Experimental and first clinical results with the alexandrite laser lithotripter

摘要

Abstract: Laserlithotripsy in association with flexible or semirigid 'miniscopes' is gaining increasing importance for ureteric stone therapy. So far, the Nd:YAG and the pulsed dye-laser have been used for laser lithotripsy in clinical applications. For both systems good results have been reported for most urinary calculi and no relevant side effects could be demonstrated in experimental and clinical use. Since both systems, however, have their specific drawbacks, the new solid-state Alexandrite laser was developed to combine the advantages of the two existing lithotripsy lasers. The results of in vitro and in vivo evaluation as well as the first clinical experiences of this new system show that it is comparable in respect to the lithotriptic potential in vitro and the lack of long-term side effects in vivo. The combination of a solid state laser that can utilize 200 micrometer quartzfibers for lithotripsy will prove advantageous in the clinical routine.!