Optical waveguide sheath
US9072455B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B90/30
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The illumination system is a cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating a surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for optics and or surgical tools. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at any appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location. Thus, the sheath provides structure-guided illumination resulting in the illumination of the surgical site.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.