Development of principle to clinical application of pulsed Ho:YAG laser-induced liquid jet: Translational research at Tohoku University

Abstract

Surgical instrument with high tissue selectivity may bring about great improvement in survival and functional outcome by attaining maximal resection and functional preservation of vital structures at the same time. Our research organization consisting of medical, engineering, and company investigators have developed a novel method suitable to generate pulsed micro jet for minimally invasive surgery using holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. We have been applying the instrument for various neurosurgical entities and planning to expand its indication to endoscopic surgery. The method not only solved the problems addressed in the continuous pressure-driven waterjet instrument, but also remarkable for using mid-infrared laser as driving force to generate high speed jet.