Disposable surgical probe having fiber diverter
US5281214A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/2238
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A disposable fiber diverter probe is provided that eliminates many of the typical problems associated with conventional fiber diverter probes that are designed to be used multiple times and must be sterilized between each use. The present invention utilizes thermoplastic materials in many of the components that traditional designs require to be made of metal in order to perform the required functions of a fiber diverter probe. The improved design of the present invention enables less complex, low cost parts to be used in a fiber diverter probe, wherein the probe still provides expanded capabilities over conventional, more expensive fiber diverter probes, such as more accessible and user-friendly controls for the surgeon. Moreover, the reduced cost of the fiber diverter probe provided by the present invention enables a medical facility or a private physician to make disposable fiber diverter probes economically feasible, thus eliminating the risk of exposing patients to a contaminated probe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.