The Factors Behind Fiber Damage During Holmium Laser Surgeries
Holmium laser surgery is widely used in urology, orthopedics, and ENT procedures for its precision in cutting, ablation, and lithotripsy. However, one of the challenges in these procedures is the damage to laser fibers, which can affect performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding the key factors behind fiber damage can help extend fiber lifespan and improve surgical efficiency.
- Improper Fiber Handling
Frequent bending, kinking, or coiling can weaken the fiber’s structure.
Excessive force during insertion into the scope’s working channel can cause internal fractures.
Best practice: Handle fibers gently and avoid excessive manipulation.
- Contact with Hard Surfaces
Direct contact with metal surgical instruments, ureteroscope edges, or stone fragments can damage the fiber tip.
Repeated impact weakens the protective cladding, leading to early fiber failure.
Best practice: Use controlled movements and avoid unnecessary fiber tip contact with hard objects.
- Laser Power and Settings
Excessive power settings can overheat and burn the fiber tip, leading to degradation.
Using inappropriate pulse duration or frequency can increase thermal stress.
Best practice: Optimize laser settings based on procedure type to reduce unnecessary wear.
- Inadequate Fiber Cleaving or Reuse
After extended use, the fiber tip blackens or becomes cloudy, reducing energy transmission.
Poorly cleaved fibers result in irregular energy dispersion, increasing the risk of burns.
Best practice: Regularly inspect, properly cleave, and replace fibers when necessary.
- Contamination and Debris Accumulation
Residue from tissue, blood, or stone dust can accumulate on the fiber tip, reducing efficiency.
Contaminants can cause overheating and fiber tip degradation.
Best practice: Clean the fiber tip regularly and use irrigation to minimize debris buildup.
- Scope Misalignment and Tight Angles
Excessive angulation within flexible ureteroscopes can create high mechanical stress.
Fibers inserted at incorrect angles are prone to breakage and signal loss.
Best practice: Ensure proper scope alignment and avoid extreme bending.
Extending the Life of Your Holmium Laser Fiber
✔ Use the correct power settings based on procedure requirements.
✔ Insert fibers carefully to prevent mechanical damage.
✔ Minimize fiber contact with metal instruments and stone surfaces.
✔ Inspect and cleave fibers properly for optimal performance.
✔ Clean fiber tips regularly to maintain energy efficiency.
By addressing these factors, surgeons can maximize fiber durability, reduce costs, and enhance surgical outcomes in holmium laser procedures.
