Use of Gas Jet Appositional Pressurization in Endoscopic Laser Photocoagulation

A hybrid optical fiber catheter has been developed which is capable of simultaneously emitting from its distal end 20 W of continuous laser radiation and a jet stream of CO2 gas. The catheter can be readily inserted into the biopsy channel of conventional flexible endoscopes for control of gastric bleeding. Experiments on bleeding animal ulcers and an artificial bleeding vessel model show that a catheter which delivers a simultaneous jet of gas with laser radiation is much more effective in achieving hemostasis than laser radiation alone. The laser/gas catheter also incorporates other improvements in device durability. Results of controlled animal trials are discussed.