#$%^&*AU2014200764A120140306.pdf#####PROTECTIVE PROBE TIP, PARTICULARLY FOR USE ON A FIBEROPTIC PROBE USED IN AN ENDOSCOPIC APPLICATION Abstract A fiber probe tip (60), particularly for use on a fiber-optic probe in endoscopic applications is provided. The probe tip (60) prevents contamination of the probe imaging elements and maintains proper distal relationships between imaging components and tissue under examination. In one embodiment, the fiber probe tip (60) is comprised of a sheath (64) placed over an optical fiber (16, 26). The probe tip (60) provides a sterile interface between the optical fiber (16, 26) and the tissue. The fiber tip probe (60) includes an imaging element (62) to capture reflected light from the tissue. The fiber probe tip (60) maintains the positioning of the imaging element (62) relative to the optical fiber (16, 26) to properly capture reflected light from the tissue. The fiber probe tip (16, 26) may also contain an optical window (74) positioned relative to the imaging element (62). The optical window (74) allows the reflected light from the tissue to pass through to the imaging element (62) and provide an optimized focal distance between the tissue and the imaging element (62) for the imaging technology employed.
