The Laser Photocoagulating Dielectric Waveguide Scalpel

This paper presents the physical theory and engineering development of a new hemostatic scalpel, the photocoagulating dielectric waveguide scalpel. (laser blade). This device has demonstrated a marked reduction in blood loss during surgery of organs where bleeding is normally a major problem, such as the debridement of third-degree burns. The scalpel utilizes an argon laser for optical power (25 W) and a fiber-optic waveguide to flexibly transport the laser radiation to a fused silica scalpel blade. The blade is a dielectric waveguide which carries the laser radiation to a tapered cutting edge which is used for the mechanical incision of tissue and provides the means by which the laser radiation couples (tapered waveguide coupling) into the surrounding tissue for photocoagulation. The optical characteristics of the blade are analyzed and experimentally verified.