Er:YAG laser ablation of tissue: Effect of pulse duration and tissue type on thermal damage

Abstract

The thermal damage caused by 2.94-micron Er:YAG laser ablation of skin, cornea, aorta, and bone was quantified. The zone of residual thermal damage produced by normal-spiking-mode pulses (pulse duration approximately 200 microseconds) and Q-switched pulses (pulse duration approximately 90 ns) was compared. Normal-spiking-mode pulses typically leave 10-50 microns of collagen damage at the smooth wall of the incisions; however, at the highest fluences (approximately 80J/cm2) tears were produced in cornea and aorta and as much as 100 microns of damaged collagen is found at the incision edge. Q-switched pulses caused less thermal damage, typically 5-10 microns of damage in all tissues.

An experimental pathologic study of gingivectomy using dual‐wavelength laser equipment with OPO

“…The latter, 2.94 mm, has the highest absorption in water and was thus postulated to be ideal incising the tissue sharply and cleanly. In earlier studies on the irradiated periodontal tissues of adult dogs, the Er:YAG laser sharply incised the periodontal tissue with weaker hemostatic properties, causing degeneration of a thin layer of tissue (5-20 mm) [5] and damaging collagen to depths ranging from 10 to 50 mm [6].…”

Zoon's balanitis treated with Erbium:YAG laser ablation†

“…The peak water absorption coef®cient is 13 times greater for the Er:YAG than for the CO 2 laser [20,37]. Epidermis is composed of $ 70% water by volume, making it highly susceptible to ablation with the Er:YAG laser [21]. Because epidermal ablation is so ef®cient, peripheral thermal damage is limited to a very narrow zone.…”

Lasers in percutaneous disc surgery: Beneficial technology or gimmick?

“…It is able to deliver micropulses of laser light with a duration of 1-340 psec/pulse (61,62). The emitted wavelength is 2940 nm, energy densities of 500 mJ/mm2 can be achieved.…”