ABSTRACT
In 1967, Polanyi experimented with the CO2 laser in a human cadaver larynx and was encouraged by the ability to produce discrete wounds. e 10.6 µm wavelength of the CO2 laser is strongly absorbed by water (α = 250 cm−1) [9]. erefore, biological tissue, which is high in water content, absorbs the laser energy well. e energy is concentrated at the point of laser impact and comparatively minimal spread through the surrounding tissue occurs. In addition, the longer wavelength at 10.6 µm shows minimal scattering of the laser light in tissue. eir work spurred the development of an endoscopic delivery system so the laser could be tested in vivo [10-12]. In 1972, Jako reported the initial use of this new equipment in a canine model [7,13].
