Laser Competence Courses at Sharjah University Laser Technology and Research Center are perfect for those who need hands-on experience in laser treatments.
The name LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In 1917, Albert Einstein first theorized about the process which makes lasers possible called "Stimulated Emission."
Before the Laser there was the Maser
In 1954, Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow invented the maser (microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation), using ammonia gas and microwave radiation - the maser was invented before the (optical) laser. The technology is very close but does not use a visible light.
On March 24, 1959, Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow were granted a patent for the maser. The maser was used to amplify radio signals and as an ultrasensitive detector for space research.
In 1958, Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow theorized and published papers about a visible laser, an invention that would use infrared and/or visible spectrum light, however, they did not proceed with any research at the time.
Many different materials can be used as lasers. Some, like the ruby laser, emit short pulses of laser light. Others, like helium-neon gas lasers or liquid dye lasers emit a continuous beam of light. See -How a Laser Works
Ruby Laser
In 1960, Theodore Maiman invented the ruby laser considered to be the first successful optical or light laser.
Many historians claim that Theodore Maiman invented the first optical laser, however, there is some controversy that Gordon Gould was the first.
Gordon Gould - Laser
Gordon Gould was the first person to use the word "laser". There is good reason to believe that Gordon Gould made the first light laser. Gould was a doctoral student at Columbia University under Charles Townes, the inventor of the maser. Gordon Gould was inspired to build his optical laser starting in 1958. He failed to file for a patent his invention until 1959. As a result, Gordon Gould's patent was refused and his technology was exploited by others. It took until 1977 for Gordon Gould to finally win his patent war and receive his first patent for the laser.
Gas Laser
The first gas laser (helium neon) was invented by Ali Javan in 1960. The gas laser was the first continuous-light laser and the first to operate "on the principle of converting electrical energy to a laser light output." It has been used in many practical applications.
Robert Hall - Semiconductor Injection Laser
In 1962, Robert Hall created a revolutionary type of laser that is still used in many of the electronic appliances and communications systems that we use every day.
Kumar Patel - Carbon Dioxide Laser
The carbon dioxide laser was invented by Kumar Patel in 1964.
Hildreth "Hal" Walker - Laser Telemetry
Hildreth Walker invented laser telemetry and targeting systems.
Doctor Steven Trokel
Doctor Steven Trokel patented the Excimer laser for vision correction. The Excimer laser was originally used for etching silicone computer chips in the 1970s. Working in the IBM research laboratories in 1982, Rangaswamy Srinivasin, James Wynne, and Samuel Blum saw the potential of the Excimer laser in interacting with biological tissue. Srinivasin and the IBM team realized that you could remove tissue with a laser without causing any heat damage to the neighboring material.
Steven Trokel
New York City ophthalmologist, Steven Trokel made the connection to the cornea and performed the first laser surgery on a patient's eyes in 1987. The next ten years were spent perfecting the equipment and the techniques used in laser eye surgery. In 1996, the first Excimer laser for ophthalmic refractive use was approved in the United States.
Note: It took the observations of Dr. Fyodorov in a case of eye trauma in the 1970's to bring about the practical application of refractive surgery through radial keratotomy.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Uterine Fibroids: Laser Treatment Options
Laser Competence Courses are offered at Sharjah University Laser Technology and Research Center. Perfect for those who need hands-on experience in laser treatments.
Laser Treatment for Fibroids
There are many treatment options available for uterine fibroids and new approaches are under evaluation. Innovations in medical technology have enabled the availability of less invasive treatment alternatives. Among these options is laser treatment for uterine fibroids.
Interstitial Laser Photocoagulation (ILP) Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
Interstitial Laser Photocoagulation (ILP) is a technique which uses a low powered laser to destroy tumor tissue. This technique employs (Nd-YAG), a 1064nm wave-length laser that allows for relatively deep tissue penetration.
