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Abstract

A system for monitoring the condition of the distal tip of an optical treatment fiber, including a monitor for measuring the intensity of light backscattered from the distal tip. A treatment laser is coupled to a jumper fiber, which has its distal end optically coupled to the proximal end of the treatment fiber, for transmitting light from the laser to treatment tissue at a treatment site in a patient. The monitor determines the amount of laser light backscattered from the distal tip of the treatment fiber, thereby indicating whether an abnormal condition exists at the distal tip. At least one additional fiber is optically coupled to the treatment fiber for receiving tip backscatter unpolluted by interface backscatter between the jumper fiber and the treatment fiber. Additional fibers may also be optically coupled to the treatment fiber for receiving and monitoring the tip backscatter light or return light from the treatment tissue.

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First Claim