A fiber optic illumination device suitable for use in medical procedures and other application requiring the delivery of light to limited access locations is disclosed. The illumination device defines a proximal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than the diameter of the optical fiber and a distal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than diameter of the optical fiber. An integral light communication path is defined between the proximal terminal structure and the distal terminal structure. A method of manufacturing the fiber optic illumination device is also disclosed.
