Optical-thermal simulation of tonsillar tissue irradiation

Background and Objective: Despite laser applications targetted toward tonsillar tissue, there has been no characterization of underlying optical and thermal events during laser irradiation of tonsillar tissue. Study Design/Materials and Methods: The optical properties of canine and human tonsils were determined at 805 nm (diode laser) and 1,064 nm (Nd:YAG laser). An optical-thermal simulation was developed to predict the temperature rise in irradiated human tonsils. Results: The optical properties of human and canine tonsillar tissue are similar at both wavelengths. The optical-thermal simulation was validated and predicts that at 10 W and 1 minute of irradiation, the heat will be contained within the human tonsil. The diode laser causes more superficial heating than the Nd:YAG laser. Conclusions: The safety of irradiating human tonsils was shown. The diode laser is superior to the Nd:YAG laser because less heat affects collateral structures. The optical-thermal simulation detailed in this study can be used to predict the temperature rise in tissues undergoing irradiation

Optical-thermal simulation of human tonsillar tissue irradiation: Clinical implications

Background and Objective: Mucosa intact laser tonsillar ablation is an alternative to conventional tonsillectomy. The efficacy of this procedure was demonstrated in canines, but establishing the safety of irradiating human tonsils is paramount. Study Design/Materials and Methods: An optical-thermal simulation of tonsillar tissue irradiation was previously developed, but the effect of varying parameters was not investigated. The tissue response to irradiation at 5–25 watts for 1 minute and 10 watts for 10 seconds to 162 seconds is simulated. Results: At 15 watts and greater, the peak temperature is over 100°C and the mucosal temperature is over 70°C. At the depth of the tonsil, the temperature does not vary significantly. The peak temperature is at 1 mm. The radial temperature profile is not significantly altered by longer irradiation times. Conclusions: The optimal dosimetry parameters for irradiation of human tonsillar tissue at 805 nm with the MILTA technique is under 15 watts for approximately 1 minute

Optical-thermal simulation of human tonsillar tissue irradiation: Clinical implications

Background and Objective: Mucosa intact laser tonsillar ablation is an alternative to conventional tonsillectomy. The efficacy of this procedure was demonstrated in canines, but establishing the safety of irradiating human tonsils is paramount. Study Design/Materials and Methods: An optical-thermal simulation of tonsillar tissue irradiation was previously developed, but the effect of varying parameters was not investigated. The tissue response to irradiation at 5–25 watts for 1 minute and 10 watts for 10 seconds to 162 seconds is simulated. Results: At 15 watts and greater, the peak temperature is over 100°C and the mucosal temperature is over 70°C. At the depth of the tonsil, the temperature does not vary significantly. The peak temperature is at 1 mm. The radial temperature profile is not significantly altered by longer irradiation times. Conclusions: The optimal dosimetry parameters for irradiation of human tonsillar tissue at 805 nm with the MILTA technique is under 15 watts for approximately 1 minute