Methods and apparatus related to a launch connector portion of a ureteroscope laser-energy-delivery device

摘要

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical fiber made of a silica-based material. A proximal end portion of the optical fiber has an outer-layer portion. The proximal end portion can be included in at least a portion of a launch connector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus also includes a component that has a bore therethrough and can be made of a doped silica material. The bore can have an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber. The component can also have an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
an optical fiber extending along a longitudinal axis and having a cladding layer, wherein a proximal end portion of the optical fiber is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation; a component having a bore in communication with a proximal opening of the component and a distal opening of the component, a portion of the cladding layer of the proximal end portion being in contact with the bore to define an interface such that electromagnetic radiation from the optical fiber and incident on the interface is substantially internally reflected, the optical fiber and the component collectively defining a launch connector; a holder having a proximal portion coupled to a proximal end portion of the launch connector; an alignment assembly extending distally of the holder and configured to prevent the optical fiber from bending away from the longitudinal axis, the alignment assembly defining a lumen extending therethrough, and a connector extending within the lumen of the alignment assembly and configured to receive the optical fiber; wherein the holder is further configured to receive a proximal portion of the alignment assembly therein and wherein the proximal portion of the alignment assembly includes a first diameter, the alignment assembly further including a second portion having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is different than the first diameter.