Evaluation of Novel Ball-Tip Holmium Laser Fiber: Impact on Ureteroscope Performance and Fragmentation Efficiency.

Purpose: A novel ball tip (BT) holmium laser fiber has recently been developed, which features a modified rounded tip. The modification is purported to aid in insertion and minimize damage to the ureteroscope working channel. We evaluated this laser fiber with regard to stone comminution, tip degradation, insertional force into the ureteroscope, and impact on ureteroscope deflection.