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Photoablation of bone by excimer laser radiation
Author(s) -
Walter Markus L.,
Domes Michael E.,
Diller Ricarda A.,
Sproedt Julia,
Joosten Uwe H.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1096-9101(1999)25:2<153::aid-lsm9>3.0.co;2-s
Subject(s) - photoablation , excimer laser , laser , excimer , biomedical engineering , materials science , medicine , optics , physics
Background and Objectives The aim of the present study was to compare the usefulness of mechanical osteotomy tools and common laser systems with the ultraviolet (UV) laser in the field of the central nervous system and its bony capsule. Study Design/Materials and Methods The cranial bones of 42 living rats were treated with UV laser radiation with wavelengths of 193 nm and 248 nm. The morphology and physical effects were evaluated by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy. Results This study shows the special characteristics of excimer versus infrared lasers or mechanical tools, such as high precision, no thermic damage, little depth effect, and no delay of healing processes. Conclusion The excimer laser is an interesting instrument for microsurgery of bones in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, and otolaryngology. Lasers Surg. Med. 25:153–158, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.