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Incision of Tissue by Carbon Dioxide Laser

Abstract

THE radiation produced by a carbon dioxide laser can destroy tissue1–3; exposure to the unfocused beam results in a superficial lesion which develops the characteristics of a burn: erythema, oedema, blistering and charring. If the beam is focused to a spot of 1–2 mm in diameter it incises tissue to a depth of several millimetres, depending on the laser power and focus cone angle and the speed of incision4, but no visible damage is caused to adjacent tissues.

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HALL, R., BEACH, A., BAKER, E. et al. Incision of Tissue by Carbon Dioxide Laser. Nature 232, 131–132 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/232131a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/232131a0

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