1996 Volume 46 Issue 5 Pages 359-364
Transurethral balloon laser-enhanced thermotherapy (TUBAL-ET) using ultrafine carbon particles was performed, and the temperature distribution in a phantom was determined by using a thermograph. Carbon particles 0.1ml were injected into a fishcake phantom 5mm from a shielded balloon surface, and TUBAL-ET was performed at a laser power of 30, 40 or 50 watts. Three minutes after treatment, the temperature was highest 5mm below the balloon surface and the distribution pattern was ellipsoidal. Injection of carbon particles to the phantom raised the temperature to between 14°C and 21°C higer than on the contra-lateral side with continuous irradiation at 30 watts, between 15°C and 26.2°C at 40 watts, and 21°C and 33.6°C at 50 watts. Intermittent irradiation raised the temperature 11°C higher at 30 watts, 13°C higher at 40 watts, and 16°C higher at 50 watts. These findimgs suggest that TUBAL-ET could be performed by using a agent which absorbs Nd : YAG laser energy.
