Patent ID: 7364543
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An optical apparatus, comprising: an optical fiber including a proximal end and a distal end and defining an axis, wherein the proximal end of the optical fiber is proximate to a light source, and wherein the distal end is proximal a first refractive lens element, wherein the first lens element includes an end surface that is angled cut at a first angle relative to a plane normal to said axis; and a second refractive lens element proximate to the first lens element, wherein the second lens element is configured to rotate about said axis, and wherein the first lens element is configured to rotate about said axis separate from the second lens element; and a mechanism for introducing and removing a fluid medium from a region between the first and second lens elements, wherein in a first mode, with no fluid present in said region, input light from the light source is reflected by the end surface of the first refractive lens element in a direction substantially perpendicular to said axis, and wherein in a second mode, with fluid present in said region, input light from the light source refracts at the end surface of the first refractive element toward the second refractive lens element.