Laser Therapy In Healthcare

Laser Therapy in Healthcare: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment explores the numerous applications of laser treatment in healthcare. Laser therapy has undergone transformative advances for different diseases, diagnoses, and treatments. A variety of medical operations and technological advances are discussed, most importantly the early detection of cancer with laser therapy. In addition, it includes case studies, the use of X-ray and computerized tomography, and in-depth discussions of diverse laser therapy applications. This book acts as a roadmap through the various aspects of laser-based diagnostics and treatment modalities, from the basic chapters that explain the fundamentals of laser physics and its significant effects on tissues to the in-depth investigation of laser surgery in modern healthcare. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of laser therapy, emphasizing its critical role in the treatment of many medical problems. The valued content from contributors highlights applications, challenges, and the potential future of medical practices.

"The Laser Therapy Handbook" was the best selling book in this field but was sold out in the winter of 2010. Now Prima Books is offering an updated version with some 700 new references and 250 new pages - and in colour. The soft cover approach is maintained to keep the price down. The scientific documentation about the effects of Laser Phototherapy is rapidly increasing, with some 250 new scientific papers published annually on PubMed. There was therefore a need for an updated version of this popular book.

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.

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 systems emit parallel, coherent beams of radiation which can be focused to a small diameter, and can produce a high power density. The various tissue interactions that take place with laser light of different wavelengths offer considerable potential for treatment of a range of conditions. The different types of laser are named on the basis of the various materials used in them which are excited by an energy source to produce radiation. These materials may be a solid, liquid or gas. This review describes the current status of medical lasers in the most significant areas of application, with particular reference to use in Australia and the potential for future development.

This text was designed for the physicians, nurses, technical personnel, and staff members of medical facilities using lasers for surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic purposes. The objective is to provide an understanding of the potential health and safety hazards associated with the use of medical laser systems and the precautions needed to use them safely. To do this, it is necessary to have an awareness of applicable standargs and regula tions that apply to laser use. This book is not intended as a substitute for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z-136. 3, "Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities," but to facilitate its implementation as well as the implementation of the many other related regulations and guidelines that are pertinent. These other regulations include the Medical Device Amendments to the Food and Drug Act, the Federal Laser Product Performance Standards issued under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act, and applicable regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The text is organized to provide first an overview of laser hazards, laser surgical applications, and laser biological effects. General safety control measures and safety standards are then presented. Because laser tech nology is rapidly evolving, these general guidelines will allow safe use of new laser systems as they become available. Finally, specific safety guide lines and precautions are provided for specialized laser applications in the different health care specialties.

A description of the processes and procedures available in cosmetic laser surgery