Laser applications in middle ear surgery: advantages and possible side-effects

Martin Frenz; Rudolf Hausler; Heinz P. Weber

doi:10.1117/12.441086

17 June 2002 Laser applications in middle ear surgery: advantages and possible side-effects

Martin Frenz, Rudolf Hausler, Heinz P. Weber

Proceedings Volume 4609, Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems XII; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.441086
Event: International Symposium on Biomedical Optics, 2002, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The use of lasers in otolaryngology has become well established over the last decades. Especially in the treatment of otosclerosis, where precise no-touch fenestration of the stapes footplate is required, lasers provide an attractive alternative to mechanical drilling method. Today, Argon, KTP, CO2 and Er:YAG lasers are clinically used in middle ear surgery. Each laser has its characteristic interaction process with bone gaining specific advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the conflicting and controversially discussed experimental and clinical reports are not surprising The visible laser radiation has a high optical penetration depth in water and therefore a limited energy absorption in the unpigmented bone. In contrast, infrared radiation by virtue of its strong absorption in water results in an explosive ablation process of high efficiency. The greatest potential risks for the inner ear during laser stapedotomy are the conversion of laser energy into heat in the vestibule, due to direct absorption of laser radiation or heat diffusion, and pressure fluctuations inside the cochlea caused by the explosive ablation process inherent in pulsed laser systems. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively compare the tissue effects of the different laser systems in view of safety and efficacy.

Citation Download Citation

Martin Frenz, Rudolf Hausler, and Heinz P. Weber "Laser applications in middle ear surgery: advantages and possible side-effects", Proc. SPIE 4609, Lasers in Surgery: Advanced Characterization, Therapeutics, and Systems XII, (17 June 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.441086

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
8 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Ear

Erbium lasers

Surgery

Bone

Argon ion lasers

Laser therapeutics

Laser ablation

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years