The carbon dioxide laser; some possibilities in surgery

Area of Science:

• Surgical Technology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Laser Medicine

Background:

• The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser utilizes a 10.6 µm infrared beam, enabling high energy density upon focus.
• Strong absorption of this wavelength facilitates precise tissue evaporation at the focal point.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the CO2 laser's efficacy as a surgical tool, assessing its cutting, hemostatic, and tissue vaporization capabilities.
• To investigate the relationship between exposure time and marginal tissue necrosis in CO2 laser surgery.

Main Methods:

• The CO2 laser was employed as a 'light knife' for surgical applications.
• Experimental procedures were conducted on rectal and vocal cord tissues.
• The width of necrotic margins was measured in relation to varying exposure times.

Main Results:

• The CO2 laser demonstrated effective hemostasis by sealing vessels up to 0.5 mm in diameter and could cut cortical bone.
• Tissue vaporization was achieved, indicating potential for tumor destruction.
• A linear relationship was observed between exposure time and necrotic margin width, with 130 µm at 1/10th second and 600 µm at 6 seconds.

Conclusions:

• The CO2 laser is a potentially reliable instrument for various surgical procedures.
• Minimizing thermal damage is crucial, as necrosis width is directly proportional to exposure duration.