Risk management of lasers can be broadly define das a process of identification of the risk, assessment of the risk and steps taken to avert the risk. The risk management may be divided into: Risk inherent to the technology and risk in clinical use. Within the National Health Service in the UK, a useful document, which provides hospital laser users with advice on safety, is the 'Guidance on the Safe Use of Lasers in Medical and Dental Practice' issued by the Medical Devices Agency for the Department of Health in the UK. It recommends the appointment of a Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) who is knowledgeable in the evaluation of laser hazards. One of the duties LPA is to ensure that Local Rules are drawn up for each specific application of a laser. A Laser Protection Supervisor (LPS) should also be appointed with responsibility to ensure that the Local Rules are observed. It is a sensible precaution that laser users should be those approved by the Laser Protection Supervisor in consultation with the Laser Protection Advisor. All laser users should sign a statement that they have read and understood the Local Rules.
Among the commonly available surgical lasers, the CO2 laser has acquired a unique role in oral, laryngeal, and tracheo-bronchial surgery. Other wavelengths, and in particular, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser, the KTP-532 is also gaining ground, offering the advantage of the fiber transmissivity. A number of new lasers are being introduced. The question of their usefulness in the field of otolaryngology can best be answered by systematic study of the peculiar requirement of the surgical procedure, the tissue interactions of any particular wavelength/s, the ease with which the beam can be targeted, and so on.
Among the commonly available surgical lasers, the CO2 laser has acquired a unique role in oral, laryngeal and tracheo-bronchial surgery. Other wavelengths, and in particular, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser, the KTP-532 is also gaining ground, offering the advantage of the fiber transmissivity. A number of new lasers are being introduced. The question of their usefulness in the application for nasal surgery can best be answered by systematic study of the peculiar requirement of the surgical procedure, the tissue interactions of any particular wavelength/s, the ease with which the beam can be targeted and so on.
Conference Committee Involvement (3)
Advanced Technology and Instrumentation in Otolaryngology: Lasers, Optics, Radio Frequency, and Related Technology
21 January 2006 | San Jose, California, United States
Advanced Technology and Instrumentation in Otolaryngology: Lasers, Optics, Radio Frequency, and Related Technology
22 January 2005 | San Jose, CA, United States
Advanced Technology and Instrumentation in Otolaryngology: Lasers, Optics, Radio Frequency, and Related Technology
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