413 serves as an interface for the processing system 110, the controller, or other components of the intraluminal system 400.

[0058] The intraluminal device 402 may also include a thermal monitoring device 423 that provides an indication of the illumination intensity of the length of the emitted light of the optical fiber 422. The processing system or controller 110 (which communicates with the thermal monitoring device 423 and the light source 413 through the interface 415) is configured to control one or more properties of the light source 413 based on feedback received from the thermal monitoring device 423. For example, if the thermal monitoring device 423 detects that the temperature (which indicates that the tissue exposed to the emitted light) may be damaging the tissue, the processing system or controller 110 may change one or more properties of the light source so that the intensity of the light emitted by the light source is reduced. As an alternative example, if the thermal monitoring device 423 detects that the temperature (which indicates that the tissue exposed to the emitted light) may not produce the correct amount of oxygenation, the processing system or controller 110 may change one or more properties of the light source so that the intensity of the light emitted by the light source is increased. In some aspects, the interface 415 transmits signals including feedback received from the thermal monitoring device 423 in the intraluminal device 402 to the processing system or controller 110 , where the signals may be displayed on the display device 120 .

[0059] Figure 54 is a schematic side view of an optical fiber 422 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The optical fiber 422 includes a proximal portion 502 and a distal portion 504. The proximal portion 502 of the optical fiber 422 can be coupled to the light source 413 and receive light from the light source 413. The distal portion 504 of the optical fiber 422 is configured to emit light from the light source 413 radially outward along the length of the optical fiber 422 or the side emission section 506 into the tissue of the patient's body lumen 420 so as to trigger the release of nitric oxide from the tissue. In some aspects, the side emission section 506 of the distal portion 504 can be between 30 cm and 50 cm, for example, 40 cm. In some aspects, the side emission section 506 of the optical fiber 422 is less than the length of the distal portion 504. In some aspects, the side emission section 506 of the optical fiber 422 is equal to the length of the distal portion 504. Side firing segment 506 may be positioned closer to the distal end of distal portion 504 (e.g., the distal end of distal side firing segment 506 and the distal end of distal portion 504 may be aligned with or spaced apart from each other). Side firing segment 506 may be positioned closer to the proximal end of distal portion 504 (e.g., the proximal end of side firing segment 506 and the proximal end of distal portion 504 may be aligned with or spaced apart from each other). In some aspects, side firing segment 506 may be one or more segments along distal portion 504. In some aspects, the one or more segments may be a single segment. In some aspects, the one or more segments may be a plurality of segments.

[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an intraluminal system including multiple intraluminal devices according to multiple aspects of the present disclosure. It can be seen that two low-profile intraluminal devices 402a, 402b are disposed in a body lumen 420. The intraluminal device 402a is positioned at a first position in the body lumen 420, and the intraluminal device 402b is positioned at a second position distal to the end of the intraluminal device 402a. By positioning the intraluminal devices 402a, 402b in this manner, each optical fiber 422 can illuminate multiple tissue regions in the body lumen 420 simultaneously. In some instances, the intraluminal device 402a can be positioned in a first body lumen, and the intraluminal device 402b can be positioned in a different second body lumen. In addition, additional intraluminal devices can be positioned in the same body lumen and / or in a different body lumen as the intraluminal devices 402a, 402b. In this regard, multiple intraluminal devices can be positioned to target different body lumens and / or different parts of the same body lumen. Common areas of interest. Furthermore, multiple intraluminal devices may be positioned to target different areas of interest in different body lumens and / or different portions of the same body lumen.

[0061] Figure 74 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible elongated member 421 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Extending longitudinally outward from the distal end of the flexible elongated member 421 and / or positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongated member 421 is a side emission section 506 of the distal portion 504 of the optical fiber 422. In some instances, the flexible elongated member 421 may include an expandable balloon 702. The side emission section 506 of the distal portion 504 of the optical fiber 422 may be positioned within the expandable balloon, as shown. The guide wire 418 may extend distally from the flexible elongated member 421. In this regard, in some instances, the flexible elongated member 421 is advanced along the guide wire 418 (e.g., using an integral exchange configuration or a rapid exchange configuration) to an area of ​​interest in the patient's body. In some aspects, the side emission section 506 of the optical fiber 422 is configured to emit light 704 from the light source 413 radially outward through the expandable balloon 702 into the surrounding tissue in the area of ​​interest.

