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Kwok JL, De Coninck V, Corrales M, Sierra A, Panthier F, Ventimiglia E, Gauhar V, Schmid FA, Hunziker M, Poyet C, Eberli D, Traxer O, Keller EX. Illumination matters part I: comparative analysis of light sources and illumination in flexible ureteroscopy-fundamental findings from a PEARLS analysis. World J Urol 2024; 42:355. [PMID: 38796790 PMCID: PMC11128383 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-05037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Illumination characteristics of flexible ureteroscopes have been evaluated in air, but not in saline, the native operative medium for endourology. The aim was to evaluate light properties of contemporary ureteroscopes in air versus saline, light distribution analysis, and color temperature. METHODS We evaluated the Storz Flex-Xc and Flex-X2s, Olympus V3 and P7, Pusen 7.5F and 9.2F, and OTU WiScope using a 3D printed black target board in-vitro model submerged in saline. A spectrometer was used for lux and color temperature measurements at different opening locations. RESULTS Illuminance was higher in saline compared to air (5679 vs. 5205 lx with Flex-Xc, p = 0.02). Illuminance in saline differed between ureteroscopes (ANOVA p < 0.001), with highest for the Flex-Xc at 100% brightness setting (5679 lx), followed by Pusen 9.2F (5280 lx), Flex-X2s (4613 lx), P7 (4371 lx), V3 (2374 lx), WiScope (582 lx) and finally Pusen 7.5F (255 lx). The same ranking was found at 50% brightness setting, with the highest ureteroscope illuminance value 34 times that of the scope with lowest illuminance. Most scopes had maximum illuminance off center, with skewness. Three scopes had two light sources, with one light source for all other scopes. Inter-scope comparisons revealed significant differences of color temperature (ANOVA p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The study demonstrates the presence of inhomogeneous light spread as well as large differences in illumination properties of ureteroscopes, possibly impacting on the performance of individual scopes in vivo. Additionally, the study suggests that future studies on illumination characteristics of flexible ureteroscopes should ideally be done in saline, and no longer in air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lun Kwok
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Urology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vincent De Coninck
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Endourology & Urolithiasis Working Group, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, AZ Klina, Brasschaat, Belgium
| | - Mariela Corrales
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- GRC N°20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020, Paris, France
| | - Alba Sierra
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Endourology & Urolithiasis Working Group, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Urology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frédéric Panthier
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- GRC N°20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020, Paris, France
| | - Eugenio Ventimiglia
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Endourology & Urolithiasis Working Group, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Vineet Gauhar
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Department of Urology, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Manuela Hunziker
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Poyet
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Eberli
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Traxer
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- GRC N°20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Xavier Keller
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France.
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Endourology & Urolithiasis Working Group, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
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Kwok JL, Panthier F, De Coninck V, Ventimiglia E, Barghouthy Y, Danilovic A, Smyth N, Brachlow J, Schmid FA, Poyet C, Eberli D, Traxer O, Keller EX. Illumination matters Part II: advanced comparative analysis of flexible ureteroscopes in a kidney model by PEARLS. World J Urol 2024; 42:298. [PMID: 38709327 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04987-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate illumination properties in an in-vitro kidney calyx model in saline. DESIGN AND METHODS We evaluated a series of contemporary flexible ureteroscopes including the Storz Flex-Xc and Flex-X2s, Olympus V3 and P7, Pusen 7.5F and 9.2F, as well as OTU WiScope using a 3D-printed closed pink kidney calyx model, submerged in saline. A spectrometer was used for illuminance and color temperature measurements at different openings located at center (direct light), 45° (direct and indirect light) and 90°(indirect light) to the axis of the scope. RESULTS Maximum illuminance was at the center opening for all scopes (range: 284 to 12,058 lx at 50% brightness and 454 to 11,871 lx at 100% brightness settings). The scope with the highest center illuminance (Flex-Xc) was 26 times superior to the scope with the lowest illuminance (Pusen 7.5Fr) at 100% brightness setting. For each scope, there was a peripheral illuminance drop ranging from - 43 to - 92% at 50% brightness and - 43% to - 88% at 100% brightness settings, respectively (all p < 0.01). Highest drop was for the P7 and the Pusen 9.2F. All scopes had illuminance skew, except the V3. All scopes had a warm color temperature. CONCLUSION Illumination properties vary between ureteroscopes in an enclosed cavity in saline, and differs at center vs 45° and 90° positions within scopes. Peripheral illuminance drop can be as high as - 92%, which is undesirable. This may affect the choice of ureteroscope and light brightness settings used in surgery by urologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lun Kwok
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Urology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Frédéric Panthier
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- GRC N°20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique Sur La Lithiase Urinaire, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Vincent De Coninck
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Endourology & Urolithiasis Working Group, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, AZ Klina, Brasschaat, Belgium
| | - Eugenio Ventimiglia
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Endourology & Urolithiasis Working Group, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Yazeed Barghouthy
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Department of Urology, Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France
| | - Alexandre Danilovic
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Department of Urology, Universidade de São Paulo Hospital das Clínicas-HCUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Urology, Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Niamh Smyth
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- University Hospital Monklands, Monkscourt Avenue, Airdrie, ML60JS, UK
| | - Jan Brachlow
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Zentrum Für Urologie Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Florian Alexander Schmid
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Poyet
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Eberli
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Traxer
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- GRC N°20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique Sur La Lithiase Urinaire, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Xavier Keller
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France.
- Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Endourology & Urolithiasis Working Group, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
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Kwok JL, Ventimiglia E, De Coninck V, Sierra A, Panthier F, Corrales M, Barghouthy Y, Gauhar V, Kranzbühler B, Schmid FA, Poyet C, Eberli D, Traxer O, Keller EX. Illumination matters Part III: Impact of light obstruction on illuminance from flexible ureteroscopes - a comparative PEARLS analysis. World J Urol 2024; 42:188. [PMID: 38520528 PMCID: PMC10960769 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04910-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Artifacts from poor ureteroscopes' light design with shadowing and dark areas in the field of view have been reported. The aim was to quantify effects of light obstruction in a kidney calyx model. METHODS We evaluated a series of contemporary flexible ureteroscopes including the Storz Flex-Xc and Flex-X2s, Olympus V3 and P7, Pusen 7.5F and 9.2F, as well as OTU Wiscope using an enclosed 3D-printed pink in vitro kidney calyx model submerged in saline, where the field of light was intentionally partially obstructed alternatively at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. A color spectrometer was used for illuminance measurements at a 45° opening position in the background of the model. RESULTS Overall and mean background illuminance for each obstructive situation were significantly different between scopes for both 50% and 100% brightness settings (ANOVA p < 0.001). At 50% brightness setting, almost all scopes had their highest and lowest background illuminance with the 6 o'clock and 3 o'clock obstructive situation, respectively. At 100% brightness setting, these became 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock obstructive situations. Considering each obstructive situation individually, the Flex-Xc was consistently the scope with highest background illuminance and the Pusen 7.5F the lowest. Background illuminance for each obstructive situation varied significantly for each scope individually, with the greatest range of variability for Pusen 7.5F and V3. CONCLUSIONS Illuminance performance of ureteroscopes within an obstructed calyx model differ significantly for various obstructive situations. Urologists should be aware of this to help guide their choice of ureteroscope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lun Kwok
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Urology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eugenio Ventimiglia
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Endourology and Urolithiasis Working Group, Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincent De Coninck
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Endourology and Urolithiasis Working Group, Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, AZ Klina, Brasschaat, Belgium
| | - Alba Sierra
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Endourology and Urolithiasis Working Group, Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Urology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Frédéric Panthier
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- GRC no 20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Tenon, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Mariela Corrales
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Endourology and Urolithiasis Working Group, Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Arnhem, The Netherlands
- GRC no 20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Tenon, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Yazeed Barghouthy
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Department of Urology, Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France
| | - Vineet Gauhar
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- Department of Urology, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benedikt Kranzbühler
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florian Alexander Schmid
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Poyet
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Eberli
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Traxer
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France
- GRC no 20, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Tenon, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Xavier Keller
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions (PEARLS), Paris, France.
- Endourology and Urolithiasis Working Group, Young Academic Urologists (YAU), Arnhem, The Netherlands.
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Kobayashi S, Masaki F, King F, Wollin DA, Kibel AS, Hata N. Feasibility of multi-section continuum robotic ureteroscope in the kidney. J Robot Surg 2023:10.1007/s11701-023-01530-0. [PMID: 36689076 DOI: 10.1007/s11701-023-01530-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a multi-section continuum robotic ureteroscope to address the difficulties with access into certain renal calyces during flexible ureteroscopy. First, the robotic ureteroscope developed in previous research, which utilizes three actuated bendable sections controlled by wires, was modified for use in this project. Second, using phantom models created from five randomly selected computer tomography urograms, the flexible ureteroscope and robotic ureteroscope were evaluated, focusing on several factors: time taken to access each renal calyx, time taken to aim at three targets on each renal calyx, the force generated in the renal pelvic wall associated with ureteroscope manipulation, and the distance and standard deviation between the ureteroscope and the target. As a result, the robotic ureteroscope utilized significantly less force during lower pole calyx access (flexible ureteroscope vs. robotic ureteroscope; 2.0 vs. 0.98 N, p = 0.03). When aiming at targets, the standard deviation of proper target access was smaller for each renal calyx (upper pole: 0.49 vs. 0.11 mm, middle: 0.84 vs. 0.12 mm, lower pole: 3.4 vs. 0.19 mm) in the robotic ureteroscope group, and the distance between the center point of the ureteroscope image and the target was significantly smaller in the robotic ureteroscope group (upper: 0.49 vs. 0.19 mm, p < 0.001, middle: 0.77 vs. 0.17 mm, p < 0.001, lower: 0.77 vs. 0.22 mm, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our robotic ureteroscope demonstrated improved maneuverability and facilitated accuracy and precision while reducing the force on the renal pelvic wall during access into each renal calyx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Kobayashi
- National Center for Image Guided Therapy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Urology, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 8128582, Japan.
