EP0487633A1 - Structure d'extremite integrale pour guide d'ondes laser medical - Google Patents

Structure d'extremite integrale pour guide d'ondes laser medical

Info

Publication number
EP0487633A1
EP0487633A1 EP90913418A EP90913418A EP0487633A1 EP 0487633 A1 EP0487633 A1 EP 0487633A1 EP 90913418 A EP90913418 A EP 90913418A EP 90913418 A EP90913418 A EP 90913418A EP 0487633 A1 EP0487633 A1 EP 0487633A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fiber core
recited
tip
optical waveguide
laser energy
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP90913418A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0487633A4 (en
Inventor
Johnny M. Bruce
Daniel R. Doiron
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Surgical Laser Products Inc
Original Assignee
Surgical Laser Products Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Surgical Laser Products Inc filed Critical Surgical Laser Products Inc
Publication of EP0487633A1 publication Critical patent/EP0487633A1/fr
Publication of EP0487633A4 publication Critical patent/EP0487633A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B18/24—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor with a catheter
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
    • G02B6/0008—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type the light being emitted at the end of the fibre
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
    • G02B6/2552—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding reshaping or reforming of light guides for coupling using thermal heating, e.g. tapering, forming of a lens on light guide ends
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
    • G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
    • G02B6/4202—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details for coupling an active element with fibres without intermediate optical elements, e.g. fibres with plane ends, fibres with shaped ends, bundles
    • G02B6/4203—Optical features
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
    • G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
    • G02B6/4204—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details the coupling comprising intermediate optical elements, e.g. lenses, holograms
    • G02B6/4214—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details the coupling comprising intermediate optical elements, e.g. lenses, holograms the intermediate optical element having redirecting reflective means, e.g. mirrors, prisms for deflecting the radiation from horizontal to down- or upward direction toward a device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B2018/2255—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips
    • A61B2018/2266—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips with a lens, e.g. ball tipped
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B2018/2255—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips
    • A61B2018/2288—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips the optical fibre cable having a curved distal end

Definitions

  • This invention relates to optical waveguides for medical use to transmit laser energy from a medical laser to tissue to be treated according to a medical procedure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tip for focusing laser energy from the output end of an optical fiber core used in medical procedures, including those undertaken on the walls of passageways in the body.
  • Laser energy has been used for some time in a variety of medical and surgical procedures to coagulate, vaporize, excise and anastomose selected body tissues.
  • Lasers are now routinely used, not only to remove tissues in surgical procedures, but to induce hemostasis, to close blood vessels, ducts and other body passageways, and to destroy obstructions in body passageways.
  • obstructions include, for example, fatty deposits, plaque, calcification, and embolic clots that develop in blood vessels.
  • each application determines the appropriate manner in which to configure and operate the laser delivery system. This includes the type of laser to employ, and the laser intensity and time exposure that should be used.
  • conventional argon lasers emit light in the blue and green wavelengths of 454.5 to 514.5 nanometers (nm) . Energy at such wavelengths is readily absorbed by the hemoglobin found in red blood cells.
  • argon lasers have been used to coagulate small vascular abnormalities, such as port wine strains, telangiectasias, spider veins, and diabetic retinopathy.
  • dye pumped argon lasers flash pumped dye lasers, double neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, and copper vapor lasers emit yellow light having wavelengths in the 530 to 590 nm range. Light in these wavelengths is even more readily absorbed by hemoglobin than is the blue-green light of the conventional argon laser. Accordingly, the conventional argon laser has recently been displaced in coagulating small vascular abnormalities by lasers that emit yellow light.
  • NdtYAG neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet
  • Nd:YAG laser it is used instead to coagulate large volumes of tissue.
  • the primary NdrYAG laser is now used to facilitate in vivo removal of tissue with minimal bleeding.
  • the laser energy for use in such medical procedures is transmitted from the laser dictated by the application involved through an optical waveguide to the tissue to be treated.
  • the waveguides most often take the form of a fiber core of optically transmissive material having an input end for receiving the laser energy and an output end remote therefrom for delivering the laser energy to the tissue.
  • Hand-held probes are optically coupled at the output end of the optical waveguide. Initially, these probes were not designed to make contact with the tissue being treated.
  • a disadvantage of this feature of laser energy transmission systems resided in an inability to efficiently deliver all of the energy in the waveguide to the precise tissue to be treated.
  • the separation between the tissue and the output end of the optical waveguide encouraged the scattering of laser energy, as that energy was required to pass first through the optical interface between the probe and air and then through a second optical interface between the air and the tissue.
  • this same separation resulted in a defused pattern of laser energy in or on that tissue, preventing the efficient and selective delivery of the laser energy to the precise tissue needing to be treated. This caused unwanted destruction in surrounding tissues.
  • laser probes were developed which make direct contact with the tissue to be treated or, at a minimum with the layer or layers of tissue lying immediately thereover.
  • Various focusing structures were utilized at the output end of the optical waveguides employed in these contact laser probes. The focusing structures directed the laser energy emerging from the waveguide in a pattern conducive to the medical procedure being undertaken.
  • the focusing structure takes the form of a scalpel-shaped optically trans issive body mounted at the output end of an optical fiber core so that laser energy delivered from the fiber will emerge from the light guide at the cutting edge thereof in a cone-shaped pattern.
  • a surgeon is able to effect tissue incision both by applying pressure to the scalpel-shaped body, and by utilizing laser energy.
  • a lens and cover separate from an optical fiber core are interposed at the output end of the fiber core in order to produce a structure specifically designed for tissue coagulation.
  • the contact probe disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,693,244 comprises an optical fiber core with a separate focusing structure in the form of an artificial sapphire with a tapered extremity. The larger end of the sapphire is positioned opposite the output end of the optical fiber core with an air gap therebetween, permitting the tapered end of the sapphire to contact tissue for surgical treatments, such as incision, coagulation, and hemostasis.
  • 4,736,743 discloses a similar probe tip, distinct from the optical fiber core of the delivery system, and made of a natural or artificial ceramic material.
  • the focusing structure at the output end of the optical fiber core is a structure distinct from the fiber core itself. This requires optical and physical coupling between the two components of the system.
  • the resultant thermal stress accelerates aging of the probe tip and the optical fiber core. This contributes to rapid failure rates in the components of the probe, increasing the cost of its use and the downtime for its repair.
  • Focusing structures which are distinct from the optical fiber core to which they are coupled are generally manufactured from crystalline materials, such as sapphire, 0 diamond, and quartz. Unfortunately, the crystalline structure of such materials places restrictions on the shape of focusing tips that can be manufactured therefrom. The sides of tips made of such crystalline materials cannot 5 be made to be smoothly tapering or smoothly flaring without polishing. Doing so, however, creates fine polishing abrasions on the surface of the tip corresponding to the size of the polishing abrasive employed in the process. 0 The presence of polishing abrasions on the sides of a crystalline tip for an optical waveguide causes part of the laser energy reaching the tip to be diffused through those sides. This impacts adversely the transmission efficiency 5 of the resulting probe.
  • crystalline materials such as sapphire, 0 diamond, and quartz.
  • polishing is used to shape that focusing structure. Accordingly polishing abrasions are found on the sides of the tip, and this degrades its internal reflectiveness.
  • polishing abrasions constitute surface flaws in such tips. As such the polishing abrasions can start fractures that cause tip failures, a correlation is possible between the presence of such surface abrasions and a lack of structural solidity in the probe tip on which they exist.
  • the desired end has been achieved by a composite structure involving a brass cap with a lateral window therethrough which is placed over the end of a bare optical fiber.
  • Laser energy transmitted to the end of the fiber is reflected internally until it passes through the window to be focused on the tissue of a tubular body passageway adjacent thereto.
  • substantial heat is generated in the metallic cap, posing a hazard to adjacent tissue which is not targeted for treatment by laser surgery.
  • One object of the present invention is to produce an optical waveguide for use in medical procedures which reduces to a minimum the loss of laser energy at the tip thereof.
  • Another object of the invention is an optical waveguide as described above which eliminates heat generation conventionally found at any transmission interface between an optical fiber core and any focusing structure at the tip thereof.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to simplify endoscopic medical laser procedures.
  • a contact laser probe for coupling to a laser to transmit laser energy to a living tissue or other material for treatment according to a predetermined procedure.
  • the probe comprises a fiber core formed of an optically transmissive material, and having an input end for receiving laser energy from the laser and an output end remote therefrom for delivering the laser energy to tissue to be treated according to a specified medical procedure.
  • the optically transmissive material preferably has an index of refraction similar to that of the tissue to be treated.
  • the probe further comprises an end structure of the same optically transmissive solid material integrally formed on the output end of the fiber core, generally from a molten portion thereof. The side surfaces of the end structure are free of polishing abrasions, thereby minimizing the diffusion of laser energy therethrough. This enables controlled focusing of the laser energy from the fiber core onto the tissue.
  • the end structure comprises an axially aligned tip having sides that taper smoothly from a first end adjacent to the fiber core to a terminus at the second end, which is remote from the fiber core. That terminus comprises a flat surface disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of the fiber core.
  • the tip in this embodiment may be generally described as being frustoconical in shape.
  • the tip in a preferred embodiment of the axially-aligned, tapered form and the invention, using a fiber core of about 600 microns in diameter the tip has a length in the range of about 1.5 millimeters to about 7.0 millimeters and a diameter at the terminus thereof in the range of about 75 microns to about 300 microns.
  • the apex angle formed by projecting the sides of the tip to an intersection beyond the terminus is preferably in the range of about 4° to about 45°.
  • the disclosed invention includes a method for making an axially-aligned, tapered tip for an optical waveguide for use with a medical laser.
  • a first portion of a length of fiber core of optically transmissive material located intermediate second and third portions of the fiber is heated to render the first portion molten.
  • the third portion of the fiber core is drawn away from the heated first portion parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fiber, thereby to produce from the heated first portion a shape having smoothly tapering sides and a lateral cross-section decreasing with the distance from the second portion.
  • the shape is cooled and scored at a point located a predetermined distance along the shape from the second portion of the fiber core.
  • the shape is broken at the scoring point to form from the shape integrally with the second portion of the fiber core a tip for narrowly focusing laser energy transmitted from the medical laser through the fiber core to the second portion thereof.
  • the tip is polished to produce at the end remote from the second section of the fiber core a terminus comprising a flat surface disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of the fiber core.
  • the end structure comprises a generally cylindrical bend portion having a proximal end radially coextensive with the output end of the fiber core and a distal end opposite therefrom.
  • the longitudinal axis of the distal end of bend portion diverts from the longitudinal axis of the output end of the fiber core at a predetermined bend angle.
  • a tip is formed on the distal end of the bend portion having sides that taper from a first end adjacent to the bend portion of the end structure to a terminus at the second end, which is remote from the fiber core.
  • the terminus comprises a flat surface which may be disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of the tip. Preferably, however, the terminus is disposed normal to the plane of the bend portion and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fiber core at the output end thereof.
  • the tip in this embodiment may be generally described as being frustoconical in shape.
  • the optically transmissive material preferably has an index of refraction similar to that of the tissue to be treated.
