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Thermographic Changes During Soft Tissue Incisions with Diode Infrared Lasers
G Ed Roibu1, Jamie Wu1, Wei Hou2
1Laboratory for Periodontal-, Implant-, Phototherapy (La-PIP), Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery
|October 30, 2023
Summary
This study examined infrared laser heat transfer in soft tissues, finding that laser type and fiber tip initiation significantly impact temperature changes and heat distribution. Careful consideration of settings is crucial to prevent overheating during procedures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Physics
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Infrared (IR) diode lasers are increasingly used in soft tissue procedures.
- Understanding their thermal effects is critical for safe and effective application.
- Variations in laser parameters and fiber tip design can influence heat transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify temperature changes and heat transfer patterns in soft tissues using IR diode lasers.
- To compare thermal effects between 970 nm and 980 nm lasers with initiated and noninitiated fiber tips.
- To provide data for optimizing laser settings and minimizing thermal damage.
Main Methods:
- Bovine tongue tissue slices were subjected to incisions using 970 nm and 980 nm IR diode lasers.
- Lasers operated in continuous wave at 2 watts with initiated and noninitiated fiber tips for 30-second irradiation.
- Thermographic imaging captured temperature changes (ΔT) and heat distribution (vertical and lateral mm) at 10-second intervals.
Main Results:
- The 970 nm laser with initiated tips showed a maximum ΔT of 17.81 ± 11.48 °C, while the 980 nm laser with initiated tips showed 13.24 ± 6.90 °C (p=0.041).
- Statistically significant differences in vertical and horizontal heat transfer were observed between initiated and noninitiated lasers.
- The 980 nm laser with initiated tips exhibited greater vertical and lateral heat transfer compared to the 970 nm laser; the 970 nm laser with noninitiated tips showed higher heat distribution than the 980 nm noninitiated laser.
Conclusions:
- Near-infrared diode lasers exhibit distinct heat transfer characteristics influenced by wavelength, fiber tip initiation, and irradiation parameters.
- The 980 nm laser with initiated tips demonstrates increased thermal spread, while the 970 nm laser with noninitiated tips also shows significant heat distribution.
- Precise control over laser power settings and irradiation duration is essential to mitigate risks associated with excessive heat in soft tissue applications.
