Evaluation of Six Holmium:YAG Optical Fibers for Ureteroscopy: What's New in 2009?

摘要

The holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser is the gold standard laser for intracorporeal lithotripsy.~1 Optical fibers are utilized to transmit laser energy to the surface of a stone for fragmentation via a predominant photothermal mechanism.~2 Previous work has demonstrated that performance characteristics of holmium:YAG optical fibers used for laser lithotripsy varies. Performance may difference not only between fibers made by different manufacturers but also between individual fibers produced by the same manufacturer.~(3'4) Fiber failure with bending, such as during lower pole ureterorenoscopy, can lead to catastrophic endoscope damage resulting in costly repair.