Photothermal Effect Induced by Contact Laser Vaporization of Porcine Prostate Tissues Using XCAVATOR Fiber

This study evaluates the photothermal effects induced by contact laser vaporization of the prostate (CVP) using XCAVATOR fiber by comparing the vaporization and damage depths and vaporization width with Twister fiber approved for clinical use. Spatial distributions on an irradiation target surface and light spreading angles were measured by irradiating 980-nm laser light through the two fibers using the same light source, and the vaporization and damage depths and vaporization width were measured in porcine prostate tissues. XCAVATOR fiber had a larger number of emitted laser beams than Twister fiber and a larger light spreading angle than Twister fiber by 36°. The maximum vaporization and damage depths and vaporization width were 1.9 ± 0.4, 4.0 ± 0.7, and 8.1 ± 1.6 mm for XCAVATOR fiber and 2.7 ± 1.5, 4.3 ± 1.5, and 5.0 ± 1.5 mm for Twister fiber, respectively. XCAVATOR fiber obtained similar damage depths with Twister fiber, while the vaporization area was broader and shallower than Twister fiber. The experimental analysis of the photothermal effect induced by CVP using XCAVATOR fiber revealed the characteristics of XCAVATOR fiber in laser vaporization.