In vitro effects of pulsed holmium laser energy on canine uroliths and porcine cadaveric urethra

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Abstract
Background and Objectives: To assess the effect of holmium laser energy on canine uroliths and porcine urethra.Study Design/Materials and Methods: Uroliths of known composition and fresh cadaveric urethra were exposed to holmium laser energy. Urolith fragmentation times and depth of urethral lesions were determined.Results: Overall mean fragmentation time was 11.8 ± 8.01 seconds. Magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) and urate uroliths had significantly shorter fragmentation times compared to other uroliths. Fragmentation time of MAP uroliths irradiated with 1.2 J/pulse was significantly longer than the fragmentation time of MAP uroliths irradiated with 0.3 J/pulse. Overall mean lesion depth for urethral specimens treated with 90° contact mode irradiation was significantly greater than overall mean lesion depth for specimens treated with 30° non‐contact mode.Conclusions: Holmium laser energy effectively fragmented canine uroliths and caused minimal urethral damage in vitro. Dogs with urolithiasis may represent a useful animal model for developing human lithotripsy procedures. Lasers Surg. Med. 33:243–246, 2003.

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