External fiber for optical fiber delivery in ophthalmic surgical devices

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an optical fiber system. The optical fiber system includes a suction tube, an optical fiber outside the suction tube, and a sleeve surrounding the optical fiber and the suction tube. The sleeve includes a distal portion that defines a channel. The channel extends between the suction tube and the distal opening of the sleeve. The channel and the suction tube define a suction path. The optical fiber is partially disposed within the channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an external fiber for optical fiber delivery in ophthalmic surgical devices. Background Art

[0002] In a wide variety of medical procedures, laser light is used to perform surgery and / or treat the patient's anatomy. For example, in laser phacoemulsification, a laser probe propagates a laser beam to emulsify and resect the lens for cataract removal. The laser beam is typically transmitted from a surgical laser system through an optical fiber, the optical fiber terminating proximally at a port adapter connected to the surgical laser system and terminating distally at a laser probe operated by a surgeon.

[0003] In some laser probes, the optical fiber is housed inside an aspiration tube. Housing of the optical fiber within the aspiration tube can cause clogging problems because the optical fiber occupies a portion of the aspiration path. The optical fiber may further occlude the aspiration path by not allowing larger tissue and vitreous fragments to be aspirated through the aspiration tube. As a result, the laser probe may be less effective in removing tissue and vitreous generated during a medical procedure. Summary of the Invention Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to optical fibers, and more particularly to components for energy delivery in surgical systems.

[0005] Certain embodiments of this disclosure provide an optical fiber system. The optical fiber system includes a suction tube, an optical fiber outside the suction tube, and a sleeve surrounding the optical fiber and the suction tube. The sleeve includes a distal portion that defines a channel. The channel extends between the suction tube and the distal opening of the sleeve. The channel and the suction tube define a suction path. The optical fiber is partially disposed within the channel.

[0006] Certain embodiments of this disclosure provide an optical fiber system. The optical fiber system includes a suction tube, an optical fiber outside the suction tube, and a distal cap. The distal cap includes a channel extending between the suction tube and a distal opening. The channel and the suction tube define a suction path. The optical fiber is partially disposed within the channel.

[0007] Certain embodiments of this disclosure provide an optical fiber system. The optical fiber system includes a suction tube, an optical fiber outside the suction tube, and a distal cap. The distal cap includes a hypotube and a channel, which are disposed at the distal end of the suction tube. The hypotube includes a hypotube opening. The channel extends between the suction tube and the distal opening. The channel and the suction tube define a suction path. The hypotube is disposed within the channel.

[0008] The following description and related drawings illustrate in detail certain exemplary features of one or more embodiments, including those described above.

[0009] To allow for a more detailed understanding of the features of the Disclosure cited above, a more specific description of the Disclosure, which has been briefly summarized above, can be obtained by referring to embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative embodiments and should not be considered to limit their scope, and other similarly effective embodiments may be recognized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This disclosure illustrates aspects of a system for generating a laser beam for delivery to a surgical target, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 2A] This shows a perspective view of the probe tip of a probe having a sleeve according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A shows a side cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the probe according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] Figure 2A shows a side cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the sleeve according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the distal portion of the sleeve according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] This shows a perspective view of the probe tip of a probe having a distal cap according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A shows a side cross-sectional view of the probe tip of the probe according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of the distal cap according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3D] Figure 3A shows a side cross-sectional view of the distal cap according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3E] Figure 3A shows a side cross-sectional view of an optical fiber and suction tube without the distal cap, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3F] Figure 3E shows a perspective view of the optical fiber and suction tube of Figure 3E, with the distal cap of Figure 3A omitted, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] Figure 3A shows a side cross-sectional view of the distal cap, including the hypotube, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A shows a side cross-sectional view of the optical fiber and hypotube of Figure 3A, with the distal cap of Figure 3A absent, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C]Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the optical fiber and hypotube of Figure 3A, with the distal cap of Figure 3A absent, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to indicate identical elements common to all drawings whenever possible. Elements and features of one embodiment can be usefully incorporated into other embodiments without further reference.

