Nd:YAG laser and tracheobronchial metallic stents: an experimental in vitro study.
METHODS
The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of Nd:YAG laser on metallic tracheobronchial stents, because Nd:YAG laser could be used for resection of tumourous tissue growing through stent meshes (Strecker-, Palmaz-, Wallstent).


METHODS
An in vitro worst-case-model was used to investigate the effects of different types of laser application on metallic stents: non-contact application, and contact application with bare fibres and with hemispherical sapphires.


RESULTS
In the non-contact method and with bare fibres stent destruction occurred at power settings exceeding 10 W, whereas in the contact method with hemispherical sapphires power settings of 20 W were possible without stent damage.
Witt
C
C
Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical School (Charité), Humboldt University Berlin, Germany.
Schmidt
B
B
Liebetruth
J
J
Baumann
G
G
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007834:Lasers; D008670:Metals / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015607:Stents; D013552:Swine; D014132:Trachea
D008670:Metals