  • the terminus of the tip of the end structure By bringing the terminus of the tip of the end structure into contact with the wall of a bodily vessel, laser energy may be accurately and directly transmitted to tissue in the wall of a bodily passageway despite the output end of the probe being disposed generally parallel thereto. If the terminus of the tip is pressed against or into the tissue of the passageway, it has been found that laser energy is transmitted from the tip into the contacting tissue primarily along the side surface of the tip that is located on the same side of the end structure as is the inner side of the curved bend portion. Naturally, in addition to being employable in a contact mode, the tip can be backed off of the material receiving treatment into a so-called diffused mode in which the laser beam has decreasing intensity and an enhanced hemostatic effect.
  • the predetermined bend angle at which the longitudinal axis of the bend portion diverts from the longitudinal axis of the output end of the fiber core is in the range of about 15° to about 60° or more preferably in the range from about 25° to about 45°.
  • the tip has a length in the range of about 1.5 millimeters to about 7.0 millimeters and a diameter at the terminus thereof in the range of about 75 microns to about 300 microns.
  • the apex angle formed by projecting the sides of the tip to an intersection beyond the terminus is preferably in the range of about 4° to about 45°.
  • the disclosed invention includes a method for making a tapered, off-axis end structure for an optical waveguide for use with a medical laser.
  • a first portion of a length of fiber core of optically transmissive material located intermediate second and third portions of the fiber is heated to render the first portion molten.
  • the first portion of the fiber core is bent so that the longitudinal axis of the third portion is at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis of the second portion, creating the bend section of the invention.
  • the second portion is then cooled, and a tip for narrowly focusing laser energy from the medical laser is formed from the first portion of the fiber core.
  • the tip is formed by processing the third portion of the fiber core as described below.
  • a first section of that third portion located intermediate second and third sections of the third portion is heated to render the first section molten.
  • the second section of the third portion is located adjacent to the first portion of the fiber core from which the bend section thereof was generated. Heating steps may be accomplished through the use of an oxygen acetylene flame, an electric arc, high frequency radio signals, or the application of a laser.
  • the third section of the third portion of the fiber core is drawn away from the heated first section parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first portion of the fiber core at the end thereof remote from the second portion thereof. This produces from the heated first section a shape having smoothly tapering sides and a lateral cross-section decreasing with the distance from the second section.
  • the shape is cooled and scored at a point located a predetermined distance along the shape from the second portion of the fiber core.
  • the shape is broken at the scoring point to form from the shape integrally with the second section of the third portion of the fiber core a tip for narrowly focusing laser energy transmitted from the medical laser through the fiber core to the second portion thereof.
  • the tip is polished to produce at the end remote from the second section of the fiber core a terminus comprising a flat surface disposed normal to the plane defined by the second and third sections of the first portion or the first section of the third portion of the fiber core, but parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fiber core.
  • the end structure is an orbicular, axially aligned structure that comprises a lens portion disposed at the output end of the fiber core concentric with its longitudinal axis and a transition portion smoothly connecting the surface of the lens portion to the sides of the fiber core.
  • the lens portion is orbicular, or spherical, having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the fiber core.
  • the end structure functions in two distinct operative modalities.
  • a portion of the laser energy corresponding to low order rays of laser energy delivered from the output end of the fiber core are focused through a fast focal point aligned with the longitudinal axis of the fiber core at the output end thereof.
  • the portion of the laser energy corresponding to low order rays that is focused through the fast focal point will be referred to as a "second portion" of that laser energy.
  • This modality of transmission is operative under all conditions, whether or not the end structure is in contact with tissue to be treated according to a medical procedure.
  • an avalanche mode of transmission results in which multi-directional laser energy is transmitted through such portions of the surface of the end structure as make contact with the tissue.
  • the multi ⁇ directional laser energy transmitted in this manner corresponds to high order rays of laser energy delivered from the output end of the fiber core into the lens portion of the end structure. There such high order rays of laser energy become internally star-reflected about the inside of the lens portion forming a region of multi-directional laser energy.
  • This multi-directional laser energy is then available for transmission in the avalanche mode through any portion of the surface of the end structure which contacts the tissue to be treated.
  • the portion of the laser energy corresponding to high order rays that are internally star- reflected in the lens portion of the structure will be referred to as a "first portion" of that laser energy.
  • the laser energy transmitted in the avalanche mode of transmission can thus be applied to a large area of the tissue simultaneously, a transmission pattern which is effective in rapid vaporization of large volumes of tissue, while producing very desirable hemostasis characteristics.
  • the orbicular structure is thus an ideal contact laser probe tip for vaporizing larger areas of tissue that are contacted by the laser probe tip itself.
  • the diameter of the lens portion is in the range of about 0.6 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters, or more preferably in the range of from about 0.8 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters.
  • the lens portion has a diameter of about 1.2 millimeters.
  • the disclosed invention includes a method for making such an axially aligned orbicular end structure from optical waveguide for use with a medical laser. In the method, the end of an optical fiber is oriented in a generally vertical direction and rotated about the longitudinal axis thereof. A first portion of the length of the fiber adjacent to the end thereof is heated, thereby rendering it molten.
  • the heated portion of the fiber core is permitted to assume a bulbous shape having smoothly flaring sides and a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the fiber.
  • the bulbous shape is then cooled.
  • the end of the optical fiber core is oriented downwardly at an inclination angle to the vertical in the range of from about 10% to about 15%.
  • the end structure comprises a generally cylindrical bend portion having a proximal end radially coextensive with the output end of the fiber core and a distal end opposite therefrom.
  • the longitudinal axis of the distal end of bend portion diverts from the longitudinal axis of the output end of the fiber core at a predetermined bend angle.
  • a lens portion is disposed at the distal end of the bend portion concentrically with the longitudinal axis thereof and joined to the bend portion by a transition portion smoothly connecting the surface of the lens portion to the sides of the distal end of the bend portion.
  • the lens portion is orbicular or spherical and is of a diameter greater than the diameter of the distal end of the bend portion.
  • the resulting off-axis embodiment also transmits laser energy in both the carrier and avalanche modalities of transmission and is particularly useful in applying laser energy to a broad section of tissue located on the interior of a body passageway immediately adjacent to the laser probe itself.
  • the length of the bend portion is typically in the range of about 0.5 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters.
  • the disclosed invention includes a method for making an end structure for the orbicular off- axis laser tip.
  • the steps already described for producing an axially aligned orbicular end structure are first followed. Thereafter, a second portion of the length of the fiber core located intermediate and adjacent to the first portion and a third portion of the fiber core is heated rendering it molten. The second portion of the fiber core is then bend so that the longitudinal axis of the end thereof adjacent the first portion of the fiber core diverges at a predetermined angle from the longitudinal axis of the third portion of the fiber core. Heating in all instances may be accomplished through the use of an oxygen acetylene flame, an electric arc, high frequency radio signals, or the application of a laser.
  • a tip is provided for the end of an optical laser fiber core that is integrally formed therewith and has sides that flare smoothly and without polishing abrasions from that first end to a terminus at a second end remote from the fiber core.
  • the tip takes on a generally bulbous shape with sides that smoothly merge into the sides of the fiber core and terminate at the end remote from the fiber core in a flat surface or terminus disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of the fiber core.
  • the diameter of the terminus is greater than the diameter of the fiber core itself.
  • the tip may also be described as being generally hemispherical in shape.
  • It may be located at either the input end of the fiber core to facilitate its optical coupling with the output of another, or at the output end thereof in order to produce a beam of outgoing laser energy of a diameter larger than that which would result from a naked optical fiber core of the same diameter.
  • the end of the optical fiber core is oriented in a vertical direction and a first portion of the length of the fiber core adjacent to that end is heated to render that first portion molten. Maintaining the vertical orientation of the fiber core, the heated first portion is permitted to assume a bulbous shape having smoothly flaring sides and a maximum diameter taken normal to the longitudinal axis of the fiber core that is greater than the diameter of the fiber core itself. Thereafter, the shape is cooled, and the end thereof remote from the fiber core is removed, generally by polishing, to produce a flat surface or terminus disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of the fiber core.
  • Figure 1 is an elevation view of one embodiment of a contact laser probe, including an optical waveguide, incorporating teachings of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged, detail elevation view of a first embodiment of the tip portion of the optical waveguide shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged, detail elevation view of a second embodiment of the tip portion of the optical waveguide shown in Figure 1;
  • Figures 4A-4G are a sequence of illustrations depicting a method for manufacturing the tip portions of optical waveguides illustrated in Figures 2 and 3;
  • Figures 5A-5E illustrate alternative embodiments of a contact laser probes that incorporate teachings of the present invention
  • Figures 6 is a third embodiment of a tip for an optical waveguide incorporating teachings of the present invention
