Application systems for the intracorporal laser-induced shockwave lithotripsy using the Nd:YAG Q-switched laser

Klaus H. Frank; M. Eichenlaub; Stefan Frank F. Hessel; Fritz Wondrazek

doi:10.1117/12.17443

1 June 1990 Application systems for the intracorporal laser-induced shockwave lithotripsy using the Nd:YAG Q-switched laser

Klaus H. Frank, M. Eichenlaub, Stefan Frank F. Hessel, Fritz Wondrazek

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1200, Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems II; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.17443
Event: OE/LASE '90, 1990, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

For the laser-induced shockwave lithotripsy the electromagnetic energy of a laser light pulse is converted intracorporally into the acoustic energy of a shock wave. The lithotriptor is based on a specially developed, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser whose high power light pulses (70 mJ, 25 ns) are coupled into a flexible quartz fiber of 600 pim core diameter. Using focussing elements energy densities higher than 6 1O J m2 can be achieved resulting in an optical breakdown in water followed by a shock wave. As a result of different absorption mechanisms the breakdown threshold can be decreased by placing a metallic target into the laser beam. The different shockwave formations of such optomechanical transducers have been measured. First clinical applications have been performed.

Citation Download Citation

Klaus H. Frank, M. Eichenlaub, Stefan Frank F. Hessel, and Fritz Wondrazek "Application systems for the intracorporal laser-induced shockwave lithotripsy using the Nd:YAG Q-switched laser", Proc. SPIE 1200, Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems II, (1 June 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.17443

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