By using 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 principle
Laser radiation due to its physical properties can direct its energy to one point. When focusing, a lot of energy is accumulated, capable of cutting or vaporizing living tissue. This process takes place in microseconds.
Laser surgery centers 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 occurs due to tissue regeneration. There is no need to stitch and remove the seams, since there was no contact of surgical instruments with the skin.
The principle of the laser is based on a point effect. Therefore, specialists have the opportunity to carry out surgery in a certain area, without affecting nearby healthy 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 he managed to replace such a familiar tool of a surgeon as a scalpel. The scope of the "laser knife" is wide enough, but many patients are scared of the possible consequences of using this method of treatment or surgical intervention.
First of all, fears are associated with the so-called "laser radiation". But this is just the light that can be seen or completely invisible to the human eye. Moreover, it has certain physical properties (range, power, wavelength, polarization, etc.).
Why did surgeons love the laser so much? First of all, because 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 the time of the operation, which occurs many times faster.
The laser beam itself penetrates the skin depending on the wavelength from 1 mm to 5 mm, so it can have no effect on internal organs.
Application features
Lasers are widely used in medicine, because they have high coagulating and hemostatic properties. In addition, wound healing is faster, and the possible risk of complications is minimal.
Laser surgery centers use devices of different capacities depending on the features of surgical intervention. The intensity and nature of the laser exposure depends on the wavelength, duration of the pulses, as well as the very structure of the tissue, which is affected by the laser emitter.
The power of the laser device may change if necessary. For example, if you need to coagulate, dissect, melt or form holes in the skin. All these manipulations occur at different laser wavelengths and, accordingly, its temperature.
Varieties of laser devices
In surgery, sufficiently high-power lasers are used, which operate continuously. Due to this, they greatly heat the fabric, which leads to dissection or evaporation.
Types of lasers that are used in surgery:
The first laser-based device that has been used since 1970. It penetrates to a depth of 0.1 mm, so it is suitable for various kinds of surgical intervention. It is actively used in general surgery, gynecology, dermatology, cosmetology and pathology of ENT organs.
The most common version of a solid-state laser system used for therapeutic and surgical purposes. The laser beam penetrates to a depth of 8 mm. Due to this relatively deep cutting, nearby tissues are also affected, which are subsequently susceptible to scarring or other complications. It is most often used for coagulation in urology, gynecology, when removing tumors and to eliminate internal bleeding.
The wavelength of such an installation is quite wide, in the range of 0.6-3 microns. They are compact and have a long service life. Installations are most often used not for large-scale surgical interventions, but for small operations in gynecology, ophthalmology and cosmetology.
It penetrates the skin to a depth of 0.4 mm and has the same advantages and characteristics as a CO 2 laser. Suitable for minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.
Penetrates to a depth of 0.05 mm. Most often used in cosmetology.
There are also types of highly specialized surgical lasers. For example, excimer lasers are used only in ophthalmology, alexandrite and ruby - for hair removal, KTP lasers - in cosmetology.
Properties of surgical lasers
The laser exposure is monochrome (beam of a certain length), collimated (all rays are parallel to each other) and evenly. The tissue heats up gradually, then coagulates and cuts. In cosmetology, laser devices are used to polish the skin, remove superpigmentation of the skin and reduce tattoos.
Laser devices are an alternative to a surgical scalpel, because they have many advantages. Namely:
- the beam is quite homogeneous, and a constant flow of energy provides a section along the entire length that is equally deep
- the laser is used to stop bleeding of a different nature, since it has the property of "soldering" blood vessels;
- since the biological tissue does not conduct heat, no burns occur;
- high efficiency of surgical intervention, speed of operation and point impact.
Contraindications to the use of lasers in surgery
Only the surgeon who will carry out the surgical intervention can accurately determine, depending on the nature of the disease, whether there are indications and contraindications to laser radiation. There is no special preparation for a simple operation using a surgical laser. But if a person has concomitant diseases, sedatives, anti-asthma drugs or tranquilizers can be prescribed.
Direct contraindications to the use of a laser include:
- malignant diseases;
- benign tumors with a diameter of more than 2 cm;
- fever;
- disturbances in the work of the nervous system;
- increased irritability;
- diabetes;
- poor blood coagulation.
Features of the use of lasers in dentistry
Surgical dental laser is an alternative to burs, while it is painless, more effective 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 with a laser system.
In this case, this procedure does not require anesthesia or in very minimal quantities, therefore, for the patient, the manipulation is more than tolerable, and also safe. Using a laser, you can whiten your teeth, reduce the number of pathogens in the dental canals and pockets, and disinfect dentin and cement.
Overview of devices
A large number of lasers are available on the Russian market that surgeons can use in their practice. Consider the most popular models and their scope.
We present a review of surgical lasers of popular modifications depending on the scope:
- AST 1064 (manufacturer "Yurikon-Group", Russia) - a medical device that can be used for onychomycosis (nail fungus), the type of laser is diode, there is a touch display, safety glasses are included.
- AST STOMA (manufacturer "Yurikon-Group", Russia) - a laser scalpel designed for use in dental purposes, dissects bloodless tissue without thermally damaging it, a diode type of laser, there is a touch screen, a pen, and a bleaching tool.
- AST 1470 (manufacturer "Yurikon-Group", Russia) is a surgical laser that can be used in phlebology and proctology, the set includes a set of instruments for ENT applications and a focuser.
- AST (980) - a device is used for cutting and coagulation in otolaryngology, gynecology, dermatology, surgery, dentistry and proctology.
- Act Dual - a device that operates at two different wavelengths, therefore it is effective for use in different fields of medicine.
- ALOD-01 - is actively used in surgery and therapy, optical fibers for a surgical laser of various lengths and intensities can be connected, specialized fiber-optic nozzles are included in the package.
Conclusion
Surgical laser is an effective and modern alternative to a traditional scalpel. Depending on the wavelength, it can be used in various fields of medicine. The advantages and characteristics of the laser system are ease of use, speed of surgical intervention, painlessness for the patient, absence of sutures and a recovery postoperative period during which complications may arise.