[0012] In the following description, details are provided as examples to facilitate understanding of the subject matter disclosed. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed implementations are illustrative and do not encompass all possible implementations. Therefore, it should be understood that references to the described embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Any changes and further modifications to the described devices, equipment, and methods, as well as any further applications of the principles of this disclosure, are fully assumed to be naturally conceivable to those skilled in the art to whom this disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully assumed that features, components, and / or steps described in relation to one implementation may be combined with features, components, and / or steps described in relation to other implementations of this disclosure.

[0013] As described herein, the distal end, distal segment, or distal portion of a component refers to the end, segment, or part that is closer to the patient's body during use. Conversely, the proximal end, proximal segment, or proximal portion of a component refers to the end, segment, or part that is further away from the patient's body, for example, closer to a surgical laser system.

[0014] As used herein, the term "approximately" may refer to a variation of + / - 10% from the nominal value. Needless to say, such variation may be included in any value provided herein.

[0015] Certain embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to surgical systems, and in particular to components for energy delivery in surgical systems.

[0016] During surgery and / or treatment of a patient's anatomy, various types of optical fibers can have transmission properties that enable the optical fibers to efficiently and accurately guide a laser beam from a laser source to a surgical site. However, as will be discussed, housing an optical fiber inside the suction tube of a laser probe can cause clogging issues because the optical fiber occupies a portion of the suction path. The optical fiber may further occlude the suction path by preventing larger tissue and vitreous pieces from being suctioned through the suction tube. As a result, laser probes can be less effective in removing tissue and vitreous generated during a medical procedure.

[0017] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a surgical system for more effectively removing tissue and vitreous generated during a medical procedure. The surgical system may include an optical fiber positioned outside the suction path of a laser probe used for emulsifying and aspirating lens material. Positioning the optical fiber outside the suction path can greatly reduce the risk of clogging. The optical fiber may be positioned adjacent the suction tube and partially disposed inside a channel at the distal end of the probe. In various embodiments described herein, the channel can be defined by either a sleeve or a distal cap that positions the optical fiber to efficiently deliver a laser beam to a surgical site. Such embodiments are described in further detail below in conjunction with Figures 1, 2A-2D, 3A-3F, and 4A-4C.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a system 100 for performing laser-assisted ophthalmic procedures. The surgical system 100 includes a laser system 102 having one or more laser sources for generating a laser beam 113. In one embodiment, the laser beam 113 can have a wavelength of from about 1 micrometer (μm) to about 10 μm, for example about 3 μm, and may be suitable for phacoemulsification. A user such as a surgeon can switch the laser between an on position and an off position using a switch on the probe 108, a foot pedal, or other means.

[0019] The surgical system 100 includes a connector (e.g., a port adapter 114), an optical fiber 110, an optical fiber cable 111, and a probe 108. The optical fiber 110 can be at least partially housed inside the optical fiber cable 111. A distal end of the optical fiber cable 111 is coupled to the probe 108, and a proximal end of the optical fiber cable 111 is coupled to the port adapter 114. In some cases, the optical fiber 110 may include two or more fibers. The optical fiber 110 can have transmittance for a wavelength in the range of from about 1 μm to about 10 μm, for example in the range of about 3 μm.

[0020] The port adapter 114 is coupled to an optical port of the laser system 102. The optical fiber 110 extends through the port adapter 114 toward the optical port. The port adapter 114 may include a ferrule 115 having an opening into which the proximal end of the optical fiber 110 and the proximal end of the optical fiber cable 111 are inserted.

[0021] The probe 108 includes a probe body 112 and a probe tip 145. The optical fiber 110 extends through the probe body 112 to a distal end portion of the probe tip 145. The optical fiber 110 delivers the laser beam through the probe 108 that guides the laser beam to a surgical site in a patient's eye 125 (e.g., the lens 121). The probe body 112 and the probe tip 145 house and protect the distal end of the optical fiber 110.

