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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
20 mJ, 1 ps Yb:YAG Thin-disk Regenerative Amplifier
Published on: July 12, 2017
Development of a smart holmium:YAG laser lithotriptor
C L Goldey1, D I Rosen, G B Hayes
1Physical Sciences Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA.
Background And Objective:
The purpose of this study was to develop a feedback control system for the pulsed holmium:YAG medical laser that enhances tissue selectivity and safety by discriminating between soft and hard biological tissue such as urinary and biliary calculi and bone.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
The ability to discriminate is achieved by monitoring prompt laser-induced visible/NIR photoemissions via retrograde transmission over the laser delivery fiber in conjunction with a developed detection algorithm.
Results:
Experimental data are presented for a system that employs this discrimination scheme with an electro-optic shutter for rapid intrapulse feedback control of holmium laser-based lithotripsy procedures. The results demonstrate the feasibility of a lithotriptor that can deliver 1 J per pulse to calculi yet limit errant discharges to surrounding urinary tract tissue to < or = 0.1 J.
Conclusion:
Based on animal tissue safety data, the laser margin of safety is improved by an order of magnitude.
