Carbon dioxide laser and silver halide infrared transmitting fibers for tympanoplasty: An experimental animal model

Abstract Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of fiberoptic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser welding for graft closure of tympanic membrane perforations in an animal model. Study Design and Setting: Tympanic membrane perforation was surgically induced in 11 eardrums of 7 given pigs. A lumbar facial graft was placed over the wound, and albumin drops served as a biologic solder. CO 2 laser energy, transmitted through silver halide infrared transmitting fibers, was used for “spot-welding” along the circumference of the graft. The welded sites were evaluated by using a surgical microscope as well as by evaluating the sites histologically. Results: Healing started 3 to 4 days after surgery and was completed within 3 weeks with the formation of a neotympanum. Some inflammation with granulation tissue was noted in 5 eardrums. Conclusions and Significance: These preliminary results indicate that CO 2 laser tympanoplasty with a fiberoptic delivery system may be a promising new technique for the clinical setting. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;125:157-60.)