Effects Of CO2 Laser Treatment Research Articles

Efficacy of Fractional Versus Fully Ablative CO2 Laser for Distolateral Onychomycosis: Experience With 20 Patients.

Oral antifungals are the treatment choice for onychomycosis, and topical therapies are favored in cases of limited nail involvement. Recently, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment has emerged as an option to enhance the effectiveness of topical therapies. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of fractional ablative and fully ablative CO2 laser treatments for distolateral subungual onychomycosis affecting a single toenail and caused by dermatophytes. The records of 10 patients treated with a single fully ablative CO2 session were matched with those of 10 patients who underwent a single CO2 fractional treatment. All had previously failed topical antifungal lacquers and were discharged with the prescription of topical ciclopirox nail lacquer (8%) for 3 months. The clinical response rates were 80% for the fully ablative group and 60% for the fractional group. Additionally, the mean reduction in Onychomycosis Severity Index from baseline to 8.6±1.6 weeks after treatment completion was 6.9±5.4 in the fully ablative group and 3.6±6.6 in the fractional group. The relapse rate among responders was 12.5% in the fully ablative and 33.3% in the fractional group after a mean follow-up time of 29.4±2.3 weeks. Fractional and fully ablative CO2 laser in combination with ciclopirox lacquer could increase the response rate in onychomycosis resistant to topical antifungals when systemic therapy is contraindicated or not yet pursued. Fully ablative mode therapy is significantly more effective than fractional (P < 0.05). Further studies are needed to identify prognostic response factors and assess the long-term effectiveness of CO2 laser treatment.

The Use of Carbon Dioxide (Co2) Lasers in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy Symptoms in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

This study explores the efficacy of pixelated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment in mitigating vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. This study examines the effectiveness of CO2 laser treatment in reducing vaginal discomfort for women experiencing menopause. With a cohort of 127 participants (mean age 47 ± 5 years), the researchers administered three sessions of vaginal CO2 laser treatment over three months. The primary evaluation metric was patient-reported satisfaction levels, aiming to assess the treatment's impact on alleviating symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy, such as dryness, burning, and discomfort during intercourse. The findings revealed that 98% of the patients experienced significant symptom improvement three months post-treatment. Notably, 89% reported a resolution of sexual dysfunction due to vaginal dryness, and 96% indicated an end to discomfort and burning sensations. The satisfaction of the patients is extremely high, with 98% of the participants being satisfied with the results, and this satisfaction has persisted even after some time following the treatment. Furthermore, 95% of the women encountered no discomfort during the procedure, and any post-treatment complaints were mild and temporary, with a watery discharge being the most common. The study concludes that pixel CO2 laser treatment is a practical, painless, and efficient approach for addressing vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms, yielding high patient satisfaction rates. The study finds that using pixel CO2 laser treatment is a practical and painless way to help with symptoms of vaginal discomfort, and most patients are satisfied with the results.

Different effects of CO2 laser and estrogen treatment on vaginal mucosa microbiota and function in genitourinary syndrome of menopause patients.

To characterize the effects of CO2 laser treatment and estrogen treatment on vaginal microbiota in patients with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Sixty-four patients with genitourinary syndrome were divided into the estrogen group, the CO2 laser group, and the control group. The control group did not receive any treatment. Vaginal mucosa was collected after 3 and 12 months of treatment. The former was used for 16S rRNA sequencing, and the latter was used for pathological evaluation. Vaginal health and voiding function were assessed using the vaginal health index (VHI) scale and the UDI-6 scale at 3 and 12 months after treatment. The results showed that both treatments reduced alpha diversity in the vaginal flora. Additionally, the abundance of 65 genera differed significantly between the treatment and control groups, with an increase in potentially beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, IheB3_7, Mycoplasma urealyticum, and Streptococcus. In addition, the VHI and UDI-6 scores improved in both treatment groups compared to the control group after 3 months. Whereas VHI and UDI-6 scores were close to baseline in the estrogen group, and remained significantly improved in the CO2 laser group after 12 months. Pathological results showed that both methods improved the vaginal health status of patients with GSM after 12 months of treatment. However, the CO2 group exhibited a more significant increase in type III collagen. Both CO2 laser and estrogen therapies can regulate the vaginal flora imbalance of GSM and improve the corresponding symptoms. However, the long-term efficacy of CO2 laser therapy is superior compared to estrogen therapy.

