LASERS USED IN SURGICAL APPLICATIONS

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Lasers are commonly used in various surgical procedures for their precision and ability to interact with tissues. Listed are the types of lasers used including their wavelength.

• Wavelength: 10,600 nanometers (nm)
• Applications: CO2 lasers are often used in dermatology and general surgery for cutting, vaporization, and ablation of tissue. They are widely employed in procedures such as tumor removal, and laser-assisted vocal cord surgery.

• Wavelength: Typically 1,064 nm
• Applications: Nd:YAG lasers are used in various surgical fields, including ophthalmology, urology, and gastroenterology. They are employed for procedures such as eye surgery (e.g., capsulotomy), treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and endoscopic applications.

• Wavelength: Typically 2,100 nm
• Applications: Holmium lasers are utilized in urology for procedures such as kidney stone lithotripsy and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. They are known for their precision in targeting water-containing tissues.

• Wavelength: Typically 488 nm or 514 nm (blue-green)
• Applications: Argon lasers are used in ophthalmology for procedures like retinal photocoagulation and trabeculoplasty. They are also used in gastroenterology for coagulation and ablation of tissues.

• Wavelength: Typically 647 nm (red-orange)
• Applications: Krypton lasers have applications in ophthalmology, particularly for treating retinal diseases and diabetic retinopathy.

• Wavelength: Varies, often in the ultraviolet (UV) range (e.g., 193 nm)
• Applications: Excimer lasers are used in refractive eye surgeries like LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
• Uses Excimer Gas which is costly to acquire and purchase

• Wavelength: 1927 nm
• Applications: Thulium lasers are used in various surgical procedures, including urology for prostate surgery, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) procedures, and gynecological surgery.