Laser in bronchology: methods of application

Abstract

The method of application for the endoscopic resection by Nd-YAG-Laser closely depends on the choice of indications. The use of rigid bronchoscope is compulsory in the field of Laser, because of tracheobronchial obstruction in patients which are more or less on the verge of asphyxia. The resection is achieved under general anesthesia. A Nd-YAG-Laser (1.06 wavelength) with 100 watts maximum power is satisfying. The new 200 microns fibers are nearly perfectly flexible and increase the range of endobronchial laser-application. For some time we used a superpulsed mode of laser emission which obtains a real evaporation of tissues instead of carbonization. Cryotherapy may be useful before some resections to minimize bleeding. Endoprotheses can prolong the therapeutic effect of recanalization achieved by laser in end stage carcinomas.