A protective cap is provided to prevent ingress of steam or water at the cable end. The lance configuration may be preferred for puncture types of incisions and when very precise incisions are needed. The single edge blade configuration may be preferred for more general excision or cutting. Figure 3 Refer to Figures 3 and 4 for laser energy distribution pattern for the Lance version of the LaserKnife. Distribution for the single edge version is similar but distributed over a larger area of the cutting surface.
Energy is radiated from the distal end of each blade facet.
The effect of laser energy on tissue may be observed during a procedure by tissue appearance. Tissue will slowly whiten when laser energy is applied, due to thermally induced coagulation. Continued application of energy in one area will cause tissue desiccation, then darkening, and finally, charring. Avoid application of excessive energy in one area by moving the blade or by reducing the laser ON time or duty cycle.