Development of a carbon dioxide laser cystoscope

A 50-watt carbon dioxide continuous laser coupled to a Zeiss surgical microscope was used to study the characteristics of laser-induced lesions on the exteriorized canine bladder. The relationship of energy to the depth of the lesion created by the laser was evaluated. Healing, vertical temperature transmission and hemostasis were studied. A prototype carbon dioxide laser cystoscope then was constructed and used endoscopically to create surgical lesions in the intact canine bladder.