Speed of particles ejected from animal skin by CO₂laser pulses, measured by laser Doppler velocimetry

Abstract

During ablation of tissue with laser pulses rapid sublimation of matter occurs and high pressures are exerted within the tissue, resulting in steam. smoke and particles being expelled. In this paper we report the speed of particles ejected from animal tissue exposed to CO2 laser pulses measured directly by laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). Speeds recorded just above animal skin were in the range of 9 to 18 m s(-1) for laser pulses of 128 to 384 J cm(-2) respectively. Aerodynamic turbulence slowed the particles down to a critical speed Vc of 4 m s(-1) within a few millimetres above the laser ablation site. Once the particles reach this minimum speed, if no collisions occur, they will only decelerate by gravitational action and the residual kinetic energy will send the particles up to about 0.87 m from the skin surface. Since ejected particles may carry viable cells, acting as disease vectors during laser surgery, our results suggest that the LDV technique should be used to measure the speed of particles ejected from healthy or pathological human tissues, helping to establish safe conditions during laser surgery.

The Hazards of Surgical Smoke

“…The results of a 2002 study by Nicola et al 34 helped explain how all surgical team members could be exposed to similar levels of surgical smoke. They measured the speed and distance that smoke particles were ejected from lasered animal skin.…”

Safety considerations for Health care Workers involved in Cytoreductive Surgery and Perioperative chemotherapy

“…The smaller the particle size, the further it can travel. Studies have shown that not just the members of the operating team standing in close proximity to generation of smoke (the surgeons performing the procedure, scrubbed nurse) but members who are at a distance from the operating table like the circulating nurse, technicians, anesthesiology team members are also affected [15]. Particles larger than 100 μm remain airborne, those 5 μm of larger get deposited in the larger airways (wall of the nose, larynx, trachea and large bronchi) while those 2 μm or smaller reach the bronchioles and alveoli and get deposited there [16,17].…”

Is It Time for a More Systematic Approach to the Hazards of Surgical Smoke?: Reconsidering the Evidence

“…Concern about respiratory exposure is warranted. Nicola et al (2002) measured the speed of particles released during CO 2 laser surgery and reported that laser ablation sends particles approximately 1 meter above the ablation origin (i.e., approximately face height).…”

“…Bovine HPV was found in the surgical smoke and tumours developed in the skin of reinoculated calves Nicola, et al 2002 The speed of particles in surgical smoke was recorded from animal tissue exposed to CO2 laser.…”