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Noninvasive laser vasectomy: Preliminary ex vivo tissue studies
Author(s) -
Cilip Christopher M.,
Jarow Jonathan P.,
Fried Nathaniel M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.20744
Subject(s) - vasectomy , medicine , sterilization (economics) , ex vivo , surgery , ejaculation , in vivo , biomedical engineering , population , research methodology , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , environmental health , family planning , monetary economics , economics , foreign exchange market , foreign exchange
Background and Objectives Male sterilization (vasectomy) is more successful, safer, less expensive, and easier to perform than female sterilization (tubal ligation). However, female sterilization is more popular, primarily due to male fear of vasectomy complications (incision, bleeding, infection, and scrotal pain). The development of a completely noninvasive vasectomy technique may eliminate these concerns. Materials and Methods Ytterbium fiber laser radiation with a wavelength of 1,075 nm, average power of 11.7 W, 1‐second pulse duration, 0.5 Hz pulse rate, and 3‐mm‐diameter spot was synchronized with cryogen cooling of the scrotal skin surface in canine tissue for a treatment time of 60 seconds. Results Vas thermal lesion dimensions measured 2.0±0.3 mm diameter by 3.0±0.9 mm length, without evidence of skin damage. The coagulated vas bursting pressure measured 295±72 mm Hg, significantly higher than typical vas ejaculation pressures of 136± 29 mm Hg. Conclusions Noninvasive thermal coagulation and occlusion of the vas was produced in an ex vivo canine tissue model. However, chronic in vivo animal studies will be necessary to optimize the laser/cooling treatment parameters and confirm long‐term vas occlusion with absence of sperm in the ejaculate, before clinical application. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:203–207, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.