carbon dioxide laser

carbon dioxide laser

Abbreviation: CO₂ laser

A gas-produced colorless laser with a wavelength of 10,600 nm (infrared), used in dermatological surgeries to remove scars, wrinkles, and solar skin damage. Carbon dioxide lasers can also be used as a scalpel in stereotactic neurosurgeries and gynecological surgeries.

Patient care

Laser precautions must be observed. The staff support the patient by answering questions and explaining the need for eye covering during the procedure. The procedure is documented in a laser log.

See also: laser

carbon dioxide laser

a form of therapeutic laser light, used to destroy tissue; short-pulse CO₂ laser has been shown to be effective in nail matrisectomy

laser

a device which generates an extremely intense, small and nearly nondivergent beam of monochromatic radiation in the visible region, with all the waves in phase; capable of mobilizing immense heat and power when focused at close range, it is used as a tool in surgery, in diagnosis, and in physiological studies. Laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.

Used also as a modern version of acupuncture and considered to be the biggest breakthrough in that technology for 5000 years. It provides a quick, painless and noninvasive method of point stimulation.

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argon laser

used in ophthalmic surgery and in photodynamic surgery of the skin.

carbon dioxide laser

used in microsurgery and ophthalmic procedures.

low-energy laser therapy

used for wound healing and pain relief; includes visible red helium-neon lasers, invisible infrared gallium-arsenide lasers and gallium-aluminum-arsenid lasers.

laser therapy

in acupuncture the application of low intensity laser to acupuncture points.