Results of an in vitro study and initial clinical application of a combined Ho : YAG/Nd : YAG laser

Background and objective. A combined Ho: YAG/Nd: YAG laser produces light w ith properties similar to the beams of the mainly coagulating Nd: YAG laser and the cutting CO2 laser alone. Patients/methods. The combined laser was tested in vitro on pig tissue. Add itionally, we used this new combined tool for enoral operations. Results. An effect of the pulsed Ho: YAG laser was explosive-like tissue di sruption and sprinkling of fragments. Simultaneous use of the Nd:YAG laser resulted in an enlarged zone of coagulation. Clinically,the laser-assisted intervention was inferior to the classic operational methods. Conclusions. Comparing the established CO2 laser and the Ho: YAG laser,the latter showed on ly the advantage of delivery via a flexible fiber. Sprinkl ing of tissue fragments and wide incisions are oncologically problematic. W e conclude that this new tool is of minor value for otorhinolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons.