The present disclosure relates to a multi-core optical fiber cable (MCF). In some embodiments, an MCF comprises a plurality of cores, a cladding surrounding the plurality of cores, wherein a refractive index of one or more of the plurality of cores is greater than a refractive index of the cladding, and a coating surrounding the cladding, a distal end free of the coating and having a reduced diameter. The MCF also comprise an annular gap formed between the distal end of the MCF and the inner surface of the cannula, wherein the concentricity of the distal end of the MCF with the inner passage of the cannula is maintained.

One described aspect is an optical fiber comprising: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end; a first cladding that extends along the fiber axis, is adjacent to the fiber core, and terminates at a distal end; a coating that extends along the fiber axis and terminates at a distal end, wherein the coating is a gold coating; a second cladding that surrounds a portion of the gold coating along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end; an outer jacket that extends along the fiber axis and terminates at a distal end; and a fiber tip. Associated laser systems are also disclosed.

A probe of a target identification system can be extended via a first lumen of a viewing instrument, such as for illuminating an area beyond a distal end of the viewing instrument via an optical path of the viewing instrument. An optical response to the illumination of the area can be received via an optical path of the probe and can be split from other optical signals of the optical path. The optical response information can be used to identify characteristics of a target and to adjust parameters of a working instrument such as a working instrument contemporaneously using the probe.

A method for treating a treatment site (106) within or adjacent to a heart valve (108) within a body of a patient includes the steps of generating energy with an energy source (124); receiving energy from the energy source (124) with an energy guide (122A); positioning a balloon assembly (104) adjacent to the treatment site (106), the balloon assembly (104) including an outer balloon (104B) and an inner balloon (104A) that is positioned within and at least partially spaced-apart from the outer balloon (104B) to define an interstitial space (146A) therebetween that is configured to retain a balloon fluid (132); and positioning a portion of the energy guide (122A) that receives the energy from the energy source (124) within the interstitial space (146A) between the balloons (104A, 104B) so that a plasma-induced bubble (134) is formed in the balloon fluid (132) within the interstitial space (146A).

A tissue-treating portion of a surgical instrument includes a body defining a cavity and a light-energy transmissible sphere captured within the cavity such that a portion of the light-energy transmissible sphere protrudes from the body. The light-energy transmissible sphere is capable of unlimited rotation in all directions relative to the body. The light-energy transmission cable extends through the body to a position spaced-apart from the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmission cable is configured to transmit light energy to the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmissible sphere, in turn, is configured focus the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue.

Systems and methods for creating multi-spot laser light beams, multiplexing an illumination light and the multi-spot laser light beams, delivering the multiplexed light to a surgical handpiece via a multi-core optical fiber cable, and delivering the multiplexed light onto patient anatomy.

A laser fiber apparatus and method for preparing the apparatus is described herein. An apparatus comprising a laser fiber having a proximal end, a distal end, a core, and a cladding. A lens at the distal end of the laser fiber is proximally elongated from bulbous in shape. The core of the laser fiber transmits laser energy from a laser source coupled to the proximal end through the lens. The cladding of the laser fiber also circumferentially coats at least the proximally elongated portion of the lens, and epoxy material circumferentially coats the cladding, a portion of the lens distal the cladding, and defines an aperture at the apex of the lens.

A catheter system for pressure wave and inertial impulse generation for intravascular lesion disruption includes a balloon coupled to an elongate shaft, and a first and second light guide disposed along the elongate shaft. The first and second light guides each include a diverting feature in optical communication with at least one light window to direct light to exit each light guide toward a side surface portion thereof and toward the balloon. A method includes expanding the balloon from a collapsed configuration to a first expanded configuration, and activating a light source in optical communication with each light guide to provide sub-millisecond pulses of light to the diverting features, thereby inducing plasma formation in a balloon fluid, causing rapid bubble formation, and imparting pressure waves upon the treatment site.

A catheter system for treating a treatment site within or adjacent to a vessel wall or a heart valve, includes a light source, a balloon, a light guide and an optical analyzer assembly. The light source generates first light energy. The balloon is positionable substantially adjacent to the treatment site. The balloon has a balloon wall that defines a balloon interior that receives a balloon fluid. The light guide receives the first light energy and guides the first light energy in a first direction from a guide proximal end toward a guide distal end positioned within the balloon interior. The optical analyzer assembly optically analyzes a second light energy from the light guide that moves in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The optical analyzer assembly includes a safety shutdown system to inhibit the first light energy from being received by the guide proximal end of the light guide.

A catheter system includes a catheter having an elongate shaft, a balloon and a light guide. The balloon expands from a collapsed configuration to a first expanded configuration. The light guide is disposed along the elongate shaft and is in optical communication with a light source and a balloon fluid. A first portion of the light guide extends into a recess defined by the elongate shaft. A protection structure is disposed within the recess and is in contact with the first portion of the light guide. The light source provides pulses of light to the balloon fluid, thereby initiating plasma formation and rapid bubble formation within the balloon, thereby imparting pressure waves upon a vascular lesion. The protection structure can provide structural protection from the pressure waves to the first portion of the light guide.