[Animal-experimental studies on the effect of neodym: YAG-laser radiation on the cartilage of the larynx (author's transl)].

The defect in the thyroid cartilage of the rabbit larynx caused by laser application was predominantly filled by connective tissue which mainly sprouted from the adjacent perichondrium. Additionally, tongue-shaped areas of newly formed cartilage were found along the border. Depending on the duration of the laser application, especially when using low intensities, a distinct endolaryngeal oedema developed which led to death by suffocation of some animals.