Stereotactic CO2 laser therapy for hydrocephalus

Rebecca L. Kozodoy, George A. Zazanis, Michael G. Nosko, Richard M. Lehman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A new fiber-optic delivery system for CO2 radiation has been used to successfully treat non-communicating hydrocephalus. This system consists of a hollow sapphire waveguide employed in the lumen of a stereotactically-guided neuroendoscope. CO2 gas flows through the bore of the hollow waveguide, creating a path for the laser beam through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This delivery system has the advantages of both visualization and guided CO2 laser radiation without the same 4.3 mm diameter scope. Several patients with hydrocephalus were treated with this new system. The laser was used to create a passage in the floor of the ventricle to allow the flow of CSF from the ventricles to the sub-arachnoid space. Initial postoperative results demonstrated a relief of the clinical symptoms. Long-term results will indicate if this type of therapy will be superior to the use of implanted silicone shunts. Since CO2 laser radiation at 10.6 μm is strongly absorbed by the water in tissue and CSF, damage to tissue surrounding the lesion with each laser pulse is limited. The accuracy and safety of this technique may prove it to be an advantageous therapy for obstructive hydrocephalus.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
EditorsLeonard J. Cerullo, Kenneth S. Heiferman, Hong Liu, Halina Podbielska, Abund O. Wist
PublisherPubl by Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Pages52-57
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)0819414271
StatePublished - 1994
EventClinical Applications of Modern Imaging Technology II - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Duration: Jan 23 1994Jan 23 1994

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume2132

Other

OtherClinical Applications of Modern Imaging Technology II
CityLos Angeles, CA, USA
Period1/23/941/23/94

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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