Abstract: A protector for a light conducting conduit constitutes an enlarged head attached to the distal end of the light conducting conduit. The enlarged head has an internal cavity with a shutter positioned adjacent its distal end. The shutter is opened by insertion of the light connection of a medical instrument into the internal cavity. The shutter closes when the light connection of the medical instrument is removed from the internal cavity. The enlarged head is made of a material with a low heat conductivity.

Abstract: A protector for a light conducting conduit is provided herein which includes at least one sheath surrounding or capable of surrounding at least a portion of the length of a distal end of the light conducting conduit; wherein the at least one sheath comprises a proximal end and a distal end; the sheath is capable of being connected to the light conducting conduit; the sheath and the light conducting conduit define a void extending longitudinally between the sheath and the light conducting conduit along at least a portion of a length of the sheath; and the sheath comprises a material having a low heat conductivity.