The use of the Nd-YAG laser in neurosurgery.

Whereas the focused CO2 laser may be used as a cutting instrument in less vascularized tissue with limited trauma to the surrounding tissue, use of the defocused Nd-YAG laser results in homogeneous coagulation with an energy-dependent depth effect. Thus, residual tumor tissue may be cauterized selectively with a depth effect which can be predicted with satisfactory precision. Tumor shrinkage and demarcation based on different absorption properties facilitates dissection and, moreover, allows the preservation of healthy tissue. The excellent coagulating properties of the Nd-YAG laser render it especially effective in cases of highly vascularized meningeal tumors.