Ophthalmic probe assembly with flat-walled tube

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a probe comprising a tube with one or more optical fibers extending at least partially through the tube to transmit at least one of laser light and illumination light from a light source to a target location. A distal end of the tube comprises a flat wall morphology and a protective window with a rounded edge is press fit to the distal end. The flat wall morphology of the distal end of the tube has a reduced diameter sensitivity to interference, allowing for a wider tolerance range between the window and the tube wall for an effective press fit.

Description

[0001] CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 127,222, filed December 18, 2020, entitled “OPHTHALMIC PROBE ASSEMBLY WITH FLAT WALL TUBE,” which inventors are Michael Scott Heuser, Timothy C. Ryan, Manish Malhar Agarkar, and Mark Harrison Farley, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, as if fully and completely set forth herein, for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to small gauge instruments for surgical procedures, and more particularly, to a probe assembly for use in ophthalmic surgical procedures (e.g., vitreoretinal surgical procedures), among others. BACKGROUND

[0004] Laser and / or illumination probe (e.g., LIP) assemblies can be used during many different procedures and surgical procedures. For example, a laser probe can be used, among others, during retinal laser surgical procedures to seal retinal tears. An illumination probe is used to provide illumination to a desired location during performance of a procedure, and can be used in combination with a laser probe. In fact, laser and illumination functions can be performed by separate probe assemblies, or they can be combined into a single illuminated laser probe assembly. In either case, laser and / or illumination light is typically transmitted from a laser and / or illumination light source through a fiber optic cable. The proximal end of the fiber optic cable terminates in a connector that is connected to the light source, and the distal end of the fiber optic cable terminates in a LIP probe assembly that is manipulated by a surgeon. It should be noted that, herein, the distal end of a component refers to the end that is closer to the patient’s body, or from which laser and / or illumination light is emitted from the probe assembly. In another aspect, the proximal end of a component refers to the end that is away from the patient’s body or that is proximate to, for example, the light source.

[0005] Laser and / or illumination probe assemblies include a handpiece coupled to a probe tip having a tube that is partially inserted into a patient’s eye. A fiber optic cable houses one or more optical fibers that extend through the handpiece and the tube to transmit laser and / or illumination light onto the patient’s retina. In some cases, a lens is used to magnify and project the light beam propagated by the optical fiber onto the patient’s retina to improve performance. The lens can be placed in the tube in front of the distal end of the optical fiber.

[0006] A protective window is press fit within the distal end of the tube, thereby enclosing the optical fiber and lens within the tube. The press fit window protects the optical fiber and lens by preventing, minimizing, or at least reducing the amount of fluid (e.g., blood) that can leak into the tube during a surgical procedure (e.g., from a patient's body part). The press fit window can also limit movement of the lens along the tube and / or prevent the lens from disengaging from the tube.

[0007] Typically, the distal end of the tube has an annular or circular tube shape that matches the profile of the circular outer wall (e.g., outer edge) of the window to be press fit therein. However, a circular tube has a high diameter interference sensitivity, and very tight tolerances are required between the tube and the window for the tube to remain within its strain limits (e.g., minimum and maximum diameter interference limits) when press fit. Accordingly, what is needed in the art are improved small gauge probes for ophthalmic surgery and methods of manufacturing the same. SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure relates to laser probe assemblies, and more particularly, to such systems used in surgical procedures (e.g., ophthalmic surgical procedures) and the like.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, a probe for ophthalmic surgery is provided. The probe includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an optically clear or transparent window press fit within the distal end of the tube. The tube further includes one or more optical fibers extending at least partially through the tube to transmit at least one of laser light and illumination light from a light source to a target location. The proximal end of the tube has a single circumferential outer wall, and the distal end has a plurality of substantially flat outer walls adjoined by at least substantially rounded corners.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, a surgical system is provided. The surgical system includes a light source, and a probe assembly connected to the light source by one or more optical fibers. The probe assembly further includes a handpiece connected to a tube, wherein the tube has a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. An optically clear or transparent window is press fit within the distal end of the tube. The one or more optical fibers extend through the handpiece and at least partially through the tube to transmit at least one of laser light and illumination light from the light source to a target location. The proximal end of the tube has a single circumferential outer wall, and the distal end has a plurality of substantially flat outer walls adjoined by at least substantially rounded corners. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a brief description of the disclosure can be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only example embodiments and therefore are not to be considered limiting in scope, as the application can admit other equally effective embodiments.

