First Laser Endoscopy via a Fiberoptic Transmission System

Abstract

For the first time it was possible to transmit a powerful laser beam (6 watt argon laser) through the biopsy channel of a conventional endoscope. This was achieved by the development of a special quartz fiberoptic transmission system, consisting of a single very flexible fiber with a diameter of 150 p. A strong absorption effect on liver tissue was observed with the argon laser, due to selective colour absorption of hemoglobin in the green-blue spectral region. The effect on the intact liver surface was studied using different power levels and exposure times. The size of the burned areas and the depth of affected tissue can be exactly controlled by variation of both power and exposure time. After performance of a liver biopsy with the Menghini needle, arrest of hemorrhage was successful in cases with slight and more intense bleedings. Furthermore, the diameter of a diaphragmatical vein shrinked markedly after exposure to a low power beam without getting leakage.

Endoscopic Laser Therapy for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Disease

“…At about the same time, Dwyer et al [5], Kiefhaber et al [6], and Fruhmorgen et al [7] per formed successful hemostasis in humans. The initial reports were from uncontrolled series but were worthy of notice.…”

“…The largest series of patients with esopha geal carcinoma treated by laser therapy is by Fleischer [6], He selected patients who were not considered to be curable by any conven tional treatment. In all patients the goal of therapy was palliation.…”

Aura of technology and the cutting edge: a history of lasers in neurosurgery

“…In 1970 Goodale et al 15 were the first to use a CO 2 laser through a rigid endoscope to coagulate bleeding gastric ulcers. In 1973 Nath et al 25 reported the first use of a flexible fi- beroptic endoscope along with an argon laser. However, the long wavelength of the CO 2 laser results in an excessive loss of power when transmitted through conventional solid fiberoptic cables, thus preventing its use in this manner.…”

Palliative Endobronchial Tumor Reduction by Laser Therapy

“…The development of flexible light guides by Naht et al, in 1973 [19] and Kiefhaber et al [16] meant a decisive breakthrough in the field of flexible endo scopes. Laser-induced hemostasis in the gastrointestinal tract was performed for the first time by means of flexible gastroscopes in 1975 [7,11,16].…”