Numerical analysis of cold injury of skin in cryogen spray cooling for dermatologic laser surgery

  • Dong Li
  • , Ya Ling He
  • , Guo Xiang Wang
  • , Jie Xiao
  • , Ying Wen Liu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

In laser dermatologie surgery, cryogen spray cooling (CSC) is used to avoid laith damage such as scars from skin burning due to the melanin absorption of the laser beam. As the cryogen is fully atomized from the nozzle, evaporation of the droplets may quickly drop the cryogen temperature below -60°C, depending on the spray distance from the nozzle. Such a low temperature is potential to cold injury for skin. Therefore, spray process should be accurately controlled during clinical practice to achieve sufficient protection and to avoid cold injury. This study presents a numerical analysis of cold injury of skin in cryogen spray cooling for dermatologie laser surgery. The model for cryogen spray cooling of skin, developed early, is extended to include the freezing of skin cells. The model predictions include the movement of the lethal isothermals. The severity of cold injury is then quantified under various clinical conditions. The effect of initial temperature and the spurt duration on possible cold injury of skin are also investigated.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHeat Transfer, Fluid Flows, and Thermal Systems
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Pages673-682
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)0791843025, 9780791843024
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2007 - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: 11 Nov 200715 Nov 2007

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings
Volume8 PART A

Conference

ConferenceASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period11/11/0715/11/07

Keywords

  • Cold injury
  • Convection heat transfer coefficient
  • Cryogen spray cooling
  • Port wine stain

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