Histologic examination of normal and pathologic human cerebral tissue irradiated by laser beams and practical indications for CO2 laser use in neurosurgery

摘要

Abstract: Histologic studies of normal and pathologic human cerebral tissue were performed following irradiation with CO$-2$/ laser beams. The action of CO$-2$/ laser radiation was studied on cerebral and medullar tumors and on atherosclerotic plaque. We have used CO$- 2$/ laser surgical systems with output powers from several watts to 30 W equipped with either free hand optomechanical articulated arms or laser microscope adapters. Based on histologic examination of different tissue samples under light and scanning electron microscopy we have established the main advantages and limitations of this technique in neurosurgery. These findings suggest that the CO$-2$/ laser has advantageous clinical application for a large number of neurosurgical procedures. !10