Noninvasive laser coagulation of the canine vas deferens, ex vivo

Male sterilization (vasectomy) is more successful, safer, less expensive, and easier to perform than female sterilization (tubal ligation). However, female sterilization is more popular, due to male fear of vasectomy complications (e.g. incision, bleeding, infection, and scrotal pain). The development of a completely noninvasive vasectomy technique may allay some of these concerns. Ytterbium fiber laser radiation with a wavelength of 1075 nm, average power of 11.7 W, 1-s pulse duration, 0.5 Hz pulse rate, and 3-mm-diameter spot was synchronized with cryogen cooling of the scrotal skin surface in canine tissue for a treatment time of 60 s. Vas thermal lesion dimensions measured 2.0 ± 0.3 mm diameter by 3.0 ± 0.9 mm length, without skin damage. The coagulated vas bursting pressure measured 295 ± 72 mm Hg, significantly higher than typical vas ejaculation pressures of 136 ± 29 mm Hg. Noninvasive thermal coagulation and occlusion of the vas is feasible.