Methods, devices, and support structures for assembling optical fibers in catheter tips

US11331142B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Juan Sancho Durá · Canals, ES
• Sara Mas Gómez · Tres Cantos, ES
• David Gonzalez · Alcobendas, ES
• Matthieu Duperron · Madrid, ES
• Carlos Sanz Moreno · Barajas, ES
• Jorge Hernan Jimenez · Atlanta, US
• Alexandre Romoscanu · Geneva, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 13, 2021
• Grant date: May 17, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 13, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2025/0096
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Described herein are methods, devices, and support structures for assembling optical fibers in catheter tips and facilitating alignment and structural support. A method for assembling a plurality of optical fibers and lenses in a support structure for an ablation catheter includes providing a support structure with a proximal end, a body, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a plurality of alignment orifices or slits. A plurality of optical fibers are threaded through the alignment orifices or slits, such that each optical fiber is threaded through a corresponding alignment orifice or slit. An adhesive material is applied at each alignment orifice or slit to secure the optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are then cleaved at the distal end to remove portions of the fibers extending out of the distal end. Finally, a lens is attached to each of the ends of the plurality of optical fibers.