The effects of CO2 laser treatment on a digital velvet printing

This research combines two digital technologies for customizing textile substrates: carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment and digital textile printing. The objective is to determine if creating pile height variation by laser engraving cotton velvet fabric prior to digital inkjet printing can impact the resulting color. Color yield depends on the surface in contact with the dye, a pile fabric (cotton velvet) was selected for this investigation. To develop samples, laser engraving was conducted to create pile height variance before printing using a CO2 laser machine, and laser intensity was controlled by adjusting the grayscale of patterns to modify pile height and surface contour of velvet. After laser treatment, seven-colored stripes were printed with a reactive dye ink printer. The reflectance values of printed color were measured by using a spectrophotometer. Pile height variation was demonstrated to cause a measurable effect on color results in inkjet printing using instrumental measures.

The beneficial effects of fractional CO2 laser treatment on perineal changes during puerperium and breastfeeding period: a multicentric study.

Childbirth is a great change in woman life because of hormonal, physical and psychological alterations that are associated with this process. Dyspareunia and perineal pain are commonly reported symptoms in the postpartum period, mainly due to perineal trauma, lacerations, episiotomy, and forceps or vacuum use at delivery. Among non-pharmacological treatment, a new trend is gaining popularity, which is the energy-based therapy, including fractional micro-ablative CO2 laser. We conducted a multicentric retrospective study to assess the efficacy and the possible side effects of CO2 laser treatment on transient vulvovaginal atrophy and perineal postpartum pain related to puerperium and breastfeeding period. All patients were submitted to 3 or 4 sessions of CO2 laser treatment. As per protocol, an initial, intermediate (after 2 sessions) and final (3months after the last cycle) evaluation of the symptoms were made, using a VAS (Visual Analogue Scale 0-10). We also compared this group of patients with a control group with no treatment. At the final evaluation, patients showed a significant improvement for dyspareunia (VAS from 7.95 to 3.14, p < 0.0001). A significant improvement was also registered in pain at the vaginal orifice (VAS from 6.94 to 2.05, p = 0.0001), dryness (VAS from 6.6 to 2.9, p = 0.0022), itching (VAS from 4.5 to 1.16, p = 0.0053), heat (VAS from 3 to 0, p = 0.0119) and burning (VAS from 5.5 to 1.6, p = 0.0013) if compared with the control group. Quality of life for the women during the breastfeeding and puerperium is important and training is mandatory to avoid side effects in order to improve the CO2 laser performance.

Postpartum perineal pain: may the vaginal treatment with CO2 laser play a key-role in this challenging issue?

Purpose Pregnancy and childbirth, despite being physiological events, represent a very delicate period in a woman’s life, because they expose to important vulvo-perineal traumas. The pelvic pain that follows each delivery, whether spontaneous or surgical (caesarean section), does not end in the first days after birth but, depending on the studies, becomes persistent in a very variable percentage of cases. Therefore, in the present pilot study, we aimed, for the first time in literature, to assess the efficacy of CO2 laser in women affected by perineal postpartum symptoms. Materials and methods Between February 2013 and June 2018, all women with late postpartum pelvic pain referred to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of San Marino Hospital, were recruited and treated using the CO2 laser for three applications every 4–6 weeks. Results Between February 2013 and June 2018, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 32 women with late postpartum pelvic pain were recruited in our protocol study. Mean age of patients was 34.1 years. At latest follow-up, our data demonstrated an improvement in symptoms (dyspareunia, pain at introitus, vaginal dryness, itching and vaginal burning) with a mean reduction of this symptom of 70% from baseline. Conclusions This study has shown the effectiveness of CO2 laser treatment in postpartum perineal pain. Nevertheless, our results should be considered promising but preliminary. In fact, they need to be tested in larger cohort of patients to confirm its application in clinical practice and to evaluate the long-term duration of this treatment.

