In vivo cw Nd:YAG volatilization: quantification using surface temperature measurements and histology

We performed an in-vivo study to identify and quantify the steps of volatilization. In all experiments, an infrared camera was used to record surface temperature during shot induced on in-vivo rat liver by a cw Nd:YAG laser. In a first group (5 animals), irradiation time varied from 1 to 9 seconds, power equals 20 watts and spot diameter equals 4 mm. Samples were immediately removed and fixed. In the second group (6 animals), time was fixed to 7 seconds. Liver from 2 animals was removed and fixed respectively at J0, J + 12 and J + 19. All sections were observed under microscope and damage depths measured. For irradiation time from 1 to 4 s, we noted blanching, temperature remained below 100 degree(s)C and damage depth was 850 micrometers . For durations from 5 to 7 s, we noted a dark red spot, temperature reached 145 degree(s)C and damage depth increased from 1800 to 5000 micrometers . For longer irradiation times, we noted coagulation, pop-corn effect, carbonization and tissue removal for 9 s. Damage depth was 5000 micrometers . Delayed histology showed that the necrosis was progressively separated from healthy tissue by a layer of conjunctive tissue. In-vivo volatilization could be described in 3 steps: coagulation, pop-corn effect, and tissue removal. We identified a relation between quantitative data and histological modifications.