Asymptotic and dimensionless analysis of the response of living tissue to surgical pulsed CO2 lasers.

The mathematical model of the interaction between the radiation of pulsed CO2 lasers and tissue was revisited. Asymptotic calculations were employed to determine upper and lower bounds for the evaporated volume and crater depth. Dimensionless time variables for conduction, beam attenuation by tissue vapors and for damage were introduced. Optimal exposure parameters were identified through a dimensionless analysis.