Laser Induced Shock Wave Lithotripsy—Biologic Effects of Nanosecond Pulses

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Abstract
Laser energy of a Nd-YAG laser (1064 nm. wave length, 8 nsec pulse duration) was directed against various tissue cultures and the urothelium of the ureter, bladder and kidney parenchyma in pigs. Single pulse energy was 50 to 120 mJ with a repetition rate of 20 Hz. Urothelium and kidney parenchyma were irradiated in seven pigs. Tissue samples were examined histologically and electron-microscopically directly, two, four, eight and 12 days after irradiation. No macroscopic lesion could be found. Maximum energy caused a small ''rupture cone'' of 40 .mu.m. depth. No thermic effects or necrosis resulted, so that no harm is to be expected with unintentional irradiation during laser stone disintegration.