Fiber-delivered mid-infrared (6-7 µm) laser ablation of retinal tissue under perfluorodecalin

Mark A. Mackanos; Karen Margaret Joos M.D.; E. Duco Jansen

doi:10.1117/12.482369

14 July 2003 Fiber-delivered mid-infrared (6-7 μm) laser ablation of retinal tissue under perfluorodecalin

Mark A. Mackanos, Karen Margaret Joos M.D., E. Duco Jansen

Proceedings Volume 4951, Ophthalmic Technologies XIII; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.482369
Event: Biomedical Optics, 2003, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The Er:YAG laser (λ=2.94μm) is an effective tool in vitreo-retinal surgery. Pulsed mid-infrared (λ=6.45μm) radiation from the Free Electron Laser has been touted as a potentially superior cutting tool. To date, use of this laser has been limited to applications in an air environment. The goal of this study was: 1) determine feasibility of fiberoptic delivery of λ= 6.45μm using silverhalide fibers (d=700μm); 2) use infrared transparent vitreous substitute (perfluorodecalin) to allow non-contact ablation of the retina at λ= 6.45μm. Fiber damage threshold=7.8J/cm² (0.54GW/cm²) while transmission loss=0.54dB/m, allowing supra-ablative radiant exposures to the target. FTIR measurements of perfluorodecalin at λ=6.45μm yielded μ_a=3 mm^-1. Pump-probe imaging of ablation of a tissue-phantom through perfluorodecalin showed feasibility of non-contact ablation at λ=6.45μm. Ablation of the retinal membranes of enucleated pig eyes was carried out under perfluorodecalin (2 Hz, 1.3 J/cm²). Each eye was cut along its equator to expose the retina. Vitreous was replaced by perfluorodecalin and laser radiation was delivered to the retina via the silverhalide fiber. The eye was rotated (at 2 rpm) to create an ablation circle around the central axis of the retina. Histological analysis of the retina in a limited number of eyes shows that retina ablation using this method is feasible and can be accomplished with minimal collateral damage. Remote structures are shielded, as the radiation exposure falls below the ablation threshold owing non-negible absorption of perfluorodecalin at λ=6.45μm. This may optimize efficacy and safetly of laser-based vitreoretinal surgery.

Citation Download Citation

Mark A. Mackanos, Karen Margaret Joos M.D., and E. Duco Jansen "Fiber-delivered mid-infrared (6-7 μm) laser ablation of retinal tissue under perfluorodecalin", Proc. SPIE 4951, Ophthalmic Technologies XIII, (14 July 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.482369

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