Experimental Co₂ Laser Myringotomy

Abstract

Use of CO2 laser as well as certain geometries delay the closure of myringotomies. By allowing perforations of different shapes and sizes, CO2 laser myringotomy may become an alternative in the treatment of otitis media.

Implications of Laser Assisted Tympanostomy in Adults

“…Patency time depends on laser energy parameters, tympanostomy size, shape, and location of the perforation (4,11,12). Because we attempted to achieve maximum healing time for the tympanic membranes after LAT, size created by the laser varied from 2.0 to 2.5 mm.…”

Myringotomy Delays the Tympanic Membrane Recovery in Acute Otitis Media: A Study in the Rat Model

“…It is possible that the use of CO 2 laser in assisting myringotomy may extend the duration of middle ear aeration in AOM, as previously reported in patients with nonacute middle ear conditions 20 as well as in studies with normal animals. 21,22 However, it appears that CO 2 laser–assisted myringotomy is technically more challenging in patients with AOM, because of the increase in thickness and bulging of the acutely inflamed tympanic membranes. 23 Furthermore, in a recent otomicroscopic study in normal chinchillas by Valtonen et al, 22 at 7 weeks, lancet myringotomy was associated with less residual thickening of the TM, less visibility of the myringotomy site, and less tympanosclerosis when compared with CO 2 laser–assisted myringotomy.…”

Cicatrização da membrana timpânica na timpanocentese com laser de argônio comparado à técnica com microlanceta: estudo experimental em ratos

“…Thus, there is no damage to structures adjacent to the tympanic membrane by the laser that is transmitted through the optic microfibers. Valtonen et al 43 studied the influence of the tympanocentesis shape (from 1.2 to 2.2mm, circular or pear shaped) by CO 2 laser performed in 18 chinchillas, stating that circular perforations tend to heal faster.…”