Device and method for highly efficient hard and soft tissue ablation

A system for use in a laser lithotripsy procedure, comprising:

• a laser source configured to generate pulsed laser energy;
• an optical fiber configured to direct the pulsed laser energy at a target;
• and
• a controller coupled to the laser source and configured to:
• receive one or more input parameters;
• determine at least one procedure parameter, wherein the at least one procedure parameter includes one or more laser operating parameters;
• calculate an N-factor (Nf) based at least in part on one or more procedure parameters and at least one input parameter, where Nf corresponds to a number of laser pulses delivered to a treatment zone having a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of a laser crater (Dc) created by the pulsed laser energy that is directed at the treatment zone on the target;
• compare Nf to a maximum Nf (Nfmax);
• and
• in response to a determination that Nf is greater than Nfmax, adjust at least one laser operating parameter of the one or more laser operating parameters, or
• in response to a determination that Nf is less than or equal to Nfmax, control the laser source using the one or more laser operating parameters.