The use of lasers in medical practice has dramatically increased over the years. Lasers and modern optics have largely been unexplored in medical science. This contributed work is both optimistic and cautionary in its expert evaluation of the state-of-the-art medical use of laser technology. The use of lasers to improve upon conventional practice is highlighted in the foreword by the late Dr. Leon Goldman, widely regarded as the father of laser medicine.
Focused on filling a need for a "basic physics" understanding of laser-tissue interactions, Lasers in Medicine brings together contributions from experts in various medical specialties, including ophthalmology, dermatology, and cardiovascular medicine. Each chapter addresses significant applications of laser technology and offers the author's perspective on the state-of-the-art within that specialty. The discussions convey enough basic information to enable readers to assess a laser's usefulness for a specific purpose and to understand its limitations:
Lasers have made many advances in medicine-especially in ophthalmology, dermatology, and cardiology-sparking a wave of enthusiasm. Lasers in Medicine supplies sufficient fundamental knowledge in order to more appropriately assess a laser's usefulness for a specific purpose, and to not attempt to purchase or utilize a laser when it is not the best solution.
Optical and Thermal Response of Tissue to Laser Radiation, A. J. Welch and Craig Gardner
Dosimetry and Thermal Monitoring, Brian Wilson and Douglas R. Wyman
Uses and Effects of Ultraviolet on Tissue, Tom Cohill
Physics of UV Ablation, George Pettit
Tissue Diagnostics Using Lasers, Sune Svanberg
Low Power Laser Effects, Tiina Karu
Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications of Lasers in Ophthalmology, Keith Thompson
Cardiovascular Applications of Lasers, Jordan Haller
Laser in Photodynamic Therapy, Stuart Marcus
Biography
Ronald W. Waynant