Incision properties and thermal effects of three CO2 lasers in soft tissue.

OBJECTIVES It was the aim of this study to determine thermal and histologic events resulting from soft tissue incision with three CO2 lasers: one emitting light energy via a hollow waveguide at 9.3 microns; the others emitting light energy at 10.6 microns, one via a hollow waveguide, the other through an articulated arm delivery system. STUDY DESIGN Thirty standardized incisions were made in the oral mucosa of pig's mandibles with three different lasers at actual power levels of 1, 4 and 12 W. Thermal events were recorded with thermocouples, and a histologic examination was performed to determine vertical and horizontal tissue damage as well as incision depth and width. RESULTS Thermal and histologic results were related to parameters and beam characteristics rather than wavelength. CONCLUSION In addition to wavelength, many variables can contribute to the surgical characteristics of a laser.