Lasers are employed in numerous medical treatments. They have the ability to slice through tissue, cauterize blood vessels, and eliminate abnormal cells. Their precision ensures minimal damage to surrounding tissues during procedures.
Various medical laser systems exist, each with its mode of operation. Some release light in short flashes, termed pulsed lasers, while others produce a constant beam, referred to as continuous wave lasers.
A widely used device is the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, which can function in both continuous and pulsed modes. Among all lasers, the CO2 laser’s effect closely resembles a traditional scalpel. It’s employed for internal surgeries, like brain tumor removal, as well as skin treatments, including eliminating benign moles, treating scars, and reducing wrinkles.
The argon continuous laser produces light that is readily absorbed by blood, leading to clotting. It is utilized in ophthalmology, especially for treating retinal issues due to diabetes mellitus, surgeries in the inner ear, and reducing birthmarks like port-wine stains. The yttrium-aluminium-garnet (YAG) laser is another versatile tool, used in dentistry, hair and tattoo removal, and lithotripsy (the breaking up of kidney stones). Dermatological treatments, including tattoo removal, frequently use the ruby laser, whose light is effectively absorbed by the melanin pigment found in hair and skin.