Liquid light guide with improved sealing characteristics

摘要

A liquid light guide for surgical instrumentation, includes a flexible elongated tube having opposed tube portions, a transmissive member positioned within each tube end portion of the elongated tube to enclose an interior portion of the elongated tube and a light transmissive medium filling the interior portion of the elongated tube. A sealing mechanism including at least one annular groove in the light transmissive plug and at least one corresponding groove in the surrounding light source cap and endoscope adapter forms a fluid tight seal between each tube end portion and the light transmissive plug to prevent leakage of the fluid from the tube. The light guide is contemplated to be used with an endoscope and is cost-effective to manufacture. Methods of making and using the disposable light guide also are disclosed.