[0012] Figure 1 FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for producing illumination light and / or laser light for delivery to a surgical target, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figures 2A-2B FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for producing illumination light and / or laser light for delivery to a surgical target, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 FIG. 2 illustrates an example tube of a probe assembly, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3A-3B illustrate a conventional tube of a probe assembly, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1

[0015] Figures 4A-4C FIG. 4 illustrates an example tube of a probe assembly, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1

[0016] Figures 5A-5C FIG. 5 illustrates an example crosshead of a crosshead assembly for manufacturing a tube, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 4A-4C

[0017] For ease of understanding, the same reference indicators have been used, where possible, to designate the same elements common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment can be beneficially incorporated into other embodiments without further recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate understanding of the disclosed subject matter. However, it will be apparent that the disclosed implementations are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible implementations. Consequently, it is to be understood that reference herein to a described example does not necessarily pertain to the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will readily understand that any alteration and further modifications in the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated. In particular, it is fully contemplated that features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one implementation can be combined with features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementations of the present disclosure.

[0019] ​​​Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to probes and probe assemblies for ophthalmic surgery having protective components or windows. The probes include a tube with one or more optical fibers extending at least partially through the tube to transmit laser light from a light source to a target location. The proximal end of the tube can have a single circumferential wall, while the distal end of the tube includes one or more substantially flat outer walls adjoined by at least substantially rounded edges or corners. As described herein, "substantially rounded" refers to a rounded, elliptical, parabolic, or similar smooth curve. In certain examples, a lens is housed within the tube at the distal end of the one or more optical fibers. A protective window having rounded edges is press fit to the distal end of the tube, with an optional lens that can be positioned between the one or more optical fibers and the window. In some embodiments, the substantially rounded corners are positioned to minimize the spring rate of the outer tube wall by maximizing the ratio of bending stress to hoop stress in the outer tube wall. The flat wall configuration of the distal end of the tube has reduced diameter interference sensitivity compared to a round tube configuration, allowing for a wider tolerance range between the outer diameter of the window and the inner dimensions of the tube to facilitate an effective press fit. The reduced diameter interference sensitivity thus reduces the costs associated with manufacturing small gauge probes, which typically require high precision during press fitting due to the tight tolerances between the tube and window required for a round tube.

[0020] As used herein, the term "about" can refer to + / - 10% variation from a nominal value. It should be understood that such variation can be included in any value provided herein.

[0021] Figure 1 An example of a system 100 for generating illumination light and / or laser light for delivery to a surgical target is illustrated in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 100 includes a surgical system 102 and a probe 108. The surgical system 102 includes one or more light sources (e.g., a laser source and / or an illumination light source) for generating a laser beam and / or an illumination light beam that can be used during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. For example, the light sources can generate the laser beam and the illumination light beam alternatively, sequentially, or simultaneously. A user (such as a surgeon or surgical staff) can control the surgical system 102 (e.g., via a footswitch, a voice command, etc.) to emit the laser beam and / or the illumination light beam during an ophthalmic surgical procedure (such as a vitreoretinal surgical procedure). In some cases, the surgical system 102 includes a port, and the laser beam and / or the illumination light beam can be emitted from the light source, pass through the port, and into an optical fiber cable 106.

[0022] The system 100 can deliver laser and / or illumination beams from the port to the probe 108 via one or more optical fibers contained in an optical fiber cable 106, the proximal end of which is coupled to the port by the port adapter 104. As shown, the probe 108 includes a handpiece or probe body 110, and a probe tip 140 having a tube 112 extending over the length of the probe tip 140. Figure 1 The distal end 114 and the proximal end 116 of the probe tip 140, and thus the distal and proximal ends of the tube 112, are also depicted. In surgery, a surgeon uses the handpiece 110 to direct the tube 112 (e.g., a cylindrical, round, hollow tube) into a patient’s eye 120. The laser and / or illumination light sources of the surgical system 102 generate light beams 150 that are directed by the tube 112 to a desired location of the eye 120. In certain embodiments, the probe 108 is a multi-point laser probe and provides multiple laser beams 150 simultaneously, resulting in multiple laser points. The power of each laser point can be between 150 milliwatts (mW) and 500 mW, such that by providing multiple laser points, the minimum power passing through the tube 112 is 1 W. As described above, a lens can be placed in front of the optical fibers in the tube 112 for projecting the laser and / or illumination beams onto, for example, the retinal surface 122 of the patient’s eye. As described above, the proximal ends of the optical fibers are connected to the laser and / or illumination light sources, which are coupled to or part of the surgical system.

