Laser Safety Flashcards
what is LASER?
Light
Amplification
of the
Stimulated
Emission
of
Radiation
What is the minimal distance in which laser beams can have effects?
Nominal hazard zone
The maximal laser energy that ca be absorbed without resulting harm
Maximal permissble exposure
What is Coherence?
light waves are in phase with each other;
electromagnetic fields of laser photons oscillate synchronously;
ordinary light phased randomly even in same wavelength.
What is Collimation?
light waves move in parallel direction; laser has
minimal dispersion; laser light remains in a narrow, collimated
beam, whereas ordinary light spreads out in all directions
What is Monochromaticity:
all light waves have same wavelength; laser
light consists of photons that have a well-defined, very narrow
band of wavelengths; Ordinary light contains a wide spectrum of
wavelengths
What determinnes the wavelength?
The energy released and
the wavelength produced
are determined by the
specific characteristic of
the atoms and thus the
medium used
Type of laser that is readily absorbed by H2O and effect most body tissue pigments
Lasers with long wl are readily absorbed by H2O and effect
most body tissues and pigments
Type of laser strongly absorbed by Hgb and other pigments but readily thru clear substance
Lasers with short wl are strongly absorbed by Hgb and other
pigments but pass readily thru clear substances
CO2
Wavelength
Primary effect
Protective eyewear
10,600 NM
Thermal
Clear
Nd:Yag
Wavelength
Primary effect
Protective eyewear
1,064
Themal
colored
Dye
Wavelength
Primary effect
Protective eyewear
583-587
Thermal/Mechanical
Blue
KTP-diode
Wavelength
Primary effect
Protective eyewear
532
Thermal
Orange
Argon
Wavelength
Primary effect
Protective eyewear
514
Thermal
Orange
what wavelength is the retina vulnerable?
400 - 1400 nmn
eye protection
laser with long wl
lasers with short wl
Fires in the OR
% in the airway
% on the head
What does it usually involve?
Usually involves the
combustion of an
endotracheal tube and
inspired gases from
exposure to
electrocautery or laser
3 elements necessary for a fire to start
- Ignition source/heat n
- Fuel
- Oxidizer
How to Prevent Heat in the OR
How to prevent: Oxidizers
Preventive strategies to reduce airway fires
What do you do if airway fire occurs?
