1980 Volume 1 Issue 1 Pages 138-145
The authors have conducted basic experiments using laser photoirradiation via the fiberoptic bronchoscope to study the applicability of this method in cases of tumors of the trachea and bronchus. The Nd-YAG laser was transmitted via a Teflon covered quartz fiber 4mm in diameter inserted through the instrumentation channel of an Olympus 1T fiberscope.
The sternomastoid muscle was inserted through the tracheotomy incision to simulate a tumor causing stenosis of the trachea. Photoirradiation was performed with YAG laser to resect the “tumor”.
The authors have employed this method successfully in 3 clinical cases. After photoirradiation, dyspnea disappeared and patients became eligible for chemotherapy and irradiation.
