PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF A PULSED 2.15-MU-M LASER SYSTEM FOR FIBEROPTIC ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY LASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE Treat, M. R., Trokel, S. L., REYNOLDS, R. D., Defilippi, V. J., Andrew, J., Liu, J. Y., Cohen, M. G. 1988; 8 (3): 322-326

Abstract

There is a need for lasers that are compatible with fiberoptic endoscopes and that provide greater cutting precision than currently can be produced by the widely used Nd:YAG (1.06 micron) laser. Recently available lasers that operate in the 2-micron region fill this need. This laser light energy can be transmitted by low OH- silica fibers and has much less tissue penetration than radiation at 1.06 micron. We have been evaluating a prototype solid state laser system that produces pulses of 2.15 microns light that is delivered by a silica based fiberoptic delivery system with negligible transmission losses. This system is based on a thulium-holmium-chromium doped YAG (Tm-Ho-Cr: YAG) rod that lases at 2.15 micron. The laser does not require cryogenic cooling, toxic gases, or custom utilities and should be practical in a clinical environment. In vivo animal testing of this laser confirms that it provides greater ablating precision than does the Nd:YAG laser at 1.06 micron.

View details for Web of Science ID A1988N760200015

View details for PubMedID 2839746