Methods and apparatus related to a launch connector portion of a ureteroscope laser-energy-delivery device

An apparatus, comprising:

• an optical fiber extending along a longitudinal axis and having a cladding layer and a silica core;
• a component made of a doped silica material defining a bore, a portion of the cladding layer of the proximal end portion being in contact with the bore to define an interface, the optical fiber and the component collectively defining a launch connector;
• a holder having an open distal end and a proximal portion coupled to a proximal end portion of the launch connector;
• an alignment assembly extending distally of the holder and defining a lumen extending therethrough, a proximal end of the alignment assembly being positioned within the open distal end of the holder;
• and
• a distal coupling nut defining a cavity therein, wherein a distal end of alignment assembly is received within the cavity.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a laser-energy-delivery device extending along a longitudinal axis and having an optical fiber, a cladding layer, and a doped silica capillary defining a bore, a portion of the cladding layer being in contact with the bore to define an interface;
• a holder having an open distal end and a proximal portion coupled to a proximal end portion of the laser-energy-delivery device;
• an alignment assembly extending distally of the holder and defining a lumen extending therethrough, a proximal end of the alignment assembly being positioned within the open distal end of the holder;
• a grip extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the grip, the grip being coupled to the laser-energy-delivery device;
• and
• a boot coupled to the grip, the boot extending distally of the distal end of the grip.