The argon laser has been used clinically to perform stapedotomies in patients with otosclerosis. In order to determine if this device induces histologic changes in the inner ear, stapedotomies were performed in cats. Saccular membrane fistulas, in line with the path of the laser beam, were found in 3 of 8 ears. The unpredictable nature of the argon laser in the ear is discussed.
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