[0023] Aspects herein relate to the distal end of the tube of a probe assembly, into which a protective window is press-fit. The protective window is placed in front of the distal ends of the one or more optical fibers extending through the tube, or in front of the distal end of a lens that is itself placed in front of the distal ends of the one or more optical fibers. The protective window prevents, minimizes, or at least reduces the amount of fluid (e.g., blood) that can leak into the tube during surgery (e.g., from the patient’s body part), and in embodiments in which the probe includes the optional lens described above, the protective window can further limit movement of the lens relative to the tube during a surgical procedure.

[0024] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary protective window 232 is illustrated, which is placed at the distal end 114 of the tube 112, through which the optical fiber(s) 218 extend, in accordance with certain embodiments. As shown, the protective window (hereinafter, “window”) 232 is placed at the distal end 114 of the tube 112, while the proximal end 116 of the tube 112 is connected to the handpiece (e.g., Figure 1The handheld piece 110) as shown in FIG. 1. As described above, the distal end 114 of the tube 112 is the end that is inserted into a patient's body part or is configured to emit laser and / or illumination light out of the system 100. The tube 112 also includes an optional lens 242 that includes a proximal end 240 and a distal end 244. Further, the window 232 includes a proximal end 230 and a distal end 234.

[0025] In certain aspects, the window 232 comprises an optically clear or transparent material. In certain aspects, the transparent material has optical power, while in certain other aspects, the transparent material does not have optical power. Optical power (also referred to as refractive power, refractive force, focusing power, or converging power) is the degree to which a lens, mirror, or other optical system converges or diverges light. Thus, the window 232 can be a lens in and of itself, such as a spherical lens with rounded ends 230, 234 or an aspherical lens with flat ends 230, 234. In certain aspects, the window 232 can comprise a material that can withstand high temperatures without melting. For example, the window 232 can have a transition temperature in the range of 800 °C to 2000 °C. Examples of transparent materials include sapphire, fused silica, or other glass or ceramic materials with high transition temperatures.

[0026] In certain aspects, the window 232 is attached to the tube 112 by press-fitting the window 232 into the distal end 114 of the tube 112. Press-fitting (also referred to as interference fitting or friction fitting) is a technique for securing the window 232 to the tube 112 that is achieved by friction between the window 232 and the tube 112 after the window 232 is pushed into the tube 112. In certain aspects, the tube 112 is a tube with a gauge of 23, 25, 27, or 29. For example, the tube 112 can have a gauge of 25 or less. In certain aspects, the tube 112 comprises a material such as stainless steel, Nitinol (NiTi), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (Ni-Co-Cr-Mo; e.g., MP35N), or platinum-iridium alloy (Pt-lr). In certain aspects, the window 232 comprises a material that has sufficient robustness or rigidity (e.g., hardness or toughness) such that press-fitting the window 232 into the tube 112 does not cause the window 232 to break, especially when the tube 112 is also made of a rigid material (e.g., stainless steel). In certain aspects, the tube 112 can have an inner dimension (e.g., diameter or width) that is less than the diameter of the window 232.

[0027] As shown, the window 232 extends partially outside of the distal end 114 of the tube 112. But in certain aspects, the window 232 does not extend outside of the tube 112. For example, the window 232 can be flush with the outside of the tube 112 or does not extend outside of the tube 112.

[0028] Figure 2BA three-dimensional view of a window 232 according to some embodiments is illustrated. As shown, in some aspects, the window 232 is a cylindrical component press-fitted into an opening in the distal end 114 of the tube 112. In some aspects, the diameter of the window 232 may be approximately 350 μm ± 5 μm, approximately 360 μm ± 5 μm, or approximately 370 μm ± 5 μm. In some aspects, the length of the window 232 (in...) Figure 2B The length of the material described as W can be approximately 355 μm ± 25 μm.

[0029] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, in some aspects, the protective window (e.g., 232) can have a cylindrical shape with both the distal and proximal ends flat. However, in other aspects, the proximal end of the window is not flat. For example, the proximal end of the window can be spherical or aspherical. In some embodiments, a window with a spherical or aspherical proximal end is advantageous because, during press-fitting, the spherical or aspherical proximal end can be more easily guided or inserted through the end of the tube.

[0030] Moreover, such as Figure 2A As shown, in some aspects, the optical lens (e.g., lens 242) placed in tube 112 has a cylindrical shape with both its distal and proximal ends flat. An example of such a lens is a gradient refractive index (GRIN) lens. However, in some other aspects, spherical or aspherical lenses are used alternatively, which can improve the performance and / or thermal reliability of the corresponding probe assembly. Thus, in some aspects, at least one of the proximal or distal ends of the lens is not flat. For example, the proximal, distal, or both ends of the lens can be spherical or aspherical. Note that any lens of any different shape described herein can be used in conjunction with any protective component of any different shape described herein.

[0031] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the front and perspective views, respectively, of a conventional tube press-fitted with window 232. Tube 312 is a hollow cylindrical tube from end to end (e.g., maintaining a circular or annular wall along its entire length), and therefore, the distal end 314 of tube 312 has the same shape and dimensions as the proximal end 316. The circular tubular shape of tube 312 has high diameter interference sensitivity and requires very tight tolerances between tube 312 and the window (e.g., window 232) to which it is to be effectively press-fitted. To accommodate the required radial displacement when pressing window 232 into tube 312, tube 312 undergoes classical circumferential strain, which may result in a relatively high average equivalent strain along the inner edge of tube 312 during displacement. Therefore, pressing window 232 into tube 312 requires precise machining and assembly of both window 232 and tube 312, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

[0032] Figures 4A-4C The illustration shows an improved tube that can be press-fitted with window 232 according to certain embodiments.Figure 4A and Figure 4C Figures illustrate the tube 412 prior to being press fit with the window 232, while Figure 4B Figures illustrate the tube 412 in which the window 232 has been press fit.

[0033] As shown, the tube 412 includes a distal end 414 opposite a proximal end 416. The distal end 414 of the tube 412 is inserted into a body part of a patient, such as the eye 120, while the proximal end 416 is connected to a handpiece, such as the handpiece 110, held by a user. Similar to the tube 312 of Figures 3A-3B, the proximal end 416 has a hollow annular tubular shape. However, unlike the tube 312, the distal end 414 of the tube 412 includes three or more substantially flat walls 440 (four substantially flat walls 440a-d are shown in Figures 4A-4C ) connected by at least substantially rounded corners 441 instead of a single annular wall. For example, the at least substantially rounded corners 441 can have a circular, elliptical, parabolic, or similar smooth curve. In some embodiments, the substantially rounded corners 441 are positioned to minimize the spring rate of the outer walls 440 by maximizing the ratio of bending stress to hoop stress in the outer walls 440. The three or more substantially flat walls 440 have a length T parallel to the major axis of the tube 412 that is substantially equal to at least about 75% of the length W of the window 232, and in certain embodiments, up to about 200% of the length W of the window 232. Each substantially flat wall 440 further includes a substantially flat inner edge 442 (four inner edges 442a-d are shown in Figures 4A-4C ) coupled to adjacent inner edges 442 by inner edge corners 443 and a substantially flat outer edge 444 (four outer edges 444a-d are shown in Figures 4A-4C ) coupled to adjacent outer edges 444 by outer edge corners 445. Note that while four flat walls 440a-d are shown, the distal end 414 of the tube 412 can include three, five, six, seven, eight, or more walls 440.

[0034] The flat wall morphology of the distal end 414 results in a reduced diameter interference sensitivity compared to a circular wall morphology, enabling a wider tolerance range for effective press fitting between the outer diameter of the window 232 and the inner edges 442 of the distal end 414. Thus, the average equivalent strain rate sensitivity per unit outward displacement along the inner edges 442 and inner edge corners 443 is lower than the average equivalent strain along the inner edge of a circular tube, such as the tube 312.

[0035] In some embodiments, tube 412 is formed by taking a circular tube (e.g., tube 312) and clamping the distal end of the tube at four or more circumferential locations along the outer edge of the tube. Figures 5A-5C The illustration shows a method for manufacturing according to certain embodiments. Figures 4A-4C An exemplary clamping device for a tube.

