Thulium laser in interventional endoscopy: animal and human studies

• DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-122014
• Publication Date: 2017-01-20T23:43:04Z
• Authors: Gian Tontini; Helmut Neumann; Luca Pastorelli; Luisa Spina; Flaminia Cavallaro; Paola Soriani; Alessandro Rimondi; Barbara Bruni; Claudio Clemente; Filippo Fagnani; Pavlos Lagoussis; Luca Carmignani; Maurizio Vecchi
• Keywords: Ex vivo; Animal model

Background and study aims The thulium laser system (TLS) is an emerging surgical tool. 2-μm wavelength provides a confined coagulation depth (0.2 - 0.4 mm) to reduce the potential for inadvertent injuries. For first time ever, we assessed TLS feasibility endoscopic hemostasis ex vivo in pigs. In addition, performed hemostatic treatments humans. Patients methods Tissue damage induced by using different settings optical fibers was compared that from argon plasma (APC) established animal models. Three consecutive patients with complex nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleedings were treated followed up. Results No deep submucosal injury observed showed progressive penetration increased power outputs tissue exposures but very limited vertical (0.1 2.0 lateral spreading 0.3 mm 0.2 0.7 365-µm 550-µm fibers, respectively). vivo, always successful without complications. Conclusions has proven be precise easy use. This novel technique appears promising tool advanced interventional endoscopy.