Flexible waveguides for IR laser radiation and surgery applications

Flexible plastic waveguides were developed to deliver IR radiation, especially at 10.6 μm, which is the CO₂ laser radiation wavelength. The waveguide is made from teflon tube with the inner wall coated with a metal layer and a dielectric over‐layer. The internal diameter (ID) is 1.0 mm, length 1.0–1.2 m, and the distal tip decreases moderately to ID ∼0.6 mm. The distal part on the last 10 centimeters is coated externally with a metal layer. Maximum power that can be delivered at the outlet is ∼30 W and 10.6 × 10³ W/cm². This type of waveguide was used in several medical operations to evaluate its cutting characteristics and the resistances to heat reflection from the tissue while operating in orifices containing liquid substances. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.