Carbon dioxide loser and silver halide infrared transmitting fibers for tympanoplasty: An experimental animal model

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of fiberoptic carbon dioxide (CO2) laser welding for graft closure of tympanic membrane p erforations in an animal model. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Tympanic membrane perforation was surgically indu ced in 11 eardrums of 7 given pigs. A lumbar facial graft was placed over t he wound, and albumin drops served as a biologic solder. CO2 laser energy, transmitted through silver halide infrared transmitting fibers, was used fo r "spot-welding" along the circumference of the graft. The welded sites wer e evaluated by using a surgical microscope as well as by evaluating the sit es histologically. RESULTS: Healing started 3 to 4 days after surgery and was completed within 3 weeks with the formation of a neotympanum. Some inflammation with granul ation tissue was noted in 5 eardrums. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: These preliminary results indicate that CO2 l aser tympanoplasty with a fiberoptic delivery system may be a promising new technique for the clinical setting.