Delivery of midinfrared (6 to 7-microm) laser radiation in a liquid environment using infrared-transmitting optical fibers.

Ablation at wavelengths near lambda = 6.45 microm results in tissue ablation with minimal collateral damage (< 40 microm) yet yields a high ablation rate that is useful for human surgery. However, delivery of this wavelength has been limited to that in air and thus to applications in which the target tissue can be readily exposed.