Femtosecond UV for Surgical Precision
Could lasers used for refractive surgery potentially be used to revolutionize brain surgery precision?
A study from the University of Edinburgh highlights the potential of deep ultraviolet (UV) ultrashort-pulsed lasers for soft tissue ablation, demonstrating a method that achieves approximately 10-micron precision in tissue removal. Using lamb liver as a model, researchers varied laser parameters to identify optimal settings for clean tissue removal with minimal collateral damage, while noting the influence of tissue composition on outcomes. This approach could enhance surgical precision across various applications, potentially serving as a supplementary tool after major resections.
1. Deep UV ultrashort-pulsed lasers provide precision in soft tissue ablation. 2. Study utilized ex vivo lamb liver to mimic soft tissue environments. 3. Achieved 10-micron axial precision, surpassing traditional methods. 4. Identified optimal laser settings for effective tissue removal. 5. Pulse repetition rate significantly impacts the procedure's outcome. 6. Tissues of different compositions respond variably to identical laser parameters. 7. Potential for use as a 'clean-up' tool after major surgeries.