Importance

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Abstract

A cap-like tip element is shaped and sized to fit over an energy-delivering distal end portion of an optic fiber conveying a flux of optic energy from a selected energy source. Optic energy emitted from an energy-emitting surface of the enclosed distal end of the optic fiber is received at a surface inside the tip element. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tip element is optically transmissive, and is shaped to facilitate precisely directed application of optic energy emitted therefrom. The material of the tip element is selected to be durable in prolonged use through repeated thermal cycling. In another aspect of the invention the tip element material is selected to be electrically conductive and is connected to an independently controlled electrical voltage source so that the tip element may be used as a cauterization tool by direct contact to selected tissue. In another aspect of the invention the material of the tip element is optically opaque, hence the received optic energy is converted into heat applicable by contact with tissue. In yet another aspect of the invention, a primary optic energy flux is focused into a small quantity of gas contained between a lens-shaped end of the optic fiber and the inside of the tip element, the primary optic energy flux being focused to generate a high temperature plasma emitting optic energy at a wavelength characteristic of the selected gas.

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First Claim