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Abstract

A cylindrical diffuser tip for use with an optical fiber is described. The diffuser tip comprises a silicone core abutted to the terminus of the conventional optical core of an optical fiber, an outer layer of silicone plus a suitable scatterer, and a final cladding of plastic tubing to provide controlled stiffness or rigidity to the silicone diffuser tip while maintaining a flexibility comparable to the optical fiber. The tip provides a substantially uniform distribution of radiance along its length and is particularly useful for laser radiation treatment of tumors. The stiffness of the diffuser tip can be varied by choosing an outer tubing of varying wall thickness and durometer. The diffuser tip is useful for providing uniform cylindrical illumination of target tissue in remote areas of the body and is particularly useful in such areas as Photodynamic Therapy of tumors and atheromas and hyperthermia.

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First Claim