Carbon Dioxide Laser Fiber Optics In Endoscopy

Terry A. Fuller

doi:10.1117/12.976065

28 December 1982 Carbon Dioxide Laser Fiber Optics In Endoscopy

Terry A. Fuller

Proceedings Volume 0357, Lasers in Medicine and Surgery; (1982) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.976065
Event: 26th Annual Technical Symposium, 1982, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Carbon dioxide laser surgery has been limited to a great extent to surgical application on the integument and accessible cavities such as the cervix, vagina, oral cavities, etc. This limitation has been due to the rigid delivery systems available to all carbon dioxide lasers. Articulating arms (series of hollow tubes connected by articulating mirrors) have provided an effective means of delivery of laser energy to the patient as long as the lesion was within the direct line of sight. Even direct line-of-sight applications were restricted to physical dimension of the articulating arm or associated hand probes, manipulators and hollow tubes. The many attempts at providing straight endoscopic systems to the laser only stressed the need for a fiber optic capable of carrying the carbon dioxide laser wavelength. Rectangular and circular hollow metal waveguides, hollow dielectric waveguides have proven ineffective to the stringent requirements of a flexible surgical delivery system. One large diameter (1 cm) fiber optic delivery system, incorporates a toxic thalliumAbased fiber optic material. The device is an effective alternative to an articulating arm for external or conventional laser surgery, but is too large and stiff to use as a flexible endoscopic tool. The author describes the first highly flexible inexpensive series of fiber optic systems suitable for either conventional or endoscopic carbon dioxide laser surgery. One system (IRFLEX 3) has been manufactured by Medlase, Inc. for surgical uses capable of delivering 2000w, 100 mJ pulsed energy and 15w continuous wave. The system diameter is 0.035 inches in diameter. Surgically suitable fibers as small as 120 um have been manufactured. Other fibers (IRFLEX 142,447) have a variety of transmission characteristics, bend radii, etc.

Citation Download Citation

Terry A. Fuller "Carbon Dioxide Laser Fiber Optics In Endoscopy", Proc. SPIE 0357, Lasers in Medicine and Surgery, (28 December 1982); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.976065

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