Abstract:
Purpose. The Free Electron Laser (PEL) has a wavelength tunability range between 2 and 9 m in the mid-infrared spectrum. It is capable of producing controlled predictable laser-tissue interactions by selecting specific wavelengths. However, delivery of this laser into the internal portion of the eye is difficult because of strong water absorption in this spectrum and the high peak power of the PEL. We investigated the feasibility of a hollow waveguide microsurgical device for FEL intraocular delivery Methods. The infrared FEL beam was coupled into a metalliccoated hollow waveguide (530 u,m inner diameter, l m length) and transmitted to an autoclaved surgical probe. The probe tip was an 18 gauge cannula fitted with a miniCaF2 window to protect the waveguide. Retinal tissues in human and animal cadaver eyes were incised at wavelengths of 2.94, 3.8, and 6.45 u.m. Results. Up to 6xl05 W peak power was delivered to the intraocular tissues to successfully incise the retinas. The system was able to deliver 60% of the FEL energy .without damage to the waveguide or the surgical probe. Conclusions. The hollow waveguide delivery system allows use of the infrared FEL for intraocular microsurgical use.
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