Overview

Field of Applications

Technical Data

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Field of Applications

Surgery

In surgery, a laser beam can be used to cut tissues like a scalpel. The high temperatures involved - up to 300°C - cause the cells of the treated tissues to burst and evaporate. The process is therefore called vaporization. Pinpoint accuracy in controlling the vaporization process is achieved through careful selection of parameters such as laser output level, focus of the laser beam, laser-to-tissue distance and exposure time. The diameter of the optical fibres determines how fine the incision will be.

The laser beam coagulates the surrounding blood vessels, so the surgical area remains free of bleedings. The coagulation process also prevents secondary haemorrhage in the area of the incision.

The diode laser kills up to 99.9% of the bacteria and viruses in the exposure area, therefore the laser beam generates a disinfectant effect in the wound area. This results in a faster wound healing and the reduction of recurrences. In comparison to conventional surgeries the healing phase after laser performed surgeries is less painful.

Endoscopy

In diode lasers, the laser beam is conducted through a thin and flexible optical fibre from the diode in the device to the fibre tip where it exits. In CO2 lasers, the laser beam is conducted by way of mirrors positioned in an articulated arm. Diode lasers are therefore the optimum choice for endoscopic applications. The optical fibre can be run through the working channel of the endoscope. This makes visual monitoring of endoscopic laser application possible.

Irradiation

The non-focused laser beam can be used for laser irradiation applications. So-called soft lasers are in widespread use, but their function is based on low energy levels in the milliwatt range. By contrast, Diode Laser output levels as high as 5 watts (5,000 milliwatts) are possible with a special defocusing handpiece. The advantages are shorter irradiation times and longer intervals between the treatments.

This treatment has antiphlogistic, wound-healing and analgesic effects and can be used in impaired wound healing and diseases of the locomotor system (acute and chronic inflammations of joints, musculature, tendinitis and tendosynovitis).

The wavelength used is an important factor in irradiation success. The Diode Laser uses a wavelength of 980 nm for optimum irradiation results.

Several effects of the laser light treatment are discussed to cause the benefits of the Diode laser. It has been suggested that the energy imparted to the tissue supplies not only warmth but tissue energy stimulation as well. The assumption is that this results in the stimulation of biochemical metabolic processes, for instance production of humoral and cellular immunoactive substances and release of anabolic substances. The treatment also induces an enhancement of microcirculation in the irradiated tissues.

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