  • Figures 7A-7F are a sequence of illustrations depicting a method for manufacturing the tip portion of an optical waveguide illustrated in Figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is an enlarged, detail elevation view of a first embodiment of an off-axis end structure for an optical waveguide, such as is shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 9 is an enlarged, detail elevation view of a second embodiment of an off-axis end structure for the optical waveguide shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 10 is an enlarged, detail elevation view of a third embodiment of an off-axis end structure for the optical waveguide shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 11 is a graph of the transmission percentage for off-axis structures such as those shown in Figures 8- 10 varying as a function of the bend angle corresponding thereto;
  • Figures 12A-12G are a sequence of illustrations depicting a method for manufacturing the end structures of optical waveguides illustrated in Figures 8-10;
  • Figure 13 is an enlarged, detail elevation view of an axially aligned orbicular end structure for the optical waveguide shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 14 is a schematic view of the lens portion of the end structure of Figure 13 illustrating selected optical characteristics thereof;
  • Figure 15 is an enlarged schematic view of the lens portion of the end structure of Figure 13 is in contact with tissue illustrating selected optical characteristics thereof;
  • Figure 16 is an enlarged, detail elevation view of an off-axis orbicular end structure for the optical waveguide shown in Figure 1; and
  • Figures 17A-17E are a sequence of illustrations depicting a method for manufacturing the end structures of the orbicular optical waveguides illustrated in Figures 13 and 16.
  • FIG. 1 Shown in Figure 1 is a laser probe 10 for coupling to a medical laser (not shown) to be used in medical procedures.
  • Laser probe 10 functions as an optical waveguide for precisely transmitting laser energy from the medical laser to tissue to be treated according to prescribed medical procedures.
  • laser probe 10 includes a optical fiber composite 12 containing a core of optically transmissive material and having an input end 14 for receiving laser energy and an output end 16 remote therefrom for delivering the laser energy to the tissue to be treated.
  • laser probe 10 is provided with a fitting 18 having an input end 20 to be coupled to a medical laser to receive laser energy therefrom.
  • the laser source coupled to laser probe 10 may include any of the medical lasers described above.
  • a protective cap 22 is used to cover input end 20 of fitting 18 when laser probe 10 is not coupled to that medical laser source.
  • optical fiber composite 12 between input end 14 and output end 16 thereof is a flexible structure through which laser light is transmitted by internal reflectants within a fiber core concentrically surrounded by successive layers of other materials. A typical form of these layers will be discussed subsequently in relation to Figure 2.
  • optical fiber composite 12 is encased in a cladding 24, generally comprised of needle stock.
  • a fixed handle 26 is provided surrounding cladding 24 to afford an easy purchase on laser probe 10 and to permit the laser energy transmitted therein to be directed to the correct tissue to be treated.
  • the tip 28 of optical fiber composite 12, which protrudes from the end of cladding 24 remote from fitting 18, comprises the actual structure through which such a laser energy is applied to tissue.
  • a protective sheath 30 is used to cover tip 28 when not in use.
  • optical fiber composite 12 can be seen to be comprised of a fiber core 38 coaxially surrounded by a layer of hard cladding 40, which is in turn surrounded by a flexible reinforcing jacket 42.
  • fiber core 38 is usually approximately 600 microns in diameter, although for special applications diameters of 200 microns, 400 microns, or 1000 microns are used.
  • Fiber core 38 is generally composed of an optically transmissive material, such as quartz, silica, or a thermoplastic, for example polycarbonate. These materials not only readily transmit light, but are amorphus, contributing to their easy formation into the cylindrical shape of the typical fiber core.
  • a fiber core comprised of these materials has a refractive index of about 1.45.
  • Fiber core 38 is surrounded by a cladding 40 made of a polymer which has a lower refractive index than fiber core 38, thereby causing the interval reflectiveness of the composite.
  • Cladding 40 also protects fiber core 38 from environmental degradation, thus maintaining its strength.
  • a reinforcing jacket 42 made of a plastic material, such as teflon or nylon, is added on the outside of hard cladding 40 to protect both hard cladding 40 and fiber core 38 from environmental conditions.
  • the output end of fiber core 38 is provided with a focusing structure that directs emerging laser light into a pattern conducive to the medical procedure being undertaken.
  • means are formed integrally with fiber core 38, and from the same material thereas, for narrowly focusing laser energy from output end 16 of optical fiber composite 12.
  • tip 28 on the output end of fiber core 38 is rotationally symmetric and has sides 44 which taper smoothly from a first end 46 of tip 28 to a terminus 48 at a second end 50 of tip 28 remote from fiber core 38. Due to the manner in which tip 28 is formed, sides 44 thereof are free of polishing abrasions, thereby minimizing the diffusion of laser energy therethrough and directing an optimum amount of such energy from fiber core 38 through terminus 48 of tip 28.
  • Figure 48 comprises a flat surface disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of fiber core 38.
  • the diameter D of terminus 48 will be in the range of about 10 microns to about 300 microns, depending upon the extent of focusing required in tip 28.
  • the length L of tip 28 from first end 46 thereof to terminus 48 is typically in the range of about 1.5 millimeters to about 7.0 millimeters. If sides 44 of tip 28 are projected in a direction away from fiber core 38 to intersect at a point P, an apex angle A is defined having the vertex at point P and sides coincident with sides 44. In tip 28 the measure of apex angle A is in the range of about 4° to about 45° or more preferably in the range of about 9° to about 20°.
  • tip 28 has a terminus 48 which is a substantial fraction of the diameter of fiber core 38.
  • apex angle A has a measure in the upper portion of the range quoted therefor above.
  • tip lengths in the range of about 1.0 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters with a terminus diameter in the range of about 10 microns to about 100 microns would be typical.
  • the apex angle A in such devices would be in the range of about 4° to about 45°, or more preferably in the range of about 6° to about 20°.
  • tip lengths in the range of about 1.0 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters and terminus diameters in the range of about 10 microns to about 200 microns would be typical.
  • Such devices would have an apex angle A with a measure in the range of about 4° to about 45°, or more preferably in the range of about 11° to about 20°.
  • fiber cores with larger diameters can also be benefited by tips integrally formed therewith according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • a fiber core with a diameter of about 1000 microns would have a tip length in the range of about 1.5 millimeters to about 10.0 millimeters and a terminus diameter in the range of about 10 microns to about 700 microns.
  • These devices would have an apex angle A having a measure in the range of about 4° to about 45°, or more preferably in the range of about 8° to about 20°.
  • the amount of laser energy that is transmitted out of tips 28 or 60 through terminus 48 thereof is determined by a number of factors. These include the amount of laser energy lost in fiber core 38 during transmission from input end 14 to output end 16 thereof, the shape of tips 28 or 60, the refractive index of the material of which those tips are made, and the refractive index of the tissue to which the tips are applied.
  • a fiber core is made of quartz or silica, which has a refractive index of 1.45
  • fiber core 38 is not tapered as in Figures 2 and 3, but has a highly polished, flat end normal to the longitudinal axis of the fiber core 38
  • only about 4 percent of the laser energy transmitted through fiber core will be reflected backwards thereinto when the flat end is in air, which has a refractive index of 1.00.
  • the remaining 96 percent of the laser energy will be transmitted into the air through the flattened end of the tip.
  • the tip will have higher refractive index than the fiber core.
  • the refractive index is 1.80; for diamond it is 2.60.
  • an air gap will necessarily arise between the fiber core and the tip producing a double transmission interface for laser energy passing from the fiber core to and through the tip.
  • laser energy will experience not only the above-described 4% backwards reflection when passing from the fiber core into the air gap, but will be further degraded by 8% in the case of sapphire and about 12% in the case of diamond when passing from that air gap into the tip itself.
  • the refractive index of quartz or silica is very close to that of the material to which laser energy is ultimately to be delivered. This is not the case when a focusing tip of, for example, sapphire or diamond, is employed. Then, an additional transmission interface between the tip and the material to which laser energy is to be delivered further dissipate that energy. The amount of laser energy transmitted will also decrease if the tip of the optical fiber core is rough, dirty or polished.
  • tips 28 and 60 are by contrast integral parts of fiber core 38.
  • a principal advantage of this structure is the elimination of light losses that occur in prior art devices at the interface between the output end of an optical fiber core and the focusing structure or tip used therewith. The cause of these energy losses has been discussed above.
  • Tips 28 and 60 with a converging frustoconical shape and a terminus 48 that is normal to the axis of fiber core 38 focuses light down tapering sides 44 of tips 28 and 60 to emerge therefrom through interface 48. This is due to the smooth taper found in tips 28 and 60 and to the absence on sides 44 thereof of polishing abrasions. In addition, the absence of cladding 40 about the sides of tips 28 and 60 increases the internal reflectiveness of this portion of the laser probe. This effect arises because the refractive index of cladding 40 is less than that of the air surrounding the sides of tips 28 and 60 when cladding 40 has been removed therefrom.
  • Figures 4A-4G are a series of illustrations depicting the steps for making a tip for an optical waveguide, such as tip 28 of Figure 2 or tip 60 of Figure 3.
  • Figure 4A shows an end 70 of optical fiber composite 12 dimensioned suitably for use in medical laser procedures and constructed in concentric layered fashion as illustrated in and described above in relation to Figures 2 and 3.
  • reinforcing jacket 42 on the exterior thereof is removed to reveal the layer of hard cladding 40 thereunder as shown in Figure 4B.
  • substantially all of hard cladding 40 thereby exposed is removed by precleaning to reveal a first portion 72 of optical fiber core 38 therewithin.
  • First portion 72 is located intermediate and adjacent to a second portion 74 and a third portion 76 at end 70 of fiber core 38.
  • Precleaning may be effected by exposing the portion of cladding 40 overlying first, second, and third portions 72, 74, 76 respectively, of fiber core 12 to a flame, by mechanical stripping, or by washing the same portion of hard cladding 40 in an acetone bath followed by drying.
  • Optical fiber composite 12 is then placed in a jig comprised of a tube 78 made, for example, of metal or a ceramic and having an internal diameter that achieves a friction fit with the outer surface of optical fiber composite 12.
  • the assembly is aligned vertically with end 70 of fiber core 38 pointing downwardly.
