Abstract
We describe here a highly durable 600-μ optical fiber with a 20-m m frosted distal tip protected by a smooth transparent cover that is capable of remaining in contact with tissue for prolonged periods. When used with a neodymium:YAG (NdrYAG) laser, the active fiber surface diffuses optical radiation in a radial pattern, delivering up to 40 W power, and thus providing consistent and uniform interstitial photothermal therapy. Preliminary animal studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using these fibers to treat a variety of soft-tissue tumors, including benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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