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[Thermographic investigations during stapedotomy using a CO2 laser]
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universität Rostock. tino.just@med.uni-rostock.de
Laryngo- Rhino- Otologie
|June 11, 2010
Summary
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser stapedotomy can cause significant thermal spread, leading to temperature increases over 100°C on the stapes footplate and deep within cochlea models. Avoid CO2 laser use in opened inner ear structures to prevent thermal damage.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Physics
Context:
- Temporary sensorineural hearing loss is a known complication of CO2 laser-assisted stapes surgery.
- The thermal effects of CO2 laser application during stapedotomy remain unclear.
- Investigating thermal spread is crucial for understanding and mitigating surgical risks.
Purpose:
- To demonstrate and quantify the thermal spread during CO2 laser stapedotomy.
- To visualize thermal effects and gas bubble formation using a high-speed infrared camera.
- To assess temperature changes in cochlea models at various depths.
Summary:
- CO2 laser stapedotomy resulted in homogenous temperature increases exceeding 100°C on the stapes footplate and 0.25mm within cochlea models.
- Gas bubbles generated by vaporization caused localized temperature spikes up to 65K, reaching depths of 2mm.
- CO2 laser application on saline solutions showed temperature increases of 20-65K at depths of 3-6mm.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that thermal effects, not just gas bubbles, contribute to hearing loss after CO2 laser stapedotomy.
- Highlights the risk of thermal damage to inner ear structures during the procedure.
- Recommends avoiding CO2 laser application on opened inner ear structures with the studied parameters.
