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An in vitro comparison of the erbium: YAG laser and the carbon dioxide laser in laryngeal surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Rory C. D. Herdman*
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology, Manchester University, Manchester.
Andrew Charlton
Affiliation:
Departments of Pure Physics, Manchester University, Manchester.
Anthony E. Hinton
Affiliation:
Departments of Otolaryngology, Manchester University, Manchester.
Anthony J. Freemont
Affiliation:
Departments of Pathological Sciences, Manchester University, Manchester.
*
Mr R. C. D. Herdmann, F.R.C.S., ENT Department, Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading, Berks RG1 5AN.

Abstract

This study compares the relative thermal damage caused by a surgical CO2 laser and the Erbium: YAG laser when used to incise the human vocal fold in vitro. Results show that charring is completely eliminated when using the Erbium: YAG laser. The depth of coagulative necrosis adjacent to an incision is reduced from 510 ±m(µ 75) using the CO2 laser to 23 ±m(µ 12) using the Ebrium: YAG laser and at the base is reduced from 125 ±m (µ 45) using the CO2 laser to 12 ±m (µ 8 ) using the Erbium: YAG laser. The potential advantages regarding post-operative healing after laryngeal surgery are discussed.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1993

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