Biomedical Aspects of the Laser


Book Description

This book is a review of past and current studies and future plans of the Laser Laboratory in Cincinnati and some of the contributions of laser research groups in other medical centers. Special thanks are due to the Directing Physicist of the Laser Labora tory, R. James Rockwell. Without his advice, constant supervision and corrections, this enthusiastic investigator would continue to upset even many more people than he has done already. The excuse, of course, is to stimulate much needed interest and controlled research and development of the laser for biology and medicine. The Associate Research Physicist, Ralph Schooley, has worked with many phases of laser research but especially in Q spoiling, Raman spectroscopy, and the almost alchemy of holography. Holography, as of now, provides many opportunities for Gumperson's Law, "If anything can go wrong, it will. " Sincere appreciation is expressed to the Surgeons in the Laser Labora tory, who have supplied clinical and investigative surgical supervision often under great difficulties, Dr. V. E. Siler and Dr. Bruce Henderson. We are grateful for help from the Directing Biologist of the Laser Labo ratory, Edmond Ritter, the Director of Laser Neurosurgery, Dr. Thomas Brown and the Professor of Neurosurgery, Dr. Robert McLaurin, for important and basic work in laser neurosurgery. Special thanks are given to Robert Meyer, who has given most of the treatments in careful and skillful fashion, and his associate, Robert Otten.




Biomedical Implications of Military Laser Exposure


Book Description

"Lasers will continue to play an important and sometimes dangerous role on the modern battlefield. At present, there is no adequate comprehensive protection against accidental or intentional exposure to lasers in combat. Thus, it is critical that the field of laser safety research develop preventative protocols and prophylactic technologies to protect the warfighter and to support military operational objectives. This book details the current state-of-the-art in scientific, biomedical, and technical information concerning the effects of military lasers on the human body. An important purpose of this book is to identify current knowledge gaps in the various areas of this interdisciplinary field, and to offer specific recommendations for laser safety research and development into the future"--




Laser-Tissue Interactions


Book Description

Basic concepts such as the optical and thermal properties of tissue, the various types of tissue ablation, and optical breakdown and its related effects are treated in detail. Special attention is given to mathematical tools (Monte Carlo simulations, the Kubelka—Munk theory etc.) and approved techniques (photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy etc.). The part on applications reviews clinically relevant methods in modern medicine using the latest references. The last chapter covers today’s standards of laser safety, with a careful selection of essential guidelines published by the Laser Institute of America. With numerous research photographs, illustrations, tables and comprehensive summaries.




Ultrashort Laser Pulses in Biology and Medicine


Book Description

Learn about the many biological and medical applications of ultrashort laser pulses. The authors highlight and explain how the briefness of these laser pulses permits the tracing of even the fastest processes in photo-active bio-systems. They also present a variety of applications that rely on the high peak intensity of ultrashort laser pulses. Easy-to-follow examples cover non-linear imaging techniques, optical tomography, and laser surgery.







Lasers for Medical Applications


Book Description

Lasers have a wide and growing range of applications in medicine. Lasers for Medical Applications summarises the wealth of recent research on the principles, technologies and application of lasers in diagnostics, therapy and surgery.Part one gives an overview of the use of lasers in medicine, key principles of lasers and radiation interactions with tissue. To understand the wide diversity and therefore the large possible choice of these devices for a specific diagnosis or treatment, the respective types of the laser (solid state, gas, dye, and semiconductor) are reviewed in part two. Part three describes diagnostic laser methods, for example optical coherence tomography, spectroscopy, optical biopsy, and time-resolved fluorescence polarization spectroscopy. Those methods help doctors to refine the scope of involvement of the particular body part or, for example, to specify the extent of a tumor. Part four concentrates on the therapeutic applications of laser radiation in particular branches of medicine, including ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, urology, gynecology, otorhinolaryngology (ORL), neurology, dentistry, orthopaedic surgery and cancer therapy, as well as laser coatings of implants. The final chapter includes the safety precautions with which the staff working with laser instruments must be familiar.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, this important book summarizes international achievements in the field of laser applications in medicine in the past 50 years. It provides a valuable contribution to laser medicine by outstanding experts in medicine and engineering. - Describes the interaction of laser light with tissue - Reviews every type of laser used in medicine: solid state, gas, dye and semiconductor - Describes the use of lasers for diagnostics




Laser Interaction with Biological Material


Book Description

This book covers the principles of laser interaction with biological cells and tissues of varying degrees of organization. The problems of biomedical diagnostics are considered. Scattering of laser irradiation of blood cells is modeled for biological structures (dermis, epidermis, vascular plexus). An analytic theory is provided which is based on solving the wave equation for the electromagnetic field. It allows the accurate analysis of interference effects arising from the partial superposition of scattered waves. Treated topics of mathematical modeling are: optical characterization of biological tissue with large-scale and small-scale inhomogeneities in the layers, heating blood vessel under laser irradiation incident on the outer surface of the skin and thermo-chemical denaturation of biological structures at the example of human skin.