[0022] Figures 2A-2D show the probe tip 145 of a probe 108 having a sleeve 230. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the probe tip 145 of the probe 108 includes the sleeve 230, a connecting component 234, an optical fiber housing 236, a portion of an optical fiber 110, and a suction tube 238. The optical fiber 110 can be positioned adjacent to the suction tube 238 such that the optical fiber 110 is outside the suction tube 238. In some embodiments, the suction tube 238 has a cross-sectional area defined by a diameter D1. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area may be defined by other dimensions, such as height and width, depending on the shape of the suction tube 238. Positioning the optical fiber 110 outside the suction tube 238 increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction tube 238 from which tissue and vitreous humor can be aspirated. Advantageously, the increased cross-sectional area of ​​the suction tube 238 reduces the possibility of clogging and further allows for the aspiration of larger fragments of tissue, vitreous humor, etc.

[0023] In various embodiments, sleeve threads 240 are located near the distal end 244 of the connection component 234, and probe threads 242 are located near the proximal end 246 of the connection component 234. Sleeve threads 240 are configured to secure the connection component 234 to the connection component threads 250 of the sleeve 230. Probe threads 242 are configured to secure the connection component 234 to the connection component threads of the probe 108. The proximal end 246 of the connection component 234 is coupled to the optical fiber housing 236. The optical fiber housing 236 houses a portion of the optical fiber 110.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2B, the sleeve 230 may include a proximal region 247, an intermediate region 248, and a distal region 249. The sleeve 230 may include a silicone material, an elastomer material, a plastic material, a metal material, or a ceramic material. The connecting component threads 250 are located near the proximal end 251 of the sleeve 230 within the proximal region 247. In some embodiments, the connecting component 234 is secured to the sleeve 230 by screwing the connecting component threads 250 into the sleeve threads 240. In other embodiments, the connecting component 234 is secured to the sleeve 230 by press-fitting. The intermediate region 248 connects the proximal region 247 to the distal region 249. In some embodiments, the proximal region 247 has a larger cross-sectional area (e.g., an area defined by its diameter) than the distal region 249 (e.g., an area defined by its diameter). The intermediate region 248 may be conical in shape, having side walls 237 that taper inward from the proximal region 257 toward the distal region 249.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2C and 2D, the distal region 249 includes a distal portion 231, a distal end 252, and an optical fiber guide 254. The distal portion 231 of the sleeve 230 includes a channel 256 and a distal opening 258. The optical fiber guide 254 can partially surround the optical fiber 110. For example, the optical fiber guide 254 may have an annular shape that partially surrounds the optical fiber 110. The optical fiber guide 254 may terminate at the distal opening 258. In some embodiments, the distal end 260 of the optical fiber 110 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the distal opening 258.

[0026] In some embodiments, the distal end 252 may include a distal flange 262 that extends spaced apart from the distal opening 258 below the optical fiber guide 254. The distal surface 264 is formed by the distal flange 262. The distal surface 264 is provided to improve followability, ease of use, and to prevent the probe tip 145 from becoming embedded. In some embodiments, the distal end 260 of the optical fiber 110 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the distal surface 264.

[0027] Channel 256 extends between the suction tube 238 and the distal opening 258. The suction tube 238 and channel 256 define the suction path 239. Channel 256 may include a transition region 266 and an angled region 268. The angled region 268 of channel 256 is angled from the suction tube 238 toward the optical fiber guide 254 and terminates at the distal opening 258. In embodiments including the transition region 266, the angled region can be angled from the transition region 266 toward the optical fiber guide 254.

[0028] The transition region 266 may have a cross-sectional area defined by a diameter D2. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area may be defined by other dimensions, such as height and width, depending on the shape of the transition region 266. The diameter D1 of the suction tube 238 may be greater than the diameter D2 of the transition region 266. In such embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the transition region 266 thus limits the size of tissue and vitreous fragments that can be aspirated through the suction path 239.

[0029] The angled region 268 may have a cross-sectional area defined by a diameter D3. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area may be defined by other dimensions, such as height and width, depending on the shape of the angled region 268. The diameter D2 of the transition region 266 may be greater than or approximately equal to the diameter D2 of the angled region 268. The cross-sectional area of ​​the angled region 268 thus limits the size of the tissue and vitreous fragments being aspirated through the suction path 239. The distal opening 258 has a cross-sectional area approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal end of the angled region 268.

