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World Journal of Urology

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Open Access 01-08-2020 | Laser | Invited Review

Thulium fiber laser: the new player for kidney stone treatment? A comparison with Holmium:YAG laser

Authors: Olivier Traxer, Etienne Xavier Keller

Published in: World Journal of Urology | Issue 8/2020

Abstract

Purpose

To compare the operating modes of the Holmium:YAG laser and Thulium fiber laser. Additionally, currently available literature on Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy is reviewed.

Materials and methods

Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles relating to the operating modes of Holmium:YAG and Thulium fiber lasers, including systematic review of articles on Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy.

Results

The laser beam emerging from the Holmium:YAG laser involves fundamental architectural design constraints compared to the Thulium fiber laser. These differences translate into multiple potential advantages in favor of the Thulium fiber laser: four-fold higher absorption coefficient in water, smaller operating laser fibers (50–150 µm core diameter), lower energy per pulse (as low as 0.025 J), and higher maximal pulse repetition rate (up to 2000 Hz). Multiple comparative in vitro studies suggest a 1.5–4 times faster stone ablation rate in favor of the Thulium fiber laser.

Conclusions

The Thulium fiber laser overcomes the main limitations reported with the Holmium:YAG laser relating to lithotripsy, based on preliminary in vitro studies. This innovative laser technology seems particularly advantageous for ureteroscopy and may become an important milestone for kidney stone treatment.

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Title: Thulium fiber laser: the new player for kidney stone treatment? A comparison with Holmium:YAG laser
Authors: Olivier Traxer
Etienne Xavier Keller
Publication date: 01-08-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Laser
Published in: World Journal of Urology / Issue 8/2020
Print ISSN: 0724-4983
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-019-02654-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Thulium fiber laser: the new player for kidney stone treatment? A comparison with Holmium:YAG laser

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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