Quartz versus sapphire optical chambers for use in infrared laser sealing of blood vessels

Infrared (IR) lasers are being tested as an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasonic (US) devices for hemostatic sealing of vascular tissues. In recent studies, a side-firing optical fiber was reciprocated, producing a linear laser beam pattern for sealing blood vessels. Challenges include limited field-of-view of vessel position within the device jaws, and matching fiber scan length to vessel size. A transparent jaw may improve visibility and enable custom treatment. Quartz and sapphire square optical chambers (2.7 x 2.7 x 25mm OD) were tested with a 1470nm laser and 550-μm-core fiber. Peak temperatures and cooling times were recorded on chamber surfaces. Angle polished fiber tips delivered 94% of light at a 90° angle. Porcine renal arteries with diameters of 3.4±0.7mm (n=13) for quartz and 3.2±0.7mm (n=14) for sapphire (P>0.05), were sealed using 30W for 5s. Reflection losses were 3.3% and 7.4% for quartz and sapphire. Peak temperatures on external chamber surface averaged 74±8 °C and 73±10 °C (P>0.05). Times to cool down to 37 °C measured 13±4s and 27±7s (P<0.05). Vessel burst pressures (BP) averaged 883±393mmHg and 412±330mmHg (P<0.05). For quartz, 13/13 (100%) vessels were sealed (BP>360mmHg), versus 9/14 (64%) for sapphire. Quartz provided more consistent seals and shorter cooling times than sapphire.