The influence of laser parameter configurations at 9.3 microns on incisional and collateral effects in soft tissue.

These investigations were performed to determine histologic and incisional consequences of varying pulse duration, duty cycle, and average powers during laser incision at 9.3 microns in soft tissue. In 19 fresh pigs' jaws six standardized incisions 3 cm long were made per parameter with a template and motorized jig. Laser parameters investigated were average power: 1 to 9 W, duty cycle: 10% to 80%, and pulse duration: 1 to 200 msec. The gated Cw mode was used. Incision width and depth and collateral tissue effects were assessed statistically with general linear procedures. Multiple factors were found to influence the outcome of laser irradiation. Depth of incision correlated positively with average power. Tissue damage correlated strongly and negatively with all three variables. These results demonstrate that a wide range of surgical and collateral effects can be achieved with one specific laser device depending on the parameter configuration selected.