Stereotactic CO2 laser therapy for hydrocephalus

Rebecca Lynn Kozodoy-Pins; James A. Harrington; George A. Zazanis; Michael G. Nosko; Richard M. Lehman

doi:10.1117/12.176597

26 May 1994 Stereotactic CO2 laser therapy for hydrocephalus

Rebecca Lynn Kozodoy-Pins, James A. Harrington, George A. Zazanis, Michael G. Nosko, Richard M. Lehman

Proceedings Volume 2132, Clinical Applications of Modern Imaging Technology II; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176597
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

A new fiber-optic delivery system for CO₂ radiation has been used to successfully treat non-communicating hydrocephalus. This system consists of a hollow sapphire waveguide employed in the lumen of a stereotactically-guided neuroendoscope. CO₂ gas flows through the bore of the hollow waveguide, creating a path for the laser beam through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This delivery system has the advantages of both visualization and guided CO₂ laser radiation without the same 4.3 mm diameter scope. Several patients with hydrocephalus were treated with this new system. The laser was used to create a passage in the floor of the ventricle to allow the flow of CSF from the ventricles to the sub-arachnoid space. Initial postoperative results demonstrated a relief of the clinical symptoms. Long-term results will indicate if this type of therapy will be superior to the use of implanted silicone shunts. Since CO₂ laser radiation at 10.6 micrometers is strongly absorbed by the water in tissue and CSF, damage to tissue surrounding the lesion with each laser pulse is limited. The accuracy and safety of this technique may prove it to be an advantageous therapy for obstructive hydrocephalus.

Citation Download Citation

Rebecca Lynn Kozodoy-Pins, James A. Harrington, George A. Zazanis, Michael G. Nosko, and Richard M. Lehman "Stereotactic CO2 laser therapy for hydrocephalus", Proc. SPIE 2132, Clinical Applications of Modern Imaging Technology II, (26 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176597

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