Computer‐assisted surgical techniques using the vanderbilt free electron laser

Abstract

The Vanderbilt Free Electron Laser (FEL) is capable of lasing between 2.0 and 8.0 microns with a high peak intensity pulsed structure. The FEL is used to investigate potential applications in otolaryngology. Charring of temporal bones and thermal stress patterns in Plexiglas indicate thermal buildup at 20 and 10 Hz repetition rates of the laser. Also, transient temperature changes measured with thermocouples in a gelatin model reveal that significant heat production occurs at these laser repetition rates. To utilize the fastest laser repetition rates and maintain minimal lateral thermal damage, a computer-controlled scanning system was devised. The authors have also used the computer control with the carbon dioxide laser and experienced improved ablation.

Free‐electron laser and heat‐conducting templates: A study of reducing cutaneous lateral thermal damage†

“…The laser operated at 30 Hz with the energy ranging from 30± 70 mJ for the experiments. The laser beam was delivered with a Computer Assisted Surgical Technique (CAST) system designed by one of the authors [11,12]. This system created an incision by using computer guidance to direct the beam in a straight line with uniform¯uence along the incision.…”

Comparison of cortical bone ablations by using infrared laser wavelengths 2.9 to 9.2 ?m

“…A previously described computer controlled delivery system [27] was used to direct the beam along the ablation surface. Each successive macropulse was directed in a rotating order to one of five equal length segments of the programmed ablation line.…”

Wound healing and collagen thermal damage in 7.5-?sec pulsed CO2 laser skin incisions

“…A variety of methods have been studied, including the use of a reduced spot size [10], microspot micromanipulators for precise beam delivery, computer-controlled beam delivery [5,11], and modification to the energy pulse duration and repetition rate. Some improvements have been gained through these techniques, but the healing delay remains significant.…”