Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful handpiece for use in connection with a orbicularly tipped contact surgical laser. The handpiece has a handle portion and an extended portion. The handle portion is sized for comfortable handling and is of sufficient strength to accommodate the stresses incident to use in rigorous applications such as orthopedic surgery. The extended portion is connected to the handle portion, and is sized so as to be inserted into the surgical site. The extended portion of the handpiece is adapted to enclose and support the orbicular tip of the optical fiber. An introducer which fits snugly to the outside of the extended port,on may be utilized to ease the task of placing the contact tip within the surgical site and also to restrict loss of cooling liquids from the insertion incision.

Abstract: A side-firing laser fiber is provided with a directional indicator for use in determining the orientation of radiation to be emitted from the laser fiber. The laser fiber has an elongate core clad with a nylon jacket. Over a portion of the nylon jacket is placed a sleeve of heat shrinkable material. The sleeve is positioned over the jacket near the distal end of the laser fiber and is heat treated as to be joined to the laser fiber. Biocompatible ink is then applied to the sleeve to form a linear marking capable of delineating the direction of radiation to be emitted from the side-firing laser fiber. In use, the linear marking is oriented in the direction in which the radiation is to be emitted and the laser is then activated. This technique is particularly useful when the distal end of the side-firing laser fiber is obscured from view. The portion of the laser fiber to which the sleeve is attached is still visible when the distal end of the laser fiber is obscured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful handpiece for use in connection with a orbicularly tipped contact surgical laser. The handpiece has a handle portion and an extended portion. The handle portion is sized for comfortable handling and is of sufficient strength to accommodate the stresses incident to use in rigorous applications such as orthopedic surgery. The extended portion is connected to the handle portion, and is sized so as to be inserted into the surgical site. The extended portion of the handpiece is adapted to enclose and support the orbicular tip of the optical fiber.