Low-cost laser for use in soft tissue surgery

Licensing opportunity

German scientists have developed a compact and low-cost diode laser for use in soft tissue surgery.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institutes for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen and for Applied Solid State Physics IAF in Freiburg devised the laser to overcome difficulties in directing the beam that occur with current equipment. “The laser output can be routed through a very fine light-conducting fibre,” says ILT project manager Dr. Konstantin Boucke. “Instead of laboriously positioning a mirror at the correct angle, the surgeon merely has to introduce a flexible optical fibre.”

The system is more economical as diode lasers typically costs less than a third of other types of laser.

What makes this particular diode laser so special is that it has a wavelength of two micrometers. “Light at this wavelength is readily absorbed by biological tissue, and the laser beam doesn’t penetrate far. Surgical incisions can be controlled much better,” says Boucke.

In addition, the laser can be switched to a second operating mode in which it emits radiation at 800 to 980 nanometres, the ideal wavelength for arresting bleeding. This makes it suitable for any type of soft tissue surgery.

The prototype will be presented for the first time at the Laser trade show in Munich from 18 to 21 June.