Effect of CO2 Laser and 1.23% Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride on Acid Resistance and Fluoride Uptake of Human Tooth Enamel: An In Vitro Assessment

To evaluate the effectiveness of CO2 laser treatment before applying 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), through topically applied 1.23% APF solution, and after applying 1.23% APF on acid resistance and fluoride uptake of the enamel. Sixty non-carious human premolars were extracted due to the orthodontic reason and stored in distilled water solution under refrigeration. Using a water-cooled diamond disc, enamel slabs of 4 mm × 4 mm × 1.5 mm were cut from the buccal surface of each tooth. Sixty samples were randomly divided into one control group and five test groups of 10 premolars each. Solution was prepared for wet chemical analysis followed by fluoride analysis that was carried out using a fluoride ion selective electrode (Thermo Scientific Orion 4-Star Plus ISE Meter). The weight of enamel (WE) was determined from the amount of calcium (Ca) etched away considering the fact that the Ca content of the human enamel is 37.4 wt%. The subgroups were statistically analyzed using ANOVA for fluoride determination and evaluation of acid resistance. There was a significant increase in acid resistance of enamel slabs when treated individually or in combination of a low-power CO2 laser and 1.23% APF solution. Application of 1.23% APF solution after low-power CO2 laser treatment showed maximum increase in acid resistance. Application of a low-power pulsed CO2 laser through topically applied 1.23% APF solution resulted in a detrimental effect of the human tooth enamel with resultant decrease in acid resistance. High fluoride uptake does not necessarily indicate increased acid resistance. The present study provides evidence that a low-power CO2 laser can be used effectively in combination with topically applied 1.23% APF solution in order to make the enamel more resistant to acid attack, thereby helping in controlling dental caries.

An Analysis of Effect of CO2 Laser Treatment on Carbon Fibre Fabric

The colour of carbon fibre fabric is black which limits its aesthetic properties. CO2 laser has been used for cutting carbon fibres. The impact of CO2 laser treatment to modify the surface of carbon fibre fabric is investigated in this work. Different combinations of laser process parameters, i.e., pixel time (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 and 200 µs, with 10 µs intervals) and resolution (70, 80, 90 and 100 dpi (dots per inch), with 10 dpi intervals), were used for treating carbon fibre fabric surface. Since the laser process is a surface treatment, contact angle measurement was used for evaluating the wetting property imparted after laser processing. The resistivity of the laser-treated carbon fibre fabric was measured to evaluate any effect on the original electrical property of the carbon fibre fabric. Moreover, surface morphology and functionality of laser-treated carbon fibre fabric were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total internal reflectance (FTIR-ATR), respectively. SEM assessment was to examine the physical change in the carbon fibre surface after laser processing. On the other hand, the FTIR-ATR measurement can help to evaluate the chemical change in the carbon fibre surface after laser processing.

Effect of CO₂ Laser Treatment on the Fabric Hand of Cotton and Cotton/Polyester Blended Fabric.

This paper compares the impact of laser treatment on cotton and cotton/polyester blended fabric hand properties, using the PhabrOmeter system. Five fabric hand properties, namely, stiffness, smoothness, softness, wrinkle recovery rate, and drapability, were obtained, and it was proven that laser treatment could be successfully used to change the fabric hand. In the case of pure cotton woven fabrics, the fabrics were found to have better drapability and wrinkle recovery after laser treatment. In cotton/polyester blended fabrics, stiffness was found to be relatively higher after laser irradiation.

A randomized, open-label, controlled trial to evaluate the antimicrobial and surgical effect of CO2 laser treatment in diabetic infected foot ulcers: DULCIS (diabetic ulcer, CO2 laser, and infections) study.

Debridement of fibrin and necrotic tissue from the ulcer surface is an important component of the treatment of diabetic ulcers. A possible alternative to standard lancets is represented by CO2 laser, which vaporizes necrotic tissues together with any pathogen. The present trial is aimed at verifying the effect of a CO2 laser on bacterial load in the debridement of infected diabetic foot ulcers. In this open-label randomized controlled trial (NCT02677779), patients with diabetes and an infected foot ulcers were randomized to either CO2 laser or traditional debridement. The reduction (%) of bacterial load with CO2 laser was significantly greater than in control group [-99.9 (-100.0; -90.0) vs. -50.0 (-96.0; -75.0), p = 0.049]. Similarly, a significantly greater reduction (%) of the fraction of ulcer area covered by fibrin was obtained in the intervention group [-84.1 (-95.0; -72.2) vs. -46.9 (-69.5; -40.8), p = 0.038]. Debridement of ulcers with CO2 laser significantly reduces bacterial load and fibrin-covered areas, and could be of help in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer.

