Argon Laser and Soft Tissue Interaction

Abstract

The interaction of the argon laser with the mucous membrane of the upper aerodigestive tract was studied. The advantages of the argon laser are a small spot that can be varied in size and intensity, selective vascular absorption, the capability of being incorporated into a flexible delivery system, and a coincident aiming beam. The acute soft tissue effects are characterized by subepithelial extension, with a variable delayed reaction between the application of the laser and a detectable break in the epithelium. Postoperative edema persisted, with an increase in the lateral spread of the lesion over 3 days and an acute inflammatory reaction extending over 7 days. By 21 days the lesions were reepithelialized and healed, but their width was 30% greater than the original defect. The unpredictable interaction with soft tissue, the postoperative edema, and the quality of wound healing are disadvantages. The argon laser appears to have limited clinical potential as a surgical tool for the air and food passages.

Incision properties and thermal effects of CO 2 lasers in soft tissue

“…The absorbed energy causes vaporization of the intra-and extracellular fluid and destruction of the cell membranes. 6,7 The exact nature and extent of the laser effect on soft tissue is governed by several factors. These include the total amount of energy delivered to the tissues over the entire period of irradiation (measured in Joules) as well as power levels (Watts), that is, energy delivered per second.…”

Endoscopic Nd:YAG laser therapy of infantile subglottic hemangioma

“…9 Additionally, the postoperative complication of significant subglottic stenosis is not uncommon (20%-25%). 4,10 Argon laser (488-514 nm) has been reported to be used for ISH for the ability being absorbed by hemoglobulin; 11 however, for its small spot size (0.1-1 mm) and poor penetration depth (1.5 mm), 12 the coagulative ability may be not sufficient to prevent potential postoperative bleeding. Besides, the unpredictable interaction with soft tissue, the postoperative edema, and the quality of wound healing were described as disadvantages.…”

“…Besides, the unpredictable interaction with soft tissue, the postoperative edema, and the quality of wound healing were described as disadvantages. 13 Potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser (532 nm) also has been applied for ISH which can be delivered via fiberoptic fibers, and its energy is well absorbed by hemoglobulin.…”

“…However, Nd:YAG laser produces a large zone of thermal damage that limits its use in treating small discrete lesions which could be meticulously treated by Argon or KTP laser. 12,22 The deep penetration (4-7 mm) 19 and concentrated focus of Nd:YAG laser can very precisely vaporize a lesion with minimal disruption of overlying normal mucosa, thereby preventing potential postoperative subglottic stenosis. 5 However, extensive thermal injury during Nd:YAG laser operation should not be overlooked.…”

Cicatrização da membrana timpânica na timpanocentese com laser de argônio comparado à técnica com microlanceta: estudo experimental em ratos

“…However, we see in the medical literature that its use in tympanocentesis is very limited [16][17][18][19] . The argon laser shares similar characteristics -usually intermediate -to the CO 2 and Neodymio-YAG laser.…”