  • a force F shown schematically in Figure 4D is applied to third portion 76 of fiber core 38 in a manner that places first portion 72 under tension in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof.
  • heat H is applied to first portion 72 until first portion 72 is rendered molten.
  • the step of applying heat to first portion 72 can be accomplished by exposing first portion 72 to an electric arc. It is preferable that in creating an electric arc for this purpose in contrast to conventional equipment used in the field of optical fiber shaping, the equipment produce, not a focused electric arc, but one having a broad width relative to the length of first portion 72. In this manner a substantial length, rather than a focused point, of fiber core 38 becomes heated. To do so it is necessary to appropriately configure the electrodes producing the electric arc and to appropriately position those electrodes relative to the first portion 72. Typically, this is accomplished by using electrodes which are elongated and parallel to the longitudinal axis of fiber core 38 and then positioning those electrodes on opposite sides of first portion 72 relatively remotely therefrom.
  • heating can occur using an oxygen acetylene torch, radiant heat tunnels, high frequency radio signals, or laser energy itself as generated, for example, by a carbon dioxide laser.
  • metal tube 78 besides functioning as a jig to support optical fiber composite 12, also shields portions of optical fiber composite 28 remote from first, second, and third portions 72, 74, 76, respectively, from heat, thereby functioning as a cylindrical heat sink.
  • first portion 72 becomes molten and ceases to be rigid, force F draws third portion 76 away from section portion 74 parallel to the longitudinal axis of fiber core 38.
  • a shape 80 is produced having at the end thereof adjacent to second section 74 smoothly tapering sides and a lateral cross section decreasing with the distance from second portion 74.
  • a force F of several grams is used in relation to a fiber core 38 having a diameter of 600 microns. Nevertheless, the size of force F may be varied to yield frustoconical shapes, such as shape 80, having different relative proportions.
  • Metal tube 78 may be removed at any point after shape 80 has cooled.
  • shape 80 After shape 80 has cooled, it is scored at a scoring point 83 located a pre-selected distance along shape 80 from second portion 74. Shape 80 is broken at scoring point 82 to form from the end thereof adjacent to second portion 74 a tip 28 for narrowly focusing laser energy transmitted through fiber core 38. The distance of scoring point 83 from second portion 74 will determine, not only the length, but the size of the terminus of any resulting tip.
  • Tip 28 is thus integrally formed with fiber core 38 from the same optically transmissive material of which fiber core 38 is made. The result is a tip 28 with a terminus 48 at the end thereof remote from optical fiber composite 12 which is a flat surface disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of optical fiber composite 12. Terminus 48 may be flattened by mechanical polishing and then fire polished to remove stress cracks at scoring point 82.
  • tip 28 and the portion of cladding 24 adjacent thereto extend a relatively short distance from handle 26 in alignment with the longitudinal axis thereof.
  • Such an arrangement is conducive to a tool that may be utilized for general surgical purposes.
  • Figures 5A-5E depict alternate arrangements having special medical procedures in mind.
  • Figure 5A illustrates a laser probe 86 in which the end of cladding 24 adjacent to tip 28 has been bent out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of handle
  • a laser probe 88 has cladding 24 that projects from handle 26 for an extended distance in the range of about 320 millimeters to 480 millimeters in alignment with the longitudinal axis of handle 26 and may thus be used for laparoscopic applications.
  • Figure 5C illustrates a laser probe 90 in which cladding 24 has been bent away from the longitudinal axis of handle 26 at angle B 2 , but this occurs at a point closer to the end of handle 26 than occurs, for example, in laser probe 86 in Figure 5A.
  • the portion of cladding 24 beyond the bend therein can be extended up to 90 to 100 millimeters so that the device shown in Figure 5C will function conveniently in nasal procedures.
  • cladding 24 has been bent twice in succession in compensating directions, so as to be offset from but parallel to the longitudinal axis of handle 26.
  • Such devices find application in neural surgery.
  • Figure 5E illustrates a laser probe 94 suitable for use in a laryngology procedure.
  • cladding 24 has been angled away from the longitudinal axis of handle 26 at an angle B 3 greater than angle B., shown in Figure 5A or angle B 2 shown in Figure 5C.
  • the portion of cladding 24 beyond the bend point may extend a distance of up to about 300 millimeters.
  • the frustoconical tip produced by the method of the present invention results in a contact laser probe having reduced transmission losses at the tip thereof. Because the tip and fiber core are made of the same material, and are integrally formed one with another, no transmission interface therebetween contributes to transmission losses and undesirable heat, as in known devices utilizing fiber cores and focusing tips distinct therefrom. Secondly, as the fiber core and the tip formed thereon are of the same material, and because the refractive index of optical cores is typically quite similar to that of tissue to be treated in medical laser procedures, laser energy dissipation at the interface between the tip and the tissue produces substantially less refraction losses than with medical laser probes having distinct fiber cores and tips.
  • the sides of the frustoconical tip of the present invention are not formed by polishing, they are free of abrasions and do not tend to diffuse laser energy therethrough.
  • the reduced laser energy losses with the inventive tip eliminate the need for shielding for medical personnel and in endoscopic uses eliminates the need for auxiliary cooling systems and the safety risks associated therewith.
  • the result is an optical waveguide for efficiently and precisely transmitting laser energy from a medical laser to the tissue to be treated according to a medical procedure.
  • Example 1 A frustoconical tip such as that shown in Figures 2 and 3 having a length L of 7.0 millimeters and a diameter D for the terminus thereof of approximately 100 microns was tested to determine the percent of laser energy transmitted therethrough into water. Each tip was subjected to a maximum power of 6.6 watts for various numbers of exposures at selected times and was then inspected for any adverse effects, such as darkening, chipping, or deformation due to heat. The following test results were observed:
  • Power Source Visible multiline argon laser, 6.6W maximum power.
  • Example 2 Subsequently, a probe tip of frustoconical configuration constructed according to the teachings of the present invention having a tip length L in the range of about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters and a diameter D at the terminus thereof of about 100 microns was tested for percent power transmission in water and subjected to a maximum power test at 8.4 watts for various numbers of various exposure times. The results observed appear below:
  • Power Source Visible multiline argon laser, 8.4W maximum power.
  • Example 3 In an additional test, a tip, such as that illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 having a length L in the range of about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters and a diameter D at the terminus thereof of about 100 microns was tested at 8.5 watts for transmission percent in water. In addition each tip involved was tested at the extremely high power of 75 watts for a single exposure of 20 seconds and inspected for visual evidences of heat damage. The results are shown below:
  • Power Source Quantronix 117 laser, maximum power used 75W.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of a tip 100 embodying teachings of the present invention.
  • Tip 100 can be seen to be integrally formed with fiber core 38 of an optical fiber composite 12 configured as illustrated and described previously in relation to Figures 5 2 and 3. Tip 100 is rotationally symmetric and radially coextensive at a first end 102 thereof with fiber core 38. In contrast to the frustoconical embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, however, tip 100 has sides 104 that flare ° smoothly from first end 102 to an enlarged terminus 106 at second end 108 remote from fiber core 38. Similarly, however, to the two frustoconical embodiments 28 and 60 shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively, the outer surface 5 of sides 104 of tip 100 are free from polishing abrasions. This is due to the manner to be described below in which tip 100 is formed and results in the minimizing of the diffusion of laser energy through sides 104. 0
  • tip 100 assumes a bulbous shape having a maximum diameter D 3 taken normal to the longitudinal axis of fiber core 38 which is greater than 5 the diameter of fiber core 38 itself.
  • the bulbous shape terminates at second end 108 in a flat surface or terminus 106 disposed normal to the longitudinal axis of fiber core 38.
  • tip 100 can be described as comprising 0 a generally hemispherical shape, the planar surface of which functions as the terminus of tip 100.
  • the diameter D 3 of terminus 106 of tip 100 is in the range of ⁇ > from about 600 mi.crons to about 800 mi.crons.
  • Tip 100 exhibits advantageous properties.
  • tip 100 serves to produce a pattern of laser energy discharge corresponding to an optical fiber core having a diameter larger than the optical fiber core with which tip 100 is integrally formed.
  • each successive section of fiber core is, therefore, necessarily larger in diameter than that which preceded it.
  • each fiber core output end has been tapered by polishing it into a terminus having a diameter smaller than the fiber to which it is attached.
  • FIGs 7A through 7F are a series of illustrations depicting a method by which to form a tip, such as tip 100, at the end of an optical fiber core.
  • the process begins with an optical fiber composite 12 concentrically layered in the manner illustrated and descri.bed i.n Fi.gure 6.
  • Rei.nforci.ng j.acket 42 i.s fi.rst removed from end 70 of optical fiber composite 12 to reveal hard cladding 40 thereunder, as shown in Figure 7B.
  • precleaning is conducted in which hard cladding 40 is removed from overlying a first portion 120 of fiber core 38 located at end 70 thereof to produce the configuration shown in Figure 7C.
  • Precleaning in this instance can take any of the forms already described in relation to Figures 4A-4G.
  • Optical fiber composite 12 is then secured in a jig comprising a metal tube 78 capable of effecting a friction fit with the outside surface of optical fiber composite 12, and end 70 thereof is oriented in a vertical direction.
  • Heat H is then applied to first portion 120 to render first portion 120 molten.
  • the heating of first portion 120 can be accomplished in any of the manners of heating described in relation to Figures 4A-4G. Maintaining the vertical orientation of fiber core permits the heated first portion 120 to assume a bulbous shape 122 shown in Figure 7E as having smoothly flaring sides 104 and a maximum diameter taken normal to the longitudinal axis of fiber core 38 that is greater than the diameter of fiber core 38 itself.
  • FIG. 8 is shown a first embodiment of an off- axis end structure 130 capable of focusing laser energy at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the output end of an optical fiber.
  • end structure 130 is of particular utility in focusing laser energy emerging from the output end of a medical laser probe waveguide on the wall of a bodily passageway in which the waveguide is disposed.
  • End structure 130 can be seen to be integrally formed with fiber core 38 of an optical fiber composite 12 configured as illustrated and described previously in relation to Figures 2 and 3.
