Medical Applications of Lasers

A careful review of the literature covering various aspects of applications of lasers in science and technology reveals that lasers are being applied very widely throughout the entire gamut of physical medicine. After surveying the current developments taking place in the field of medical applications of lasers, it was considered appropriate to bring together these efforts of international research scientists and experts into one volume. It is with this aim that the editors have prepared this volume which brings current research and recent developments to the attention of a wide spectrum of readership associated with hospitals, medical institutions and universities world wide, including also the medical instrument industry. Both teachers and students in the medical faculties will especially find this compendium quite useful. This book is comprised of eleven chapters. All of the important medical applications of lasers are featured. The editors have made every effort that individual chapters are self-contained and written by experts. Emphasis has been placed on straight and simple presentation of the subject matter so that even the new entrants into the field will find the book of value.

1. Elements of Laser Emission Process.- 1.1 Introduction.- 1.2 Components of a Laser Source.- 1.3 Laser Amplification.- 1.4 Beam Divergence.- 1.5 Monochromaticity.- 1.6 Optical Coherence Length and Time.- 1.7 Interaction of Radiation with Atomic System.- 1.8 Einstien Transition Coefficients.- 1.9 Light Amplification.- 1.10 Laser Efficiency of a Medium.- 1.11 Laser Gain.- 1.12 Q-Switched Laser.- 1.13 Ruby Laser.- 1.14 Helium-Neon Laser.- 1.15 Lasers in Medicine.- 2. Laser-Tissue Interaction.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 General Consideration of Laser-Tissue Interaction.- 2.3 Overview of Laser Propagation in Tissue.- 2.4 Models of Laser-Tissue Propagation.- 2.5 Monte Carlo Simulation of Laser-Tissue Interaction.- 2.6 Thermal and Mechanical Damage of Tissue.- 2.7 Examples of Tissue Properties.- 2.8 Summary.- Appendix: Helpful Mathematical Relations.- References.- 3. Laser Ophthalmology.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Characteristics of the Human Eye.- 3.3 Visual Refractive Errors.- 3.4 Laser Interaction with Eye Tissues.- 3.5 Laser Applications in Ophthalmology — Diagnostic.- 3.6 Laser Applications in Ophthalmology — Therapeutic.- 3.7 Laser Applications in Ophthalmology — The Future.- References.- 4. Laser Cardiology.- 4.1 Laser Therapy.- 4.2 Laser Diagnosis.- References (Part A).- 4.3 Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (TMLR).- 4.4 Laser Vasculr Anastomosis.- 4.5 Laser Angioplasty for Cardiovascular Disease.- References (Part B).- 5. Laser Tomography.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Diffusing Light Technologies.- 5.3 Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy.- 5.4 Optical Coherence Tomography.- 5.5 Spatial Speckle Correlometry.- 5.6 Imaging Techniques Based on Speckle Contrast Analyisis.- References.- 6. Lasers in Urology.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Lasers in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.-6.3 Laser Treatment of Bladder and Urethral Tumors.- 6.4 Stricture of Urinary Tract.- 6.5 Laser Lithotripsy.- 6.6 Some Useful Laser Devices for Lithotripsy.- 6.7 Other Uses.- References.- 7. Laser Lithotripsy.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Surgical Management of Urinary Stones.- 7.3 Laser Lithotripsy.- 7.4 Summary.- References.- 8. Laser Dermatology.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Basic Principles and Concepts.- 8.3 Dermatological Applications of Lasers.- References.- 9. Laser Dentistry.- 9.1 Introduction.- 9.2 The Human Tooth.- 9.3 Laser Treatment of Hard Tooth Substance.- 9.4 Laser Treatment of Soft Dental Tissue.- 9.5 Lasers in Endodontics.- 9.6 Laser Treatrment of Filling Materials.- References.- 10. Lasers in Gynaecology.- 10.1 Introduction.- 10.2 Laparoscopy/Laparotomy with Lasers.- 10.3 Hysteroscopic Procedures with Laser.- 10.4 Colposcopy with Lasers.- 10.5 Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART).- 10.6 Future Trends of Lasers in Gynaecology.- References.- 11. Laser Safety in Medicine.- 11.1 Introduction.- 11.2 Classification of Laser Hazards.- 11.3 Common Wavelengths.- 11.4 Fiber Optics.- 11.5 Laser Tissue Interaction.- 11.6 Non-beam Hazards.- 11.7 Persons Under Risks.- 11.8 Laser Safety Elements.- 11.9 Duties of a Laser Safety Officer.- 11.10 Laser Safety Committee.- 11.11 Laser Safety Training.- 11.12 Authority for Laser Procedures.- 11.13 Laser Safety in Different Settings.- 11.14 Laser Safety Devices.- 11.15 Reflections.- 11.16 Alignment Aids.- 11.17 Low Power Laser Safety.- 11.18 Laser Safety Policies and Procedures.- 11.19 Laser Incidents.- References.- Resource Material.- Appendix (Glossary of Terms in Lasers and Devices).