Laser-tissue interactions (bone and cartilage) at the 2.9-um erbium:YAG wavelength

Kirk E. Maes; Henry H. Sherk M.D.

doi:10.1117/12.184886

7 September 1994 Laser-tissue interactions (bone and cartilage) at the 2.9-um erbium:YAG wavelength

Kirk E. Maes, Henry H. Sherk M.D.

Proceedings Volume 2128, Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems IV; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184886
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

A new flexible handheld delivery system for the Erbium:YAG laser has recently been developed. We studied the ability of this system to deliver energy levels sufficient to cut human cadaveric femoral condylar bone and meniscal tissue, and evaluated the histologic effects and quality of those cuts. Furrowing cuts were made with the 2.9-micrometers Erbium:YAG laser in human cadaveric femoral condylar bone and meniscal tissue. Multiple cuts were delivered through a flexible handpiece with a focusing tip using five different energy settings ranging from 200 mj to 1000 mj at 10 Hz. The tissue samples were fixed and stained with HE and Trichrome. Microscopic analysis was completed and data is reported as direct measurements of histologic damage based on differential staining characteristics. This study shows that sufficient energy to cut cartilage and bone can be delivered through a flexible handheld device. The cut surfaces showed outstanding quality and minimal tissue damage, especially when compared to the Ho:YAG, Nd:YAG, and the CO₂ lasers, none of which adequately cut bone at the present time.

Citation Download Citation

Kirk E. Maes and Henry H. Sherk M.D. "Laser-tissue interactions (bone and cartilage) at the 2.9-um erbium:YAG wavelength", Proc. SPIE 2128, Laser Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems IV, (7 September 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.184886

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available