Patent · US Expired

Fiber optic apparatus for use with medical lasers

US5207673A · kind A · utility

41Cited by
46References
58Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 6, 1991
Grant dateMay 4, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 6, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/4296
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An optical apparatus functions as a laser catheter for removal, penetration or treatment of human tissue or other biotic material. The arrangement of the optical components, including the focal length of the lens and the spacing between the lens and the source of light is selected to yield an output beam having advantageous characteristics which are particularly suitable for medical laser treatment. Such characteristics include a relatively long beam throw, a long focal range, and a small output beam waist. A hollow tip, preferably conical in shape, is utilized to provide a tactile indicator as to the cutting action of the output beam.

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