Transcanalicular THC:YAG dacryocystorhinostomy.
Chromium-sensitized and thulium- and holmium-doped YAG lasers (THC:YAG laser) were used to create a nasal bony ostium in the area of the lacrimal sac fossa in four fresh frozen bisected human cadaver heads. The lasers-long pulsed (300 milliseconds), compact, self-contained, and solid state--operate in the near infrared (2.1 microns). The opening was created by passing the 320-micrometer laser fiber across the canalicular system. Pulse energies of 250 to 900 mJ were used with a repetition rate of 5 to 15 pulses per second. Energy levels ranging from 1.25 to 9 W produced a full-thickness bony ostium approximately 3 to 4 mm in diameter. Silicone tubing was then threaded through the superior and inferior canaliculus system in the standard fashion. This technique may simplify conventional dacryocystorhinostomy as well as endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy procedures.
Silkiss
R Z
RZ
Summit Medical Center, Oakland, Calif.
Axelrod
R N
RN
Iwach
A G
AG
Vassiliadis
A
A
Hennings
D R
DR
D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012826:Silicone Elastomers
D012826:Silicone Elastomers