Gradient index surgical illuminator
US7824089B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/306
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gradient index wide-angle illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable to receive the light beam; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam; an optical element, optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and transmitting the light beam to illuminate a surgical field, wherein the optical element comprises a gradient index lens; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element. The optical element can be a small-gauge, divergent gradient index lens having a distal surface co-incident with the distal end of the cannula. For example, the optical element can be a 19, 20 or 25 gauge optical element. Further, the cannula and the handpiece can be fabricated from biocompatible materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.