Laser energy has been harnessed to stimulate coagulation and haemostasis of bleeding upper gastrointestinal lesions. The laser of choice is the Nd:YAG (neodymium-yttrium aluminium garnet) which has tissue penetration of up to 4mm.
The endoscope tip is modified with a special filter to permit safe viewing of the site. The laser is passed down the biopsy channel of the endoscope. Carbon dioxide is also passed down the endoscope to clear the field of view and facilitate cooling. A few short - 0.5 second - pulses are usually required to ensure haemostasis.
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