Often gynecologists will treat small uterine fibroids using laparoscopic techniques. ILP laser treatment for uterine fibroids is commonly implemented using 1 of 2 different approaches:
1. Laparoscopic myolisis
2. MRI guided percutaneous laser ablation.
Laparoscopic Myolisis for Fibroids
For this procedure, a fiber-optic laser, or an electrical tool equipped with a laser, is placed into the fibroid through the laparoscope. This may require a small incision in the abdomen, or in some cases the procedure can be done through hysteroscopy.
The goal of this procedure is to cut off the blood supply to the uterine fibroid or artery feeding the uterine fibroid. The dead tissue is then gradually replaced with scar tissue. This form of laser therapy may lead to some complications such as obscured visibility due to smoke. A possible side effect of this procedure is adhesions. This is when organs such as intestines stick to the uterus and it could lead to future problems.
MRI Guided Percutaneous Laser Ablation of Uterine Fibroids
Under MR guidance needles are inserted into the center of the targeted uterine fibroid through an area of skin that has been anaesthetized. Bare laser fibers are inserted down the center of each of the needles into the targeted fibroid. Laser energy is then used to destroy the fibroid. The use of the lasers percutaneously under MR guidance enables the doctor to accurately target the fibroids before applying the thermal energy. MR imaging allows thermal recording of the fibroid in real time throughout the treatment using the heat sensitivity of the MR signal, minimizing damage to the surrounding area.
Laser Treatment for Fibroids
There are many treatment options available for uterine fibroids and new approaches are under evaluation. Innovations in medical technology have enabled the availability of less invasive treatment alternatives. Among these options is laser treatment for uterine fibroids.
Interstitial Laser Photocoagulation (ILP) Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
Interstitial Laser Photocoagulation (ILP) is a technique which uses a low powered laser to destroy tumor tissue. This technique employs (Nd-YAG), a 1064nm wave-length laser that allows for relatively deep tissue penetration.
Often gynecologists will treat small uterine fibroids using laparoscopic techniques. ILP laser treatment for uterine fibroids is commonly implemented using 1 of 2 different approaches:
1. Laparoscopic myolisis
2. MRI guided percutaneous laser ablation.
Laparoscopic Myolisis for Fibroids
For this procedure, a fiber-optic laser, or an electrical tool equipped with a laser, is placed into the fibroid through the laparoscope. This may require a small incision in the abdomen, or in some cases the procedure can be done through hysteroscopy.
The goal of this procedure is to cut off the blood supply to the uterine fibroid or artery feeding the uterine fibroid. The dead tissue is then gradually replaced with scar tissue. This form of laser therapy may lead to some complications such as obscured visibility due to smoke. A possible side effect of this procedure is adhesions. This is when organs such as intestines stick to the uterus and it could lead to future problems.
MRI Guided Percutaneous Laser Ablation of Uterine Fibroids
Under MR guidance needles are inserted into the center of the targeted uterine fibroid through an area of skin that has been anaesthetized. Bare laser fibers are inserted down the center of each of the needles into the targeted fibroid. Laser energy is then used to destroy the fibroid. The use of the lasers percutaneously under MR guidance enables the doctor to accurately target the fibroids before applying the thermal energy. MR imaging allows thermal recording of the fibroid in real time throughout the treatment using the heat sensitivity of the MR signal, minimizing damage to the surrounding area.
The Laser Technology in Cancer Treatment
Laser Competence Courses are offered at Sharjah University Laser Technology and Research Center . Perfect for those who need hands-on experience in laser treatments.
Laser light can be used to remove cancer or precancerous growths or to relieve symptoms of cancer. It is used most often to treat cancers on the surface of the body or the lining of internal organs. The term “laser” stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Ordinary light, such as that from a light bulb, has many wavelengths and spreads in all directions. Laser light, on the other hand, has a specific wavelength. It is focused in a narrow beam and creates a very high-intensity light. This powerful beam of light may be used to cut through steel or to shape diamonds. Because lasers can focus very accurately on tiny areas, they can also be used for very precise surgical work or for cutting through tissue (in place of a scalpel).