[0030] In various embodiments, the optical fiber guide 254 can position the optical fiber 110 within a portion of the channel 256 at the distal opening 258, enabling the optical fiber 110 to deliver the laser beam more efficiently to the surgical site. As a result, the tissue and vitreous humor to be excised and / or dissolved by the optical fiber 110 can be more effectively aspirated through the suction path 239. Therefore, by positioning the optical fiber 110 in close proximity to the suction path 239 without being placed inside the suction tube 238, the possibility of clogging is reduced.

[0031] In addition, in various embodiments, the optical fiber guide 254 can position the optical fiber within a portion of the channel 256 to control the size of tissue and vitreous humor that can be drawn in through the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening 258. Positioning the optical fiber within a portion of the channel 256 reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening 258. The cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening 258 thus limits the size of tissue and vitreous humor fragments drawn in through the aspiration path 239. As a result, the tissue and vitreous humor drawn in through the aspiration path are smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the distal opening 258, the angled region 268, and the transition region 266, further reducing the likelihood of large tissue and vitreous humor fragments causing clogging inside the aspiration path 239.

[0032] The sleeve 230 may further include one or more fluid openings 270. The fluid openings 270 are configured to allow a replacement fluid, such as silicone oil or saline solution, to be supplied into the patient's eye when tissue and vitreous humor are removed. The replacement fluid prevents loss of intraocular pressure (IOP) during surgery.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2C, the sleeve 230 may further include an inner flange 280 and an anchor 292. The suction tube 238 may include an anchor opening 290. The anchor 292 can be configured to be positioned within the anchor opening 290. The inner flange 280 abuts against the proximal end 294 of the suction tube 238. As a result, the anchor 292 and the inner flange 280 position the suction tube 238 within the sleeve 230, enabling the suction tube to efficiently aspirate tissue and vitreous humor.

[0034] Figures 3A–3F show the probe tip 145 of a probe 108 having a distal cap 330. The probe tip 145 of the probe 108 includes the distal cap 330, a connecting component 234, a portion of the optical fiber 110, and a suction tube 238, as shown in Figure 3A. The suction tube 238 is positioned adjacent to the optical fiber 110 such that the optical fiber 110 is outside the suction tube 238. In some embodiments, the suction tube 238 has a cross-sectional area defined by a diameter D1. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area may be defined by other dimensions (e.g., height and width) depending on the shape of the suction tube 238. The optical fiber 110 is outside the suction tube 238, increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction tube 238 from which tissue and vitreous humor can be aspirated. Increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction tube 238 reduces the possibility of clogging and also allows for the aspiration of larger fragments of tissue and vitreous humor.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3B, the proximal end 246 of the connection component 234 may include a probe thread 242. The probe thread 242 is configured to secure the connection component 234 to the connection component thread of the probe 108. The proximal end 246 of the connection component 234 is coupled to the optical fiber housing 236. The optical fiber housing 236 houses a portion of the optical fiber 110.

[0036] The distal cap 330 includes a connecting portion 366 and an angled portion 368, as shown in Figure 3D. The distal cap 330 may include a metallic material, a silicone material, an elastomer material, a plastic material, a crystal (e.g., sapphire), or a ceramic material. The connecting portion 366 can be fixed to the suction tube 238 by screwing, welding, or press-fitting. The suction tube 238 has an outer diameter D4. The connecting portion 366 has an inner diameter D5 which may be the same as or approximately the same as the outer diameter D4 of the suction tube 238. In some embodiments, the suction tube 238 and the distal cap 330 may be a single monolithic unit.

[0037] The distal cap 330 further includes a distal end 352, an optical fiber port 354, a channel 356, and a distal opening 358. The optical fiber port 354 can partially surround the optical fiber 110. For example, the optical fiber port 354 can partially surround the optical fiber 110 in an annular manner. The optical fiber port 354 terminates at the distal opening 358. In various embodiments, the optical fiber guide 254 can position the optical fiber 110 within a portion of the channel 256 at the distal opening 258 so that the optical fiber 110 can deliver a laser beam to the surgical site. In some embodiments, the distal end 260 of the optical fiber 110 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the distal opening 358.