[0036] As shown in the figure, the tube clamping device 500 typically includes a base plate 502 and a knob 504 configured to be rotated by a user or machine. Three or more jaws 506 (in...) Figure 5B and Figure 5C Four jaws (shown in the diagram) are connected to the substrate 502 via flexures 508, which allow the jaws 506 to move radially relative to the substrate 502. Typically, the number of jaws 506 corresponds to the desired number of flat walls to be formed on the tube. Each jaw 506 includes a flat clamping surface 507 adjacent to the central opening 510 of the substrate 502 (for illustrative purposes, in...). Figure 5C The knob 504 has an angled slot 509 at the end opposite to the clamping surface 507, through which the locating pin 512 is arranged. Each slot 509 is oriented in a manner that is substantially non-parallel and not perpendicular to the main axis of the corresponding jaw 506. The knob 504 further includes a central aperture 514 that aligns with the central opening 510 of the substrate 502 when the knob 504 and the substrate 502 are joined together.

[0037] In operation, the distal end of the circular tube (e.g., tube 312) is inserted into the central opening 510 of the substrate 502 through the central aperture 514 of the knob 504. Then, the user or machine rotates the knob, for example, clockwise or counterclockwise, such that the locating pin 512 of the knob 504 is tangentially positioned relative to the central opening 510 within each slot 509. Figure 5C (Represented by arrow 520) Slides. The tangential movement 520 of the locating pin 512 within the angled slot 509 forces the pawl 506 to translate radially toward the central opening 510 (in... Figure 5C (Represented by arrow 522), causing the clamping surfaces 507 to converge onto the tube at a circumferential position where the tube is inserted. As a result, due to the flat clamping surfaces 507, the converging jaws 506 clamp the circular wall of the tube into a flat-wall shape, and these clamping surfaces create a polygonal shape when the jaws 506 converge (e.g., in...). Figure 5C The orifice is square in shape. In some embodiments, the claws 506 may converge (e.g., extend inward) beyond the desired external dimension of the flat-walled tube to address the issue of tube springback.

[0038] As described above, the probe includes a tube with one or more optical fibers extending at least partially through the tube to transmit laser light from the light source to the target location. The proximal end of the tube can have a single circumferential wall, while the distal end of the tube includes one or more flat outer walls. A protective window with a rounded edge is press fit to the distal end of the tube and in front of the one or more optical fibers. The flat wall configuration of the distal end of the tube has reduced diameter interference sensitivity compared to a round tube configuration, allowing for a wider tolerance range between the outer diameter of the window and the inner dimensions of the tube to facilitate an effective press fit. The reduced diameter interference sensitivity thus reduces costs associated with manufacturing small gauge probes, which typically require high precision during press fitting due to the tight tolerance between the tube and window required for a round tube.

[0039] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. For example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any order of any of the same elements (e.g., a-a, a-a-a, a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b, b-b-b, b-b-c, c-c, and c-c-c, or any other order of a, b, and c).

[0040] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims.

[0041] In the claims, any reference to a singular element includes one or more of such elements unless specifically indicated otherwise. The term “some” refers to one or more unless specifically indicated otherwise. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether these disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless specifically indicated to the contrary. The use herein of “only,” “exactly,” and variations thereof, indicates a complete set of elements and excludes additional elements. According to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f), the elements of any claims that are described using the phrase “means for” are not to be construed as being conditioned on the use of “step-plus-function” clauses as set forth in 35 U.S.C. § 1 12(f). The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

[0042] Exemplary Embodiments

[0043] Embodiment 1 : A surgical system comprising: a light source; a probe assembly connected to the light source by one or more optical fibers, the probe assembly comprising: a handpiece connected to a tube, wherein the one or more optical fibers extend through the handpiece and at least partially through the tube to transmit at least one of laser light and illumination light from the light source to a target location, the tube further comprising: a proximal end having a single circumferential outer wall; and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end comprising a plurality of substantially flat outer walls adjoined by at least substantially rounded corners; and an optically clear or transparent window press-fit within the distal end of the tube.

[0044] Embodiment 2: The surgical system according to the above embodiment 1, wherein the window is a spherical lens, and wherein at least one of the distal end and the proximal end of the window is curved.

[0045] Embodiment 3: The surgical system according to the above embodiment 1, wherein the window is an aspherical lens, and wherein the distal end and the proximal end of the window are flat.

