Laser-tissue interactions

Abstract

Understanding laser-tissue interactions and using the laser in an optimal way are the most important messages in this chapter. The wavelength-dependent penetration depth of laser light into tissue determines heat flow and the thickness of the zone of necrosis. The concept of photothermolysis, introduced by Rox Anderson, improved specificity of laser-tissue interactions. Thermal lasers are used for tissue coagulation and vaporisation. For tissue ablation, high absorption of the laser light by the tissue is necessary, as is high power density of the laser pulse (>100 kW/cm2). Keep in mind that the shorter the laser pulse or the laser irradiation on the same spot, the smaller will be the zone of necrosis. Consider possible acoustic side effects with short and ultrashort laser pulses. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.