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

Abstract

The Er:YAG laser, operating at a pulse duration of approximately 70 microseconds, a fluence greater than approximately 4 J/cm2, and a repetition rate less than 20 Hz, is capable of rapidly incising urethral and ureteral tissues with minimal thermal and mechanical side-effects.

Laser induced fragmentation of salivary stones: An in vitro comparison of two different, clinically approved laser systems

“…In this publication no early complications were reported [23]. The technical problem of using Er:YAG laser irradiation was overcome by developing a special fibre device for that trial as standard silica fibres that are feasible for Ho:YAG laser application [34] could not be used.…”

Hybrid germanium/silica optical fibers for endoscopic delivery of erbium:YAG laser radiation

“…2). These values are above the threshold for perforating samples of ureteral tissue, 2 mJ (4.1 J/cm 2 ) and 5.1 mJ (3.7 J/cm 2 ), respectively [16]. However, the germanium oxide fiber by itself is nevertheless limited to operation at relatively low laser energies during contact tissue ablation due to the potential for fiber tip damage.…”

An Er:YAG laser endoscopic fiber delivery system for lithotripsy of salivary stones

“…According to these reports the Erbium laser is a more effective laser lithotriptor and is significantly safer to surrounding soft tissues both due to its higher absorption in water and soft tissues and to differences in the vapor bubble dynamics [16][17][18]. Endoscopic delivery of Erbium laser wavelengths is still technically challenging [19], however, sialoendoscopy, unlike endourology, does not require fully flexible delivery over long distances.…”