Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide an optical fiber system. The optical fiber system includes an aspiration tube, an optical fiber external to the aspiration tube, and a sleeve surrounding the optical fiber and the aspiration tube. The sleeve includes a distal portion that defines a channel. The channel extends between the aspiration tube and a distal opening of the sleeve. The channel and the aspiration tube define an aspiration pathway. The optical fiber is partially disposed within the channel.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for monitoring utilization of reusable surgical devices in a surgical operating environment. In certain embodiments, a method may be performed by a surgical console. The method includes receiving an indicator of an intent to use a reusable surgical device in a surgical procedure. The method also includes, responsive to the received indicator, receiving, from memory associated with the reusable surgical device, a usage value associated with an amount of previous usage of the reusable surgical device. The method also includes assessing an acceptability of the reusable surgical device for use in the surgical procedure based on a comparison of the usage value with a usage threshold associated with a usage limit of the reusable surgical device. The method also includes allowing or denying usage of the reusable surgical device in the surgical procedure based on the assessed acceptability.

Abstract: A method for growing a straight/non-tapered or a tapered high-transmission single-crystal fiber (SCF) using a fiber growth machine includes receiving, via an electronic control unit (ECU), a set of image data from a camera. The image data includes a first group of pixels of a feed fiber, a seed fiber, and a molten zone formed therebetween using a laser beam. The method includes identifying a feature of interest of the feed fiber, seed fiber, and/or molten zone within the first pixel group and locating position-identifying pixels within the feature of interest as a second pixel group. A horizontal position of the feed fiber is controlled via the ECU using the second pixel group while growing the fiber, including transmitting electronic control signals to actuators of the machine. An automated system for growing the SCF includes the camera configured and the ECU configured to perform the method.