With the use of a laser in surgery, it became possible to carry out surgical interventions without the risk of large blood loss. In addition, cosmetic defects after surgery in this case are minimal. Consider the features of laser devices that are used in various fields of medicine, their characteristics, varieties and advantages.
Laser operation principle
Laser radiation, due to its physical properties, can direct its energy to one point. When focusing, a lot of energy is accumulated that can cut or vaporize living tissue. This process takes place in microseconds.
Laser surgery centers, which are located in large cities of the Russian Federation, note that the operation, regardless of the area, is almost bloodless. In addition, tissue scarring does not occur at the site of skin dissection with a laser. Recovery proceeds due to tissue regeneration. No stitches needed to be placed or removed as there was no contact between the surgical instruments and the skin.
The principle of laser action is based on point action. Therefore, specialists have the opportunity to carry out surgical intervention in a certain area without touching nearby he althy tissues. When using a laser, the possible risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV is reduced to zero.
Lasers in surgery
The surgical laser was invented quite recently, but during this time it managed to replace such a familiar surgeon's tool as a scalpel. The scope of the "laser knife" is quite wide, but many patients are afraid of the possible consequences of using such a method of treatment or surgery.
First of all, concerns are related to the so-called "laser radiation". But this is just a light that may or may not be visible to the human eye. At the same time, it has certain physical properties (range, power, wavelength, polarization, etc.).
Why do surgeons love the laser so much? First of all, for the fact that the principle of operation of a surgical laser allows for more accurate and less invasive surgical interventions, when compared with a scalpel. In addition, he wins in terms of the time of the operation, which is many times faster.
The laser beam itself penetrates the skin depending on the wavelength from 1 mm to 5 mm, so it cannot have any effect on internal organs.
Application features
Lasers are widely used in medicine becausehave high coagulating and hemostatic properties. In addition, wound healing is faster, and the possible risk of complications is minimal.
In the laser surgery centers, devices of different power are used, depending on the characteristics of the surgical intervention. The intensity and nature of the laser exposure depends on the wavelength, the duration of the pulses, as well as the structure of the tissue itself, which is affected by the laser emitter.
The power of the laser device may change if necessary. For example, if you need to coagulate, cut, melt or form holes in the skin. All these manipulations take place at different wavelengths of the laser and, accordingly, its temperature.
Varieties of laser devices
In surgery, sufficiently high-power lasers are used that operate continuously. As a result, they heat the tissue very much, leading to cuts or vaporization.
Types of lasers used in surgery:
- CO2-laser
The first laser-based device that has been in use since 1970. It penetrates to a depth of 0.1 mm, so it is suitable for all kinds of surgical intervention. It is actively used in general surgery, gynecology, dermatology, cosmetology and ENT pathology.
Neodymium laser
The most common type of solid state laser used in therapeutic and surgical applications. The laser beam penetrates deepup to 8 mm. Due to this relatively deep incision, nearby tissues are also affected, which are subsequently subject to the process of scarring or other complications. Most often used for coagulation in urology, gynecology, removal of tumors and to eliminate internal bleeding.
Diode Surgical Laser
The wavelength of such an installation is quite wide, within 0.6-3 microns. They are compact and have a long service life. The units are used most often not for large-scale surgical interventions, but for small operations in gynecology, ophthalmology and cosmetology.
Holmium laser
Penetrates the skin to a depth of 0.4 mm and has the same advantages and characteristics as the CO2 laser. Suitable for minimally invasive endoscopic operations.
Erbium laser
Penetrates up to 0.05 mm. More commonly used in cosmetology.
There are still types of highly specialized surgical lasers. For example, excimer lasers are used only in ophthalmology, alexandrite and ruby lasers are used for hair removal, KTP lasers are used in cosmetology.
Properties of surgical lasers
The impact of the laser is monochrome (a beam of a certain length), collimated (all beams are parallel to each other) and evenly. The tissue is heated gradually, then coagulated and cut. In cosmetology, laser devices are used to resurface the skin, remove superpigmentation of the skin and reduce tattoos.
Laserdevices are an alternative to the surgical scalpel, as they have many advantages. Namely:
- the beam is quite homogeneous, and a constant flow of energy provides a cut of the same depth along the entire length;
- laser is used to stop bleeding of various kinds, since it has the ability to “solder” blood vessels;
- since biotissue does not conduct heat, no burns occur;
- high efficiency of surgical intervention, speed of operation and point impact.
Contraindications for the use of lasers in surgery
Only the surgeon who will perform the surgery can accurately determine, depending on the nature of the disease, whether there are indications and contraindications for laser radiation. There is no special preparation for a simple operation using a surgical laser. But if a person has comorbidities, sedatives, anti-asthma drugs, or tranquilizers may be prescribed.
Direct contraindications to laser use include:
- malignant diseases;
- tumors of a benign nature, with a diameter of more than 2 cm;
- fever;
- disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system;
- hyperexcitability;
- diabetes mellitus;
- poor blood clotting.
Features of the use of lasers in dentistry
Dental surgical laser is an alternative to burs, while painless,more efficient and comfortable. Depending on the wavelength, it can be used on enamel, dentin and areas affected by caries. In 100% of cases, painful drilling can be replaced by a laser machine.
At the same time, this procedure does not require anesthesia or in very minimal quantities, therefore, for the patient, the manipulation is more than tolerable, and also safe. Lasers can whiten teeth, reduce pathogens in root canals and pockets, and disinfect dentin and cementum.
Overview of devices
There are a large number of lasers on the Russian market that surgeons can use in their practice. Consider the most popular models and their scope.
Introducing an overview of popular modifications of surgical lasers depending on the application:
- AST 1064 (manufacturer "Yurikon-Group", Russia) - a medical device that can be used for onychomycosis (nail fungus), laser type - diode, has a touch screen, goggles are included.
- AST STOMA (manufacturer "Yurikon-Group", Russia) - a laser scalpel designed for use in dental purposes, bloodlessly dissects biological tissue without thermally damaging it, diode laser type, has a touch display, a manipulator handle and a tool for whitening.
- AST 1470 (manufacturer "Yurikon-Group", Russia) - a surgical laser that can be used in phlebology and proctology, incomes with a set of tools for ENT application and a focuser.
- AST (980) - used for cutting and coagulation in otolaryngology, gynecology, dermatology, surgery, dentistry and proctology.
- Act Dual is a device that operates at two different wavelengths, therefore it is effective for use in various fields of medicine.
- ALOD-01 - is actively used in surgery and therapy, light guides for a surgical laser of various lengths and intensities can be connected, specialized light guide nozzles are included in the kit.
Conclusion
The surgical laser is an efficient and modern alternative to the traditional scalpel. Depending on the wavelength, it can be used in different areas of medicine. The advantages and characteristics of the laser unit are ease of use, speed of surgical intervention, painlessness for the patient, absence of sutures and postoperative recovery period, during which complications may occur.
