Search

This book has become the standard textbook and reference guide to an important and rapidly growing field. It provides a thorough description of the fundamentals and applications of modern laser medicine, discussing in detail the “basics” such as optical and thermal properties of tissue, various types of hard and soft tissue ablation, optical breakdown and its related effects. This book pays special attention to mathematical tools (Monte Carlo simulations, Kubelka–Munk theory) and tried-and-trusted techniques (photobiomodulation, photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy, and more). In turn, the application section reviews clinically relevant methods in modern laser treatment, while the last chapter covers today's standards for laser safety, with a careful selection of essential guidelines published by the Laser Institute of America. Each chapter closes with a set of problems and solutions, allowing readers to test their acquired knowledge. This fourth edition has undergone major revisions and updating to reflect the latest developments and references. Major improvements include the addition of 60 color illustrations, a review of the various LASIK techniques in ophthalmology, and a discussion of laser applications in endodontics and implantology. The chapters addressing lasers in ophthalmology, dentistry, urology and dermatology/cosmetics have all been extensively revised and updated. Its wealth of research photographs, illustrations, tables and comprehensive summaries make this book an essential guide for graduate students, scientists and medical practitioners alike.

Since the publication of the first edition of this book six years ago both re­ search and applications in laser medicine have undergone substantial growth. The demand for novel techniques based on minimally invasive surgery has increased tremendously, and there is no end to it yet. Therefore, as the first edition ran out of stock, the publisher has asked me to prepare a second edition taking all these new developments into account. Well, here it is. Although minor changes and corrections have been made throughout the book, major changes have been limited to Chap. 4. The reason is that the theory presented in Chaps. 2 and 3 is basically complete and does not need any further modifications, except that the discussion on laser­ induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) in Sect. 3.2 has been extended by the technique of a multi-fiber treatment. On the other hand, the contents of Chap. 4 - the chapter on applications - strongly depend on the current state of the art. The second edition of this book covers all applications addressed in the first edition plus novel techniques for refractive corneal surgery and the treatment of caries. The success in refractive corneal surgery has significantly increased since the introduction of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) described in Sect. 4.1.

'Laser-Tissue Interactions” provides a thorough description of the fundamentals and applications in this field. Basic concepts such as the optical and thermal properties of tissue, the various types of tissue ablation, and optical breakdown and its related effects are treated in detail. Special attention is given to mathematical tools (Monte Carlo simulations, the Kubelka-Munk theory etc.) and approved techniques (photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy etc.). The part on applications reviews clinically relevant methods in modern medicine using the latest references. The last chapter covers today's standards of laser safety, with a careful selection of essential guidelines published by the Laser Institute of America. Numerous research photographs, illustrations, tables and comprehensive summaries make this book a useful guide for graduate students, scientists, and medical practitioners. New end-of-chapter exercises provide readers with the opportunity to check their understanding of key concepts and techniques.