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New fiber laser technology in lithotripsy
Dusting kidney stones with super-pulsed fiber lasers
A health organization in the USA tested a newly developed fiber laser capable of turning kidney stones into dust-like particles. This technology allows specialists to reduce even large kidney stones to tiny particles, which can then be suctioned or flushed from the patient’s body. The super-pulsed fiber laser targets the water within the stones, transforming a stone the size of a thumb into particles of 100 microns or less.
Rising need for effective kidney stone treatments
Statistics show that the number of Americans with kidney stones has doubled in recent years. More than 10% of the population has experienced a kidney stone at some point. This growing prevalence has driven scientists to seek more effective treatment techniques, including fiber laser systems.
Advantages of fiber lasers over traditional lasers
Thulium fiber laser vs. holmium laser
As fiber laser technology has advanced, it has been applied in lithotripsy to break up stones without the need for incisions. A specialist can use a fiber laser to precisely locate and fragment stones. Compared to traditional lasers, the thulium fiber laser can split kidney stones into particles 10 times smaller than those produced by a standard holmium laser. Smaller particles are easier to remove.
Improved clearance and patient outcomes
Research shows that a holmium laser clears about 50%–60% of stone fragments, while a thulium fiber laser can clear over 90%. Clinically, this technology has the potential to make procedures less painful and costly than surgical removal. With the fiber laser system, there are no incisions and minimal risk of complications such as bleeding or infection. Patients also do not require an overnight hospital stay.
Future developments and surgical innovations
Researchers are now developing a sensing device to prevent ureter injury during stone surgery. This device will be used with the thulium fiber laser. Combined, these technologies have demonstrated 94% clearance rates. Both innovations contribute to the evolution of surgery and improved quality of life for patients.