Patent · US Expired

Method for manufacturing a disposable arthroscopic probe

US5190028A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
19References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 3, 1992
Grant dateMar 2, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 3, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S600/92
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method is provided for assembling an arthroscopic probe which includes bending a linear image-transmitting optical fiber about a heated pivot point so that the distal end of the fiber is oblique to the proximal end. A lens is then attached to the distal face of the image-transmitting optical fiber by means of an adhesive and the resulting image path is positioned in a hollow needle with the lens exposed at the distal end and the optical fiber exposed at the proximal end. An illuminating optical fiber is also positioned in the needle adjacent the image path and the two are anchored therein by a curable filler material. Finally, the needle is proximally mounted in a base such that the proximal faces of the image-transmitting and illuminating optical fibers are exposed.

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