KTP laser and nitinol alloy stents: Are they compatible?

Background/Objective Nitinol alloy stents are in frequent use in recanalizing malignant airway stenoses. Potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) is one of the lasers of choice in removal of obstructing airway lesions. There is a paucity of research regarding the safety of these advances working together. Study Design/Materials and Methods In vitro study involving direct contact application of KTP laser with nitinol alloy stents under microscope guidance in varying gaseous environments. Results Stent damage can occur once power settings exceed one watt. Complete stent destruction occurs regardless of gaseous environment at a mere three watts of power. Conclusions Our results suggest that KTP laser is unsafe to use in the presence of a nitinol alloy stent, regardless of the gaseous environment. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:803–807, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.