Sensor-based laser ablation for tissue specific cutting: an experimental study.
The interaction of laser light and tissue causes measurable phenomenons. These phenomenons can be quantified and used to control the laser drilling within a feedback system. Ten halves of dissected minipig jaws were treated with an Er:YAG laser system controlled via a feedback system. Sensor outputs were recorded and analyzed while osteotomy was done. The relative depth of laser ablation was calculated by 3D computed tomography and evaluated histologically. The detected signals caused by the laser-tissue interaction changed their character in a dramatic way after passing the cortical bone layer. The radiological evaluation of 98 laser-ablated holes in the ten halves showed no deeper ablation beyond the cortical layer (mean values: 97.8%). Histologically, no physical damage to the alveolar nerve bundle was proved. The feedback system to control the laser drilling was working exactly for cortical ablation of the bone based on the evaluation of detected and quantified phenomenon related to the laser-tissue interaction.
Department of oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Glueck str. 11, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. stephan.rupprecht@mkg.imed.uni-erlangen.de
Stephan
S
Rupprecht
Katja
K
Tangermann-Gerk
Joerg
J
Wiltfang
Friedrich Wilhelm
FW
Neukam
Andreas
A
Schlegel
D000818:Animals; D005246:Feedback; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013552:Swine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed