Tissue interface elements for application of optical signals into tissue of a patient

A tissue interface pad for applying an optical signal to tissue of a patient, the tissue interface pad comprising:

• a first surface configured to interface with the tissue of the patient;
• at least one guide channel disposed within the tissue interface pad and configured to route an input optical fiber carrying the optical signal to a first location in the tissue interface pad;
• and
• a second surface configured to reflect the optical signal received from the input optical fiber through an optically transmissive portion of the tissue interface pad to direct the optical signal into the tissue through the optically transmissive portion of the tissue interface pad and the first surface.

A tissue interface pad for applying an optical signal to tissue of a patient, the tissue interface pad comprising:

• a first surface configured to interface with the tissue of the patient;
• at least one guide channel disposed within the tissue interface pad and configured to route an input optical fiber carrying the optical signal to a first location in the tissue interface pad;
• an optical interface element coupled to one end of the input optical fiber at the first location and configured to direct the optical signal received from the input optical fiber toward a second surface;
• and
• the second surface configured to reflect the optical signal to direct the optical signal into the tissue through the optical interface element and the first surface.