Since it was invented in 1960, the laser has undergone rapid advances, becoming one of the most important tools used in the field of medicine today. Here are 5 unique ways in which laser technology is being implemented in medicine.

The Laser Scalpel

Some surgical incisions that would be extremely dangerous if done with a conventional metal scalpel can be done more precisely and safely with a laser scalpel. A laser beam cuts at the same depth consistently, whereas a doctor using a metal scalpel could potentially cut too deeply. Also, laser scalpels automatically cauterize broken blood vessels as they cut through tissue, eliminating excessive blood loss.

Cosmetic Lasers

Lasers are also used to remove birthmarks and port-wine stain skin blotches. Lasers have a monochromatic quality, meaning they shine in one specific color. Depending on the color of the skin blotch, the laser can be set to that color so that only the unwanted skin is affected by the laser beam.

Using Lasers to Remove Plaque from Arteries
Cleaning clogged arteries used to require that surgeons access the heart by opening up the patient’s chest. The procedure is extremely risky and requires a long, painful recovery. But laser technology has provided a less painful and much less invasive way of cleaning clogged arteries. A tiny optical fiber array containing a small laser can now be inserted into a patient’s vein via their arm or leg. The optical fiber travels to the artery where it pinpoints the plaque, at which point a precise laser beam is fired and the plaque is destroyed.

Dentistry

Going to the dentist for cavity fillings is never fun. But the procedure can be made less painful with the use of Nd-YAG laser drills instead of the standard metal ones. A laser drill can be set at a power level strong enough to destroy decayed cavity tissue, but not strong enough to harm healthy tooth enamel.

Low Level Laser Therapy

Low level laser therapy is the newest branch of medical laser technology and is just now getting recognition from the scientific and medical communities. It is used today to treat back and neck pain, tendinitis, ulcer wounds and sports injuries among other things.

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