[0038] The distal end 352 may include a distal flange 362 that extends spaced apart from the distal opening 358 below the optical fiber port 354, as shown in Figure 3C. The distal surface 364 is formed by the distal flange 362. The distal surface 364 is provided to improve followability, ease of use, and to prevent the probe tip 145 from becoming embedded. In some embodiments, the distal end 360 of the optical fiber 110 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the distal surface 364.

[0039] Channel 356 extends between the suction tube 238 and the distal opening 358. The suction tube 238 and channel 356 define the suction path 339. Channel 356 may be defined by an angled portion 368. Channel 356 within the angled portion 368 is angled away from the suction tube 238 toward the optical fiber port 354 and terminates at the distal opening 358.

[0040] The angled portion 368 has a cross-sectional area defined by its diameter D6. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area may be defined by other dimensions, such as height and width, depending on the shape of the angled portion 368. The inner diameter D1 of the suction tube 238 may be greater than the diameter D6 of the angled portion 368. The distal opening 358 may have a cross-sectional area equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal end of the angled portion 368. In such embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the angled portion 368 thus limits the size of the tissue and vitreous fragments being aspirated through the suction path 339.

[0041] In various embodiments, the optical fiber port 354 can position the optical fiber 110 within a portion of the channel 356 at the distal opening 358, enabling the optical fiber 110 to deliver the laser beam more efficiently to the surgical site. As a result, the tissue and vitreous humor to be excised and / or dissolved by the optical fiber 110 can be more effectively aspirated through the suction path 239. Therefore, by positioning the optical fiber 110 in close proximity to the suction path 239 without being placed inside the suction tube 238, the possibility of clogging is reduced.

[0042] In addition, in various embodiments, the optical fiber port 354 can position the optical fiber 110 within a portion of the channel 356 to control the size of tissue and vitreous humor that can be drawn in through the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening 358. Positioning the optical fiber 110 within a portion of the channel 356 reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening 358. The cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening 358 thus limits the size of tissue and vitreous humor fragments drawn in through the suction path 339. As a result, the tissue and vitreous humor drawn in through the suction path are smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening 358, further reducing the likelihood of larger tissue and vitreous humor fragments causing clogging inside the suction path 339.

[0043] The distal cap 330 may further comprise an inner flange 380 and an anchor 392. The suction tube 238 may comprise an anchor opening 290. The anchor 392 can be configured to be positioned within the anchor opening 290. The inner flange 380 abuts against the proximal end 294 of the suction tube 238. The anchor 392 and inner flange 380 position the suction tube 238 within the distal cap 330, enabling the suction tube to efficiently aspirate tissue and vitreous humor.

[0044] Figures 4A-4C show side cross-sectional views of the distal cap 330 having a hypotube 485. The hypotube 485 is disposed at the distal end 294 of the suction tube 238 and can extend toward the distal opening 358. The hypotube 485 has a side wall 486 that defines a hypotube channel 487. The hypotube 485 is disposed inside the channel 356 of the distal cap 330. The hypotube 485 has an outer diameter D7. The outer diameter D7 of the hypotube 485 may be smaller than the diameter D6 of the angled portion 368 of the distal cap 330.

[0045] The side wall 486 of the hypotube 485 may be a tapered side wall having a cross-sectional area defined by a diameter D8, as shown in Figure 4B. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area may be defined by other dimensions, such as height and width, depending on the shape of the hypotube 485. The diameter D8 decreases as the hypotube 485 approaches the distal opening 358.

