Initial clinical experience with the THC:YAG laser in gastrointestinal endoscopy

We present the initial clinical results of the use of the pulsed 2.15 micron thulium-holmium-chromium:YAG (THC:YAG) laser for gastrointestinal endoscopic surgery. This pulsed mid-infrared laser was designed to fit the clinical need for precisely controllable tissue vaporization which can be delivered via a flexible delivery system. We obtained an Investigational Device Exemption from the FDA and in December 1988 we began our clinical program. Using the THC:YAG laser via a flexible fiberoptic endoscope, we have successfully performed vaporization or excision of sessile neoplastic polyps of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract of 12 patients. Our initial experience has confirmed our expectation that this new laser system can provide the endoscopic surgeon with a technical alternative not matched by currently available laser systems.