Carbon dioxide laser and silver halide infrared transmitting fibers for tympanoplasty: an experimental animal model.

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of fiberoptic carbon dioxide (CO2) laser welding for graft closure of tympanic membrane perforations in an animal model. Tympanic membrane perforation was surgically induced in 11 eardrums of 7 given pigs. A lumbar facial graft was placed over the wound, and albumin drops served as a biologic solder. CO2 laser energy, transmitted through silver halide infrared transmitting fibers, was used for "spot-welding" along the circumference of the graft. The welded sites were evaluated by using a surgical microscope as well as by evaluating the sites histologically. Healing started 3 to 4 days after surgery and was completed within 3 weeks with the formation of a neotympanum. Some inflammation with granulation tissue was noted in 5 eardrums. These preliminary results indicate that CO2 laser tympanoplasty with a fiberoptic delivery system may be a promising new technique for the clinical setting.