Erb:YAG and Hol:YAG laser ablation of meniscus and intervertebral discs.
Erb:YAG and Hol:YAG laser ablation rates of fibrocartilage and nucleus pulposus were measured in vitro simulating clinical conditions. After ablation macroscopic and microscopic appearance of the ablation site was investigated. Hol:YAG and Erb:YAG laser mean ablation rates increased almost linearly with rising energies, showing higher total ablation rates for the Hol:YAG laser due to its higher achievable energy density. At comparable energy densities the Erb:YAG laser appears to be more effective with respect to the corresponding ablation rates. Consequently, the ablational threshold proved to be lower for the Erb:YAG laser. Whereas during Hol:YAG laser ablation, some smoke formation and considerable tissue shrinking occurred, these effects could not be observed during Erb:YAG laser ablation. Consequently macroscopic and microscopic inspection showed some thermal damage after Hol:YAG and only minimal alterations after Erb:YAG laser ablation. Adjacent thermal damage was determined and proved to be lower for the Erb:YAG laser. In our opinion the characteristics of each laser system provide certain advantages for special clinical indications.
Buchelt
M
M
Clinic of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Prof. Rainer Kotz, Vienna, Austria.
Kutschera
H P
HP
Katterschafka
T
T
Kiss
H
H
Schneider
B
B
Ullrich
R
R
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003094:Collagen; D004871:Erbium; D006695:Holmium; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008028:Light Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D009336:Necrosis; D013997:Time Factors; D015019:Yttrium
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D015019:Yttrium; D004871:Erbium; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D003094:Collagen; D006695:Holmium