Pulse stretched solid-state laser lithotripter

US5496306A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Light Age, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Ralf Engelhardt · Bodelshausen, DE
• Ralf E. W. Brinkmann · Stade, DE
• John C. Walling · Whitehouse Station, US
• Donald F. Heller · Somerville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 24, 1992
• Grant date: Mar 5, 1996
• Expiry date: Nov 24, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/0019
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of laser lithotripsy is disclosed that utilizes pulse stretched Q-switched solid state lasers in conjunction with relatively small diameter optical fibers to achieve effective breakup of calculi located within the body, such as kidney and gall stones.