Thermal imaging of the temporal bone in CO2 laser surgery: an experimental model.

Wong, B J; Lee, J; Hashisaki, G T; Berns, M W; Neev, J · Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · 1997

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The unique properties of lasers create an enormous potential for specific treatment of chronic ear disease. Despite the widespread acceptance and use of the laser, however, a complete understanding of the time- and space-dependent temperature distribution in otic capsule bone immediately after pulsed laser exposure has not been elucidated. Using a liquid nitrogen-cooled mercury-cadmium telluride infrared detector, the temperature distribution in human cadaveric otic capsule bone was determined immediately after pulsed (100 msec) carbon dioxide laser exposure (0.3 to 4.0 W; 200 microm spot diameter). The time- and space-dependent temperature increases and thermal diffusion were determined as a function of the laser power density and were found to vary linearly.

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