Extended durability of external metal mirror reflector of side-firing Nd:YAG laser fiber used for prostatic ablation.

A new side-firing neodymium:YAG laser fiber has been developed, incorporating a solid gold external parabolic mirror reflector. Clinical trial of this fiber during actual laser prostatectomy cases demonstrated its extended durability. Mean fiber performance was 5.7 cases, 122.5 min total active laser transmission time, and 294.1 kJ laser energy delivery. Maximum observed fiber lifespan was 9 laser prostatectomy procedures, 207.4 total min, and 497.8 total kJ delivered. The extended durability of the new UroGold fiber allows for greater fiber survivability with less experienced operators, helps to assure maintenance of laser light transmission at therapeutic levels throughout usage, and allows multiple reuse of the fiber if desired. All of these factors can produce a net gain in the cost efficacy of laser prostatectomy.