Uses of Medical Lasers

Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser beam differs from a light bulb beam in that it is monochromatic (a single wavelength), it is directional (does not spread out) it is coherent ( the waves of lights are in phase with each other). Lasers are classified and labeled based on their power and the degree of hazard they pose. There are four classes of lasers, determined by the intensity of the light, with class 1 and class 2 generally available to the public in a variety of devices. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, "Class 3 and class 4 are used for medical purposes."

Facts

• According to American Medical Aesthetics Corp, "laser was an original theoretical concept of Albert Einstein in in 1917. The first laser was built in 1960 by Dr. T.H. Maiman at Hughes Aircraft Co., using a synthetic ruby rod stimulated by high intensity flash lamps, which generated millisecond pulses of coherent 694nm Ruby Laser [red] light ."

Types of Medical Lasers

• According to the Surgery Encyclopedia, the types of medical lasers are the:
  "Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser converts light energy to heat strong enough to minimize bleeding, while cutting through or vaporizing tissue.
  Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is capable of penetrating deeper tissues than other lasers.
  Argon laser provides the limited penetration needed for eye surgery and superficial skin disorders."

Uses of Medical Lasers

• Medical lasers have made patient care easier, more precise, faster, less invasive, time and cost effective. Lasers are used in plastic surgery, ear nose and throat procedures, neurosurgery, gynecological and thoracic surgery and Dentistry. They are used to remove tumors, warts, tattoos and moles and to access vocal cord papillomas, tonsils and varicose veins.

Advantages

• The advantages of using the laser are: The laser is used to cut like a scalpel; it is very precise therefore it avoids invading adjacent tissues. The laser cauterizes, minimizing bleeding and allowing the surgeon better visualization of the operative site; the tissue heals faster; there is less swelling and scarring, and the procedure takes less time.

Laser Safety

• Laser safety issues include: A specialized training course and certification is required for all doctors having privileges to operate the laser. All personnel working with patients having laser treatments must be trained about laser safety hazards and guidelines and must follow the laser safety committee and the hospital safety officer's guidelines.

Warning

• When working with or around the laser, wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as laser goggles specific to the classification of the laser and a laser mask to avoid exposure to the laser smoke fumes. A laser indicator warning light and laser signs specific to the laser in use must be posted at the door to alert others in the vicinity that the laser is in use.