Veterinary Laser Surgery: A Practical Guide

Foreword ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Part I Theory of Laser Surgery 1

1 General Principles of Laser Energy and Biophysics 3

2 Power Density and the Basic Effects of Radiant Energy on Tissue 19

3 Fundamentals of Laser-Tissue Interactions 29

4 Types of Laser-Tissue Interaction Related to the Rate of Heat Transfer Through Soft Tissue 43

5 Laser Systems, Wavelengths, and Technology Selection 63

Part II Practical Laser Surgery 77

6 Safety Considerations 79

7 Economic Considerations for Use of Laser Energy in Veterinary Medical Practice 91

8 Pain Management Considerations for Laser Surgery Procedures 101

Part III Clinical Laser Technique and Procedures 109

9 Diode Lasers in Small Animal Veterinary Medicine 111

10 Introduction to Clinical Applications of CO2Laser 139

Energy in Veterinary Medical and Surgical Services Case Studies 183

Suggested Reading 225

Index 227