The new compact (110V) HYPHO holmium laser is engineered and approved to perform multiple medical procedures including laser lithotripsy (fragmentation and “dusting”) and related soft tissue procedures (ablation & coagulation of soft tissue such as bladder tumours). As it relates to its primary functionality, the new HYPHO urology laser is designed to maximize performance comprising simultaneous speed of ablation, safety & control.
The two common methods for the destruction and removal of kidney and bladder stones with a holmium laser are; fragmentation & “dusting”. Fragmentation, is the traditional method associated with holmium laser lithotripsy which involves using the laser and fiber(s) to access and break down the stone into smaller pieces which are then removed with a basket. Recently, a newer fragmentation technique referred to as “dusting” has been developed, which involves breaking the stones into small enough pieces for the patient to pass on their own, hence eliminating the requirement for basket retrieval.
Stone “Dusting”; Reducing Total Treatment Time “Dusting” the stone with a holmium laser and eliminating the requirement for basket retrieval can reduce total treatment time. A more controlled form of fragmentation, “dusting” which breaks away smaller particles typically from the perimeter of the calculi, can be performed by increasing the photo-thermal interaction on the target tissue. In order to facilitate a true “dusting” interaction, the laser must either support; 1.) high frequencies (measured in Hz), or 2.) longer pulse durations (measured in µsec).
Generally speaking; higher powered (80+ watts), higher frequency (60 – 80 Hz), short pulse lasers which facilitate “dusting” run on 220V power and can be cost prohibitive. Lower cost, lower powered (25 – 30 watts) portable devices typically don’t support either high enough frequencies or long enough pulse durations to facilitate “dusting”. The HYPHO urology lasers are truly capable of “dusting” which is facilitated by the longest pulse duration of any holmium laser on the market.
For more information on innovations in holmium laser engineering and the performance and control advantages of the HYPHO compact (110V) holmium urology laser for lithotripsy, contact the team at Surgical Lasers Inc. today.