[Experimental stapesplasty with the CO2 laser]

Perforation of the footplate in otosclerosis can be performed accurately, when the large and high energetic CO2 laser focus is reduced to 0.5 mm in diameter by an aluminium diaphragm. The operation was performed on three dogs. BAEPs were evoked by bone-conducted acoustic stimuli. Hearing threshold was unchanged immediately after operation as well as after 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. The new method has still to be performed in man.