Michal Michalik

MML Medical Center, Poland

Title: Pulsed versus Continuous Wave (cw) Regime- Applications of Diode Lasers in Medicine

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Biography

Micha? Michalik- specializes in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery and aviation medicine. He developed works in the field of Functional Endoscopic Surgery of the nose and sinuses (FESS).  Founder of the first Snoring Treatment Center in Poland. He introduced the coblation technique, radiosurgery, harmonic and implants used to correct the throat and soft palate in the treatment of snoring.

Abstract

Diode lasers are becoming increasingly popular in medical applications.  Authors paid special attention to the laryngological application of a pulsed diode laser with wavelength 810 nm, and dermatologic applications of a 975 nm laser working at cw and pulsed mode. 

The main advantages of diode lasers include: their small size, robustness and compactness, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation as well as high efficiency (reaching up to 70%). Moreover, the price of diode lasers is getting more and more competitive in relation to other systems. However, the significant drawback of this technology is the scarcity of diode lasers with short and high power pulses, important, e.g., in the case of selective photothermolises therapy. Pulse powers up to 150 W are available.

The results of radiation tissue interactions depend upon the tissue absorption coefficient, the wavelength of the laser, power density, operation mode (including pulse lengths and frequency), and interaction time. Although these data are presently better described in various papers they are still not always fully provided.

In the case of soft tissue surgery the cw operation mode is preferred by the medical staff. This is because of the limitations of pulse power in the most common diode lasers and its effect on operation time. However, one should remember that pulsed operation mode may result in less damage in tissue adjacent to the incision site. The 980 nm DL radiation may in some cases provide a better ablation and narrower tissue affected zone in relation to 810 nm laser which in turn will be better for coagulation.