title: Transcanalicular THC:YAG dacryocystorhinostomy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Summit Medical Center, Oakland, Calif.
authors.forename: R Z
authors.initials: RZ
authors.lastname: Silkiss
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Axelrod
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Iwach
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vassiliadis
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Hennings
mesh_terms: D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012826:Silicone Elastomers
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers