Optical Electronics

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.