Effects of CO2, thulium, and erbium lasers on middle ear synthetic implants

Ian Bottrill M.D.; Hannu J. Valtonen M.D.; Dennis S. Poe M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.209105

12 May 1995 Effects of CO₂, thulium, and erbium lasers on middle ear synthetic implants

Ian Bottrill M.D., Hannu J. Valtonen M.D., Dennis S. Poe M.D.

Proceedings Volume 2395, Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems V; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209105
Event: Photonics West '95, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

10.6 micrometers CO₂, 2.01 micrometers Thulium:YAG (Tm:YAG) and 2.94 micrometers Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) are currently being used or investigated for potential applications in otologic surgery. In addition to biologic tissue there are numerous synthetic materials (Gelfoam, Silastic, C-Flex, Silicone and Teflon), mineral components (Hydroxylapatite) and metals (stainless steel) that may be encountered during surgery. Their behavior in response to laser irradiation is, for the most part, unknown. We investigated the effects of these lasers, operated at clinically relevant parameters on these materials. We looked for signs of melting, perforation, charring, smoke formation and ignition. The results show that wet Gelfoam proved to be a partially effective barrier to all lasers. Silastic transmitted the energy of the Tm and Er:YAG with minimal damage, but charred, ignited or exploded with the CO₂ depending on the energy applied. All lasers melted C-Flex at higher energies. On Silicon, CO₂ produced flames, char and melting; the other lasers produced a tiny spark and less melting. Teflon charred and perforated when exposed to any laser, but only Tm:YAG produced a spark. All lasers at moderate and high energies shattered hydroxylapatite. Stainless steel was not affected by CO₂, but was perforated by Tm:YAG and Er:YAG. The results suggest that none of the tested lasers are safe for all currently used prosthetic materials and therefore they should be used with caution.

Citation Download Citation

Ian Bottrill M.D., Hannu J. Valtonen M.D., and Dennis S. Poe M.D. "Effects of CO₂, thulium, and erbium lasers on middle ear synthetic implants", Proc. SPIE 2395, Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems V, (12 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209105

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KEYWORDS

Ear

Er:YAG lasers

Surgery

Carbon dioxide lasers

Laser therapeutics

Carbon dioxide

Erbium lasers

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