Verschueren R C, Koudstaal J, Oldhoff J
Acta Chir Belg. 1975 Mar;74(2):197-204.
The CO2 laser emits an infra red beam with a wavelength of 10,6 mu. Focussing this beam gives a tremendous energy density. The strong absorption of this wavelength allows tissue evaporation at the focal point of the beam. The first surgical application is the use of this laser as a light knife. Satisfying haemostasis can be obtained. Vessels with an internal diameter up to 0,5 mm being sealed, haemostatic cutting is possible. Even cortical bone can easily be cut with this instrument. The ability to vaporize tissues can be used for tumor destruction. Special attachments for endoscopic surgery are available. Experimental work in the rectum and on vocal cords has been done in our laboratory. The important problem in laser surgery is the necrosis on the edges. Investigations about the viability of the margins, showed that the width of the necrosis is in linear relationship with the rate of the exposure time. For an exposure of 1/10th of a second this width was about 130 mu, for an exposure of 6 seconds about 600 mu. After one year of experimental work with the CO2 laser we are convinced that this instrument might prove to be a reliable tool in surgery.
二氧化碳激光发射出波长为10.6微米的红外线束。聚焦此光束可产生极高的能量密度。该波长的强烈吸收使得光束焦点处的组织得以蒸发。其首个外科应用是将这种激光用作光刀。能实现令人满意的止血效果。内径达0.5毫米的血管可被封闭，从而实现止血切割。甚至皮质骨也能用该器械轻松切割。组织汽化能力可用于肿瘤破坏。有适用于内镜手术的特殊附件。我们实验室已在直肠和声带方面开展了实验工作。激光手术中的重要问题是边缘坏死。关于边缘存活能力的研究表明，坏死宽度与暴露时间速率呈线性关系。暴露1/10秒时，此宽度约为130微米；暴露6秒时，约为600微米。经过一年使用二氧化碳激光的实验工作，我们确信该器械可能会被证明是外科手术中的可靠工具。
