Burn Injury After Carbon Dioxide Laser Irradiation

Maiman's discovery of the laser in 1960¹ led to many technical advances. Field use of lasers has become widespread, and medical institutions are installing laser devices for clinical or research use. As the use of high-power lasers, particularly those that function continuously, becomes more extensive, accidental or intentional exposure will, of course, increase. The possibility of detrimental effects as a result of such exposures is a serious hazard. Recently, considerable work has been done with continuous wave (CW) gas lasers containing carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Relatively high power has been achieved with these devices; continuous power output exceeding 2,500 ws has been reported, and much higher outputs are within the present state of the art.² These potential hazards prompted us to study the biologic effects of exposure of living animals to CO₂ laser radiation.

Unique Characteristics of the CO2 Laser  The CO₂ gas laser possesses