There are conflicting reports of the effect on the inner ear of the use of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. In four cats, we made middle ear lesions with a CO2 laser. Subsequent evaluation by inverted-phase and scanning electron microscopy revealed no inner ear pathology attributable to the CO2 laser. Apparently, appropriate use of the CO2 laser does not harm the inner ear.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
StableJHögbergLEngströmB. The laser as a tool in inner-ear surgery. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh)1972; 73: 27–37.
2.
WilpizeskiCR. Otological applications of lasers. In: WolbarshtML, ed. Laser applications in medicine and biology, vol 3. New York: Plenum Press, 1977: 289–328.
3.
LimaJAWilpizeskiCR. Effectiveness of the CO2 laser in experimental tympanic neurectomy. Presented at the American Triological Society Meeting, Los Angeles, April 3–5, 1979.
4.
GoodeRL. Laser myringotomy. Presented at the American Triological Society Meeting in Los Angeles, April 3–5, 1979.
5.
LyonsGDJrWebsterDBMouneyDFLousteauRJ. Anatomical consequences of CO2 laser surgery of the guinea pig ear. Laryngoscope1978; 88: 1749–54.
6.
Hunter-DuvarIM. Electron microscopic assessment of the cochlea: some techniques and results. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh)1978; Suppl 351.
7.
Hunter-DuvarIMBredbergG. Effects of intense auditory stimulation: hearing losses and inner ear changes in the chinchilla. J Acoust Soc Am1974; 55: 795–801.
