Light wave applicator for cutting and coagulating biological tissue - applies laser beam via flexible optical fibre having non-constant refractive index profile along its cross=section

摘要

The applicator has a flexible light conducting fibre (2). The refractive index profile across the section of the fibre (2) is not constant. Light from a laser (3) is fed into the fibre (2) via a focussing lens (4). At the treatment end the fibre (2) has a free end so it can be accurately guided to the appropriate place in the human body to carry out the necessary treatment according to the adjusted beam angle. Between the feed in end and the treatment end is a manipulator (6). This can accurately provide a curve (8) in part of the fibre (2) for coupling the laser light over regions of different refractive indices. Thus, at the free end the light emerges with a large beam angle (13) for coagulation or, by unbending the fibre, with a small angle (13) for cutting. ADVANTAGE - Allows invasive treatment to be carried out quickly and simply.