Photonic crystal fibers and medical systems including photonic crystal fibers

Abstract

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to guide radiation from the CO 2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A system, comprising:
 a waveguide including a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis, the waveguide being configured so that during operation the waveguide guides radiation along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide and delivers the radiation to a target location;   a fluid source configured so that during operation of the system the fluid source delivers fluid to the hollow core of the waveguide via the input end of the waveguide;   a cap positioned at the end of the waveguide and configured to block fluid exiting the output end of the waveguide from the target location; and   a tube extending along the waveguide axis, the tube being configured so that during operation of the system the tube channels fluid exiting the output end of the waveguide away from the output end and away from the target location,   wherein the cap comprises an exhaust port that during operation of the system provides a pathway for the fluid exiting the core to flow into the tube.   
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the waveguide is a photonic crystal fiber. 
     
     
         28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 26 , further comprising a jacket surrounding a portion of waveguide and a portion of tube. 
     
     
         30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the cap comprises a window positioned to transmit radiation exiting the output end of the waveguide during operation of the system. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 26 , further comprising a laser configured to direct radiation into the input end of the waveguide during operation of the system. 
     
     
         33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the fluid is a gas. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 26 , further comprising a coupling assembly configured to deliver radiation from a radiation source and fluid from the fluid source to the hollow core of waveguide during operation of the system. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 26 , further comprising a pump configured to draw fluid through the tube away from the output end of the waveguide during operation of the system. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 26 , further comprising a handpiece attached to the waveguide, the handpiece being configured to allow an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to the target location during operation of the system. 
     
     
         38 . A medical system comprising:
 a conduit configured to deliver radiation at a wavelength λ from a light source to a target location of a patient, the conduit comprising:
 a flexible waveguide extending along a waveguide axis and having a hollow core, the flexible waveguide being configured to guide the radiation at λ through the core along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the flexible waveguide; and 
   a robot coupled to the conduit,   wherein the robot is configured to be operated remotely to allow an operator to control an orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to the target location of the patient.   
     
     
         39 . The medical system of  claim 38 , wherein the conduit has a radius of curvature of up to about 12 centimeters. 
     
     
         40 . A method of directing radiation to a target location of a patient through a waveguide disposed in a conduit, the method comprising the steps of:
 holding a portion of a handpiece attached to the conduit; and   controlling an orientation of an output end of the waveguide using the handpiece in conjunction with a trocar.   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the handpiece comprises an actuator that allows an operator to bend or straighten the conduit. 
     
     
         42 . A medical laser system comprising:
 a laser configured to provide radiation at a wavelength λ;   a flexible waveguide extending along a waveguide axis and having a hollow core, the flexible waveguide being configured to guide radiation at wavelength λ from the laser to a target location of a patient through the core along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the flexible waveguide; and   an electronic controller for controlling the laser.   
     
     
         43 . The medical laser system of  claim 42 , wherein the electronic controller is configured to set and display operating parameters of the laser. 
     
     
         44 . The medical laser system of  claim 42 , wherein the electronic controller comprises a remote control. 
     
     
         45 . A medical system comprising:
 a flexible waveguide comprising a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis, the flexible waveguide being configured to guide radiation from a light source along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the flexible waveguide; and   a sleeve attached to the flexible waveguide, the sleeve defining a standoff distance between the output end of the flexible waveguide and a distal opening of the sleeve, wherein radiation exiting the flexible waveguide exits the sleeve through the distal opening.   
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the sleeve further defines a perforation that reduces pressure of fluid exiting through the distal opening. 
     
     
         47 . A method comprising:
 directing radiation from a light source into an input end of a flexible waveguide; and   using a sleeve attached to the flexible waveguide to direct radiation emitted from an output end of the flexible waveguide towards a target location of a patient, wherein the sleeve defines a standoff distance between the output end of the flexible waveguide and a distal opening of the sleeve.   
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the light source comprises a laser.