Importance

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Abstract

A microlens tip assembly for focusing output light from a light delivery catheter upon a target tissue. Due to the inherent divergence of output light from diode lasers, when such divergent light is conducted from the proximal end of a catheter to the distal end by means of a fiber optic, a portion is reflected at the fiber/air/lens interface to impinge upon the microlens housing area thereby heating the housing assembly resulting in overheating at high power levels and possible device failure and/or tissue damage. The present high-powered microlens includes a rear and front mount, both of which are fabricated from a non-light-absorbing material such as transparent or white plastic. The use of transparent or non-ligh-absorbing plastic components decreases the amount of heating of the tip assembly during light delivery, thereby solving the problem of therapeutic light delivery device failures and/or tissue damage due to overheating.

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First Claim