CO2 laser heat controller is developed

TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Israeli scientists say they've created a technique to control the heat generated by carbon dioxide lasers that are used to seal body wounds.

A team of Tel Aviv University researchers has perfected a new device to heat body tissue in a precisely controlled manner. The research team headed by Professor Abraham Katzir said their new technique could change the way surgeons bond cuts on skin and inside the body during surgery.

With the new technology, if the laser begins to overheat and risks burning the tissue, laser power is automatically reduced; if the temperature is too low to complete a closure, laser power in increased.

Katzir is believed the first to apply the carbon dioxide laser, coupled to optical fibers made from silver halide, for wound closure under tight temperature control. The silver halide fibers, developed at the university, deliver the laser's energy to heat the bonded cut and are used for controlling temperature. They also make it possible to bond tissues inside the body.

The research team is expected to apply to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for permission to conduct larger clinical trials.