Incision of the brain with the Varipulse carbon dioxide laser: a preliminary study for potential application in neurosurgery.
Incisions were made into the rat brain using the Varipulse carbon dioxide laser; they were compared with those made by using an equal amount of energy in the continuous mode of the same laser. Histological examination of the cross sections of the incisions was done. The Varipulse CO2 laser, in comparison with the continuous wave CO2 laser, caused less damage to the tissues surrounding the incision. A 500 Z (peak power, 500 watts) NIIC carbon dioxide laser (Cooper Laser Sonics, Santa Clara, California) equipped with a microcomputer was used with a pulse repetition rate of 200 to 400 and a pulse width of 0.1 second. A focused spot of 0.2 mm and a constant speed of incision of 5 mm/second was used for both types of lesions. The potential usefulness of the Varipulse CO2 laser in neurosurgery, as well as the precautions to be observed during its use, are discussed.
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D009336:Necrosis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013814:Thermal Conductivity