  • off-axis end structure 130 comprises a generally cylindrical bend portion 132 and a tip 134 formed on the distal end thereof.
  • Bend portion 132 has a proximal end radially coextensive with fiber core 38 at the output end thereof.
  • the longitudinal axis Z-Z of bend portion 132 at the distal end thereof which is also the longitudinal axis of tip 134, diverts from longitudinal axis Y-Y of the output end of optical fiber core 38 at a predetermined bend angle B.
  • Tip 134 is generally rotationally symmetric and radially coextensive at a first end 136 thereof with bend portion 132.
  • Tip 134 has sides 138, 140 that taper smoothly from first end 136 to a terminus 142 that is a flat surface disposed normal to the plane of bend portion 132 and parallel to longitudinal axis Y-Y of fiber core 38 at the output end thereof.
  • the terminus such as terminus 142 in the present invention, need not, however, assume this orientation exclusively.
  • the outer surface of sides 138, 140 are free from polishing abrasions due to the manner to be described below in which off-axis end structure 130 is formed. This results in the minimizing of the diffusion of laser energy through sides 138, 140.
  • the measure of bend angle B can range upwardly to approximately 90°, but preferably is in the range from approximately 15° to approximately 60°, or more preferably in the range from approximately 25° to approximately 45°.
  • bend structure 130 Due to the manner in which bend structure 130 is formed, the exterior sides thereof are free of polishing abrasions, thereby minimizing the diffusion of laser energy therethrough and directing an optimum amount of such energy from fiber core 38 through terminus 142 of tip 134. While end structure 130 will to a degree transmit laser energy through side surface 140 thereof when side 140 encounters tissue, nevertheless, the degree of such laser energy transmission through side 140 is relatively small compared to that observed through side 138. Thus, cutting strokes with end structure 130 are best made utilizing bend portion 132, if made in a direction backwards along longitudinal axis Y-Y of optical fiber 38.
  • the diameter D of terminus 142 will be in the range of approximately 10 microns to approximately 300 microns, depending upon the extent of focusing required in tip 134.
  • the length L ⁇ of tip 134 from first end 136 thereof to terminus 142 is typically in the range of approximately 1.5 millimeters to approximately 7 millimeters.
  • the length M of fiber core 38 utilized in creating bend portion 132 ranges from approximately 0.5 millimeters to approximately 1.5 millimeters. If sides 138 and 140 of tip 134 are projected in a direction away from fiber core 38 to intersect at a point Q, an apex angle A 2 is defined having a vertex at point P and sides coincident with sides 138, 140. In tip 134 the measure of apex angle A 2 is in the range of about 4° to about 45°, or more preferably in the range of about 9° to about 20°.
  • End structure 150 comprises a bend portion 152 and a tip 154 located on the distal end thereof.
  • the length L 3 of tip 154 is substantially greater than that of tip 134, and terminus 155 at the end of tip 154 is a flat surface disposed normal to the longitudinal axis Z 1 -Z 1 of tip 154 having a diameter D 3 less than the diameter D 2 of terminus 142 in Figure 8.
  • Tip 154 as an apex angle A 3 that is less than the corresponding dimension in Figure 8.
  • FIG. 10 Shown in Figure 10 is a third embodiment of an end structure 160 embodying teachings of the present invention capable of focusing laser energy from fiber core 38 in a direction off-set from longitudinal axis Y 2 -Y 2 thereof.
  • the bend angle B 2 at which this can be effected is more severe in Figure 10 than in either of Figures 8 or 9 ranging upwardly to about 90°.
  • end structure 160 comprises a bend portion 162 and a tip 164 on the distal end thereof having a longitudinal axis Z 3 -Z 3 and an apex angle A 4 .
  • Figure 11 communicates some sense of the relative transmission capacity of an off-axis end structure, according to the present invention.
  • a curve of transmission efficiency plotted on a graph against the measure of the bend angle associated therewith.
  • bend angle measures from approximately 0° to approximately 25° satisfy this criteria, despite the bending of laser energy direction achieved in the process.
  • the range of the measure of the bend angle involved can be as high as approximately 50°.
  • bend angles B are employed ranging upwardly to approximately 90°. The use of tips with even larger bend angles is conceivable, although drops in transmission efficiency can be expected above about 90° .
  • Figures 12A-12G are a series of illustrations depicting the steps for making an end structure for an optical waveguide, such as those shown in Figures 8-10.
  • Figure 12A shows an end 70 of optical fiber composite 12 dimensioned suitably for use in medical laser procedures and constructed in concentric layered fashion as illustrated in and described above in relation to Figures 2 and 3.
  • reinforcing jacket 42 on the exterior thereof is removed to reveal the layer of hard cladding 40 thereunder as shown in Figure 12B.
  • substantially all of hard cladding 40 thereby exposed is removed by precleaning to reveal a first portion 72 of optical fiber core 38 therewithin.
  • a first portion 72 is located intermediate and adjacent to a second portion 74 and a third portion 76 at end 70 of fiber core 38.
  • Precleaning may be effected by exposing the portion of cladding 40 overlying first, second, and third portions 72, 74, 76, respectively, to a flame, by mechanical stripping, or by washing in an acetone bath followed by drying.
  • a force F 3 shown schematically in Figure 12C is applied to third portion 76 in a manner that tends to bend first portion 72. Thereafter, heat H is applied to first portion 72 until first portion 72 is rendered molten.
  • the step of applying heat to first portion 72 can be accomplished by exposing first portion 72 to an electric arc.
  • an electric arc it is preferable that in creating an electric arc for this purpose the equipment involved produce, not a focused electric arc, but one having a broad width relative to the length of first portion 72. In this manner, a substantial length, rather than a focused point of fiber core 38 becomes heated. Heating can occur in other means described above.
  • first portion 76 by which to narrowly focus laser energy from a medical laser.
  • a first section 166 of the length of third portion 76 is heated to render first section 166 molten.
  • First section 166 is located intermediate and adjacent to second section 168 and third section 170 adjacent to first portion 172 of fiber core 38.
  • a force F 4 shown schematically in Figure 12D is then applied to second section 68 parallel to the longitudinal axis of third portion 176 to draw first section 166 into an hourglass shape 171 shown in Figure 12E.
  • the hourglass shape is scored at point 172, broken thereat, and polished in order to produce a terminus 174 that is both normal to the plane defined by the event version of first portion 172, while being parallel to the longitudinal axis
  • Example 4 An end structure such as that shown in Figures 8-10 having a bend angle having a measure of approximately 45° was tested to determine the percent of laser energy transmitted therethrough into water. Each tip was subjected to a maximum power of 100 watts for a single exposure for the time indicated and was then inspected for any adverse effects, such as darkening, chipping, or deformation due to heat. The following test results were observed. TABLE IV
  • Quantronix 118 model YAG Laser Serial No. 688.
  • Example 5 Subsequently, an end structure was complete by having a tip of frustoconical configuration and being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and having a bend angle of approximately 30° was tested for percent power transmission in water and subjected to a maximum power test at 100 watts in a single test under the conditions listed. The results observed appear below:
  • the off-axis embodiment of the inventive contact laser probe tip permits surgery to be performed orthoscopically on the walls of bodily passageways through which the laser probe is advanced to reach the surgery site.
  • the risks associated with stray laser energy causing potential injury to healthy portions of the bodily passageway, or of damage thereto due to heat, are reduced over known devices.
  • the simplicity and reliability of the equipment is also enhanced.
  • Figure 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of an end structure 180 embodying additional teachings of the present invention in order to deliver laser energy from a medical laser to tissue to be treated according to a medical procedure while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
  • end structure 180 does not focus laser energy into an intense, localized pattern. Instead, end structure 180 transmits laser energy from optical fiber 12 onto a large surface area of tissue. Having this capacity, end structure 180 is ideally suited for rapidly vaporizing large volumes of tissue with which it is brought into contact. Each structure 180 has additionally been found to be effective in producing homeostasis in blood vessels severed in the process.
  • end structure 180 is disposed at the output end 182 of fiber core 38 and is integrally formed therewith from the same optically transmissive material.
  • optically transmissive material has an index of refraction similar to that of the tissue to be treated utilizing end structure 180.
  • Materials which have functioned satisfactorily in this role include, quartz, silica, and certain thermoplastic materials.
  • fiber core 38 is surrounded by a flexible jacket of hard cladding 40 which terminates short of output end 182 of fiber core 38. Exterior to hard cladding 40 is reinforcing jacket 42.
  • end structure 180 comprises a lens portion 184 which is disposed at output end 182 of fiber core 38 in a concentric relationship with the longitudinal axis Y 3 -Y 3 thereof.
  • lens portion 184 takes on an orbicular or spherical shape having a surface 186 and a diameter E 1 greater than the diameter D 2 of fiber core 38.
  • End structure 180 also comprises, however, a transition portion 188 having a surface 190 which smoothly connects the surface 186 of lens portion 184 with the exterior of fiber core 38.
  • end structure 180 Due to the manner in which end structure 180 is fabricated from the material of fiber core 38, the surface 186 of lens portion 184 and the surface 190 of transition portion 188 are free of scratches and polishing abrasions which would give rise to the transmission of laser energy through those surfaces and the generation of unwanted heat thereat. In this manner, the physical nature of end structure 180 is specifically designed to transmit laser energy directly to the tissue at a surgical site while maintaining high transmission efficiency and avoiding the production of troublesome heat.
  • the diameter E, of lens portion 84 is in the range from about 0.3 millimeters to about 5.0 millimeters for fiber cores 38 having diameters D 2 in the range from about 1.9 millimeters to about 4.5 millimeters, respectively. More narrowly, however, the diameter E 1 of lens portion 184 is in the range from about 0.6 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters where the diameter D 2 of fiber core 38 is in the range from about 0.4 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters, respectively, .
  • lens portion 184 has a diameter E., in the range about 0.8 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters, where the diameter D 2 of fiber core 38 is in the range from about 0.6 millimeters to about 2.0 millimeters.
  • the diameter D 2 of fiber core 38 is about 1.0 millimeters
  • an appropriate diameter E 1 for lens portion 184 would be about 1.2 millimeters.
  • the anticipated appropriate diameter E 1 of lens portion 184 would be about 0.8 millimeters.
