ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Physicians who use laser systems are looking for new fiberoptic delivery systems with better performance. We searched for a delivery system with high power and with a tip of high durability that may be reused many times. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The delivery systems currently found on the market can burn and break easily. The surgeon may either finish the surgery with a damaged delivery system, or have to switch to a new one during surgery, thus increasing the inconvenience and cost of the surgery. METHODS: Distal tips of fibers used with Nd:YAG and diode lasers have been shaped and polished according to their specific function, including excision, vaporization, and coagulation of tissue. RESULTS: We have developed several prototypes of optical fiber delivery systems, and in particular, we have developed a prototype of a delivery system, called the Diamond-Shaped Optical Fiber Delivery System, or Diamond. By making the tip of an optical fiber diamond shaped, we are able to obtain greater mechanical resistance than that of other delivery systems that were tested in our laboratory. In the Colorectal Unit, we applied it in surgical procedures such as perianal fistulectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, and excision of condilomata acuminata and pilonidal cyst and sinuses. During cutting and coagulating, the system performed well with no technical problems. CONCLUSIONS: A new delivery system (Diamond) gave satisfactory performance during surgical operations. Its main component, the diamond-shaped distal end, provided high durability and was reused many times, thus improving the quality of operations and reducing expenses greatly.
