Methods and apparatus for controlling optical properties of light

Abstract

A surgical instrument for illuminating a surgical field has an optical waveguide for transmitting light by total internal reflection. One or more control elements are disposed on the optical waveguide. The control elements extract light from the optical waveguide and control first and second optical properties of the extracted light. Another surgical instrument includes a first and second optical waveguide for transmitting light by total internal reflection. A coupling element is attached to both optical waveguides such that the optical waveguides are movable and pivotable relative to one another.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE[0001]The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 705,027 (Attorney Docket No. 40556-726.101) filed Sep. 24, 2012; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Illumination of target areas to allow an operator to more clearly observe the target area can be challenging. External lighting provided by headlamps or wall mounted lights require constant adjustment and can still cast unwanted shadows in the target area. Additionally, these methods of illumination may not be capable of illuminating a target area that is deep and disposed far below a surface. Fiber optics may be coupled to tools to help illuminate the target area, but fiber optic systems can be inefficient at transmitting light, and the resulting light loss significantly reduces the amount of light delivered to the target area. Attempts to overcome inefficiency of light transmission m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a flexible illuminated surgical instrument that has a malleable backing element and a fiber optic bundle with a non-fiber optical waveguide. The instrument can be shaped into different forms and has a serrated hinged region for flexibility. The instrument also has a strain relief to prevent kinking of the fiber optic bundle and an optical connector for optical coupling. A window is located at the distal portion of the instrument for receiving a portion of the optical waveguide. The instrument also has standoffs between the malleable backing and the optical waveguide to form an air gap for better light transmission. The optical waveguide has surface features for extracting light and controlling its direction, as well as a coating or cladding for controlling optical properties. The refractive index of the coating or cladding is lower than that of the waveguide. Overall, the instrument provides improved illumination for surgical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

Illumination of target areas to allow an operator to more clearly observe the target area can be challenging.

External lighting provided by headlamps or wall mounted lights require constant adjustment and can still cast unwanted shadows in the target area.

Additionally, these methods of illumination may not be capable of illuminating a target area that is deep and disposed far below a surface.

Fiber optics may be coupled to tools to help illuminate the target area, but fiber optic systems can be inefficient at transmitting light, and the resulting light loss significantly reduces the amount of light delivered to the target area.

Attempts to overcome inefficiency of light transmission may be made by providing powerful light sources, but this can result in excessive heat generation and in some cases this results in fires.

In addition to challenges associated with providing adequate illumination of the work area, the illumination system must be able to access tight spaces without occupying significant volume that otherwise is needed for tools, an operator's hands, or otherwise visualizing the working area.

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