[0046] In various embodiments, the hypotube 485 can be angled toward the optical fiber port 354 so that the optical fiber port 354 positions the optical fiber 110 within the hypotube channel 487 and the hypotube opening 488, allowing the optical fiber 110 to more efficiently deliver the laser beam to the surgical site. In some embodiments, the optical fiber 110 occupies a portion of the diameter D8 (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the hypotube opening 488, reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the hypotube opening 488. The side wall 486 of the hypotube is configured to have a fiber opening 488 so that the optical fiber 110 can be positioned within the hypotube opening 489, as shown in Figure 4C. As a result, the tissue and vitreous humor to be excised and / or dissolved by the optical fiber 110 can be more effectively aspirated through the suction path 339. Thus, positioning the optical fiber 110 close to the suction path 339 without positioning it within the suction tube 338 reduces the possibility of clogging.

[0047] In further embodiments, the form of the distal cap disclosed above may be formed from two or more components, such as a distal cap and a sleeve. For example, the sleeve may be sized to accommodate the hypotube shown in Figures 4A-4C. In another exemplary embodiment, the distal cap may form the bottom of the distal cap 330, while the sleeve may form the top of the distal cap. In yet another additional embodiment, a separate tool may be used to provide irrigation to the patient's eye.

[0048] In summary, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system in which an optical fiber is disposed outside a suction tube. A sleeve or distal cap having a channel forms a suction path together with the suction tube. The optical fiber is partially disposed at the distal opening of the sleeve or distal cap to guide a laser beam from a laser source to a desired location on the patient's body, such as the lens of the patient's eye. The optical fiber excises or dissolves tissue and vitreous humor so that the tissue and vitreous humor are efficiently aspirated from the patient's eye. The optical fiber being outside the suction path reduces the possibility of clogging in the suction tube.

[0049] The subject matter disclosed above is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the attached claims are intended to extend to all such modifications, improvements, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and is not limited or restricted by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A fiber optic system, Suction tube and The optical fiber outside the suction tube, An optical fiber system comprising: a sleeve surrounding the optical fiber and the suction tube, the sleeve having a distal portion that defines a channel extending between the suction tube and the distal opening of the sleeve, wherein the channel and the suction tube define a suction path, and the optical fiber is partially disposed within the channel.

2. The optical fiber system according to claim 1, wherein the channel is angled toward the optical fiber guide and terminates at the distal opening.

3. The optical fiber system according to claim 2, wherein the optical fiber guide partially surrounds the optical fiber and terminates at the distal opening.

4. The optical fiber system according to claim 3, wherein the distal portion of the sleeve includes a flange that extends away from the optical fiber guide.

5. The optical fiber system according to claim 4, wherein the flange forms a distal surface.

6. A fiber optic system, Suction tube and The optical fiber outside the suction tube, A distal cap comprising a channel extending between the suction tube and the distal opening, wherein the channel and the suction tube define a suction path, and the optical fiber is partially disposed within the channel, the distal cap comprising the channel, Fiber optic system.

7. The optical fiber system according to claim 6, wherein the suction path is further defined by a hypo tube positioned at the distal end of the suction tube.

8. The optical fiber system according to claim 6, wherein the optical fiber port surrounds the distal portion of the optical fiber and terminates at the distal opening of the distal cap.

9. The optical fiber system according to claim 8, wherein the channel is angled toward the optical fiber port and terminates at the distal opening.

10. The optical fiber system according to claim 9, wherein the distal portion of the distal cap includes a flange that extends away from the optical fiber port.

11. A fiber optic system, Suction tube and The optical fiber outside the suction tube, It is a distal cap, A hypotube disposed at the distal end of the suction tube, having a hypotube opening, An optical fiber system comprising a channel extending between the suction tube and the distal opening, wherein the channel and the suction tube define a suction path, and the hypo tube is disposed within the channel, and a distal cap comprising the channel.

12. The optical fiber system according to claim 11, wherein the hypotube and the channel are angled toward the optical fiber port and terminate at the distal opening.

13. The optical fiber system according to claim 12, wherein the optical fiber port surrounds the distal portion of the optical fiber and terminates at the distal opening of the distal cap.

14. The optical fiber system according to claim 13, wherein the distal portion of the distal cap includes a flange that extends away from the optical fiber port.

15. The optical fiber system according to claim 14, wherein the flange forms a distal surface.

Images