Evaluation of four different laser systems for a minimally invasive scoliosis treatment

Today most surgical treatment of spinal deformations is concentrated on invasive techniques with long operation times and major effects on the patient's mobility. The proposed minimally invasive technique using laser light for tissue ablation offers a possibility of gentle scoliosis treatment. Four different laser systems including argon, Nd:YAG (Q-switched), Nd:YAG (CW) and Ho:YAG were compared with respect to thermal damage to adjacent tissue, ablation rates, efficiency and laser handling. For in vitro investigation, fresh lamb spine was used. Comparison showed that the Ho:YAG laser is the most appropriate laser for the given goal, however, heating of adjacent tissue had to be minimized by intermediate laser action and irrigation.