title: Percutaneous laser disc decompression with the holmium: YAG laser.
abstract: This article discusses the evolution of the percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) method using a holmium:YAG laser. Advantages of using this wavelength and several techniques for its use in PLDD are reviewed. The article also discusses the current devices and delivery systems available for this application.
authors.affiliation: Spine and Joint Institute of the Southwest, Southwest Medical Center of Oklahoma, USA.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Casper
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Hartman
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Mullins
mesh_terms: D017587:Diskectomy, Percutaneous / Q000379:methods*; D006695:Holmium; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae