Lasers in Gastroenterology: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Year: 2002
Type: article
Abstract: Lasers are sophisticated sources of monochromatic light in the visible and near infra-red part of the optical spectrum. The one that has been used most by gastroenterologists is the Neodymium yttrium aluminium garnet (NdYAG) laser, which emits a near infrared beam at 1064nm. This penetrates living tissue well and can be transmitted via a thin, flexible fibre, so can be used with flexible endoscopes. Short, sharp shots from this laser cause thermal contraction in soft tissue, which provides good haemostasis. Longer shots at high power can vaporise tissue and coagulate the underlying layers, which is effective for debulking and recanalising advanced cancers. At much lower powers, the same laser can be used to coagulate a larger volume of tissue without vaporisation. More recently, there is increasing interest in photochemical effects, where red laser light is used to activate previously administered photosensitising drugs (photodynamic therapy, PDT).
Author: S. G. Bown
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2099544438