Nd-YAG laser as a surgical tool.

As neurological operation has necessitated effective haemostatic devices, CO2 and Nd-YAG lasers have been introduced in this field. The CO2 laser was first studied and used in neurological surgery and many problems, such as safety, mobility, and others, were overcome by pioneers. The Nd-YAG laser has been developed mainly for endoscopic surgery. However, we noticed its strong haemostatic effect, used it in neurosurgery and found it to be quite effective in removing tumours. The following properties of the Nd-YAG laser are especially fitted for neurosurgical surgery: the laser beam is conducted through a light, thin and flexible quartz fibre; penetration of the laser beam into tissues is controlled by the output wattage, and the grade of coagulation is controlled by duration of irradiation time and by the output wattage.