Medical Laser News of the Month

Laser News of the Month

During the last few years there has been a rapid increase in only in the number of different lasers available but also in their application possibilities which has accordingly led to a further increase in the significance of lasers in medicine. However, laser application is only then meaningful when either it presents a new therapeutic option or it offers a better alternative to existing methods for reasons, which can be clinical, logistical or economic.

The wavelength is selected according to the effect required. This is decisive for laser applications as is also a suitable applicator and the correct application technique. The main disadvantage of the laser is the fact that a variety of laser systems is needed in order to cover all the possible indications, requiring therefor a considerable technical and financial investment.

The diode laser merits the Nd:YAG, the CO2 and the argon lasers. The light is emitted at a wavelength of 980nm and is optimally absorbed by different tissues independent of the tissue type. This characteristic allows the formation of homogenous lesions during the treatment of diseased tissue.

In this way the diode laser can serve as replacement for most of the "thermal" lasers, which have been used in medicine until now because it offers:

a higher absorption in tissue than the Nd:YAG laser
a cutting effect comparable to the CO2 laser
a coagulation effect comparable to the argon laser

As the transmission of radiation is possible via flexible fibers, the diode laser can be used in the non-contact mode, in combination with the bare fiber, to coagulate or in the contact mode, to cut with a narrow or wide coagulation zone depending on the application type and the relationship power setting to exposition time. The diode laser can be used with a focusing hand piece to achieve precise coagulation for preparation or homeostasis. For endoscopic use thin fibers passed through flexible or rigid endoscopes can be used for coagulation or cutting of tissue. The use of interstitial coagulations is also gaining in importance.

The spectrum of diode laser applications ranges from endoscopic tumor ablation, resection of parenchymatous organs and interstitial thermotherapy (ITT) to coagulation of deeply seated therapeutic method depending on the application mode. Due to its compact size and low purchase price, the laser offers a useful addition to the spectrum of therapeutic methods available, particularly for small practices.

Next month we will discuss more about the diode laser, such as OD of eyewear, laser power, actual application usage, how does this little laser do so much. See you next month.