Why is total internal reflection used in surgery?

Why does surgery employ total internal reflection?

Since the fibers are very narrow, this is usually not an issue. Total internal reflection is the method by which light rays travel along the fibers. To do this, the light ray must strike the walls of the fiber at a minimum angle of 82°, which is the critical angle for light traveling from glass to plastic.

Non-coherent fibre optic bundles (bundles in which the optical fibres are not lined up at both ends) guide light to the area under investigation, but in order to produce a clear image, the shaft containing up to 10,000 fibres must transmit the image back in the form of a coherent fibre optic bundle (a bundle in which the optical fibres are lined up at both ends of the fibre so that an image can be transmitted).

Total internal reflection is used in surgery because it allows for the efficient transmission of light through optical fibers, which are commonly used in minimally invasive surgical procedures. By directing light through these fibers, surgeons can illuminate internal organs and tissues, providing better visibility and precision during the surgical process. Additionally, total internal reflection minimizes the loss of light intensity, ensuring that the surgical field remains well-lit even when the fibers are bent or curved within the body. This enhances the safety and efficacy of surgical procedures, particularly in delicate or intricate operations where visibility is critical.