Proposal of a computerized algorithm for continuous wave CO2 laser on-line control during orthopaedic surgery. Phase I: Theoretical introduction and firstin vitro trials

Abstract

New data obtained from treating polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) with a non-moving cw- 10 watt-CO2 laser-beam focused at 2.5'', 5'', 7.5'' and 15.75'' are presented. . The final equations R(tc) and Z(tc) for each focal length are proposed. A very interesting correlation between the focal lengths in use and the integrated values of R and Z between 0 and 2 sec has been identified and discussed. This result has been used as basis to define a convenient operative protocol to follow during the planning phase of critical osteotomies or bone cement removal operations using a continuous-wave CO2 laser-beam set to any output power and focused by a set of most common, moving or non-moving focal lengths placed on the operating area. With a simple equation, it is possible to compare craters obtained with moving and non-moving laser-beams at different operative conditions between 0 and 2 sec, time interval which covers the majority of cases. A value of 2.3 +/- 0.1 between ablated volumes of PMMA and bone tissue has been identified. Several case studies regarding orthopaedic procedures from Literature are here reported and compared to the present LCA model. The computerized on-line flow of information for the laser-beam optimization and safety control is also described. Finally, a method for the simultaneous data collection from several operating rooms via a Local Area Network (LAN-Industry Standard IEEE) onto a central data base for later consultation is proposed in its general design.