Lasers existed as a scientific ideal for many years before they became a reality. Albert Einstein, for one, was already studying the fundamental principles of the creation of laser light as far back as 1917, when he wrote a paper on the subject, titled The Quantum Theory of Radiation. But it wasn’t until many decades later that the laser became an actual working tool for scientists and doctors all over the world.

The word “laser” was originally an acronym that stood for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”. The first working laser was built and demonstrated in May of 1960 by the scientist Theodore Maiman. When the test demonstration proved successful, it launched immediate, increased speculation as to the possible uses of laser technology. Whether they could be used as tools in the medical field, was not yet certain, but as laser technology continued to develop and scientists started to experiment with it, it became clear that lasers would revolutionize many aspects of the medical field. Today, the high precision of laser technology makes it an invaluable tool in complex surgical procedures. Lasers are used both for health and cosmetic purposes in the fields of dentistry, dermatology, ophthalmology and many others. And more recently, low-level lasers are being employed in what is known as low-level laser therapy, or LLLT. It involves the use of “cold” lasers to stimulate cellular functions. Here are just some examples of the unique ways in which medical lasers are being applied today.

The Laser Scalpel

The use of a highly focused laser scalpel has made previously difficult surgical incisions easier and safer. Surgeries that previously depended on the steady hand of the surgeon and a blade are now performed with much more efficiency and precision. The most commonly used lasers for laser scalpels are carbon dioxide gas lasers. Laser scalpels have several advantages to conventional scalpels. A laser beam can make a clean cut through human tissue while at the same time cauterizing and sealing off the open blood vessels, thus diminishing the chance of excessive blood loss. Furthermore, the depth of a laser’s incision remains always consistent, while a metal scalpel is subject to human error. 

Low Level Laser Therapy

Low level laser therapy uses the effects of low-level laser wavelengths to treat skin and muscle tissue. LLLT can be effective at relieving back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, ulcer wounds and pain caused by other physical injuries. Currently, low level laser therapy is still a fairly recent application of laser technology and many procedures are still in the testing and development phase. The work of scientists in the field of low-laser therapy, however, has brought it increased attention in the mainstream medical community.

Clearing Arteries

Cleaning a human heart’s arteries used to require opening the patient’s chest and accessing the arteries directly. This is still done and in many hospitals and it is still a very, very risky procedure, involving a long and painful period or recovery. Laser technology, however, is starting to change the way that these heart procedures are performed. Light can now be used to clean up a person’s arteries in a considerably less invasive manner. First, a small, fiber-optic wire is inserted into a blood vessel accessed via the patient’s arm or leg. A small laser device is inserted along with the fiber-optic wire. The fiber-optic along with the laser then travels to the blocked arteries and gives doctors a digital image of the target area. The laser is then fired and the plaque is destroyed. The vapors that ensue are sucked away through a miniature suction tube inserted along with the fiber optic array.

Cosmetic Lasers

Removing unwanted birthmarks and skin blotches is easier, faster and more pain-free than ever thanks to the use of advanced laser technology. A laser’s ability to remove skin marks relies on the laser’s monochromatic quality. Lasers, in other words, shine in one specific color. Depending on the color of the skin mark you wished removed, the laser can be set to a color that is absorbed only by that part of the skin.

Dentistry

Going to the dentist to take care of a cavity is never fun. However, the use of an Nd-YAG laser instead of a metal drill during cavity treatments helps make the visit a less painful one. Using a laser lets dentists alleviate most of the pain involved in the dental procedure. It works like this. The material that is formed in tooth cavities is considerably softer than healthy tooth enamel. By adjusting the laser’s power setting, a dentist can make it so that the beam is strong enough to eliminate the soft, decayed tissue but weak enough to leave the healthy enamel unharmed, thus taking away most of the discomfort and pain that would usually happen if he’d used a regular, metallic drill.