Since 1986, we have experimentally developed a new percutaneous therapeutic method as an alternative to lumbar disc herniation using Laser (Nd-YAG laser; 1084nm).
The purpose of this study is to examine the change of human nucleus pulposus after laser irradiation in vitro, especially with respect to its weight change and histological findings.
Materials were obtained with punch during operation, and irradiated through our original double-lumen needle with pulsed mode of Nd-YAG laser at the condition of 10 or 15W output power, 0.3 sec. impulse, 1.7 sec. pause. and 80 times repetition.
Results and conclusion; The nucleus Pulposus was vaporized almost completely, and decreased in weight after irradiation. Vaporization Ratio (VR; ratio of weight change before and after vaporization), was about 10%at the output power of 10W. Statiscally there was no significant relation between VR and age, suffering period, and degenerative status.
Histological and thermographic study showed the cavity formation at the tip of the needle and the layerd heat change surrounding the cavity without any heat damage to the outer layer.
