Publisher's Synopsis
This volume is designed for physicians as well as other members of a medical facility using lasers for surgical, therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The authors show the potential health and safety hazards associated with using medical laser systems and the precautions needed for using them safely. The text is organized to provide first an overview of laser biological effects. Then general safety control measures and safety standards are presented. These general guidelines will allow the safe use of new laser systems even as they evolve. Lastly, the authors provide specific safety guidelines and precautions for specialized laser applications in the different health care specialties, which include ophthalmology, dermatology, general surgery, vascular surgery, neurosurgery, and gynaecology.