Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy

Nicholas J. Scott, Christopher M. Cilip, Nathaniel M. Fried

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Complications during laser lithotripsy include optical fiber bending failure resulting in endoscope damage and low irrigation rates leading to poor visibility. Both problems are related to fiber diameter and limited by the Holmium:YAG laser (λ = 2120 nm) multimode beam profile. This study exploits the Thulium fiber laser (λ = 1908 nm) beam profile for higher power transmission through smaller fibers. Thulium fiber laser radiation with 1-ms pulse duration, pulse rates of 10-30 Hz, and 70-μm-diameter spot was coupled into silica fibers with 100, 150, and 200 μm core diameters. Fiber transmission, bending, and endoscope irrigation tests were performed. Damage thresholds for 100, 150, 200 μm fibers averaged 40 W, 60 W, and > 80 W. Irrigation rates measured 35, 26, and 15 ml/min for no fiber, 100, and 200 μm fibers. Thulium fiber laser energy of 70-mJ delivered at 20 Hz through a 100 μm fiber resulted in vaporization and fragmentation rates of 10 and 60 mg/min for uric acid stones. The Thulium fiber laser beam profile provides higher laser power through smaller fibers than the Ho:YAG laser, potentially reducing fiber failure and endoscope damage and allowing greater irrigation rates for improved visibility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume7161
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventPhotonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics V - San Jose, CA, United States
Duration: Jan 24 2009Jan 26 2009

Other

OtherPhotonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics V
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Jose, CA
Period1/24/091/26/09

Keywords

  • Ablation
  • Fiber laser
  • Fragmentation
  • Holmium
  • Lithotripsy
  • Thulium
  • Urinary stones

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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