AWABS - Lasers and Physics

Question 1

Electromagnetic spectrum

Answer 1

Question 2

LASER acronym

Answer 2

Light
Amplification by the
Stimulated
Emission of
Radiation

Question 3

Absorption vs Emission vs Stimulated emission

Answer 3

Question 4

Laser components

Answer 4

Amplification chamber is area between mirrors

Lasers named according to the lasing medium used for that particular laser

Question 5

Laser light properties

Answer 5

Question 6

Factors which impact the effect of a laser

Answer 6

Power (watts) of laser beam
Duration of exposure
Surface area exposed
Wavelength (type of laser)
Target tissue composition

Question 7

Common laser types used clinically and their properties

Answer 7

CO2 laser used in ENT vocal cord procedures commonly

Question 8

Clinical specialties and laser types typically used by them

Answer 8

Question 9

Classification of lasers

Answer 9

Question 10

Risks associated with lasers

Answer 10

Eye injury
Fire hazard
Air contamination
Venous gas embolism
Tissue damage

Question 11

Laser anaesthetic equipment - especially airway laser surgery

Answer 11

Laser ETT - matt metallic surface with double cuff

At least one ETT cuff filled with methylene blue saline so surgeon sees if it ruptures

Question 12

Methods to reduce fire risks with laser

Answer 12

Limit FiO2 as low as possible (ideally <0.25)

Avoid N2O

Use specialised equipment

Methylene blue in ETT cuff

Moistened pads by surgeons where able

Question 13

Actions to take in event of laser fire

Answer 13

QRH page on patient fire (airway and non airway fire)

Question 14

Features of ionising radiation

Answer 14

High frequency
Short wavelength

Question 15

What makes lasers visible to human eye or not

Answer 15

Whether wavelength falls within visible light or not

Question 16

Do laser beams become weaker with distance?

Answer 16

No!