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Percutaneous laser discectomy with the Ho:YAG laser
M R Quigley1, T Shih, A Elrifai
1Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212.
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
|January 1, 1992
Summary
A prototype Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser effectively performed laser discectomies in pigs. The procedure showed no adverse effects, indicating its potential for human clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
- Laser technology in medicine
- Orthopedic research
Background:
- Degenerative disc disease is a common cause of low back pain.
- Traditional discectomy methods carry risks.
- Laser-assisted procedures offer potential for improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a prototype Ho:YAG laser for discectomy.
- To assess potential thermal damage to surrounding spinal structures.
- To determine the feasibility of Ho:YAG laser discectomy in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- A prototype Ho:YAG laser (2.15 microns) was used.
- Procedures were performed on L3-4 discs in five juvenile pigs via an 18G needle.
- Laser settings: 2-J/pulse, 3 Hz, through a 600-micron fiber.
Main Results:
- No temperature elevations were observed in the posterior longitudinal ligament.
- All animals recovered fully without adverse sequelae.
- Pathologic examination confirmed coagulation necrosis confined to the disc space.
Conclusions:
- The Ho:YAG laser is a viable candidate for laser discectomy.
- Its water absorption properties are advantageous for this application.
- The findings support further clinical trials for laser discectomy.