Superpulsed Lasers: Minimizing Thermal Damage with Short Duration, High Irradiance Pulses

Abstract

Superpulsed carbon dioxide lasers emit a controlled train of short duration, high-power pulses which minimize the protein coagulation effects of the laser. Very high irradiances can be used with superb control of vaporization without significant peripheral heating. In incisional work, superpulsing permits the surgeon to advance the hand piece as slowly and as accurately as desired, while experiencing a fraction of the necrosis attendant to conventional continuous-wave lasers. In vaporizational applications, target tissue volumes are flash vaporized before significant heat can be transferred to surrounding tissue, promoting faster wound healing and reduced scarring. The superpulse feature may significantly change the way in which the carbon dioxide laser is used in cutaneous surgery.

Comparison of Conventional Surgery and CO2Laser on Intraoral Soft Tissue Pathologies and Evaluation of the Collateral Thermal Damage

“…12,15,19 The thermal damage can be controlled and reduced by alternating the use of power settings, pulse duration, and pulse repetition rate. [20][21][22] In our study, all 39 soft tissue biopsy specimens sent for histopathologic analyses could be evaluated and there were no misdiagnoses caused by the collateral thermal damage on the incision line. Our results are compatible with those of other researchers.…”

Evaluation of Patient Perceptions After Frenectomy Operations: A Comparison of Carbon Dioxide Laser and Scalpel Techniques

“…The CO 2 laser is now a viable alternative to the scalpel in soft tissue surgery. 6,7,15,[26][27][28][29][30][31] There is abundant evidence confirming markedly less bleeding, 11,29,30 particularly of highly vascular oral tissues, with laser surgery. 2-4,6-8,11-14, 21,23,25 However, there are very few studies comparing the postoperative effects of laser and conventional techniques, which can justify the use of lasers for intraoral soft tissue surgery.…”

Effect of carbon dioxide laser ablation followed by intralesional steroids on keloids

“…[12] Our machine had maximum power output of 15 W. Superpulse delivers a chain of rapid, short, 200-400 microsecond pulses with high-peak power, which reduces collateral thermal damage. [13] Apfelberg in 1984 published results of CO 2 and argon laser ablation of keloid. In his study, he treated 13 patients with keloid, ablating them with CO 2 laser.…”