A side firing laser device suitable for use in medical and surgical procedures has a laser energy transmission efficiency in excess of 90% and provides consistent and rapid vaporization of tissue as well as long useful life. The device includes a conduit with an optical fiber therewithin. The optical fiber is adapted for coupling to a laser energy source at the proximal end thereof and has a beveled distal end portion capped by a closed end capillary tube which, in turn, is surrounded by a reflective sheath with a side port through which laser energy emitted by the optical fiber can pass.
