CO2 laser myringotomy with a hand-held otoscope and fiber optic delivery system: animal experimentation and preclinical trials

Ari DeRowe*, Dov Ophir, Y. Finkelstein, Abraham Katzir

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

CO2 laser myringotomy has previously been proven effective in patients with serous otitis media for short term aeration of the middle ear. However, the system based on a microscope and a coaxially aligned laser is cumbersome and expensive. Also, conventional optical fibers do not transmit CO2 laser energy (λ = 10.6 μm). We have developed a silver halide optical fiber of diameter 0.9 mm and lengths of several meters, with high transmission at 10.6 μm. Using a hand held otoscope coupled to a fiberoptic delivery system CO2 laser myringotomies were performed first in guinea pigs and then in humans. In the animal model the feasibility of the procedure was proven. Different irradiation parameters were studied and a `dose dependent' relationship was found between the total energy used and the duration of a patent myringotomy. This system was used to perform CO 2 laser myringotomies under local anesthesia in five patients with serous otitis media and conductive hearing loss. None of the patients complained of discomfort and no scarring was noted. All patients had subjective and audiometric documentation of hearing improvement. The average duration of a patent myringotomy was 21 days. In two patients the effusion recurred. CO2 laser myringotomy utilizing a hand held otoscope coupled to an optical fiber capable of transmitting CO2 laser energy may prove simple and effective in the treatment of serous otitis media.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
PublisherPubl by Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Pages28-33
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)0819411035, 9780819411037
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993
EventLasers in Otolaryngology, Dermatology, and Tissue Welding - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Duration: 16 Jan 199318 Jan 1993

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume1876
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceLasers in Otolaryngology, Dermatology, and Tissue Welding
CityLos Angeles, CA, USA
Period16/01/9318/01/93

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