New Directions in Guided Wave and Coherent Optics


Book Description

As optical fiber communication systems have moved out of the laboratory and into commercial use over the past several years, the general field of guided wave and coherent optics has undergone a radical transformation. Research in optical communication has turned heavily towards single-mode technology and, totally new phenomena and applications of the existing technology, outside the communication field, have begun to proliferate. It was for this reason that we decided to organize a NATO Advanced Study Institute assembling the leading workers in this new domain, in order to define the state of the art, and, develop an idea of the new directions the field might take. The lectures and seminars presented at this Advanced Study Institute form the basis for this book. The subjects treated can be roughly grouped as : - New phenomena in optical fibers such as non-linear effects, soliton propagation and polarization conservation. - New applications of fibers, to measurements of rotation pressure, temperature etc ... and medical uses. - Advanced and exploratory work on single-mode fiber communica tion systems including the use of coherent transmission schemes and optical amplification. - Recent developments of optical information treatment based on four-wave mixing. - Integrated optical devices and technologies including bistable devices, parametric oscillators, and optical logic. In addition to these major topics, a number of national reviews and specialized seminars treating new guided wave structures and materials are included. The co-editors admit being rather pleased with the result.




Laser Applications in Medicine and Biology


Book Description

In the intervening years since the publication of Volume I, the develop ment of new uses for the various types of lasers has proceeded at a rate more rapid than even the most fanciful dreamers envisioned. Of course, the main effort has been on the laser itself-new wavelengths, shorter and longer time domains for pulses, increases in power, and, most important, greater reliability. In its first stage the laser was described as a solution in search of a problem. The production of holograms was one problem whose solution seemed to involve large number of lasers. However that proposal had its own difficulties, for the hologram itself was described as a solution searching for a problem. But all of that now is a chapter from ancient history . On the current scene the laser is used in industrial pro duction lines, as a classroom item at all levels of education, and in com mercial usage such that the public is generally exposed to the laser devices themselves. Trial runs have been made, e. g. , of laser-based supermarket checkout devices and as commercial exploitation of this item begins, cer tainly many more similar adaptations will follow. However, the shift in emphasis from research usage of lasers to de velopment and production has been relative rather than absolute. The use of the laser in research has not lessened; rather it has grown at as fast a pace. Yet a similar trend is seen there also.




Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry - E-Book


Book Description

Successfully expand the use of lasers in your dental practice! With vibrant, detailed clinical images and easy-to-follow writing, Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry, 3rd Edition walks you through the most common uses of lasers in areas such as periodontal surgery, dental implants, prosthetic and cosmetic reconstruction and describes how lasers work, how they interact with tissues, and how this knowledge may be applied to dental practice with a focus on technology, surgical techniques, and key steps in treatment. Written by laser dentistry pioneer Dr. Robert A. Convissar and a team of leading experts, this edition includes an ebook free with each purchase of a print book, three new chapters, and new case histories and clinical tips. It contains everything you need to know to build your skills in the rapidly growing field of laser dentistry. - Authoritative information is written by experts from all areas of dentistry, including periodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implants, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and practice management. - Revised case studies reflect treatment planning and the use of lasers in treating a variety of pathologies. - Detailed photographs clearly illustrate preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures. - Guidelines to the use of lasers in procedures are validated with evidence-based, peer-reviewed literature. - Revised Clinical Tips and Caution boxes highlight key information. - Summary tables and boxes simplify essential information. - Chapter on Introducing Lasers into the Dental Practice includes guidelines for investing in lasers. - Glossary provides definitions of key laser terminology. - NEW! Chapters cover snoring and sleep apnea, photodynamic therapy, and infant tongue tie procedures. - NEW! More clinical photos, equipment photos, and conceptual illustrations are included. - NEW! eBook version is included with print purchase, allowing you to access all the text, figures, and references, with the ability to search, customize your content, make notes and highlights, and have content read aloud.