Patent · US Expired

Endoscopic laser coupler and control apparatus

US4528983A · kind A · utility

6Cited by
5References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 14, 1983
Grant dateJul 16, 1985
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 14, 2003

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2034/742
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An apparatus which transmits a laser beam to a target, such as an area of human tissue being treated. Delivery of the beam and its direction to the target area is controlled safely. The apparatus is operatively connected directly to an instrument, such as an endoscope or laryngoscope, which identifies and defines the target area. A joy-stick assembly provides control of the direction of the beam as it enters atmosphere from the apparatus, by manipulation of its lever which swivels its mirror from which the beam is reflected towards the target area. Means to block transmission of the beam from the apparatus to atmosphere is coupled with a fail-safe arrangement of elements whereby only when the mirror is in a proper swivelling position to reflect the beam to the target area is the beam emitted from the apparatus. An adjustable sliding lens system within the apparatus provides change of focus of the beam to effect a change in the plane of treating the target area.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.