by
Andrea Alstad, Marketing & Communications Coord,
ASLMS | February 25, 2015
From the January/February 2015 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Safety
With the myriad uses for lasers and other light-based devices in medicine and surgery, there is one factor which remains constant; the critical need for the implementation of safety measures and appropriate training for physicians and staff performing the procedures.
“The surgeon should have a complete working understanding of lasers, their delivery systems and their tissue effects prior to attempting to apply them clinically,” states Lanzafame. “The surgeon must be aware that all lasers and delivery systems are not alike and that attention to the selection of the proper wavelength, delivery system and laser parameters are central to achieving the desired clinical endpoint, given the appropriate technical expertise. An intimate understanding of the details of the procedure, as well as the laser technology and delivery systems selected for use, is critical for the safe use of these technologies.
The surgeon and the entire surgical team should understand and implement safety procedures as recommended by the ANSI Z136.3 2011 Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care (Laser Institute of America, Orlando FL) and other appropriate regulatory bodies. Implementation of these guidelines in facilities and venues wherein lasers and light based technologies are being used will prevent injury to patients and personnel.”
Armed with the proper training and knowledge of safety procedures, surgeons can benefit from the high degree of precision and control laser devices provide. Lasers and other light sources can improve efficiencies and yield improved outcomes for the patient.
About the author: Andrea Alstad is the marketing and communications coordinator for the ASLMS, which is the largest multi-disciplinary professional organization dedicated to the development and application of lasers and related technology for health care applications. Currently, ASLMS has over 4,000 members, including physicians and surgeons representing more than 51 specialties, physicists involved in product development, biomedical engineers, biologists, nurses, industry representatives and manufacturers.
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