| | - Fumitaro Masaki
- National Center for Image Guided Therapy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Healthcare Optics Research Laboratory, Canon U.S.A., 210 Broadway, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Franklin King
- National Center for Image Guided Therapy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Daniel A Wollin
- Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Adam S Kibel
- Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nobuhiko Hata
- National Center for Image Guided Therapy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Traxer O, Keller EX. Thulium fiber laser: the new player for kidney stone treatment? A comparison with Holmium:YAG laser. World J Urol 2020; 38:1883-1894. [PMID: 30729311 PMCID: PMC7363731 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02654-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the operating modes of the Holmium:YAG laser and Thulium fiber laser. Additionally, currently available literature on Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy is reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles relating to the operating modes of Holmium:YAG and Thulium fiber lasers, including systematic review of articles on Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy. RESULTS The laser beam emerging from the Holmium:YAG laser involves fundamental architectural design constraints compared to the Thulium fiber laser. These differences translate into multiple potential advantages in favor of the Thulium fiber laser: four-fold higher absorption coefficient in water, smaller operating laser fibers (50-150 µm core diameter), lower energy per pulse (as low as 0.025 J), and higher maximal pulse repetition rate (up to 2000 Hz). Multiple comparative in vitro studies suggest a 1.5-4 times faster stone ablation rate in favor of the Thulium fiber laser. CONCLUSIONS The Thulium fiber laser overcomes the main limitations reported with the Holmium:YAG laser relating to lithotripsy, based on preliminary in vitro studies. This innovative laser technology seems particularly advantageous for ureteroscopy and may become an important milestone for kidney stone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Traxer
- Sorbonne Université, Service d'Urologie, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France.
- Sorbonne Université, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire (GRC no 20), Hôpital Tenon, 75020, Paris, France.
| | - Etienne Xavier Keller
- Sorbonne Université, Service d'Urologie, Hôpital Tenon, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Groupe de Recherche Clinique sur la Lithiase Urinaire (GRC no 20), Hôpital Tenon, 75020, Paris, France
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kronenberg P, Traxer O. The laser of the future: reality and expectations about the new thulium fiber laser-a systematic review. Transl Androl Urol 2019; 8:S398-S417. [PMID: 31656746 PMCID: PMC6790412 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.08.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser has been the gold-standard for laser lithotripsy over the last 20 years. However, recent reports about a new prototype thulium fiber laser (TFL) lithotripter have revealed impressive levels of performance. We therefore decided to systematically review the reality and expectations for this new TFL technology. This review was registered in the PROSPERO registry (CRD42019128695). A PubMed search was performed for papers including specific terms relevant to this systematic review published between the years 2015 and 2019, including already accepted but not yet published papers. Additionally, the medical sections of ScienceDirect, Wiley, SpringerLink, Mary Ann Liebert publishers, and Google Scholar were also searched for peer-reviewed abstract presentations. All relevant studies and data identified in the bibliographic search were selected, categorized, and summarized. The authors adhered to PRISMA guidelines for this review. The TFL emits laser radiation at a wavelength of 1,940 nm, and has an optical penetration depth in water about four-times shorter than the Ho:YAG laser. This results in four-times lower stone ablation thresholds, as well as lower tissue ablation thresholds. As the TFL uses electronically-modulated laser diodes, it offers the most comprehensive and flexible range of laser parameters among laser lithotripters, with pulse frequencies up to 2,200 Hz, very low to very high pulse energies (0.005-6 J), short to very long-pulse durations (200 µs up to 12 ms), and a total power level up to 55 W. The stone ablation efficiency is up to four-times that of the Ho:YAG laser for similar laser parameters, with associated implications for speed and operating time. When using dusting settings, the TFL outperforms the Ho:YAG laser in dust quantity and quality, producing much finer particles. Retropulsion is also significantly reduced and sometimes even absent with the TFL. The TFL can use small laser fibers (as small as 50 µm core), with resulting advantages in irrigation, scope deflection, retropulsion reduction, and (in)direct effects on accessibility, visibility, efficiency, and surgical time, as well as offering future miniaturization possibilities. Similar to the Ho:YAG laser, the TFL can also be used for soft tissue applications such as prostate enucleation (ThuFLEP). The TFL machine itself is seven times smaller and eight times lighter than a high-power Ho:YAG laser system, and consumes nine times less energy. Maintenance is expected to be very low due to the durability of its components. The safety profile is also better in many aspects, i.e., for patients, instruments, and surgeons. The advantages of the TFL over the Ho:YAG laser are simply too extensive to be ignored. The TFL appears to be a real alternative to the Ho:YAG laser and become a true game-changer in laser lithotripsy. Due to its novelty, further studies are needed to broaden our understanding of the TFL, and comprehend the full implications and benefits of this new technology, as well its limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Traxer
- Hôpital Tenon, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris VI, Paris, France
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