| 摘要 |
An optical fiber includes a biodegradable core with an index of refraction that is larger that the index of refraction of its surrounding medium or cladding. The biodegradable optical fiber may be formed from a variety of materials such as clear absorbable monofilamentous suture materials. The optical fiber may include a biodegradable and biocompatible means for connecting to at least one other fiber optic. Embodiments of the core and cladding materials are given that will biodegrade when activated by heat, moisture, electromagnetic radiation, microbes, plants, animals and their enzymes, fluids or microbial or germ secretions. Many medical uses are provided, such as the inclusion of therapeutic agents embedded within the material of the core and/or the cladding where such agents will be released when the fiber begins to dissolve. An embodiment of the invention utilizes a medium of lower index of refraction through which the core passes to enable total internal reflection. |