Laser therapy is often given through a thin tube called an endoscope, which can be inserted in openings of the body to treat cancer or precancerous growths inside the trachea (windpipe), esophagus, stomach, or colon. Laser therapy causes less bleeding and damage to normal tissue than standard surgical tools do, and there is a lower risk of infection. However, the effects of laser surgery may not be permanent, so the surgery may have to be repeated.
Laser therapy uses high-intensity light to treat cancer and other illnesses. Lasers can be used to shrink or destroy tumors or precancerous growths. Lasers are most commonly used to treat superficial cancers (cancers on the surface of the body or the lining of internal organs) such as basal cell skin cancer and the very early stages of some cancers, such as cervical, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and non-small cell lung cancer. Lasers also may be used to relieve certain symptoms of cancer, such as bleeding or obstruction. For example, lasers can be used to shrink or destroy a tumor that is blocking a patient’s trachea (windpipe) or esophagus. Lasers also can be used to remove colon polyps or tumors that are blocking the colon or stomach. Laser therapy can be used alone, but most often it is combined with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. In addition, lasers can seal nerve endings to reduce pain after surgery and seal lymph vessels to reduce swelling and limit the spread of tumor cells.
The laser therapy is often given through a flexible endoscope (a thin, lighted tube used to look at tissues inside the body). The endoscope is fitted with optical fibers (thin fibers that transmit light). It is inserted through an opening in the body, such as the mouth, nose, anus, or vagina. Laser light is then precisely aimed to cut or destroy a tumor.
Laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT), or interstitial laser photocoagulation, also uses lasers to treat some cancers. LITT is similar to a cancer treatment called hyperthermia, which uses heat to shrink tumors by damaging or killing cancer cells. (More information about hyperthermia is available in the NCI fact sheet Hyperthermia in Cancer Treatment.) During LITT, an optical fiber is inserted into a tumor. Laser light at the tip of the fiber raises the temperature of the tumor cells and damages or destroys them. LITT is sometimes used to shrink tumors in the liver.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is another type of cancer treatment that uses lasers. In PDT, a certain drug, called a photo sensitizer or photosensitizing agent, is injected into a patient and absorbed by cells all over the patient’s body. After a couple of days, the agent is found mostly in cancer cells. Laser light is then used to activate the agent and destroy cancer cells. Because the photo sensitizer makes the skin and eyes sensitive to light afterwards, patients are advised to avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor light during that time. (More information about PDT is available in the NCI fact sheet Photodynamic Therapy for Cancer.)
Laser Therapy’s Advantages
Lasers are more precise than standard surgical tools (scalpels), so they do less damage to normal tissues. As a result, patients usually have less pain, bleeding, swelling, and scarring. With laser therapy, operations are usually shorter. In fact, laser therapy can often be done on an outpatient basis. It takes less time for patients to heal after laser surgery, and they are less likely to get infections. Patients should consult with their health care provider about whether laser therapy is appropriate for them.
Laser Therapy’s Disadvantages
Laser therapy also has several limitations. Surgeons must have specialized training before they can do laser therapy, and strict safety precautions must be followed. Laser therapy is expensive and requires bulky equipment. In addition, the effects of laser therapy may not last long, so doctors may have to repeat the treatment for a patient to get the full benefit.
Laser Therapy’s Future
In clinical trials (research studies), doctors are using lasers to treat cancers of the brain and prostate, among others.
Laser light can be used to remove cancer or precancerous growths or to relieve symptoms of cancer. It is used most often to treat cancers on the surface of the body or the lining of internal organs. The term “laser” stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Ordinary light, such as that from a light bulb, has many wavelengths and spreads in all directions. Laser light, on the other hand, has a specific wavelength. It is focused in a narrow beam and creates a very high-intensity light. This powerful beam of light may be used to cut through steel or to shape diamonds. Because lasers can focus very accurately on tiny areas, they can also be used for very precise surgical work or for cutting through tissue (in place of a scalpel).
