The CO2 laser offers significant advantages over traditional surgical methods
for nasal applications. Lumenis’ advanced laser systems and delivery devices
allow for customized tissue treatment capabilities, especially targeted to work
on and around delicate tissue surfaces.
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction are chronic otitis media (fluid in the middle ear)
and damage from chronic pharyngeal reflux. Fluid build-up in the middle ear can lead to dulled
hearing, a feeling of fullness, ear pain and sometimes tinnitus. In selected patients who are refractory
to conservative medical therapy, the CO2 laser can be used to ablate hypertropic mucosal and
submucosal tissue on the intraluminal surface of the posterior cushion of the posteriomedial wall.
Eustachian tuboplasty is a simple operating room procedure performed under general anesthesia.
The AcuPulse 40WG CO2 laser and FiberLase flexible CO2 laser fiber can be used with a malleable
FiberLase handpiece, which can be shaped for the patient’s nasal anatomy. A small rigid endoscope
provides visualization.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps can contribute to nasal obstruction. CO2 laser vaporization or excision of the soft
tissue associated with intranasal polyps is generally well-tolerated under local anesthesia as an
outpatient procedure. Bleeding is controlled by the CO2 laser and topical vasoconstrictors.
Septal Spurs
Septal spurs can contribute to nasal obstruction and in appropriately selected patients, the CO2
laser is a useful treatment modality. The superficial absorption CO2 laser wavelength and pulsing
capabilities of the laser enable controlled tissue removal with minimal buildup of heat and collateral
damage.
Synechia
Synechiae are adhesions in the nose. Synechiae are quickly and easily lysed using Lumenis freebeam
CO2 lasers and accessories such as Nasal Probes or the Oral Pharyngeal and Nasal Delivery
Set with the nasal tip. The FiberLase flexible CO2 laser fiber can also be used.
Rhinophyma
CO2 laser energy is applied for cutaneous application using incisional handpieces or a Skin Resurfacing
Handpiece from Lumenis. Rapid and controlled skin surface ablation is accomplished layerby-
layer with minimal bleeding and thermal buildup in non-target tissue. Combining a Skin Resurfacing
Handpiece with the SurgiTouch scanner further simplifies and speeds the procedure. |
