Construction of high reliability and ultra-thin medical laser endoscope

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A dielectric-coated metallic hollow fiber is one of the commonly used infrared fibers in medical field nowadays. We developed a flexible hollow fiber for multi-wavelength medical laser treatment in endoscope.1. Development of a hollow fiber for multi-wavelength laser light transmissionIn the fabrication of the cyclic olefin polymer (COP) coated silver (COP/Ag) hollow glass optical fiber, a liquid-phase coating method is normally used for the COP layer. The uniformity of the COP layer is one of the most important factors to obtain hollow fibers with high-performance. Low-loss properties have been attained in several key wavelength bands in the visible or infrared region for medical laser transmission. We proposed a closed loop-flowing method in order to coat a uniform COP layer. The method was successfully applied to the fabrication of hollow fiber.2. Development of a ultra-flexible hollow fiber with biocompatibility and high reliabilityWe developed hollow fibers with polycarbonate (PC) capillaries for use as a supporting tube. By adjusting the drawing temperature in the fabrication of the PC capillaries, we obtained uniform PC capillaries with a smooth inner surface. We attained low loss properties for Er: YAG laser light transmission.3. Development of micro output devices with a high performanceIn order to change the output direction and focal distance of laser light in a small operation space, we developed glass sealing hollow fibers. We showed that the distal tips functioning as focusing optics when the shapes of sealed end surfaces are properly fabricated.4. Construction and evaluation of a laser catheterEr : YAG laser light and green pilot beam were simultaneously delivered through the endoscope with small losses even when it was sharply bent with a bending radius as small as 1 centimeter. Er : YAG laser light was delivered to reach a model calculus by using a hollow fiber and fragmentation efficiency were evaluated.