Optical window for an intracorporeal device

Abstract

Optical windows for intracorporeal devices, intracorporeal devices comprising a window and a method for forming a window for an intracorporeal device are provided. The method comprises placing within a mold an assembly comprising a mandrel located within a pair of parts separated by a collar of window material, heating the window preform effective to cause the window material to soften, and applying force to urge together the pair of parts to deform the window material so as to form a window. The intracorporeal devices, such as imaging devices, include guidewires, catheters, endoscopes. In addition, the method is suitable for joining plastic parts to other parts, such as metal and ceramic parts.

1 . An intracorporeal device, comprising: 
 a proximal portion;    a distal portion disposed at an end of the proximal portion; and    a window secured to and between said proximal and distal portions, said window and said proximal and distal portions being formed of materials having melt temperatures, said window material having a melt temperature below that of the melt temperatures of said proximal and distal portions.    
   
   
       2 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 1 , wherein said window directly contacts and is secured to said proximal and distal portions.  
   
   
       3 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 1 , wherein said window includes a smooth tube that is at least one of translucent and transparent to enable transmission of light without excessive attenuation.  
   
   
       4 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 1 , wherein said window has an index of refraction between about 1.3 to 1.4.  
   
   
       5 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 1 , wherein said window transmits optical radiation having a wavelength of about 0.75 micron to 2.5 micron.  
   
   
       6 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 1 , wherein said window is not extruded and press fit to said proximal and distal portions.  
   
   
       7 . An intracorporeal device having a substantially cylindrical window, comprising: 
 a molded assembly including a proximal tubular member, a distal member, a window perform having a material that may soften, said window preform being disposed between said proximal tubular member and said distal member;    wherein said window perform is soft and deformed under pressure; and    wherein said proximal tubular member and said distal member are urged together to deform said window preform to form a window:    
   
   
       8 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 7 , wherein the window preform comprises a polymeric material.  
   
   
       9 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 7 , wherein the window preform comprises a combination of polymeric materials.  
   
   
       10 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 7 , wherein the window preform comprises a resin that is at least partially uncured.  
   
   
       11 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 7 , wherein the window preform comprises a combination of resins at least some of which are at least partially uncured.  
   
   
       12 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 7 , where the window preform comprises a material selected from the group consisting of acrylic, polycarbonate, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON®), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), tensilized PET, resins, and blends thereof.  
   
   
       13 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 7 , wherein the window preform has a length of between about 1 mm and about 11 mm.  
   
   
       14 . An intracorporeal device having a substantially annular window, comprising: 
 a molded assembly including a proximal tubular member, a distal member, a tubular window preform having a material that softens when illuminated, said window preform being disposed between said proximal tubular member and said distal member; and    wherein said proximal tubular member and said distal member are urged together to deform said window preform to form a window for transmission of light.    
   
   
       15 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 14 , wherein said device further comprises a mandrel passing through said proximal tubular member and into the tubular window preform.  
   
   
       16 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 15 , wherein said mandrel includes a fiber optic filament.  
   
   
       17 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 15 , wherein said mandrel includes a fiber optic filament, a mirror, and a lens.  
   
   
       18 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 14 , wherein said material is selected so that it softens when illuminated by a light selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared light.  
   
   
       19 . The intracorporeal device of  claim 14 , wherein an outer surface formed by said proximal tubular, said tubular window, and said distal member is smooth and continuous.