The CO2 laser in clinical surgery--past, present and future.
The CO2 Laser is now an accepted modality in all branches of surgery without exception. Its use as a "Light Knife" or for the purpose of accurate vaporization of tissue has proved an advantage in many surgical procedures. The introduction of various endoscopes has broadened its application in cavitational surgery. With the advent of a suitable optical fiber this application will be broadened even further. Computerised Laser surgery has become a reality and the recent introduction of the CO2 Laser in tissue welding has opened a new field and augurs well for the future.
Kaplan
I
I
Department of Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery, Beilinson Hospital, Israel.
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D003869:Dermabrasion / Q000379:methods; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013518:Surgery, Plastic; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted