Retinale photoablation mit dem Erbium: YAG-Laser: Erste experimentelle ergebnisse zur traktionsfreien gewebeabtragung

Translated title of the contribution: Retinal photoablation with the Erbium: YAG laser. Initial experimental results for traction-free removal of tissue

H. Hoerauf*, A. Brix, C. Scholz, J. Winkler, G. Dröge, R. Birngruber, A. Vogel, H. Laqua

*Corresponding author for this work
9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. To investigate the potential of an Er:YAG laser for precise and tractionfree removal of retinal layers in vitro. Material and methods. Retinal ablation in porcine retinal explants was performed using a free running Er:YAG laser focused either into a low-OH quarz fiber or a sapphire fiber. The explants were treated under air or perfluorodecaline (PFD). The ablation depth was evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histology sections. Results. A radiant exposure of 5.0 J/cm2 under air and PFD resulted in complete transsection of the neurosensory retina. Between 3.5 and 2.0 J/cm2 the ablation depth and the defect patterns varied markedly and adjacent thermal zones areas were seen. Below 2.0 J/cm2 no defects could be created in air, whereas under PFD the ablation extended into the ganglion cell layer. Ablations using a sapphire fiber and 2.0 J/cm2 showed a significantly higher reproducibility of ablation depth, and homogeneous defect patterns limited to the nerve fiber layer could be produced without thermal damage. Conclusions. The Er:YAG laser system with a low-OH quarz fiber allowed ablation of inner retinal layers in vitro, but revealed a variable ablation depth and low reproducibility. However, a sapphire fiber showed markedly improved results. Therefore its use during vitreoretinal surgery seems possible not only as a cutting device but also as a tool for the ablation of fine retinal structures.

Translated title of the contributionRetinal photoablation with the Erbium: YAG laser. Initial experimental results for traction-free removal of tissue
Original languageGerman
JournalOphthalmologe
Volume100
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)115-121
Number of pages7
ISSN0941-293X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.02.2003

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Biomedical Engineering

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