The pulsed dye laser for fragmenting urinary calculi.
The properties of a laser which effect stone fragmentation have been studied. The pulsed dye laser emitting at 504 nm. in one microsecond duration pulses appears to be the optimum out of a wide range of parameters tested. The laser is coupled to a 200 micron core fiber; this complete with its cladding has a total diameter of only 0.25 mm. Most calculi are fragmented by a series of pulses of up to 30 mJ. The system is used by firing bursts of pulses with the fiber actually in contact with the stone. The result is a very controlled fragmentation which is particularly suited to use in the confines of the ureter. This modality of treatment utilises less energy than ultrasound or electrohydraulic probes to fragment a stone and the very fine, flexible fiber represents a considerable miniaturization.
D002129:Calcium Oxalate; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods*; D017602:Lithotripsy, Laser; D008274:Magnesium; D017616:Magnesium Compounds; D010710:Phosphates; D000069877:Struvite; D013997:Time Factors; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000032:analysis / Q000628:therapy*
D017616:Magnesium Compounds; D010710:Phosphates; D002129:Calcium Oxalate; D000069877:Struvite; D008274:Magnesium