Abstract
The carbon dioxide laser has established itself over the last half-century as the most established laser for transoral endolaryngeal surgery. It is versatile and is used in both benign and oncological cases with the possibility of being utilised in the office and operating theatre using both fibre delivery systems and straight beam technology. Since its invention in the early 1960s, several important improvements to the original technology have allowed for controlled and predictable energy delivery, scanning technology, hollow fibre transmission and microscopic utilisation improving accuracy and reducing thermal damage while not compromising on effectiveness and safety. In this chapter, we describe the historical basis of the development of this laser and its principles of use with physical concepts and describe the various energy pulse modalities, the utilisation of hollow fibre transmission and computer-based software to cut and ablate tissue depending on the need. We also explore novel uses with other technologies such as robots in TORS.
In essence, the CO2 laser is very much a device that has become a cornerstone to the success of minimally invasive surgery for the laryngologist and head and neck surgeon.
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Prasad, V.M.N., Remacle, M. (2022). CO2 Laser Surgery for the Larynx. In: Remacle, M., Eckel, H.E. (eds) Textbook of Surgery of Larynx and Trachea. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09621-1_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09621-1_6
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