Methods and apparatus for distributing laser radiation
AssigneeSummit Technology, Inc.
InventorsAlex G. Sacharoff, David W. Haluska
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for distributing and delivering laser radiation with substantially uniform intensity to multi-spatial locations. Laser radiation is directed into a fiber optic waveguide which homogenizes the spatial intensity of the laser beam via mode-mixing. The laser radiation is then coupled from the mode-mixing waveguide to multiple distribution fibers that are terminated at desired spatial locations, e.g., at the distal end of a surgical tool. The output from each of the multiple distribution fibers is laser radiation of substantially uniform intensity.
Claims5
A method for delivering substantially uniformly intensity laser radiation to a plurality of spatial locations on a surgical tool, the method comprising:
- directing laser radiation into a mode-mixing, single-core, fiber-optic waveguide;
- coupling said therapeutic laser radiation from waveguide to multiple distribution fibers contained within a surgical tool;
- terminating said multiple distribution fibers within the surgical tool at desired spatial locations;
- and
- selectively distributing radiation to a spatially discriminated subset of said distribution fibers to provide directional therapy changeable in the course of laser surgery.
An apparatus for performing surgery by distributing laser radiation to multi-spatial locations, the apparatus comprising:
- a single-core fiber, optically alignable with a source laser radiation and operating to mix the modes of said radiation as the radiation propagates through the single-core fiber;
- focusing means for focusing laser radiation into said single-core fiber;
- interface means, for transmitting said laser radiation from said single-core fiber to a plurality of distribution fibers contained within a surgical tool, such that the fluence of radiation transmitted to each distribution fiber is substantially uniform;
- and
- selection means for selectively distributing ablative radiation to a spatially discriminated subset of said distribution fibers to provide directional therapy changeable in the course of laser surgery.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.