The holmium laser uses yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) as the activation medium, doped with sensitizing ions chromium , energy-transmitting ions thulium , and activating ion holmium laser crystals (Cr:Tm:Ho:YAG) A new type of laser produced by a pulsed solid-state laser device. It can be used in urology, ENT, dermatology, gynecology and other departments. The laser surgery is a non-invasive or minimally invasive surgery, and the patient's treatment pain is very small.
Medical holmium laser fiber is a light transmission tool designed for medical holmium laser (Ho:YAG laser) system, mainly used for tissue cutting, vaporization, coagulation and lithotripsy in minimally invasive surgery. Its core function is to accurately transmit laser energy to the target tissue while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the operation.
When selecting, the power tolerance, flexibility and end design of the optical fiber should be matched according to the type of surgery (such as lithotripsy or soft tissue cutting).
Structure and materials:
Core layer
Material: low hydroxyl quartz (SiO₂) or special fluoride glass (such as ZBLAN) to reduce the absorption loss of 2.1 μm wavelength.
Diameter: 200–1000 μm, selected according to surgical needs (such as 365 μm or 550 μm is commonly used for lithotripsy).
Cladding: fluorine-doped quartz, with a lower refractive index than the core, to achieve total reflection.
Metal coating (such as copper, stainless steel): enhance mechanical strength and prevent laser burns.
Polymer sheath (e.g. polyimide, PTFE): provides flexibility and biocompatibility.
Terminal treatment: bare (direct contact with tissue) or ball-end (scatters light, reduces risk of perforation).
Cooling system: some optical fibers have integrated liquid cooling channels to prevent overheating damage.
Core functions and advantages:
1. Efficient lithotripsy
Photothermal effect: 2100nm wavelength laser is absorbed by the water in the stone, generating high temperature instantly, causing the stone to burst and decompose.
Photomechanical effect: Laser pulses generate cavitation bubbles, which further crush the stone through shock waves, especially suitable for hard stones.
2. Precise minimally invasive
Using ureteroscope/nephroscope, the stone can be reached through natural cavity or tiny incision, without open surgery.
Laser energy can be precisely controlled to avoid damage to surrounding mucosa.
3. Synchronous hemostasis and vaporization
Holmium laser can coagulate tissue and blood vessels to reduce intraoperative bleeding
Directly vaporize soft tissue, one machine for multiple uses.
