[In vitro experiments with Nd:YAG laser surgery on the turbinates].

BACKGROUND

Turbinate surgery is a therapeutic method for the treatment of the obstruction of nasal respiration. In this paper the dimensions of the laser lesions are described. In addition macro- and microscopical findings after laser surgery are given.

METHODS

10 human lower and 4 middle turbinates in vitro were treated with the Nd:YAG-laser in the non-contact mode (1064 nm, 2.5-25 W, cw). Stripe-like lesion with 3 cm length were produced. In addition the posterior end of the lower turbinates and the head of the middle turbinates were vaporized.

RESULTS

Width, depth and volume of the lesions are given in dependence of laser power and irradiation time. The histological changes immediately after laser treatment are described.

CONCLUSIONS

The energy doses for a clinical relevant stripe-like laser lesion of 3-4 cm in length of the lower turbinate is about 1500 Ws using Nd:YAG-laser. For evaporation of a posterior end of the lower turbinate 360 Ws are required using Nd:YAG-laser. For evaporation of the head of the middle turbinate a doses of about 1500 Ws are required using Nd:YAG-laser.