Method and apparatus for protecting capillary of laser fiber during insertion and reducing metal cap degradation
US8425500B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49817
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes disposing a cover about a capillary used in a side-firing optical fiber. The cover can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through an endoscope for medical treatment. In some embodiments, the cover can be a low-profile cover such as a coating made of a light-sensitive polymer or like material. At least a portion of the coating can be removed after insertion by exposing the light-sensitive material to laser energy transmitted from an optical-fiber-core end housed within the capillary. In other embodiments, the cover can be a slideable or moveable low-profile sleeve or metal cover. During insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is positioned over the capillary. After insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is retracted to expose the area to be treated to side-fired laser energy transmitted from the capillary.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.