Damage resistant sterilizable fiber optic probe assembly
AssigneeCoherent, Inc.
InventorNubar Manoukian
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An approach for sterilizing and reusing a fiber optic probe is disclosed. The fiber optic probe includes an input end having an axially projecting stem containing the input face of the fiber. Prior to sterilization, a cap member is mounted on the stem to prevent damage by the pressurized steam encountered in an autoclave. After being sterilized, the probe is brought to the operating theater. The sterilized probe is transferred to the sterile field while the stem and cap member are extended beyond the sterile field. The cap member is then removed and the input end of the probe is connected to the source of laser radiation. Using this approach, the probe can be sterilized without damage and reused without contaminating the sterile field.
Claims15
A damage resistant assembly capable of being sterilized in a steam autoclave comprising:
- a fiber optic probe, said probe including an elongated optical fiber, said probe having an input end connectable to a source of laser radiation and a delivery end for emitting the laser radiation, said input end terminating in an axially projecting stem supporting the input face of the optical fiber;
- and
- a removable cap member sealably mounted over said stem at the input end of the probe and isolating said input face of the optical fiber from pressurized steam encountered in an autoclave.
A method of reusing a fiber optic probe, said probe including an elongated optical fiber, said probe having an input end connectable to a source of laser radiation and a delivery end for emitting the laser radiation, said input end supporting the input face of the optical fiber, said method comprising the steps of:
- placing a cap member on the input end of the probe in a manner to seal the input face of the optical fiber;
- placing the probe and cap member in an autoclave;
- sterilizing the outer surface of the probe and cap member using pressurized steam;
- removing the sterilized probe from the autoclave;
- transferring the sterilized probe to the sterile field in a surgical theater while the stem and cap member are extended beyond the sterile field;
- removing the cap member from the input end of the probe;
- and
- connecting the input end of the probe to the source of laser radiation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.