Shielded illumination device for ophthalmic surgery and the like
US6254530A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3614
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A illuminated surgical instrument (11) includes an optical fiber (21) with a proximal end and a distal end, a connector (15) disposed at the proximal end of the optical fiber, and a handpiece (13) disposed generally at the distal end of the optical fiber. The handpiece has a handpiece body and a needle (25) extending distally from the handpiece body, the optical fiber (21) extending generally through the handpiece and extending slightly past the distal end of the needle (25). The handpiece (13) is suitable for one-handed operation by a human user, and the needle (25) is of a size suitable for insertion into a human eye. The instrument (11) includes structures at the distal end of the optical fiber (21) for dispersing light passing from an illumination source through the cable to broaden the area on which light impinges, and a shield (47) disposed proximally of a portion of the dispersing structure to prevent light from impinging upon a predetermined area. The predetermined shielded area is disposed proximal the needle (25) and spaced transversely therefrom. A surgical tool disposed adjacent the shield (47) is configured to operate within the area upon which light from the dispersin…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.