Objectives: To investigate the performance of laser fibers from 6 major manufacturers in vitro and to identify the effect of time and angulations (180° and 0°) on fiber power output. Materials and Methods: Overall, 36 single-use fibers were used. Each was tested with an energy input of 0.8, 1.4 and 2.0 Joules. A power detector measured power output after 1, 5, 10 and 15 minutes for three 15-minute cycles of continuous use. For the first 2 cycles, the fiber was bent to 180° with the use of a pre fabricated mould. Analysis of the data was performed by ANOVA and Tukey's test when the results were significant amongst groups. Statistical significance was deemed p < 0.05. Results: No fiber fracture occurred. There was no significant difference in output at 15 minutes of continuous use at 0° and 180°. The reduction in energy output at the 15th minute of continuous use at 180° was not significant for any fiber type or initial input. Only output differences between the fibers proved to be significant (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Fiber fracture and decline in performance is not due to deflection and continuous use. Frictional forces that occur between the fiber tip and the stone fragments may be responsible.

Keywords:
Lithiasis, Laser treatment, Ureteroscopy, Holmium laser
1.
Knudsen BE, Glickman RD, Stallman KJ, Maswadi S, Chew BH, Beiko DT, Denstedt JD, Teichman JM: Performance and safety of holmium:YAG laser optical fibers. J Endourol 2005;19:1092-1097.
2.
Mues AC, Teichman JM, Knudsen BE: Evaluation of 24 holmium:YAG laser optical fibers for flexible ureteroscopy. J Urol 2009; 182:348-354.
3.
Mues AC, Teichman JM, Knudsen BE: Quantification of holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet optical tip degradation. J Endourol 2009; 23:1425-1428.
4.
Nazif OA, Teichman JM, Glickman RD, Welch AJ: Review of laser fibers: a practical guide for urologists. J Endourol 2004;18: 818-829.
5.
Khemees TA, Shore DM, Antiporda M, Teichman JM, Knudsen BE: Evaluation of a new 240-μm single-use holmium:YAG optical fiber for flexible ureteroscopy. J Endourol 2013;27:475-479.
© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel
2016
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.