Lasers cut precisely and without contact – ideal for surgery. The problem is that, in hard tissues such as bone, they are too slow and do not cut deep enough. Researchers at the University of Basel have now demonstrated a way to cut much deeper and faster with a surgical laser than with previous laser systems.
The saw, chisel and drill are tried-and-true tools in bone surgery. In the future, lasers could be added to this toolbox, especially when it comes to very precise cuts. Lasers do not exert any mechanical pressure, meaning they can reduce the risk of microcracks and enable more specialized cuts. This would make it easier to insert joint implants, for example, including custom-made, 3D-printed implants.
Lasers are already used for soft tissue. In the…