| abstract |
Devices (i.e., catheters and guidewires) for, and methods of, ultrasonic imaging and ablation. In one embodiment, a device includes: ( 1 ) a fiber-optic bundle configured to carry laser light for ultrasonic imaging, each fiber of the fiber-optic bundle having a reflective layer oriented at an acute angle with respect thereto at a distal end thereof, ( 2 ) an elongated member associated with the fiber-optic bundle and configured to carry energy for ablation, the energy for ablation projecting past the distal end and ( 3 ) a photoacoustic layer associated with the each fiber of the fiber-optic bundle and configured to receive at least some of the laser light for the ultrasonic imaging and generate ultrasonic pressure waves in response thereto. |