Optic nerve sheath fenestration using a Raman-shifted alexandrite laser.

Background And Objective: Optic nerve sheath fenestration is an established procedure for relief of potentially damaging overpressure on the optic nerve resulting from idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Prior work showed that a mid-IR free-electron laser could be delivered endoscopically and used to produce an effective fenestration. This study evaluates the efficacy of fenestration using a table-top mid-IR source based on a Raman-shifted alexandrite (RSA) laser.

Efficacy and predictability of soft tissue ablation using a prototype Raman-shifted alexandrite laser.

Previous research showed that mid-infrared free-electron lasers could reproducibly ablate soft tissue with little collateral damage. The potential for surgical applications motivated searches for alternative tabletop lasers providing thermally confined pulses in the 6- to-7-µm wavelength range with sufficient pulse energy, stability, and reliability. Here, we evaluate a prototype Raman-shifted alexandrite laser.

Miniature forward-imaging B-scan optical coherence tomography probe to guide real-time laser ablation.

Background And Objective: Investigations have shown that pulsed lasers tuned to 6.1 µm in wavelength are capable of ablating ocular and neural tissue with minimal collateral damage. This study investigated whether a miniature B-scan forward-imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe can be combined with the laser to provide real-time visual feedback during laser incisions.

Endoscopic free electron laser technique development for minimally invasive optic nerve sheath fenestration.

Purpose: This study proposed to develop a technique for efficiently accessing the posterior orbital space using endoscopy and attempted application of free electron laser (FEL) energy, biopsy forceps, electrocautery, and CO(2) insufflation to posterior orbital tissues.

Methods: Through an inferior transconjunctival incision, access to the posterior orbital space was attempted in 14 eyes of 7 non-survival pigs. FEL energy (6.

Optic nerve sheath fenestration with endoscopic accessory instruments versus the free electron laser (FEL).

Background And Objective: The free electron laser (FEL) can efficiently produce an optic nerve sheath fenestration using an endoscopic approach. To develop a surgical protocol, this study compared effectiveness of available accessory endoscopic instruments to endoscopic FEL delivery effectiveness in producing optic nerve sheath fenestrations.

Study Design/materials And Methods: An endoscope was used to perform optic nerve sheath fenestrations on goat optic nerves.

Chronic and acute analysis of optic nerve sheath fenestration with the free electron laser in monkeys.

Background And Objectives: The Amide II wavelength (6.45 microm) produced by the free electron laser (FEL) can efficiently create an optic nerve sheath fenestration in rabbits. We wished to determine if it would be equally successful in macaque monkeys and to determine the histopathologic changes between traditional scissors or knife optic nerve sheath fenestration to FEL fenestration.