Laser applications in inner ear surgery

Argon and carbon dioxide lasers can cause heat shrinkage of the membranous labyrinth without injury to hearing. The argon laser can penetrate the membranous labyrinth and cause destruction of targeted vestibula special sensory epithelium also without injury to hearing. Consequently, these lasers have been used successfully in two treatment techniques for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which are discussed in detail. The early techniques for laser assisted resection of the pars superior portion of the inner ear with hearing preservation are discussed.