Effects of various laser types and beam transmission methods on female organ tissue in the pig: An in vitro study

Abstract

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate and compare effects of various laser types (CO2, Argon, Erbium:YAG, Erbium:YSGG, and Holmium:YAG) and laser beam transmission methods (optical lens and flexible fiber) on ovarian and uterine tissue of the pig. The Erbium laser radiation was transmitted through Zirconium fluoride fibers (ZrF4). To circumvent the low mechanical stability of these fibers, we developed a special microlens system, which refocuses the radiation and protects the distal end from damage. Tissue lesions were performed with 1 and 5 joule. Histologic analysis of acute Er:YAG laser lesions reveal precise cutting effects with a minimal thermal damage zone of 40 microns and a high damage resistance of the fiber microlens systems. The extent of thermal damage caused by the Erbium:YSGG and CO2 laser is about two times larger, whereas the Argon and Holmium laser tissue lesions show a damage of the surrounding tissue of 200-300 microns. This study suggests that for precise cutting and coagulation, Erbium and Holmium lasers transmitted via our modified fiber tip may render the use of these lasers possible in a wide range of laparoscopic surgery applications.

Plastic hollow waveguides: Properties and possibilities as a flexible radiation delivery system for CO2‐laser radiation

“…10). The zone of thermally altered tissue is 160 * 20 pm and correlates well with the values found if the radiation is delivered through an articulated arm [21] and focused to a spot diameter of 1 mm by a lens.…”

Optimization of the Erbium:YAG laser for precise incision of ureteral and urethral tissues: In vitro and in vivo results

“…Problems with the fiber tip ''sticking'' to the tissue during contact tissue ablation with the Er:YAG laser have also been previously reported [37,38]. This phenomenon was explained by the presence of overheated tissue debris at the fiber tip.…”

Side-Firing Fiber Device for Underwater Tissue Ablation with Ho:YAG and Er:YAG Laser Radiation

“…1,2 Combined with a fiber delivery system, these wavelengths could become the choice for microsurgical endoscopic procedures in orthopedics, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology or gynecology. [3][4][5][6][7] While standard low OH − fibers transmit 2.12-m laser radiation with an acceptable attenuation (ϳ0.07 dB/m), they are not sufficiently transparent to guide 2.94-m laser radiation (Ϸ100 dB/m). Sapphire, fluoride, and silver halogenide fibers or hollow wave guides are known light guides for transmitting 2.94-m radiation.…”