Ultraviolet-laser ablation of skin
Lane, R.J.; Linsker, R.; Wynne, J.J.; Torres, A.; Geronemus, R.G.
Archives of Dermatology 121(5): 609-617
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-987X PMID: 3994407 Document Number: 245456
We report on the use of pulsed ultraviolet-laser irradiation at 193 nm from an argon-fluoride laser and at 248 nm from a krypton-fluoride laser to ablate skin. In vitro, both wavelengths performed comparably, removing tissue precisely and cleanly, and leaving minimal thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. In vivo, the 193-nm laser radiation failed to remove tissue after bleeding began. The 248-nm radiation, however, continued to remove tissue despite bleeding and left a clean incision with only minimal thermal damage. The krypton-fluoride excimer laser beam at 248 nm, which should be deliverable through a quartz optical fiber, has great potential as a surgical instrument.