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Plasma bubble formation induced by holmium laser: an in vitro study
W Cecchetti1, F Zattoni, F Nigro
1INFM, Department of Chemistry-Physics, Ca' Foscari University, Venice, Italy.
Urology
|March 19, 2004
Summary
The holmium laser creates a plasma bubble, causing high temperatures and tissue effects. This bubble formation explains thermal effects during procedures and enables stone and soft tissue treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Physics
- Urology
Background:
- High temperatures generated during holmium laser procedures are of significant interest.
- Understanding the physical phenomenon behind these thermal effects is crucial for optimizing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermal effects of holmium laser pulses.
- To demonstrate that plasma bubble formation is responsible for these thermal effects using physical measurements.
Main Methods:
- A holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser delivered pulses to thermocouples submerged in water.
- Temperature changes were recorded on frontal and lateral planes.
- Prostatic tissue and small stones were treated to observe effects.
Main Results:
- Thermocouple ablation at specific distances indicated plasma formation.
- The plasma bubble dimensions were measured (2 x 1.5 mm).
- Prostatic tissue coagulation occurred 1 mm from the plasma bubble.
Conclusions:
- The plasma bubble at the holmium laser fiber tip facilitates treatment of stones and soft tissues.
- Coagulation of prostatic tissue is attributed to a hot water-vapor bubble adjacent to the plasma bubble.
- Potential risk of damage to guidewires and baskets exists within the plasma bubble's expansion area during lithotripsy.