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.