Lasers in neurosurgery: a review.
In recent years neurosurgeons have shown an increasing interest in lasers. An understanding of the basic laser mechanism and tissue effects is important. CO2 laser is an excellent no-touch tool for excising and evaporating brain tumors. It has several other uses in neurosurgery both with free-hand technique and with microscope attachment and a micromanipulator. It is easier and more precise to manipulate a laser beam than any of the conventional instruments. Nd:YAG and argon lasers are more effective for coagulation of blood vessels and for dealing with vascular neoplasms. Microvascular anastamosis has been achieved with the use of Nd:YAG laser in experimental animals and has potential for practical application in extra-intracranial bypass operations. There are many advantages and some disadvantages to the use of lasers in neurosurgery.
D001128:Argon; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008866:Microsurgery; D009493:Neurosurgery
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D001128:Argon