Patent ID: 7766904
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A surgical probe comprising: a handpiece defining a first internal channel; a rigid cannula fixed to said handpiece to prevent relative translational movement therebetween, said cannula having a second internal channel extending to a distal tip; an optical fiber extending through said first and second internal channels, said optical fiber having a distal end portion positionable adjacent said distal tip, said distal end portion having a preformed bend that is straightened in a retracted position within said rigid cannula, and that is curved when in an extended position in which said distal end portion extends beyond said distal tip of said rigid cannula; a mechanism that selectively causes translational movement of said optical fiber relative to said handpiece, thereby causing said distal end portion of said optical fiber to move between said retracted and extended positions; and a rigid sleeve enclosing at least a portion of said optical fiber, said mechanism being attached to said rigid sleeve, said rigid sleeve supporting said optical fiber and being capable of translating with said optical fiber upon operation of said mechanism.