Dependence of calculus retropulsion dynamics on fiber size and radiant exposure during Ho:YAG lithotripsy.

During pulsed laser lithotripsy, the calculus is subject to a strong recoil momentum which moves the calculus away from laser delivery and prolongs the operation. This study was designed to quantify the recoil momentum during Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy. The correlation among crater shape, debris trajectory, laser-induced bubble and recoil momentum was investigated.

Effect of lithotripsy on holmium:YAG optical beam profile.

Purpose: To determine the effect of holmium:YAG lithotripsy on the optical beam profile.

Materials And Methods: Beam profiles of the laser light from holmium:YAG optical fiber systems were characterized with a pyroelectric camera. Beam profiles were measured with 272-microm and 365-microm optical fibers both straight and bent to simulate lower-pole ureteronephroscopy.