Light coupling assembly for use in a medical instrument, system and

Abstract

A light coupling assembly for use in providing light for illuminating an area of a patient's anatomy during the use of a medical instrument such as, for example, a laryngoscope is disclosed herein. The light coupling assembly includes a first light conveyance member having an input end for receiving light and an output end cooperating with the instrument in a way which illuminates the area with the light. A second light conveyance member includes an input end and an output end. The input end of the second member is positioned in optical communication with a source of light which also generates heat. A coupling arrangement is connected with the first and second members for positioning the input end of the first member in thermally isolated optical communication with the output end of the second member such that light from the first member is initially coupled to the second member in a way which prevents heat produced by the light source from damaging the first member. A system utilizing the light coupling assembly as one of its components and an associated method are also disclosed. The system provides for remote viewing of the illuminated anatomy of the patient on a monitor.