The influence of Er. YAG laser application in fenestration to the inner ear.
OBJECTIVE
Erbium (Er.) YAG laser may be usable for middle ear surgery because of its ability to ablate bony tissue. We investigated the inner ear damage caused by the fenestration to the inner ear with Er. YAG laser.


METHODS
We investigated the influence of Er. YAG laser on the inner ear using electrophysiological technique.


RESULTS
Several cases had a decrease in endocochlear potential (EP) and cochlear microphonics (CM) after the fenestration to the inner ear.


CONCLUSIONS
Er. YAG laser is safe if it is used for the small and superficial fenestration to the stapes footplate. However, a few extra pulses after fenestration are dangerous.
Oku
Ryota
R
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Nagasaki School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan. oku@uresino.go.jp
Tanaka
Fujinobu
F
Tsukasaki
Naoki
N
Kumagami
Hidetaka
H
Takahashi
Haruo
H
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000818:Animals; D003055:Cochlear Microphonic Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D005276:Fenestration, Labyrinth / Q000379:methods*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D053685:Laser Therapy