Medical and surgical laser probe

Claim 2

A medical and surgical contact laser probe for irradiating human tissue or the like, the laser probe having a forward end and defining a predetermined laser energy radiation area immediately adjacent the laser probe forward end whereby tissue subtended by said area may be irradiated, the laser probe including an optical fiber adapted for connection optically to a source of laser energy at a first end of the optical fiber and probe tip means consisting of laser transmissive material disposed in front of the second end of the optical fiber and means for securing the transmissive material in said front positions, the transmissive material extending from the securing means whereby the securing means remains clear of tissue when the transmissive material of the tip means is brought into contact with said tissue.

Claim 3

A medical and surgical laser probe according to claim 1, wherein the transmissive material includes a substantially planar means for contacting the tissue, the peripheral portion of the contacting means being rounded with a curvature.

Claim 4

A medical and surgical laser probe according to claim 2, wherein the radius of the curvature is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

Claim 5

A medical and surgical laser probe according to claim 1 including means for directing the laser energy, the directing means including a concave back face integrally formed on the transmissive material.

Claim 6

A medical and surgical laser probe according to claim 1 including means for directing the laser energy, the directing means including a lens operatively position between the transmissive material and the optical fiber, the lens having a concave rearward surface for receiving laser energy from the optical fiber, the lens being made of laser transmitting material.

Claim 7

A medical and surgical laser probe system including an optical fiber optically connected to a laser source, a sheath tube covering the fiber, the sheath tube having a forward end portion, an outer tube coaxially disposed around the sheath tube keeping a gap therefrom and a fluid introducing member provided at a base portion of the probe for letting a fluid pass through the gap, which probe comprises a hollow and cylindrical holder fitted around the forward portion of the sheath tube and engaged with the outer tube to receive the forward end portion thereof; and probe tip means consisting of laser transmissive material disposed in front of the forward end of the optical fiber said holder securing the transmissive material in said front position, the transmissive material extending from the holder whereby the holder remains clear of tissue when the transmissive material of the tip means is brought into contact with said tissue.

Claim 8

A medical and surgical laser probe system including an optical fiber optically connected to a laser source, a sheath tube covering the fiber, the sheath tube having a forward end portion, an outer tube coaxially disposed around the sheath tube keeping a gap therefrom and a fluid introducing member provided at a base portion of the probe for letting a fluid pass through the gap, which probe comprises a hollow and cylindrical holder fitted around the forward portion of the sheath tube and engaged with the outer tube to receive the forward end portion thereof; and probe tip means consisting of laser transmissive material disposed in front of the forward end of the optical fiber said holder securing the transmissive material in said front position, the transmissive material extending from the holder whereby the holder remains clear of tissue when the transmissive material of the tip means is brought into contact with said tissue.

Claim 9

A medical and surgical laser probe according to claim 6, wherein the outer tube, the holder and the transmissive material are assembled so as to have substantially equal and uniform outside cylindrical diameters whereby the outer tube, the holder, and the transmissive material form a smooth or flush surface as assembled.

Claim 10

A medical and surgical laser probe according to claim 6, wherein the transmissive material has, at its rear portion, a stepped portion which is fitted in the holder.

Claim 11

A medical and surgical laser probe according to claim 6, wherein the holder has at its rear portion a recess around the periphery thereof which extends from a body portion thereof to form a fitting portion fitted tightly within the gap and has at least one slit extending over the body and fitting portion of the holder along the longitudinal axis of the probe, said slit being communicated with the gap, a laser emitting end of the optical fiber and the outside of the probe.