In vivo animal trials with a scanning CO2 laser osteotome

Abstract

We report first results of animal trials using an improved laser osteotomy technique. This technique allows effective bone cutting without the usual thermal tissue damage. A comparative in vivo study on mandibles of seven canines was done with a mechanical saw and a CO(2) laser based osteotome with a pulse duration of 80 microseconds. The laser incisions were performed in a multipass mode using a PC-controlled galvanic beam scanner and an assisting water spray. A complete healing through a whole bony rearrangement of the osteotomy gap with newly build lamellar Haversian bone was observed 22 days after the laser operations under optimal irradiation conditions. An effective CO(2) laser osteotomy without aggravating thermal side effects and healing delay is possible using the described irradiation technique. It allows an arbitrary cut geometry and may result in new advantageous bone surgery procedures.