Laser therapy is often given through a thin tube called an endoscope, which can be inserted in openings of the body to treat cancer or precancerous growths inside the trachea (windpipe), esophagus, stomach, or colon. Laser therapy causes less bleeding and damage to normal tissue than standard surgical tools do, and there is a lower risk of infection. However, the effects of laser surgery may not be permanent, so the surgery may have to be repeated.
Laser therapy uses high-intensity light to treat cancer and other illnesses. Lasers can be used to shrink or destroy tumors or precancerous growths. Lasers are most commonly used to treat superficial cancers (cancers on the surface of the body or the lining of internal organs) such as basal cell skin cancer and the very early stages of some cancers, such as cervical, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and non-small cell lung cancer. Lasers also may be used to relieve certain symptoms of cancer, such as bleeding or obstruction. For example, lasers can be used to shrink or destroy a tumor that is blocking a patient’s trachea (windpipe) or esophagus. Lasers also can be used to remove colon polyps or tumors that are blocking the colon or stomach. Laser therapy can be used alone, but most often it is combined with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. In addition, lasers can seal nerve endings to reduce pain after surgery and seal lymph vessels to reduce swelling and limit the spread of tumor cells.
The laser therapy is often given through a flexible endoscope (a thin, lighted tube used to look at tissues inside the body). The endoscope is fitted with optical fibers (thin fibers that transmit light). It is inserted through an opening in the body, such as the mouth, nose, anus, or vagina. Laser light is then precisely aimed to cut or destroy a tumor.
Laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT), or interstitial laser photocoagulation, also uses lasers to treat some cancers. LITT is similar to a cancer treatment called hyperthermia, which uses heat to shrink tumors by damaging or killing cancer cells. (More information about hyperthermia is available in the NCI fact sheet Hyperthermia in Cancer Treatment.) During LITT, an optical fiber is inserted into a tumor. Laser light at the tip of the fiber raises the temperature of the tumor cells and damages or destroys them. LITT is sometimes used to shrink tumors in the liver.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is another type of cancer treatment that uses lasers. In PDT, a certain drug, called a photo sensitizer or photosensitizing agent, is injected into a patient and absorbed by cells all over the patient’s body. After a couple of days, the agent is found mostly in cancer cells. Laser light is then used to activate the agent and destroy cancer cells. Because the photo sensitizer makes the skin and eyes sensitive to light afterwards, patients are advised to avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor light during that time. (More information about PDT is available in the NCI fact sheet Photodynamic Therapy for Cancer.)
Laser Therapy’s Advantages
Lasers are more precise than standard surgical tools (scalpels), so they do less damage to normal tissues. As a result, patients usually have less pain, bleeding, swelling, and scarring. With laser therapy, operations are usually shorter. In fact, laser therapy can often be done on an outpatient basis. It takes less time for patients to heal after laser surgery, and they are less likely to get infections. Patients should consult with their health care provider about whether laser therapy is appropriate for them.
Laser Therapy’s Disadvantages
Laser therapy also has several limitations. Surgeons must have specialized training before they can do laser therapy, and strict safety precautions must be followed. Laser therapy is expensive and requires bulky equipment. In addition, the effects of laser therapy may not last long, so doctors may have to repeat the treatment for a patient to get the full benefit.
Laser Therapy’s Future
In clinical trials (research studies), doctors are using lasers to treat cancers of the brain and prostate, among others.
Fungal Nail Disease: Laser Treatment
Sharjah University Laser Technology and Research Center gives hands-on training to those participants without experience yet in the laser technology. Visit their website to know more about their Laser Competence Courses.
Half of all Americans are infected with toenail fungus (onychomycosis) by the age of 70. This condition not only poses a cosmetic issue, causing nail discoloration and deformity, but also can have a serious impact on quality of life, causing pain while walking and creating a social stigma that can inhibit routine activities, such as wearing open toed shoes.
