THE INFLUENCE OF LASER PARAMETER CONFIGURATIONS AT 9.3-MU-M ON INCISIONAL AND COLLATERAL EFFECTS IN SOFT-TISSUE

These investigations were performed to determine histologic and incisi onal consequences of varying pulse duration, duty cycle, and average p owers during laser incision at 9.3 mu m in soft tissue. In 19 fresh pi gs' 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 li near procedures. Multiple factors were found to influence the outcome of laser irradiation. Depth of incision correlated positively with ave rage power. Tissue damage correlated strongly and negatively with all three variables. These results demonstrate that a wide range of surgic al and collateral effects can be achieved With one specific laser devi ce depending on the parameter configuration selected.