  • end structure 180 comprises a means for focusing a portion of the laser energy delivered from output end 182 of fiber core 138 through a fast focal point align with the longitudinal axis of Y 3 - Y 3 of fiber core 38 at output end 182 thereof.
  • this modality of laser energy transmission from end structure 180 will be referred to as the carrier mode of laser energy transmission, and the portion of the laser energy focused through a fast focal point will be referred to as a "second portion" of that energy.
  • a plurality of rays W 1# W 2 , W 3 , W 4 , and W 5 of laser energy are delivered from output end 182 of optical fiber 38 into transition portion 188 and therethrough into lens portion 184.
  • These rays of laser energy are possessed of various degrees of alignment with longitudinal axis Y 3 -Y 3 of fiber core 38.
  • Some of the rays of laser energy, such as the rays W 2 and W 3 of laser energy, are of a very low order mode, traveling closely parallel to longitudinal axis Y 3 -Y 3 .
  • Low order rays of laser energy such as laser energy rays W 2 and W 3 impact the surface 186 of lens portion 184 remote from fiber core 38 in a circular region having in the view of Figure 14 extreme points J and K.
  • the surface 186 of lens portion 184 located between points J and K then functions as a positive lens to focus such low order laser energy rays through a fast focal point X.
  • the second portion of the laser energy thus delivered through fast focal point X accordingly corresponds to low order rays of laser energy, such as rays W 2 and W 3 .
  • Fast focal point X will fall on longitudinal axis Y 3 -Y 3 if end structure 180 between points J and K is symmetric about that longitudinal axis.
  • end structure 180 comprises means for internally star-reflecting in a region of multi-directional laser energy a portion of the laser energy delivered from output end 132 of fiber core 38.
  • the portion of the laser energy thus internally reflected in the region of multi-dimensional laser energy in lens portion 184 corresponds to low order rays of energy delivered from output end 182 of fiber core 38.
  • a number of high order rays of laser energy W 4 , and W 5 are delivered from output end 182 of fiber core 38 into end structure 180. These high order rays of laser energy do not normally impact the surface 186 of lens portion 84 between points J and K so as to be focused through fast focal point X.
  • high order rays of laser energy such as laser energy rays W_,, W 4 , and W 5 are initially reflected internally off of the abrasion-free surfaces 186 of lens portion 184 and 190 of transition portion 188.
  • These high order rays of laser energy continue thereafter to be reflected internally and successively about lens portion 184 in a star-reflecting pattern which develops within lens portion 184 a region of multi-directional laser energy which is not normally transmitted therefrom in any substantial degree.
  • Some of the star-reflecting, multi-directional laser energy will in due course impact the surface 186 of lens portion 184 between points J and K at an appropriate angle to become focused with high order rays, such as laser ray W 3 through fast focal point X.
  • end structure 180 which has already been identified as functioning as a means for internally star-reflecting another portion of the laser energy delivered from output end 182 of fiber core 38, also functions as a means for selectively directing that multi-directional laser energy in lens portion 184 through surface 186 thereof at such portions of surface 186 as contact an organic tissue or fluid exhibiting a close refractive index match with fiber core 38.
  • end structure 180 has been advanced into contact with an area of tissue 192, whereby tissue 192 contacts surface 186 of lens portion 184 at the arcs thereof disposed between points M and N and between points P and Q.
  • the index of refraction for tissue 192 is similar to that for fiber core 138 and end portion 180.
  • the second portion of the laser energy delivered from fiber core 38 that is internally star-reflected within lens portion 184 no longer continues to be reflected in this manner whenever that energy encounters surface 186 of lens portion 184 between points M and N or between points P and Q. Instead, the multi ⁇ directional laser energy in lens portion 84 is transmitted into tissue 192 wherever that tissue contacts surface 186.
  • the multi-directional laser energy in lens portion 184 encounters surface 186 between points M and N, rather than being reflected therefrom, it is directed through surface 186 into tissue 192.
  • this component of the multi-directional laser energy in lens portion 184 has been designated by W HN .
  • a component of the multi-directional laser energy in lens portion 184 is directed into tissue 192 through surface 186 between points P and Q, and has been designated in Figure 15 as W PQ .
  • the laser energy W HN and W PQ directed into tissue 192 is not focused into a narrow beam, but rather impacts a broad portion of the surface of tissue 192 and is ideally suited for rapid vaporization of substantial volumes of such tissue.
  • FIG 16 illustrates yet another embodiment of an end structure 200 embodying teachings of the present invention, including those discussed already in relation to end structure 180 shown in Figure 13.
  • End structure 200 is integrally formed on output end 182 of fiber core 38 so as to have sides free of scratches and polishing abrasions, and thereby to be capable of transmitting laser energy delivered from output end 182 of fiber core 38 while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
  • End structure 200 comprises a generally cylindrical bend portion 202 having a proximal end 204 coextensive with output end 182 of fiber core 38 and a distal end 206 opposite therefrom.
  • bend angle B ⁇ can assume a range from about 0° to about 90°. More particularly, however, the range of bend angle B j is from about 15° to about 60° or, more narrowly, from about 30° to about 45°.
  • End structure 200 also comprises a lens portion 208 disposed at distal end 206 of bend portion 202 concentrically with longitudinal axis Z 3 -Z 3 thereof.
  • a transition portion 210 having surfaces 212 smoothly connects the surface 214 of lens portion 208 to bend portion 202.
  • lens portion 208 is orbicular or spherical, having a diameter E 2 that is greater than the diameter D 3 of fiber core 38 and bend portion 202.
  • the size of the diameter E 2 of lens portion 208 varies primarily according to the diameter D 3 of fiber core 38 in the same range as stated in relation to the diameter E 1 of lens portion 184 illustrated in Figure 13.
  • the length M, of bend portion 202 is found generally in the range of from about 0.5 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters.
  • laser energy from fiber core 38 is redirected by bend portion 202 in order to enter transition portion 210 and lens portion 208 at an angle which generally diverges from longitudinal axis Y 4 -Y 4 of fiber core 38 by the predetermined bend angle B ⁇ .
  • End structure 200 functions as a means for focusing a portion of the laser energy from fiber core 38.
  • low order rays of laser energy are transmitted through the tip 216 of lens portion 208 and focused through a fast focal point aligned with longitudinal axis Z 3 -Z 3 of distal end 206 of bend portion 202.
  • end structure 200 also functions as a means for internally star-reflecting in a region of multi-directional laser energy a first portion of the laser energy delivered from fiber core 38 and for selectively directing that multi-directional laser energy in an avalanche mode of transmission through the boundary of that region at such portions thereof as contact a biological tissue or fluid having an index of refraction matching that of fiber core 38.
  • End structure 200 has been found to be particularly useful in directing laser energy onto tissue located to the side of a laser probe as, for example, on the wall of a body passageway.
  • end structure 200 does not focus that laser energy into a narrow beam for the purpose of incising the tissue, but rather applies laser energy to that tissue in a large area contacted by the laser tip.
  • the tip is thus ideally suited to vaporizing large volumes of tissue. Desirable hemostasis effects also accrue when end structure 200 is utilized.
  • Figures 17A through 17E illustrate the manner in which both end structure 180 and end structure 200 can be fabricated from an optical fiber 12.
  • reinforcing jacket 42 and hard cladding 40 are removed from a section of fiber core 38 immediately adjacent to end 70 thereof.
  • the outer surface of fiber core 38 is thereafter cleaned, resulting in the structure illustrated in Figure 17A.
  • end 70 of fiber core 38 is oriented downwardly in a generally vertical direction at an inclination angle C to a vertical axis V-V.
  • a first portion 220 adjacent to end 70 is heated by the application of heat H thereto.
  • Heat H is applied to first portion 220 for sufficient time to permit first portion 220 to assume a molten state. Thereafter, the surface tension on the molten form of first portion 220 causes first portion 220 to assume the bulbous shape 222 shown in Figure 17C as having smoothly flaring sides 224 and a diameter E 3 that is greater than the diameter D 4 of fiber core 38. Bulbous shape 222 is then cooled resulting in an axially aligned orbicular end structure 226 equivalent to end structure 180 shown in Figure 13.
  • heat H is applied to a second portion 228 of the length of fiber core 38 that is located intermediate and adjacent to end structure 226 and a third portion 230 of fiber core 38.
  • a force F 5 directed normal to longitudinal axis Y 5 -Y 5 of fiber core 38 is applied to end structure 226.
  • the heat H applied to second portion 228 renders second portion 228 molten, so that force F 5 is able to bend second portion 228 out of alignment with longitudinal axis Y 5 -Y 5 of fiber core 38 into the bent position shown in Figure 17E. Cooling produces a device corresponding to end structure 200 shown in Figure 16.
  • the end structure produced in this manner is both integral with fiber core 38 and has surfaces free of scratches and polishing abrasions. It is, therefore, capable of transmitting laser energy delivered from fiber core 38 in a highly efficient manner, without generating unwanted heat.
  • the orbicular or spherical end structure created in this manner the vaporization of large volumes of tissue by direct contact therewith is particularly facilitated, and the control of blood flow from severed tissues is greatly enhanced.
  • Axially aligned and axially off-set configurations of the orbicular tip have specific special applications.
  • the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Laser Surgery Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Des structures d'extrémité pour une fibre laser médicale (38) formée intégralement à partir d'une portion fondue de la fibre (38) ont des côtés exempts d'abrasions de polissage. La structure d'extrémité peut avoir une forme conique tronquée (28, 60) avec des côtés (44) s'évasant légèrement depuis la fibre (38) vers une surface plate (48) normale à l'axe de la fibre (38). Dans une variante, une partie sphérique (184) ayant un diamètre (E1) supérieur à celui de la fibre (38) est disposée concentriquement par rapport à la fibre (38). La structure d'extrémité peut avoir une partie courbe (132, 152, 162, 202) déviant de ladite structure en faisant un angle de courbure (B, B1, B2, B3), et radialement coextensive avec l'extrémité de la fibre (38), et se terminant en une pointe ayant une forme sphérique (208) ou une forme conique tronquée (134, 154, 164) qui présente une conicité vers une surface plate (142) normale au plan de la partie courbe (132) et parallèle à la fibre (38). Un autre mode de réalisation possède des côtés (104) qui s'évasent légèrement depuis la fibre (38) vers une terminaison (100) ayant un diamètre (D3) supérieur au diamètre de la fibre (38).
EP19900913418 1989-08-17 1990-08-17 Integral end structure for medical laser waveguide Withdrawn EP0487633A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US39543089A 1989-08-17 1989-08-17
US395430 1989-08-17
US42585389A 1989-10-23 1989-10-23
US425853 1989-10-23

