Why Holmium ?
 

Strong absorption - efficient ablation

The pulsed Two Micron laser radiation of the Sphinx Holmium laser is highly absorbed in water and in biological tissue. The laser energy is converted into heat within a depth of the tissue of less than 0.5 mm and thus used for ablation purposes by vaporisation of tissue.

Strong absorption - shallow penetration

In soft tissue surgery efficient vaporisation is achieved without deep penetration or uncontrolled tissue necrosis.

    Strong absorption - safe operation

In a hydrous solution, the range of the Holmium laser radiation is restricted to the volume immediately in front of the fibre tip thus allowing the safe application also on sensitive surfaces. Tissue more than 5 mm apart from the fibre is screened off by the hydrous solution and will be affected by the laser.

Short pulses - efficient stone fragmentation

Laser pulses as short as 150 µs make the Sphinx highly effective in the fragmentation of calculi and ablation of hard tissue. The Sphinx Holmium laser is characterised by an extraordinary intense pulse peak power of up to 15 kW.

Long pulses - excellent hemostasis

Long laser pulses of up to 800 µs provide an excellent hemostasis in soft tissue surgery.

Operation of the Laser

The Sphinx Holmium laser is easy and safe to use. The user is guided by easy-to-understand menus. All settings of the laser are displayed by coloured bar graphs which can clearly be read even from a distance. In addition, the user is supported by acoustic signals. Unique features are the vertical fibre port and the extendible fibre support which ensure that the laser fibre is guided to the operating area from above. Of this arrangement, the freedom of action of the operating is not affected. Uneven floors and thresholds are easily passed because of the system's large running wheels and an independent wheel suspension. Considering its mobility, the laser system is best suited for service in multiple operating theatres and mobile services.

Advantages

Adjustable laser pulse duration

In order to optimise the interaction with various types of tissue the duration of the laser pulse can be adjusted within the range of 150 µs to 800 µs while the pulse energy is kept constant. As a result, the laser is not only used for the ablation of hard tissue but also for almost bloodless cutting of soft tissue. This makes the Sphinx holmium laser system a versatile instrument in surgery. While short laser pulses with a high pulse peak power are more suitable for the fragmentation of calculi and ablation of hard tissue, long laser pulses are better  suited for cutting of soft tissue with efficient hemostasis. This feature is an unparalleled advantage compared with any other Holmium laser on the market. The adjustable laser pulse duration is particularly advantageous for a multi-disciplinary use of the laser system.

Programme memory

The Sphinx Holmium laser is equipped with a specific programme memory allowing to save up to 50 setting for individual multi-disciplinary applications.

Reusable applicators and laser fibres

Special laser applicators and laser fibres are available for the various medical applications. To keep the running costs of the Sphinx laser low, most of the applicators and fibres are reusable and can be steam sterilized. Please refer to the Medical Accessories Brochure for details.

Integrated active cooling

The integrated active cooling allows long time operation even at higher ambient temperatures and produces less noise than the competing products with radiators and fans only.