<title>New concept for a modular multiwavelength solid state laser for medical applications</title>

Abstract

Nearly all laser systems currently used in different medical disciplines of laser treatment are-- except for the tunable dye and alexandrite laser--one-wavelength systems with a very specific applicability to a single monotherapeutic procedure. According to the wavelength used, they can only either heat, coagulate, vaporize, or ablate due to the characteristic physical absorption behavior of hard and soft tissue material. Modular and multiwavelength laser systems--especially solid-state lasers, due to their excellent reliability--are therefore gaining interest, because they can easily provide tunable wavelengths in the UV, VIS and near-IR spectral region with exchangeable optical modules. This makes them ideal candidates for multipurpose and multidiscipline clinical use. A laser concept of a modular and multiwavelength solid-state laser system based on a pulsed alexandrite laser oscillator with additional optical modules to provide therapeutic radiation for laser-lithotripsy, laser- angioplasty, neurosurgery, general surgery, and dentistry is discussed.