New computer-guided scanner for improving CO2 laser-assisted microincision.

The objective was to clinically test a new computer-guided scanner designed for CO2 laser-assisted microincision. The scanner-assisted beam travels across the target as a straight or curved incision line. Line length and beam penetration can be adjusted. The studied population, 155 cases, encompassed benign lesions as well as early cancers of the larynx. Operating time was compared with that required for similar operations performed with the Acuspot micromanipulator. Laser-produced coagulation thickness at the incision was measured on 41 operative specimens. The scanner-assisted incision and dissection were more accurate and required up to 30% less time than with a manually guided beam. Postoperative follow-up was straightforward. The coagulation thickness was less than 10 microm for phonomicrosurgery and less than 20 microm for other surgical procedures. The scanner-assisted incision is more accurate than that attained manually.