1B51 Ho: YAG laser-induced liquid jet

Abstract

It has been reported that liquid jet occurs by the irradiation of Ho: YAG laser within tubular structure following formation of laser-induced bubble. We evaluated the characteristics of this laser-induced liquid jet using high speed camera and needle hydrophone. The evaluation by high speed camera indicated that the strength of the jet can be controlled by the laser energy, structure of the nozzle, and stand off distance between optical fiber end and tip of the nozzle. The irradiation of laser-induced liquid jet into the gelatin model and pig liver have resulted in sharp dissection of the tissue, but reserving blood vessels. We consider it has potentials to apply to surgical instrument for cutting tissue, but further examination including evaluation of amount of destruction to surrounding tissue are required.