Laser probe coagulation of bleeding canine ulcers

A nonlight-transmitting contact laser probe was used to treat acutely bleeding gastric ulcers in heparinized dogs. Thirty-five treated ulcers responded with complete hemostasis following 21-92 seconds (mean, 32 seconds) application per ulcer. Ten control ulcers left untreated bled for 5-30 minutes (mean, 11 minutes). Hemostasis was maintained at treated sites for the entire observation period (60 minutes). Perforations did not occur, and there was no evidence of full thickness injury. Histological assessment confirmed a limited (0.2-0.5 mm) zone of coagulation injury. The laser probe is effective for control of acute bleeding in this canine ulcer model.