Abstract: It is the object of this invention to provide a new and highly flexible medical laser delivery device and system with the abilty to change the radiation pattern delivered without the need to change or modify the output end or output optics. The output optics or output end is frequently embodied in the body and/or is sterile and its change or modification or the change of the whole delivery device during the procedure is undesirable. Changing the input pattern while using conventional step index fibers cannot achieve the required result of control of the output pattern in a reliable manner because of beam spreading over the length of the device. The light becomes diffused over the length of the conventional step index fiber. It is therefore another object of the present invention to specify the requirements for the transmission fiber employed in the device and a method of making same.

Abstract: An improved configuration for a surgical laser instrument to provide the alternate contact cutting and no-contact coagulating of biological tissues by means of a fiber-optically guided irradiation of a laser is disclosed. This configuration includes instrumentation to enable discrimination between background illumination (i.e. xenon illumination scopes, room lights) and white light produced by the burning of tissue residue at the distal fiber tip. White light is described as a light having a wavelength between 0.3 to 0.9 mm. This improvement has the advantages of preventing background illumination from interfering with operation of a laser equipped with a white light feedback control device. Ultimately, this provides the surgeon with a more predictable laser delivery device which subsequently makes the laser safer to use.

Abstract: A method of making silver halide fibers involves reducing turbulence and friction during extrusion by moving an extrusion die in a direction opposite from flowing fiber and against a stationary preform arrangement. In another embodiment, the preform is doped with AgI or is a metal compound of the formula MY wherein M is selected from Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; or MY.sub.2 wherein M is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, Pb, Ba, Cd or Hg, and Y is selected from Cl, Br, or I. The resulting fiber has a more even core/clad interface with decrease in grain size to fiber surface and texture elongated along the fiber axis. This structure together with strengthening and stabilizing dopants, added to fiber material, gives decreased and stabilized optical losses and a higher elasticity of fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adaptor for the conversion of laser connectors which will render a pre-existing laser system having an inside connector receptive to and connectable to an otherwise non-fitting generic or proprietary outside connector. This adaptor includes a locking sleeve and a captive sleeve located within the locking sleeve. The captive sleeve comprises of a pigtail attachment and a pre-existing laser system outside connector. The pigtail attachment has a forward end and a rearward end and is adapted to connect to a pre-existing laser system outside connector with extended fiber at its forward end and is adapted with connecting means for receiving a final outside connector different from the pre-existing laser system outside connector, at its rearward end. The pigtail attachment has locking means with a first position and a second position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to silver halide fibers. In one embodiment, the fiber has been doped with AgI or a metal compound of the formula MY wherein M is selected from Li, Na, K, Rb, Cr, Mg, Ca, St, Ba, Cd or Hg, and Y is selected from Cl, Br, or I. The fiber has large, elongated grain core structure and decreased infrared transmission losses and a more even/cladding interface in cladded embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention involves a medical delivery system capable of emitting radiation with wavelengths between 190 nm and 16 um in one or more essentially directed, predetermined patterns. It includes at least one solid optical fiber, having a core and a cladding on the core. The cladding has a refractive index smaller than the core, having an input end suitably configured to connect to an appropriate radiation source and having a distal end in the proximity of which two or more grooves are penetrating into the core. The gooves have at least partial reflector capability so as to deflect radiation thereto radially in one or more predetermined patterns. The invention also includes methods of performing medical procedures utilizing the aforesaid device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing hard clad optical fibers with improved ultraviolet transmission which includes drawing an optical fiber core while simultaneously coating the core with a photoinitiator-free, active energy ray curable composition and then introducing the coated core to a high energy ionizing radiation ray source so as to minimize exposure of the core to the ionizing radiation. The energy is less than 800 keV and preferably less than 200 keV. In one preferred embodiment, the energy is aimed at the coated core so as to pass therethrough at an angle of 45.degree. or less. The resulting product from the process is also included in the present invention.