Infrared medical laser system with hollow optical fiber

摘要

Medical infrared laser systems involving a beam delivery cable based on hollow optical fibers are introduced. Two types of the systems are developed to cover a wide range of medical applications: one with a CO_(2) laser which is mainly for soft tissue ablation and another with an Er:YAG laser for ablation of hard tissue in dental applications. The both systems which have been recently commercialized newly adopted a hollow glass fiber having inner metal and polymer films. Because of the high mechanical and chemical stability, flexibility, and the low production cost of the fibers, a reliable and easy-to-handle medical laser systems are launched at low cost. The components of the systems including the beam delivery cable and distal tips specialized for various medical applications are described in detail.