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0487633A1 true EP0487633A1 (fr) 1992-06-03
EP0487633A4 EP0487633A4 (en) 1993-10-20

Family

ID=27015107

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19900913418 Withdrawn EP0487633A4 (en) 1989-08-17 1990-08-17 Integral end structure for medical laser waveguide

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0487633A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO1991002562A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5897551A (en) * 1990-03-23 1999-04-27 Myriadlase, Inc. Medical device for applying high energy light and heat for gynecological sterilization procedures
US5282798A (en) * 1992-02-12 1994-02-01 Heraeus Surgical, Inc. Apparatus for supporting an orbicularly tipped surgical laser fiber
IL106302A (en) * 1993-07-09 1996-12-05 Univ Ramot Hollow waveguide tips for controlling beam divergency and methods of making such tips
WO1995017924A1 (fr) * 1993-12-30 1995-07-06 The General Hospital Corporation Appareil et procede permettant la modification superficielle au laser d'un substrat
US6517532B1 (en) 1997-05-15 2003-02-11 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Light energy delivery head
JP4056091B2 (ja) 1997-05-15 2008-03-05 パロマー・メディカル・テクノロジーズ・インコーポレーテッド 皮膚科的治療方法及び装置
DE69926348T2 (de) 1998-03-12 2006-06-01 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc., Burlington System zur elektromagnetischen bestrahlung der haut
US6126655A (en) * 1998-08-11 2000-10-03 The General Hospital Corporation Apparatus and method for selective laser-induced heating of biological tissue
US6529543B1 (en) 2000-11-21 2003-03-04 The General Hospital Corporation Apparatus for controlling laser penetration depth
JP2005535370A (ja) 2002-06-19 2005-11-24 パロマー・メディカル・テクノロジーズ・インコーポレイテッド 皮膚および皮下の症状を治療する方法および装置
US7470269B2 (en) * 2002-07-10 2008-12-30 Synergetics, Inc. Ophthalmic surgery light transmitting apparatus
CN102698368A (zh) 2002-10-23 2012-10-03 帕洛玛医疗技术公司 与冷却剂和肤面物质联用的光治疗装置
EP1742588B1 (fr) 2004-04-01 2016-10-19 The General Hospital Corporation Appareil de traitement dermatologique et remodelage de tissus
BRPI0509744A (pt) * 2004-04-09 2007-09-25 Palomar Medical Tech Inc métodos e produtos para produção de látices de ilhotas tratadas com emr em tecidos e seus usos
US7856985B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2010-12-28 Cynosure, Inc. Method of treatment body tissue using a non-uniform laser beam
GB0526033D0 (en) 2005-12-21 2006-02-01 Bioeos Ltd Method
US7586957B2 (en) 2006-08-02 2009-09-08 Cynosure, Inc Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for its operation and use
US9693826B2 (en) 2008-02-28 2017-07-04 Biolitec Unternehmensbeteiligungs Ii Ag Endoluminal laser ablation device and method for treating veins
US9919168B2 (en) 2009-07-23 2018-03-20 Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. Method for improvement of cellulite appearance
KR102183581B1 (ko) 2012-04-18 2020-11-27 싸이노슈어, 엘엘씨 피코초 레이저 장치 및 그를 사용한 표적 조직의 치료 방법
EP2973894A2 (fr) 2013-03-15 2016-01-20 Cynosure, Inc. Systèmes de rayonnement optique picoseconde et procédés d'utilisation
BR112018077126A2 (pt) 2016-06-30 2019-04-02 Koninklijke Philips N.V. conjunto de corte, e dispositivo de corte de cabelos ou pelos
WO2019165426A1 (fr) 2018-02-26 2019-08-29 Cynosure, Inc. Laser à décharge à cavité à commutation q d'ordre inférieur à la nanoseconde

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0142026A2 (fr) * 1983-10-25 1985-05-22 Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche Procédé pour construire de micro-lentilles en fin de fibres optiques, spécialement pour des usages bio-médicaux et chirurgicaux et dispositif de réalisation du procédé
GB2154761A (en) * 1984-02-21 1985-09-11 Quentron Optics Pty Ltd Diffusive optical fibre termination
WO1985005262A1 (fr) * 1984-05-22 1985-12-05 Surgical Laser Technologies Ohio, Inc. Sonde a laser medicale et chirurgicale i
DE3532604A1 (de) * 1984-09-14 1986-03-27 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Tokio/Tokyo Lasersonde
JPS62184407A (ja) * 1986-02-10 1987-08-12 Hitachi Ltd 楕円球状光フアイバおよびその製造方法
JPS62201961U (fr) * 1986-06-13 1987-12-23
EP0278213A2 (fr) * 1987-01-13 1988-08-17 Itt Industries, Inc. Procédé et dispositif pour la fabrication de fibres optiques terminées avec lentilles

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3288585A (en) * 1962-06-22 1966-11-29 Philco Corp Method of making a miniature lens
SE462257B (sv) * 1986-04-22 1990-05-28 Morita Mfg Handstycke av lasertyp
US4826431A (en) * 1986-06-12 1989-05-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Morita Seisakusho Medical laser handpiece

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0142026A2 (fr) * 1983-10-25 1985-05-22 Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche Procédé pour construire de micro-lentilles en fin de fibres optiques, spécialement pour des usages bio-médicaux et chirurgicaux et dispositif de réalisation du procédé
GB2154761A (en) * 1984-02-21 1985-09-11 Quentron Optics Pty Ltd Diffusive optical fibre termination
WO1985005262A1 (fr) * 1984-05-22 1985-12-05 Surgical Laser Technologies Ohio, Inc. Sonde a laser medicale et chirurgicale i
DE3532604A1 (de) * 1984-09-14 1986-03-27 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Tokio/Tokyo Lasersonde
JPS62184407A (ja) * 1986-02-10 1987-08-12 Hitachi Ltd 楕円球状光フアイバおよびその製造方法
JPS62201961U (fr) * 1986-06-13 1987-12-23
EP0278213A2 (fr) * 1987-01-13 1988-08-17 Itt Industries, Inc. Procédé et dispositif pour la fabrication de fibres optiques terminées avec lentilles

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO9102562A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1991002562A1 (fr) 1991-03-07
EP0487633A4 (en) 1993-10-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0487633A1 (fr) Structure d'extremite integrale pour guide d'ondes laser medical
US10772683B2 (en) System for tissue ablation using pulsed laser
US10993768B2 (en) Radial emissions from optical fibers
US5498260A (en) Internal reflectance angle firing fiber optic laser delivery device and method of use
US5476461A (en) Endoscopic light delivery system
US5486171A (en) Transparent cap fiber optica laser beam angle delivery device
US5833683A (en) Laterally-emitting laser medical device
US8073297B2 (en) Side fire optical device for laterally redirecting high power electromagnetic energy
AU2010298670B2 (en) Twister fiber optic systems and their use in medical applications
US20160178844A1 (en) Redirecting Electromagnetic Radiation
EP0634947B1 (fr) Appareil de chirurgie oculaire
US9519107B2 (en) Methods and apparatus related to a launch connector portion of a ureteroscope laser-energy-delivery device
EP2502103B1 (fr) Appareil et procédé relatifs à une partie d'extrémité distale d'une fibre optique ayant une forme sensiblement sphérique
JPS62501453A (ja) 脈管形成システム
US8827991B2 (en) Medical laser treatment device and method utilizing total reflection induced by radiation
EP3852663B1 (fr) Dispositif de traitement d'un tissu corporel
JPH0329902A (ja) 光学装置
WO1999044518A1 (fr) Dispositif a laser a emission laterale a usage medical
GB2291214A (en) Light delivery using fibre optics with ellipsoidal contact probe

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19920316

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 19930902

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19941208

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19950301