CO2 Laser
Carbon Dioxide Laser · CO2 Surgical Laser · UltraPulse
A tall wheeled laser console with a control screen and a jointed articulated arm on top that carries the invisible infrared beam to a handpiece. Some models also connect to a microscope, a scanner or a flexible waveguide.
On the table
What it does, the lengths it comes in and what experienced techs know about it.
What it’s for
Cuts, vaporizes and resurfaces tissue with very shallow heat spread (about 0.1 to 0.2 mm). It is used in plastic surgery and skin resurfacing (it is listed as surgeon's preference for brow lift), in larynxLAIR-inksThe voice box: the part of the airway in the neck, above the windpipe, that holds the vocal cords.laryng/o larynxFull entry and ear surgery, and for cervicalSER-vih-kulRelating to the neck, or to the cervix, the lower end of the uterus.cervic/o neck, cervix-al relating toFull entry and vulvar lesionLEE-zhunAn area of tissue that has been damaged or has changed from normal, such as a sore, wound, lump or spot.Full entry under the microscope.
Lengths and variants
Delivery by articulated arm, scanner, microscope micromanipulator or waveguide.
What experienced techs know
What techs who reach for it every day know about it.Pro
Through the case
In the order you meet it: before, during and after the case.
- During the case
Caution
What not to do with it, and why.Pro
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4 sources
- Goldman MA. Pocket Guide to the Operating Room. 3rd ed. Chapter 7 (Laser Technology), p. 96
- Rothrock JC. Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery. 17th ed. Chapter 8, p. 227, p. 229 (Table 8.4), p. 231 to 233
- Fuller JK. Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. p. 562, p. 675
- lumenis.com
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