https://members2.ecri.org/Components/hotline/Copyright 2010 ECRINew and Updated Hotline Responsesen-us7/31/2010 4:25:36 PM7/31/2010 4:25:36 PM5htais@ecri.orghttps://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/11031.aspx Carbon dioxide (CO2) surgical lasers are used primarily to create surgical incisions; to excise or vaporize deeper tissues (e.g., to remove tumors) after incisions; to coagulate very small bleeding vessels; to vaporize surface anomalies (e.g., warts); and to excise or vaporize tissue accessible by both rigid and flexible endoscopes.7/30/2010https://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/11900.aspx Facet joint fuse has been proposed as a treatment option for individuals with facet joint pain that does not respond to conservative treatment for back pain.7/30/2010https://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/11911.aspx The NICO Corporation Web site describes the Myriad device as "a disposable, non-heat generating tissue removal system specifically designed for open and endoscopic surgical approaches in the central nervous system."7/29/2010https://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/7525.aspx Keratoprosthesis (KPro), an artificial cornea, is used to replace the opacified corneal tissue and provides a clear visual window for patients with severe corneal disease.7/28/2010https://members2.ecri.org/Components/Hotline/Pages/10391.aspx The TOPAZ MicroDebrider (ArthroCare Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is a wand-like device about the diameter of a pencil tip. Through a small incision, generally an inch in length, the physician applies the device to the problem tendon for multiple 500-millisecond intervals of treatment. By combining low temperature radiofrequency energy with saline, a charged plasma gas is formed at the tip of the TOPAZ wand and is precisely directed into and through the damaged tissues.7/27/2010