Jermond Griffin

Optical Electronic in the Medical Field

February 7, 2009
 Introduction

Since the existence of the earth, all intelligent creatures have thought of ways to improve

their way of life. Man is no exception to this truth. From the beginning of recorded history to the

present man has made advances in food retrieval, housing, clothing and the way we heal the sick.

This analysis will describe the evolution of medical surgery and its usage of optical electronics.

Specifically, this analysis will describe optoelectronics usage in laser eye surgery, dental surgery,

and tattoo removal.

Early surgical procedures used large instruments that, in some cases, cause more harm

than good. For example, in the earliest of time medical professionals used tools that are better

described as weapons - such tools includes, butchers’ utensils, carpenters’ gear, leather and metal

workers’ implements. The idea of using tool from other industries spanned over the automotive

field, aerospace workplaces, and the culinary field. Although on the surface, medical

professionals were satisfied with the outcome patients were left with dire side effects. For

example, the material make up did not interact well with the toxicity of the body. This often

caused septic/ toxic shock_. Additionally, the tools developed excessive growth of bacterium on

blades and handles. This often resulted in the disposal of the instruments due to corrosion.

In the Renaissance and post-Renaissance era, new instruments were invented and

designed in order to accompany the increased audacity of surgeons. There was an influx of

amputation in the medical field due to the severity of war-inflicted wounds by shot, grapnel and

cannon. The harsh reality of this time being a patient was that it was going to be painful. Items

called arrow pullers, as well as amputation and a blood letting tool does little to calm the mind of

one lying on the operating table. Hot irons were used to stop the bleeding, scarring an excesses

amount of tissue those adding an unnecessary amount of pain.

 In the 19th century and first decades of the 20th century veritable explosion of new tools

occurred with the hundreds of new surgical procedures. New materials, such as stainless steel,

chrome, titanium and vanadium were available for the manufacturing of these instruments.

Titanium has a low density and is a strong. Titanium is also corrosion resistant to body fluids and

cleaning solvents. Vanadium is an extremely hard and wear-resistant make for useful cutting

cartilage and bones. Penicillin coated metals are now used to help keep down infection. These

substances strengthened the conventional surgical opportunity areas.

The use of optical electronics in the medical field began in the early 1960’s. Lasers

provided surgeons with a more precise tool for incisions than the finest surgical scalpel

exceeding even diamond knives. The first laser used in the medical field was the Argon Ion

Laser. The Argon Ion laser was invented in 1964 for the use was in retinal surgery. In retinal

surgery, the Argon Ion laser adsorbs the hemoglobin in the blood. Essentially, the laser heats to

the point of vaporization. It was also during this time that the Nd: YAG (Neodymium: Yttrium

Aluminum Garnet) Laser and CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Laser were introduced to the medical field.

While the Argon Ion laser affects the hemoglobin in the blood the Nd: YAG and CO2 lasers

affects water molecules – which is approximately 75% of the human body’s make up.

Lasers are beneficial in medical procedures for several reasons. For example, during

surgical procedure, lasers close small blood vessels along the incisions. This is beneficial to the

patient because it reduces bleeding. This is also beneficial to the doctor because it increase

visualization during the procedure. This is just one example of how lasers benefit the medical

field. The pulse laser removes unwanted tissue while leaving healthy tissue behind.

The scope of lasers in medical field has increased with advanced technology. Hundreds of

thousands of people have benefited from Lasik surgery to improve their eyesight. In Lasik
surgery, a fine laser beam is used to cut a flap of the cornea. The small flap provides the surgeon

with direct access to reshape the cornea so that the retina produces a clear image.

Laser treatment has also proven to be successful for the removal of birthmarks, tattoos

and other blemishes. In some cases, people with certain birthmarks who formally had to accept,

tolerate, or cover the blemish with make-up have been able to permanently remove the

blemishes. Another valuable role for lasers in treating skin disorders is for removing undesirable

stains, particularly port wine birthmarks, such as the one on Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's

forehead - one of the most effective treatments found to date for obliterate these skin marks. In

the removal of port wine birthmarks, the argon laser beam passes through the skin's surface to

coagulate and seal blood vessels underneath, stifling the blood supply, bleaching or eradicating

the red patch.

In the area of dermatology, new uses for lasers are emerging as well. A near-infrared laser

microscope provides histology-like images of human skin. The images of human skin are then

used in graphing as well as other dermatological procedures. This process is painless and takes a

minimal amount of time. Although proven successful in several procedures, the sensitivity and

specificity of laser-based diagnostic imaging has not been compared with histopathology. Laser

phototherapy is another up and coming procedures in the dermatology field. In one procedure, a

308 NM Excimer laser has been used to clear psoriasis more effectively than conventional

phototherapy. Researcher believe that based on its success, the variety and utility of lasers in

dermatology will continually grow.

With the evolution of technology, laser surgical procedures have kept pace with

advancements. The advancement of surgery has proven to be beneficial to both patients and

doctors. For example, as it relates to precision, lasers enable medical professional to remove and

burn the exact amount of tissue necessary. Laser surgery has also proven to be less invasive that
conventional surgery. Some procedures can be performed under a local anesthesia on an

outpatient basis. This allows for a faster recovery than conventional surgery. Additionally, laser

surgery gives medical professional access to more hard to reach areas. For example, lasers are

able to destruct deep internal tumors with very little disturbance of surrounding area.

Although there are several advantages to laser, surgery it is not without limitations. Laser

surgery is highly risky for the surgical staff performing the procedures. If inhaled, the smoke of

the cellular debris may contain viable tumor cells. Additionally the inhalation of the fumes from

the laser itself may cause damage. Due to the intensity of the laser’s light, surgical staff can

damage their eyes if protective gear is not used.