Laser-induced shockwave lithotripsy by use of a 1-μs Alexandrite laser

For laser lithotripsy with s pulses there have only been dye lasers available with fixed pulse length and pulse shape. The development of a pulse stretched Alexandrite laser offers the possibility to control these parameters, thus to find their optimum for lithotripsy. This paper describes the laser system and reports on the first results that have been achieved concerning fiber transmission with extended pulses, fiber damage thresholds, fragmentation rates avoid adverse tissue effects.