Multi-spot laser surgical probe using faceted optical elements

Abstract

In particular embodiments of the present invention, an optical surgical probe includes a handpiece configured to optically couple to a light source and a cannula at a distal end of the handpiece. The probe further includes at least one light guide within the handpiece. The light guide is configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece. The probe also includes a multi-spot generator in the cannula that includes a faceted optical adhesive with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide. The faceted end surface includes at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam. In some embodiments, the probe also includes a high-conductivity ferrule at the distal end of the light guide. In other embodiments, the cannula is formed from a transparent material.

1 . An optical surgical probe comprising:
 a handpiece, the handpiece configured to optically couple to a light source;   a cannula at a distal end of the handpiece;   at least one light guide within the handpiece; the at least one light guide configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece;   a multi-spot generator in the cannula, the multi-spot generator including a faceted optical adhesive with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide, the faceted end surface including at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam; and   a high-conductivity ferrule at the distal end of the light guide.   
     
     
         2 . The probe of  claim 1 , wherein the high-conductivity ferrule is formed of silver. 
     
     
         3 . The probe of  claim 1 , wherein the high-conductivity ferrule is formed of copper. 
     
     
         4 . The probe of  claim 1 , wherein the high-conductivity ferrule comprises a side shield shielding the cannula from reflected light from the faceted optical adhesive. 
     
     
         5 . The probe of  claim 1 , wherein the high-conductivity ferrule has a thermal conductivity of at least 372 W/m-K. 
     
     
         6 . An optical surgical probe comprising:
 a handpiece, the handpiece configured to optically couple to a light source;   a transparent cannula at a distal end of the handpiece;   at least one light guide within the handpiece; the at least one light guide configured to carry a light beam from the light source to a distal end of the handpiece;   a multi-spot generator in the cannula, the multi-spot generator including a faceted optical adhesive with a faceted end surface spaced from a distal end of the light guide, the faceted end surface including at least one facet oblique to a path of the light beam,   
     
     
         7 . The probe of  claim 6 , wherein the transparent cannula is translucent. 
     
     
         8 . The probe of  claim 6 , wherein the transparent cannula is frosted. 
     
     
         9 . The probe of  claim 6 , wherein the transparent cannula further comprises a highly-reflective coating on an exterior of the cannula. 
     
     
         10 . The probe of  claim 6 , wherein the transparent cannula is surrounded by an opaque outer cannula separated from the transparent cannula by an air gap.