Objective

To characterize tissue destruction after CO(2) laser-ablation of the vocal cords with the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Study design and setting

OCT was used to image fresh porcine vocal cords after laser ablation. OCT and histology estimates of the ablation crater dimensions and the depth of thermal injury were obtained.

Results

The vocal cord substructures up to 2.29 mm in depth at 10 microm resolution, and the thermal disruption after laser ablation were identified by OCT. OCT and histology estimates of the lesion dimensions showed no significant differences. Crater depth is directly proportional to laser power, whereas crater width and the zone of thermal injury appear to be unrelated to laser power.

Conclusions

OCT may be used to accurately characterize the native states and the laser-induced thermal injury of laryngeal mucosa, within the inherent limitation in its depth of penetration. OCT may be a useful diagnostic and monitoring tool in an otolaryngology practice.