Biophysical basis and technical requisites for the use of Nd-YAG laser in neurosurgery

The different interactions between laser light and biological tissue are demonstrated for the CO2- and the Nd-YAG-laser by histological examinations. For Neurosurgery the following results became significant: The CO2 laser has become an important tool in contactless cutting and vaporization. The Nd-YAG-laser is suitable as a coagulator whenever the site and vascularity make the removal of a tumour difficult. For the various surgical techniques in Neurosurgery using the Nd-YAG laser, special laser attachments have been developed including micro-surgical and endoscopic instruments.