Surgical laser fiber standoff arrangement for preventing dust particle accumulation during a laser lithotripsy procedure

Abstract

An end-firing surgical laser fiber suitable for Thulium Laser Fiber lithotripsy applications includes a standoff that extends beyond the distal end surface of the fiber to prevent contact between the end face of the fiber and a targeted stone. The standoff may either (1) extend along only one side of or partially around a circumference of the fiber, so that dust from the pulverized stone can freely flow downstream from the treatment site without being trapped by or accumulating on the standoff, or (2) include at least one flushing port that prevents dust accumulation by permitting passage of dust from within the standoff. Flushing of dust from within the standoff may be facilitated by including a source of fluid to entrain the dust and carry it through the flushing port.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.