Patent ID: 7226444
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical laser handpiece comprising: (a) an elongated tubular first member having a first end and a distal second end, (b) an active flexible laser fiber having an active tip from which a laser beam may emanate, (c) position-controlling means within the tubular first member and connected to and associated with the laser fiber for controlling the position of the active tip when the laser fiber together with the position-controlling means is extended from the tubular first member, (d) means operatively connected to the position-controlling means for sliding the position-controlling means under the control of a user such that the active tip of the laser fiber can be selectively extended and retracted from the tubular first member, (e) the position-controlling means comprising a pre-configured member constituted of shaped memory material and connected to and extendable with the laser fiber such that the active tip of the extended laser fiber follows the pre-configured shape of the pre-configured member.