Ultrafast laser ablation and machining large-size structures on porcine bone

J Biomed Opt. 2013 Jul;18(7):70504. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.18.7.070504.

Abstract

When using ultrafast laser ablation in some orthopedic applications where precise cutting/drilling is required with minimal damage to collateral tissue, it is challenging to produce large-sized and deep holes using a tightly focused laser beam. The feasibility of producing deep, millimeter-size structures under different ablation strategies is investigated. X-ray computed microtomography was employed to analyze the morphology of these structures. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of producing holes with sizes required in clinical applications using concentric and helical ablation protocols.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Equipment Design
  • Laser Therapy / instrumentation
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Orthopedic Procedures / instrumentation
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
  • Spine / diagnostic imaging
  • Spine / surgery*
  • Swine
  • Time Factors
  • X-Ray Microtomography