Ablation of gallstones using excimer laser pulses

摘要

Ablation of gallstones using a pulsed KrF excimer laser was studied in both air and water. Acoustic and optical signals were monitored as a function of incident laser fluence. The etch depth per pulse was found to be proportional to the logarithm of the laser fluence. A threshold for plasma generation was observed at a fluence of 0.5 J cm−2, beyond which the etch rate saturates and eventually decreases. Considerable etching was seen below this fluence. This process may have applications in a clinical setting.