The good news is that there are doctors in the United States to discover the treatment of toenail fungus. It is a new noninvasive laser system that is an effective solution without side effects.
The traditional approaches to treating nail fungus are largely limited to oral drugs that are associated with adverse side effects and prescription topicals and home remedies that have not been proven effective. Despite limitations associated with these approaches, however, it is estimated that Americans currently spend about $2.1 billion annually on treating with prescription drugs alone.
Given the serious emotional, social and financial impact of nail fungus, it is important to note the benefits of this new technology.
Half of all Americans are infected with toenail fungus (onychomycosis) by the age of 70. This condition not only poses a cosmetic issue, causing nail discoloration and deformity, but also can have a serious impact on quality of life, causing pain while walking and creating a social stigma that can inhibit routine activities, such as wearing open toed shoes.
The good news is that there are doctors in the United States to discover the treatment of toenail fungus. It is a new noninvasive laser system that is an effective solution without side effects.
The traditional approaches to treating nail fungus are largely limited to oral drugs that are associated with adverse side effects and prescription topicals and home remedies that have not been proven effective. Despite limitations associated with these approaches, however, it is estimated that Americans currently spend about $2.1 billion annually on treating with prescription drugs alone.
Given the serious emotional, social and financial impact of nail fungus, it is important to note the benefits of this new technology.
Eye Surgery: LASIK
Sharjah University Laser Technology and Research Center offers participants hands-on experience through their Laser Competence Courses.
LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a popular surgery used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.
All laser vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. LASIK is one of a number of different surgical techniques used to reshape the cornea.
LASIK has many benefits (advantages), including:
• It works! It corrects vision. Around 96% of patients will have their desired vision after LASIK. An enhancement can further increase this number.
• LASIK is associated with very little pain due to the numbing drops that are used.
• Vision is corrected nearly immediately or by the day after LASIK.
• No bandages or stitches are required after LASIK.
• Adjustments can be made years after LASIK to further correct vision if vision changes while you age.
• After having LASIK, most patients have a dramatic reduction in eyeglass or contact lens dependence and many patients no longer need them at all.
Despite the pluses, there are some disadvantages to LASIK eye surgery:
• Changes made to the cornea cannot be reversed after LASIK.
• LASIK is technically complex. Problems may occur when the doctor creates the flap, which can permanently affect vision.
• LASIK can rarely cause a loss of "best" vision. Your best vision is the highest degree of vision that you achieved while wearing your contacts or eyeglasses. Some patients experience discomfort in the first 24 to 48 hours after LASIK eye surgery. Other side effects, although rare but may include glare, seeing halos around image, difficulty driving at night, fluctuating vision. and/or dry eyes.
LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a popular surgery used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.
All laser vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. LASIK is one of a number of different surgical techniques used to reshape the cornea.
LASIK has many benefits (advantages), including:
• It works! It corrects vision. Around 96% of patients will have their desired vision after LASIK. An enhancement can further increase this number.
• LASIK is associated with very little pain due to the numbing drops that are used.
• Vision is corrected nearly immediately or by the day after LASIK.
• No bandages or stitches are required after LASIK.
• Adjustments can be made years after LASIK to further correct vision if vision changes while you age.
• After having LASIK, most patients have a dramatic reduction in eyeglass or contact lens dependence and many patients no longer need them at all.
Despite the pluses, there are some disadvantages to LASIK eye surgery:
• Changes made to the cornea cannot be reversed after LASIK.
• LASIK is technically complex. Problems may occur when the doctor creates the flap, which can permanently affect vision.
• LASIK can rarely cause a loss of "best" vision. Your best vision is the highest degree of vision that you achieved while wearing your contacts or eyeglasses. Some patients experience discomfort in the first 24 to 48 hours after LASIK eye surgery. Other side effects, although rare but may include glare, seeing halos around image, difficulty driving at night, fluctuating vision. and/or dry eyes.
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