by Nathaniel Fried

Lasers have revolutionized medical practice in several clinical specialties, including dermatology and ophthalmology. However, laser technology has seen slower acceptance in other surgical disciplines, such as urology. Lasers are currently being used in minimally invasive procedures in urology, including vaporization of the prostate for treatment of BPH and fragmentation of urinary stones during laser lithotripsy. This lecture will discuss the latest laser and fiber optic technologies and therapeutic applications currently being developed at Johns Hopkins. Four topics will be discussed: (1) Endoscopic use of the mid-infrared Erbium:YAG laser for precise tissue incision and potential treatment of urethral strictures; (2) Development of mid-infrared optical fiber probes for use in endoscopic delivery of Erbium:YAG laser radiation; (3) A high-power Thulium fiber laser for use in laser lithotripsy, treatment of BPH, and laser tissue welding; (4) Development of noninvasive laser procedures utilizing laser probes in conjunction with applied cooling methods.