The characteristics of CO2 lasers that render them interesting for surgical applications are reviewed. An instrument consisting of an integrated CO2 laser and beam manipulator, designed specifically for surgical research work, is descirbed. Operational characteristics of the instrument relevant to such work are reported. An accessory for endoscopic surgery is described and instrumentation for microsurgery is discussed. Surgical researches now in progress with this instrument are mentioned.

A CO2 laser for surgical research.

Preliminary results on the spectral dependence of the absorption of light in tissue are presented and discussed with respect to medical laser application.

Measurements on the depth of penetration of light (0.35--1.0 microgram) in tissue.

Laser treatment of cervical and vaginal neoplasia

https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(76)80042-X/pdf

A reproducible animal model of acute bleeding ulcer-the "ulcer maker".

Lasers have been used in neurosurgery for the past 25 years, undergoing modifications to suit the specific needs of this medical discipline. The present report reviews the current use of lasers in neurosurgical practice and examines the pros and cons of lasers in specific neurosurgical applications. In spite of their advantages, laser use is still not widespread in neurosurgery. One reason is the continued lack of complete control over real-time laser interactions with neural tissue. A greater acceptance and use of lasers by neurosurgeons will depend upon automated control over defined specific parameters for laser applications based upon the type of tissue, the desired effect on tissue, and application to the clinical situation without loss of precision and a lot of expense. This will require the integration of newer lasers, computers, robotics, stereotaxy, and concepts of minimally invasive surgery into the routine management of neurosurgical problems.

Lasers in neurosurgery.

An unfocused continuous-wave carbon dioxide (CO2) laser was used in dogs with bleeding gastric ulcers or erosions. The laser radiation was delivered through an endoscope introduced orally. In seven dogs, anesthetized and heparinized, bleeding ulcers caused by hot acid jets stopped after five seconds of laser radiation. In four additional dogs, similar ulcers required five minutes of electrocoagulation for hemostasis. In seven dogs, bleeding from mechanically caused abrasions was stopped in three to five seconds by laser. In five other dogs, such abrasions required five minutes of coagulation. Laser radiation produced a thin coagulum on the surface of the lesions. Regenerating mucosa was seen in all dogs at killing after seven days. The rapid production of hemostasis leads to consideration of the CO2laser in certain poor-risk patients who have massive bleeding from gastric erosions.

https://jamanetwork.com/HttpHandlers/ArticlePdfHandler.ashx?journal=SURG&articleId=570053&pdfFileName=archsurg_101_2_018.pdf

Akira Okada

Papers

Rapid endoscopic control of bleeding gastric erosions by laser radiation.