In vivo laser cartilage reshaping with XXXX spray cooling in a @entity95 ear model: A pilot study.

@entity130 @entity95 @entity544 @entity515
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Similar to conventional cryogen spray cooling, @entity544 ( @entity515 ) spray may be used in combination with laser cartilage reshaping (LCR) to produce cartilage shape change while minimizing cutaneous thermal injury. Recent ex vivo evaluation of LCR with @entity515 cooling in a @entity95 model has identified a promising initial parameter space for in vivo safety and efficacy evaluation. This pilot study aimed to evaluate shape change and @entity130 following LCR with @entity515 cooling in 5 live @entity95 . STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The midportion of live @entity95 ears were irradiated with a 1.45     m wavelength diode laser (12   J/cm(2) ) with simultaneous @entity515 spray cooling (85   millisecond duration, 4 alternating heating/cooling cycles per site, 5 to 6 irradiation sites per row for 3 rows per ear). Experimental and control ears (no LCR) were splinted in the flexed position for 30 days following exposure. A total of 5 ears each were allocated to the experimental and control groups. RESULTS: Shape change was observed in all irradiated ears (mean 70        3  ), which was statistically different from control (mean 37        11  , P   =   0.009). No significant thermal @entity130 was observed, with preservation of the full thickness of skin, microvasculature, and adnexal structures. Confocal microscopy and histology demonstrated an intact and viable chondrocyte population surrounding irradiated sites. CONCLUSIONS: LCR with @entity515 spray cooling can produce clinically significant shape change in the @entity95 auricle while minimizing thermal cutaneous and @entity130 and frostbite. This pilot study lends support for the potential use of @entity515 spray as an adjunct to existing thermal-based cartilage reshaping modalities. An in vivo systematic evaluation of optimal laser dosimetry and cooling parameters is required. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:791-795, 2014.    2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