[0046] Embodiment 4: The surgical system according to the above embodiment 1, wherein the window comprises at least one of sapphire, fused silica, glass, or ceramic.

[0047] Embodiment 5: The surgical system according to the above embodiment 1, wherein the distal end comprises at least three substantially flat outer walls adjoined by three or more at least substantially rounded corners.

[0048] Embodiment 6: The surgical system according to the above embodiment 5, wherein the distal end comprises at least four substantially flat outer walls adjoined by four or more at least substantially rounded corners.

[0049] Embodiment 7: The surgical system according to the above embodiment 1, further comprising: a lens housed in the tube, the lens positioned between the one or more optical fibers and the window.

[0050] Embodiment 8: The surgical system according to the above embodiment 1, wherein the tube is formed of stainless steel, nitinol, nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, or platinum-iridium alloy.

[0051] Embodiment 9: The surgical system according to the above embodiment 1, wherein the tube is 25 gauge or smaller.

[0052] Example 10: The surgical system according to the above-mentioned Example 1, wherein the probe assembly is a multi-point laser probe assembly, and wherein the tube houses one or more optical fibers for propagating laser light.

[0053] Example 11: The surgical system according to the above-mentioned Example 1, wherein the window has optical power.

[0054] Example 12: The surgical system according to the above-mentioned Example 1, wherein the at least substantially rounded corners have a circular, elliptical, or parabolic curvature.

[0055] Example 13: The surgical system according to the above-mentioned Example 1, wherein the substantially rounded corners are positioned to minimize the spring rate of the outer wall by maximizing the ratio of bending stress to hoop stress in the outer wall.

Claims

1. A probe for ophthalmic surgery, the probe comprising: A tube, wherein one or more optical fibers extend at least partially through the tube to transmit at least one of laser light and illumination light from a light source to a target location, the tube further comprising: The proximal end has a single circumferential outer wall; and The distal end, opposite to the proximal end, includes a plurality of substantially flat outer walls adjacent by at least substantially rounded corners; and An optically clear or transparent window, said window being press-fitted into the distal end of the tube; The plurality of substantially flat outer walls include at least four flat outer walls, which are adjacent to at least four substantially rounded corners to reduce diameter interference sensitivity and achieve optimized press fit.

2. The probe according to claim 1, wherein, The substantially rounded corners are positioned to minimize the springback of the outer wall by maximizing the ratio of bending stress to circumferential stress in the outer wall.

3. The probe according to claim 1, wherein, The window includes a distal end and a proximal end opposite to the distal end, wherein the distal end and the proximal end of the window are connected by a circular outer edge.

4. The probe according to claim 3, wherein, The window has optical power.

5. The probe according to claim 3, wherein, The window is a spherical lens, and at least one of the far end and the near end of the window is curved.

6. The probe according to claim 3, wherein, The window is an aspherical lens, and the far and near ends of the window are flat.

7. The probe according to claim 3, wherein, The window comprises at least one of sapphire, fused silica, glass, or ceramic.

8. The probe according to claim 1, further comprising: A lens housed within the tube, the lens being positioned between one or more optical fibers and the window.

9. The probe according to claim 1, wherein, The tube is made of stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy, nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, or platinum-iridium alloy.

10. The probe according to claim 1, wherein, The probe is a multi-point laser probe, and the tube contains one or more optical fibers for propagating the laser.

11. The probe according to claim 1, wherein, The at least substantially rounded corners have rounded, elliptical, or parabolic curves.

12. A surgical system comprising: light source; A probe assembly, connected to the light source via one or more optical fibers, comprising: A handheld device connected to a tube, wherein one or more optical fibers extend through the handheld device and at least partially through the tube to transmit at least one of laser light and illumination light from the light source to a target location, the tube further comprising: The proximal end has a single circumferential outer wall; and The distal end, opposite to the proximal end, includes a plurality of substantially flat outer walls adjacent by at least substantially rounded corners; and An optically clear or transparent window, said window being press-fitted into the distal end of the tube; The plurality of substantially flat outer walls include at least four flat outer walls, which are adjacent to at least four substantially rounded corners to reduce diameter interference sensitivity and achieve optimized press fit.

13. The surgical system according to claim 12, wherein, The window includes a distal end and a proximal end opposite to the distal end, wherein the distal end and the proximal end of the window are connected by a circular outer edge.

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