Laryngeal lesions such as papillomata can be removed with CO2 laser but the scar that forms after repeated treatments can cause reduction in the function of the larynx. This scarring may be made worse by infection caused by interruption in the epithelial surface. It is hoped that if the vasculature of these lesions can be thrombosed without damage to the epithelium, the lesion will atrophy without the risk of infection and scar formation. A series of in vitro experiments were carried out to determine if the 810 nm high energy pulsed diode laser could be used to coagulate blood. Experiments with a laser fluence of 22 J/cm2 on flowing and stationary animal and human blood in 750 micrometers diameter capillary tubes showed that single pulses caused a maximum detectable rise in temperature of 16 degree(s)C and no coagulation. Multiple pulses in slow flowing blood did generate a sustained temperature rise of 40 degree(s)C which may be enough to cause coagulation. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are underway to determine the clinical usefulness of this energy source.
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