Contact probes for the Nd:YAG laser

Patients have been successfully treated without complications, endoscopically using contact neodymium:YAG laser endoprobes for tumors and bleeding, and during open surgery with the laser scalpel. The contact probes made from a synthetic sapphire crystal with its optical properties, geometric design, thermal conductivity and high melting temperature (2030 C - 2050 C) have proven to be more effective than the current conventional non-contact method of delivering laser energy through a quartz fiber. Advantages include greater precision, sterility, avoidance of the tip melting and a requirement for lower neodymium:YAG laser energy with reduced tissue damage. The configuration of the probes allows coagulation, cutting or vaporization depending on the clinical condition being treated. Future uses will include interstitial local hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy. These contact probes can also be used with the argon laser and offer dramatic improvements in medical applications of the neodymium:YAG laser.