Fiber-guided CO2 laser surgery in an animal model

Objective: This study tested a newly developed flexible fiber for CO2 laser surgery. Background Data: The lack of a flexible delivery system with the current CO2 laser has limited its surgical application. We conducted in vitro and in vivo studies by using the skin tissue model of animals to test a new laser fiber system. Methods: In an in vitro study, the acute thermal effect of laser surgery using this new fiber was tested and compared on fresh porcine skin at 3.0-5.0-W laser power and at 0.3-0.5-mm spot size. In the in vivo experiments, the healing process of the skin incisions and wounds was followed microscopically in 16 rats, at post-operative days 2, 6, 12, and 21 after the laser surgery with 3.0-W power and 0.5-mm spot size. Results: The results from the in vitro tissue showed limited thermal damage to neighboring tissue. In the in vivo study, there was rapid postoperative healing. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that this fiber system, at least with the laser parameters used in this study, appears to be an effective and feasible alternative for CO2 laser surgery. It has great potential for development of office-based surgery under local anesthesia.