[Development and medical application of Er-YAG laser]

Result of developments of Er-YAG laser and its delivery system were reported. Er-YAG laser's wavelength is 2.94 microns, the beam absorption rate by water is higher than other laser beam. Er-YAG laser has repeated pulse oscillation, pulse width is 400 mu, sec, the repeat frequency is between 5 to 10 pulse per second. The mean power is 4 W maximum, 10 pps. The fibers of laser are made of zirconium-F-glass. We carried out a study on the possible application of the Er-YAG laser on the rabbit arteries and myocardium and human arteries were examined in vitro. Very clear cuts were observed on the histological examination. There were no evidence of thermal damage, no carbonization on the sharp cutting surface. Experimental result showed that Er-YAG lasers had good potential for angioplastic laser.