[0062] Figure 8 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a side-emitting section 506 of an optical fiber 422 according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, when light 802 emitted from a light source 413 passes through the side-emitting section 506 of an optical fiber 422, some of the light is retained within the optical fiber 422 (e.g., light 804), while some of the light is emitted from the optical fiber 422 (e.g., light 806). In this regard, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the core 808 and / or cladding 810 in the side-emitting section 506 of the optical fiber 422 can be configured to achieve a desired amount of light emission from the optical fiber 422 within the side-emitting section 506, as further described below.

[0063] Fig. 9 902, the cladding may be etched with a set of transverse lines 904 and a single longitudinal line 906. In section 908, the cladding may be etched with a set of transverse lines 910 and two longitudinal lines 912. In section 914, the cladding may be etched with a set of transverse lines 916 and three longitudinal lines 918. It should be understood that various other types of patterns may be used in accordance with the present disclosure, including spiral patterns, sinusoidal patterns, cross-hatch patterns, geometric patterns, random patterns, and / or combinations thereof.

[0064] Fig.10 is a schematic side view of a configuration of a side-emitting section 506 of an optical fiber 422 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Visible is a cross-hatching pattern 1002 that may be formed in the cladding of the optical fiber 422 in order to cause light to be emitted radially outward from the optical fiber 422.

[0065] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a configuration of a side-emitting section 506 of an optical fiber 422 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Visible are the core 808 and cladding 810 of the optical fiber. Fig.10 In some embodiments, the cladding 810 can be thinned, tapered, and / or contoured. In this regard, the thickness of the cladding can vary along the length of the optical fiber 422 and / or the side-firing segment 506. For example, in some instances, the cladding 810 in the side-firing segment 506 has a first thickness that is less than a second thickness of the cladding 810 in the proximal portion 502. Additionally, in some instances, the thickness of the cladding 810 varies along the length of the side-firing segment 506. For example, in some aspects, the thickness of the cladding 810 in the proximal portion of the side-firing segment 506 is greater than the thickness in the distal portion of the side-firing segment 506 (e.g., Fig.10 In other examples, the cladding 810 may be thicker in the distal portion of the side firing segment 506 than in the proximal portion of the side firing segment 506, the cladding 810 may be thicker in the central portion of the side firing segment 506 than in the proximal and / or distal portions of the side firing segment 506, and / or the cladding 810 may be thicker in the proximal and / or distal portions of the side firing segment 506 than in the central portion of the side firing segment 506.

[0066] Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a configuration of a side-emitting section 506 of an optical fiber 422 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Visible are the core 808 and cladding 810 of the optical fiber 422. Fig.11, the core 808 of the side-emitting portion 506 is configured to emit light radially outward along the length of the optical fiber. In some aspects, a section of the core in the side-emitting section 506 includes one or more scattering elements 1202. One or more scattering elements 1202 may include one or more of bubbles, nanospheres, or microspheres. In this regard, one or more scattering elements 1202 may be configured to diffract and / or reflect light from the light source 413 so that at least a portion of the light is emitted into the patient's area of ​​interest through the cladding 810. The number, density, spacing, and / or arrangement of the scattering elements 1202 may be selected so as to achieve a desired amount of light emission from the optical fiber 422 within the side-emitting section 506. In this regard, the number, density, spacing, and / or arrangement of the scattering elements 1202 may be selected so as to achieve substantially uniform light emission, tapered light emission, variable light emission, and / or a combination thereof along the length of the side-emitting section 506. In some aspects, the core 808 may be laser removed, acid etched, thinned, tapered, contoured, and / or otherwise patterned (e.g., similar to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ) to achieve a desired amount of light emission from optical fiber 422 within side emission section 506. In some examples, one or more scattering elements 1202 are used in conjunction with patterned and / or contoured cladding 810 to achieve a desired light emission.

