Abstract

A laser knife which supplies water to a rod member applying laser radiation to tissue or the like by means of using the air supply passing air between a fiber optic laser transmitting member and a hollow tube. Air issuing from the tube may be bled to the atmosphere through a bleed valve. Closure of the bleed valve pressurizes an annular space in flow communication with the upper portion of a fluid supply tank. Pressurization of the tank forces fluid from the tank into an annular space within the device through orifices in flow communication with grooves adjacent the rod member. In such a manner, the pressurization of the air supply system causes fluid to flow over the rod member to prevent adherence of tissue and the like to the end of the rod transmitting the laser radiation.