Coaxial illuminated laser endoscopic probe and active numerical aperture control
US7189226B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2009/00874
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coaxial illuminated laser endoscopic probe and active numerical aperture control apparatus and method of use, succinctly known as an illumination and laser source, capable of selectively providing illumination light and laser treatment light through a single optical fiber. The apparatus and method is especially useful during ophthalmic surgery. The present art is capable of providing the aforesaid through an optical fiber of such small size that heretofore said fiber was only useable for laser treatment light only. The present art also, with its unique optical system, allows for two illumination light outputs from a single illumination source. The apparatus utilizes a phototoxicity risk card to calibrate the system to prior art or safe illumination levels since the unique optical system provides illumination light of greater intensity than the prior art.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.