Universal Endoscopic Coupler for Carbon Dioxide Laser Surgery

Abstract

A new set of endoscopic couplers has been designed by the authors for laparoscopic, arthroscopic and bronchoscopic carbon dioxide laser surgery. Certain safety features have been incorporated into this design which heretofore have been unavailable. The bronchoscopic coupler was designed with a gimbeled, partially reflective germanium window to facilitate direct, coaxial vision with the laser beam. A “joy stick” has been incorporated into the design to allow the surgeon to manipulate the helium-neon-aiming laser within the lumen of the bronchoscope. Bronchoscopes as small as 4 mm in diameter and 30 to 40 cm in length have been used with this coupler.