Ultraviolet-laser ablation of skin.
We report on the use of pulsed ultraviolet-laser irradiation at 193 nm from an argon-fluoride laser and at 248 nm from a krypton-fluoride laser to ablate skin. In vitro, both wavelengths performed comparably, removing tissue precisely and cleanly, and leaving minimal thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. In vivo, the 193-nm laser radiation failed to remove tissue after bleeding began. The 248-nm radiation, however, continued to remove tissue despite bleeding and left a clean incision with only minimal thermal damage. The krypton-fluoride excimer laser beam at 248 nm, which should be deliverable through a quartz optical fiber, has great potential as a surgical instrument.
D000818:Animals; D001128:Argon; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007726:Krypton; D053685:Laser Therapy; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D007726:Krypton; D001128:Argon