Mid-infrared laser arthroscopic procedure

A method of performing an arthroscopic procedure comprising the steps of:

• generating a laser beam having a wavelength of between 1.8 and 2.2 microns;
• directing the beam into one end of a fiber optic cable, with the other end of the fiber optic cable defining the delivery end thereof;
• positioning the delivery end of the fiber optic cable adjacent the tissue to be ablated by the laser beam;
• and
• irrigating the tissue with a liquid medium as it is being ablated by a laser beam.