A laser instrument that can perform effective vaporization of biological tissue and stabilization of the application cap during tissue removal is provided. The laser instrument includes an optical waveguide with a light guide portion that emits light and an application cap coupled to the optical waveguide that transmits light. The laser instrument can be inserted into an endoscope and extended or retracted to position the application cap for vaporization and removal of biological tissue.
A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm.sup.2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm.sup.2.
A method for photoselective vaporization of uterine tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than a volume of residual coagulated tissue caused by the laser radiation. The laser radiation is generated using a neodymium doped solid-state laser, including optics producing a second or higher harmonic output with greater than 60 watts average output power. The delivered laser radiation has a wavelength for example in a range of about 200 nm to about 650 nm, and has an average irradiance in the treatment area greater than about 10 kilowatts/cm.sup.2, in a spot size of at least 0.05 mm.sup.2.
