Optimizing laser litotripsy with super-pulse Tm fiber laser through controlling pulse shape and modulating pulse sequence

Objective of the study was to improve efficiency, safety and ergonomics of laser lithotripsy through both modifying temporal profile of the laser pulses and manipulating various characteristics of the pulse sequence. Specifically, modulating the pulse energy and the peak power (amplitude modulation - AM) as well as modulating the repetition rate (frequency and amplitude-frequency modulation – FM and AFM, respectively) were investigated in vitro using a super-pulse Tm fiber laser . Benefits of AM and AFM (but not FM) for decreasing the treatment time and reducing the retropulsion effect are shown.