A High-Power Gastric Photocoagulator for Fiberoptic Endoscopy

A single quartz fiber delivery system capable of remotely depositing in excess of 9 watts of continuous laser radiation has been developed and tested. Of particular interest in this development was the achievement of a catheter that can be inserted into the biopsy channel of a conventional flexible endoscope for noninvasive control of gastric bleeding. In animal testing, the prototype device was found capable of producing a large useful area of superficial tissue coagulum, effectively controlling gastric hemorrhage. Future clinical application is highly encouraging.