[Results of an in vitro study and initial clinical application of a combined Ho:YAG-/Nd:YAG laser].
OBJECTIVE
A combined Ho:YAG/Nd:YAG laser produces light with properties similar to the beams of the mainly coagulating Nd:YAG laser and the cutting CO2 laser alone.


METHODS
The combined laser was tested in vitro on pig tissue. Additionally, we used this new combined tool for enoral operations.


RESULTS
An effect of the pulsed Ho:YAG laser was explosive-like tissue disruption and sprinkling of fragments. Simultaneous use of the Nd:YAG laser resulted in an enlarged zone of coagulation. Clinically, the laser-assisted intervention was inferior to the classic operational methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Comparing the established CO2 laser and the Ho:YAG laser, the latter showed only the advantage of delivery via a flexible fiber. Sprinkling of tissue fragments and wide incisions are oncologically problematic. We conclude that this new tool is of minor value for otorhinolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons.
Geisthoff
U W
UW
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, 66421 Homburg/Saar. hnougei@med-rz.uni-sb.de
Zenk
J
J
Steinhart
H
H
Iro
H
H
D000818:Animals; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013552:Swine; D014059:Tongue / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*