Introducing variations in colour of cotton fabric–reactive dye systems through irradiation with a carbon dioxide laser

The effect of CO2 laser treatment before dyeing (LD) and after dyeing (DL) was compared in terms of colour variation. Two reactive dyes, CI Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) and CI Reactive Black 5 (RB5), were used in three concentrations −0.1, 1, and 5% owf. Morphological changes of the fabrics after laser treatment were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Chemical modification of the laser‐treated cotton fabrics was detected using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The difference in colour was evaluated by spectrophotometer; reflectance value, colour yield, CIE L*a*b*, and levelness were determined. The tensile strength of fabrics laser treated before and after dyeing was also measured. The results show that the DL approach has a stronger effect, resembling a fading of colour, yet a higher tensile strength, especially when dye RB5 is used. The LD approach, on the other hand, provides a better colour yield, levelness, and tensile strength when dye RB19 is used.

The synergistic effects of CO2 laser treatment with calcium silicate cement of antibacterial, osteogenesis and cementogenesis efficacy

Calcium silicate-based material (CS) has been successfully used in dental clinical applications. Some researches show that the antibacterial effects of CO2 laser irradiation are highly efficient when bacteria are embedded in biofilm, due to a photo-thermal mechanism. The purpose of this study was to confirm the effects of CO2 laser irradiation on CS, with regard to both material characterization and human periodontal ligament cell (hPDLs) viability. CS was irradiated with a dental CO2 laser using directly mounted fiber optics in wound healing mode with a spot area of 0.25 cm2, and then stored in an incubator at 100% relative humidity and 37 °C for 1 d to set. The hPDLs cultured on CS were analyzed, along with their proliferation and odontogenic differentiation behaviors. The results indicate that the CO2 laser irradiation increased the amount of Ca and Si ions released from the CS, and regulated cell behavior. CO2 laser-irradiated CS promoted cementogenic differentiation of hPDLs, with the increased formation of mineralized nodules on the substrate’s surface. It also up-regulated the protein expression of multiple markers of cementogenic and the expression of cementum attachment protein. The current study provides new and important data about the effects of CO2 laser irradiation on CS. Taking cell functions into account, the Si concentration released from CS with laser irradiated may be lower than a critical value, and this information could lead to the development of new regenerative therapies for dentin and periodontal tissue.

Effect of CO2 laser treatment on facial sebaceous cyst and skin incision welding

Objective To compare the effectiveness of CO2 laser treatment and routine scalpel procedure for facial sebaceous cyst (SC),and to compare cosmetic effect of laser welding and routine suture skin incision.Methods Two hundred patients with SC were randomly divided into two groups:CO2 laser operative treatment group (laser group),and routine scalpel operative treatment control group (control group),with 100 patients in each group.For the laser group,skins of SC were incised and cyst were extirpated using CO2 laser beam (power 20 W,diameter of light spot 0.2 cm and power density 637 W/cm2).If cyst wall was broken,then CO2 laser was used to gasify the residual.After cleaning skin incision,both border of incision with anastomat of laser welding skin was performed,next to welding skin incision with CO2 laser (power 1 W,diameter of light spot 0.2 cm and power density 32 W/cm2) scanning radiating 2 mm/s.For the control group,skins of SC were incised and cyst or residual wall were extirpated with single-use scalpel,and skin incisions were sutured with 1-0 silk thread by whole layer interrupted suture.Results For the laser group,97 cases (97 ％) were cured,3 cases (3 ％) improved.For the control group,87 cases (87 ％) were cured,9 cases (9 ％)improved and 2 cases (2 ％) had no improvement.Cure rate of laser group was obviously higher than that of the control group (P＜0.05).The cosmetic effect of the laser group was also better than that of the control group (P＜0.01).For the laser group,successful rate of welding skin incision was 100 ％.Conclusions Surgical removal of SC on face and welding skin incision with CO2 laser is very effective.The chances of recurrence and cicatrisation are greatly reduced.In particular,laser welding skin incision establishes a new non-suture reparable method of skin incision,which has important value for the cosmetic and plastic surgery. Key words: Laser; Sebaceous cyst; Welding skin; Cosmetic effect

