Abstract: A reusable connector adapter for coupling a fiber optic laser delivery device with a laser source having a laser energy output port. The adapter allows the use of a variety of different laser sources with a variety of different fiber optic laser delivery devices. The adapter maintains the fiber optic laser delivery device adjacent to the laser energy output port such that the laser energy to be transmitted is communicated efficiently to the fiber optic laser delivery device. The adapter further comprises a laser interlock deactivation means such that if a laser source has a mechanical, electrical or optical interlock system, the adapter will function to deactivate the interlock system. Furthermore, the adapter also comprises an optical barrier to prevent the unintended transmission of laser energy when, for example, the fiber optic laser delivery device has not been installed or has not been installed properly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a laser cutting scalpel for use in medical and other applications, and more particularly, to such an apparatus wherein the transmitted radiation is delivered at an angle to the incident radiation source and tool. The invention is capable of coagulating, cutting or vaporizing tissue and may be useful in a wide range of surgical and non-surgical applications. The device has a firing tip which has an insert with a highly polished mirrored surface lying at a specific angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. Thus impinging laser radiation is reflected to the side and delivered at approximately a right angle to the fiber. The invention also features one or more cooling vents located in the firing tip itself resulting in a device less prone to failure during operation. The device can be positioned accurately with respect to depth of insertion of the fiber.