Current status of flexible waveguides for IR laser radiation transmission

Minimal invasive surgery (MIS) is the preferred method for performing medical operations today due to its lower cost, fast healing, and minimal post-operative pain and discomfort to the treated patients. It is rapidly expanding with the development and miniaturization of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) endoscopic imaging systems. Laser surgery has also proved itself to be a preferred tool of operation over standard tools in a lot of the cases. Development of a reliable flexible fiber or waveguide will enable surgeons to bring the laser beam transcendoscopically within body cavities. It will combine the endoscopy technique with the advantageous laser interaction with tissue to create a powerful surgical tool which will be the ultimate choice of operating procedure. A number of research groups have suggested flexible waveguides for the mid-IR region between 2.5 and 11 /spl mu/m, which contains very important and useful laser wavelengths and is not covered by silica fibers. The chief goals for the development of such delivery devices are summarized. The different solutions suggested are broadly described and thoroughly analyzed for their performance and potential.