Illumination device and method of use for ophthalmic surgery

Abstract

An illumination device for use in an ophthalmic surgical apparatus, the illumination device including a fiber optic having a proximal end and a connector coupled to the fiber optic. The connector includes one or more of (1) a datum surface disposed a predetermined distance from the proximal end to position the proximal end at a predetermined location within the surgical apparatus, (2) a shutter actuation surface configured and arranged to open a shutter in the surgical apparatus when the connector is being connected to the surgical apparatus, and (3) a visual indicator position to provides a visual indication that the connector is fully inserted into the surgical apparatus. The illumination device may be in a combination with an ophthalmic surgical apparatus.

1 . An illumination device for use in an ophthalmic surgical apparatus, the illumination device comprising:
 a fiber optic having a proximal end;   a connector coupled to the fiber optic comprising a datum surface disposed a predetermined distance from the proximal end, the connector configured and arranged to connect with the surgical apparatus such that the datum surface positions the proximal end at a predetermined location within the surgical apparatus when the connector is connected to the surgical apparatus; and   wherein the illumination device is adapted to fit into and move a shutter actuation device within a port in the surgical apparatus upon insertion of the connector into the port, thereby opening a shutter within the surgical apparatus to transmit light through the fiber optic.   
     
     
         2 . The illumination device of  claim 1 , further comprising a heat sink surrounding a portion of the fiber optic and attached to the connector wherein the fiber optic proximal end is located proximate an end of the heat sink. 
     
     
         3 . An illumination device in a combination with ophthalmic surgical apparatus comprising a light source, the combination comprising:
 a fiber optic having a proximal end;   a connector coupled to the fiber optic comprising a datum surface disposed a predetermined distance from the proximal end, the connector datum surface abutting a surgical apparatus surface such that the proximal end is positioned at a predetermined location relative to the light source; and   wherein the illumination device is adapted to fit into and move a shutter actuation device within a port in the surgical apparatus upon insertion of the connector into the port, thereby opening a shutter within the surgical apparatus to transmit light through the fiber optic.   
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 3 , further comprising a heat sink surrounding a portion of the fiber optic and attached to the connector wherein the fiber optic proximal end is located proximate an end of the heat sink. 
     
     
         5 . The illumination device of  claim 3 , wherein the connector further comprises a visual indicator disposed a predetermined distance from the proximal end, the connector configured and arranged to connect with the surgical apparatus such that a position of the visual indicator provides a visual indication that the connector is fully inserted into the surgical apparatus.