Side-firing laser fiber with internal bent fiber and related methods
US8657812B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3885
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment includes a distal end portion of an optical fiber disposed inside a lumen defined along a curved path within a capillary. The distal end surface of the optical fiber can be substantially flush with a portion of an outside surface of the capillary that defines a transmissive portion. The distal end portion of the optical fiber and the curved path can be collectively configured to direct laser energy through the transmissive portion in a lateral or side-fired direction that is offset from a longitudinal axis or centerline of the capillary. In some embodiments, more than one optical fiber can be disposed along the curved path. In other embodiments, more than one curved path can be defined within the capillary such that a distal end portion of an optical fiber can be disposed along each of the curved paths.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.