Effect of CO2 laser treatment on cotton surface

In this study, CO2 laser was used for treating cotton fabric to create surface effects which were found to vary with laser process parameters, i.e. resolution and pixel time. The resolutions used were 40, 50 and 60 dpi while the pixel time used were 100, 110 and 120 μs. Both physical and chemical properties at the surface of fabrics treated with different combinations of resolution and pixel time were analysed by the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflection mode (FTIR-ATR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). SEM investigation revealed the appearance of various numbers of pores, cracks and fragments present on the fibre surface after laser treatment. FTIR-ATR spectra showed that the laser-treated cotton fabric suffered changes in chemical structure with the hydroxyl (–OH) stretching group being oxidised to carbonyl/carboxyl groups. The XPS analysis revealed a change in surface elemental composition after laser treatment. Furthermore, the wicking property of the laser-treated cotton fabrics was evaluated.

Effect of CO2 laser treatment combined with indwelling bubble technique against condyloma acumi-natum on reduction of wound hemorrhage

Objective To discuss effect of indwelling bubble technique combined with CO2 laser treatment against condyloma acuminatum on reduction of wound hemorrhage. Methods 400 patients with condyloma accuminatum were divided into the control group and the experimental group with 200 patients in each group, traditional oppression for hemostasis and bubble retention hemostasis were used in CO2 laser treatment against condyloma acuminatum respectively.The effect of each group was compared with χ2 and t test. Results The relapse rate and hemorrhage rate in the experimetnal group was lower than those of the control group. Conclusions With indwelling bubble technique after infiltration anesthesia of local skin in the treatment of condyloma accuminatum by CO2 laser, the operator can work under clear vision and the op-eration quality can be increased. Key words: Indwelling bubble technique; Condyloma acuminatum; Laser

Effects of resolution of inflammation for low-power CO2 laser treatment on gingivitis patients

Purpose: In this study, we compared low-power CO2 laser treatment to ultrasonic scaling, which is generally approved as a power-driven mechanical instrumentation, and evaluated both of these treatments regarding their clinical effectiveness and change in the volume of in GCF. Material and methods: 20 patients who had gingivitis were selected. all of patients has no systemic problems. Randomly selected, one quadrant received ultrasonic scaling only, another quadrant received ultrasonic scaling and CO2 laser irradiation, the other quadrant received CO2 laser irradiation only. Clinical parameters measured at baseline, 1 weeks, 2weeks, 4weeks and 8weeks Result: Pocket probing depth and clinical attachment level were not changed during study period. Gingival index of all group were improved after treatment. At 1 weeks after treatment, Gingival index of ultrasonic scaling group was only significantly different compared to control group. At 2 weeks after treatment, gingival index of all experimental group were significantly different compared to control group. At 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, gingival index of all group were increased, but experimental group were lower than control group. Sulcus bleeding index was similar to the results of gingival index. At 1 weeks after treatment, all experimental group were significantly different compared to control group and it maintained during study. At 2 weeks after treatment, sulcus bleeding index of all group were lowest during study. Gingival crevicular fluid were measured with Periotron Ⓡ 8000(Oraflow Ⓡ , Inc. USA). At baseline, all group were showed moderately severe condition. At 1 week after treatment, laser treatment only group was reduced quantity of gingival crevicular fluid mostly, and all group were reduced quantity of gingival crevicular fluid. At 2 weeks after treatment, all group were healty state. At 4 and 8 weeks after treament, all group were showed recurrent of inflammation, and control group was the most significantly increased. Conclusion: This study showed that the effects of CO2 laser treatment were similar to conventional ultrasonic scaling and this result remained longer than plaque control only. These results suggest possibility of CO2 laser treatment for altered periodontal therapy. (J Korean Acad Periodontol 2008;38:657-668)

Effects of CO2 Laser Treatment Combined with Scaling and Root Planing on Periodontal Pockets in Chronic Periodontitis Patients

Objective: This study compared the effect of CO2 laser + scaling and root planing (SRP) versus SRP alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Method: Fifteen healthy patients with moderate periodontitis and 2 or more sites with a probing depth of ≥5 mm were included in the study. A total of 30 sites were treated with a combination of CO2 laser and SRP (test, n=15) or SRP alone (control, n=15). The plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were examined. At the baseline and at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after the start of treatment, subgingival plaque and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were also sampled for analysis of the amounts of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Results: A significant decrease in the GI, BOP and PPD scores, GCF volume and the amounts of P. gingivalis was found in both the test and control groups after treatment. However, there were no significant differences in any the investigated parameters between the two groups, including the amounts of P. gingivalis and IL-1β. Conclusion: The present data suggest that treatment of chronic periodontitis with either CO2 laser + SRP or SRP alone results in statistically significant improvements in the clinical parameters and subgingival flora. However, the combination of CO2 laser irradiation to the marginal gingiva + SRP did not appear to provide any additional treatment benefits as compared to SRP alone. Nihon Shishubyo Gakkai Kaishi (J Jpn Periodontol) 49 : 130-138,2007.

Clinical effect of combined treatment by subgingival curettage and CO2 laser application

Recent development of laser technology suggests a great deal of possibilities in the field of dentistry. The mechanism and safety of laser surgery is well established in many studies especially on the soft tissue applications. It has advantages including excellent hemostasis, visibility and less postoperative pain(claimed but undocumented)1,2. But from a periodontal point of view, much has yet to be proven. Several researchers have reported studies on laser applications to periodontal therapy. Cobb et al.3 and Ando et al.4 examined the in vivo bactericidal effect and concluded that the exposure of the root surface to laser could significantly decrease the levels of subgingival microflora of the patients with generalized adult periodontitis. Some studies have reported that the laser could reduce the number of curette strokes necessary for removing calculus5·Ito et al.6 reported that the laser irradiation effectively removed the smear layer, uncovered dentinal tubules, and exposed collagen fibers on the root surface. Many studies have also suggested efficacy of CO2 laser application on the root surfaces in vitro. There was an in vitro study which described the effectiveness of CO2 laser irradiation on the root surfaces removing the smear layer which could impede soft tissue attachment7. Crespi et al.8 found that more fibroblasts attached onto root surfaces CO2 laser applied in vitro. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effect of CO2 laser treatment when used in combination with conventional subgingival curettage through the measurement of clinical parameters.

CO2 Laser Therapy of Vulval Lymphangiectasia and Lymphangioma Circumscriptum

BACKGROUND Lymphangiectasia is a disorder of superficial lymphatics resulting from obstruction of previously normal deep lymphatics, while lymphangioma circumscriptum describes a deep dermal and subcutaneous lymphatic malformation with secondary superficial ectatic changes. Previous case reports have suggested the effectiveness of CO2 laser treatment. OBJECTIVE To assess CO2 laser therapy for vulval involvement by these lymphatic disorders. METHODS A retrospective case review at St. John's Institute of Dermatology from 1996 to 1999 identified three women with vulval lymphangiectasia and two with vulval lymphangioma circumscriptum treated with the CO2 laser. RESULTS Patient tolerance of the procedure was good. Healing was complete within 1 month and occurred without change in skin texture. All patients reported considerable improvement in symptoms (mean follow-up 22 months, median 24 months, range 10–33 months). Focal recurrence and an area of localized persistence were noted in the two patients with lymphangioma circumscriptum. CONCLUSION CO2 laser therapy of vulval lymphangiectasia and lymphangioma circumscription is effective and well-tolerated; the latter may possibly be more resistant to treatment than the former.

Further studies into the effectiveness of CO 2-laser treatment of metals for adhesive bonding

The effect of CO 2-laser treatment on the wettability of mild steel is presented. In addition, data are presented on the initial joint strengths and durability of joints formed between a single-part epoxide and both mild steel and aluminium. A large increase in stressed durability performance was observed with the laser-treated aluminium compared with degreased-only controls. The laser treatment was shown to efficiently remove the organic contamination from the metallic substrates. Auger analysis showed that the laser interacts more with the mild steel than the aluminium adherends, to produce a relatively thick surface oxide. The changes to the mild steel surface introduced by the CO 2-laser treatment facilitate an durability trials was greater with the laser-treated adherends than with degreased-only controls.