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A comparative optical analysis of laser side‐firing devices: a guide to treatment
Author(s) -
Anson K.,
Buonaccorsi G.,
Eddowes M.,
MaCrobert A.,
Mills T.,
Watson G.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
british journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 0007-1331
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1995.tb07344.x
Subject(s) - materials science , laser , optics , optical fiber , intensity (physics) , coagulation , vaporization , fiber laser , chemistry , psychology , physics , organic chemistry , psychiatry
Objective To compare the optical characteristics of five different laser side‐firing fibres used to perform deep laser coagulation of the prostate. Materials and methods The intensity profile, angle of exit and beam divergence from the launch fibre were measured underwater (to simulate endoscopic conditions) for each fibre using both the Helium Neon(633 nm) and Nd:YAG(1064 nm) lasers. Results The intensity profiles and spot sizes varied among fibres but broadly fell within two groups characterized by large and small footprints (low and high power density). There was a maximum 5.5 fold difference in average power densities between the fibres. Conclusions Not all side‐firing devices are the same. Variations in the power density profiles among the fibres suggest that the choice of fibre is of critical importance in determining the type of laser tissue interaction (i.e. coagulation or vaporization) that will follow the use of that fibre.