A comparative study of evaluating Gaussian and top-hat laser beams in bone ablation

In recent years, laser application in bone ablation surgeries has gained attention for its precision, reduced thermal osteonecrosis, debris generation, and patient trauma compared to conventional methods. This study examines the effects of Gaussian-like and top-hat laser beams on bone ablation considering the heat-affected zone. During the experiments, both beams were assisted by a temperature-based cooling system. Future research will focus on the simulation of the heat-affected zone and optimizing the volumetric ablation outcomes. Laser surgeries can potentially be utilized in clinical applications like total knee replacement only if the volumetric ablation rates are comparable with the conventional methods.