[0067] Thus, it can be seen that the disclosed device is advantageously capable of delivering 670 nm light to the infarcted area in order to trigger the release of nitric oxide reserves from the tissue, thereby increasing perfusion to the various tissue areas. These nitric oxide reserves come from the blood itself and from the blood vessel walls. Nitric oxide is a natural compound in the blood vessels that acts as a vasodilator, thereby expanding the diameter of the arteries to allow for more blood flow. The dilating effect of nitric oxide increases the ability of the damaged tissue to repair itself more quickly with the influx of more oxygenated blood.

[0068] The logical operations that make up the various aspects of the technology described herein may be variously referred to as operations, steps, objects, elements, components, or modules. In addition, it should be understood that these operations may be arranged or performed in any order, unless otherwise expressly required or the language of the claims inherently requires a specific order. It should also be understood that the technology described can be used in single-use and multiple-use electrical and electronic devices for medical or non-medical use.

[0069] All directional references, such as up, down, inside, outside, upward, downward, left, right, side, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, proximal and distal, are used for identification purposes only to help the reader understand the claimed subject matter and do not create limitations, especially on the location, orientation or use of the metal ink conductor assembly. Unless otherwise stated, connection references, such as attachment, connection, connection and joining, should be understood in a broad sense and may include intermediate components between component sets and relative movement between components. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and fixed to each other. The term "or" should be interpreted as "and / or" rather than "exclusive or". The word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Unless otherwise stated in the claims, the numerical values ​​stated should be interpreted as merely exemplary and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0070] The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary aspects of the metal ink conductor assembly defined in the claims. Although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described above with a certain degree of specificity or with reference to one or more individual aspects, those skilled in the art may make numerous changes to the disclosed aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0071] Other aspects are also contemplated. All matters contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative of particular aspects only and not limiting. Changes may be made in detail or structure without departing from the essential elements of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a flexible elongated member configured for positioning within a body lumen of a patient; and at least one optical fiber positioned within the flexible elongated member, the at least one optical fiber comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein: the proximal portion of the at least one optical fiber being configured to receive light from a light source, wherein the light comprises a wavelength between 650 nm and 750 nm; as well as The distal portion of the at least one optical fiber is configured to emit the light from the light source radially outward along the length of the optical fiber into tissue of the body lumen of the patient.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical fiber comprises: core; and Cladding.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The section of the cladding in the distal portion is configured to emit the light radially outward along the length of the optical fiber.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The section of the cladding is laser etched.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The section of the cladding is acid etched.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The section of the cladding has a first thickness that is less than a second thickness of the cladding in the proximal portion.

7. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The section of the core in the distal portion is configured to emit the light radially outward along the length of the optical fiber.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The section of the core includes one or more scattering elements.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more scattering elements include at least one of bubbles, nanospheres, or microspheres.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one optical fiber comprises a plurality of optical fibers.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The device also includes: The light source.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The wavelength of the light is configured to trigger the release of nitric oxide from the tissue.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The device also includes: A thermal monitoring device is positioned within the flexible elongated member.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The device also includes: A controller is in communication with the thermal monitoring device and the light source, wherein the controller is configured to control one or more properties of the light source based on feedback received from the thermal monitoring device.

15. A method comprising: introducing a flexible, elongated member into a body lumen of a patient, wherein the flexible, elongated member comprises at least one optical fiber; positioning a distal portion of the at least one optical fiber proximate an area of ​​interest; as well as Light from a light source is directed radially outward along the length of the distal portion of the optical fiber into tissue within the region of interest, wherein the light comprises a wavelength between 650 nm and 750 nm.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The wavelength of the light triggers the release of nitric oxide from the tissue.

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