Laser Stapedomy Using CO2 Laser with Flexible Wave Guide Handpiece

The OmniGuide® CO2 laser with flexible wave guide and handpiece has been used to perform laser stapedotomy in patients with otosclerosis. These patients have been reviewed retrospectively in an effort to determine safety, efficacy, and complications among these patients. Thirty-four patients from June 2007 to November 2008 were found. Pre-operative and post-operative audiologic data were analyzed showing improved air conduction pure-tone average and closure of the air-bone gap as well as improvement of bone conduction puretone average post-operatively. There was one reported stapes gusher and one displaced prosthesis which was unrelated to the use of the laser. The patient with a displaced prosthesis had ≥ 10dB increase in pure-tone bone conduction after surgery.