Surgical Laser Systems
This course delves into the fundamental principles, operational mechanics, and common service procedures for surgical laser systems, including CO2, Nd:YAG, holmium:YAG, thulium, and diode lasers. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of laser generation, power delivery mechanisms like articulated arms, waveguides, and optical fibers, alongside crucial maintenance techniques such as fiber inspection and cleaving. The curriculum also covers critical support systems including aiming beams, cooling loops, high-voltage and flashlamp power supplies, patient and operator safety features like footswitches and interlocks, and the importance of smoke evacuation and OR integration. Emphasis is placed on identifying common failures and developing systematic troubleshooting approaches to ensure equipment reliability and patient safety.
InstructorJacob CalhounPrerequisites
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
**Course Title:** LSR 105 Surgical Laser Systems **Target Audience:** Biomedical Technicians **Course Duration:** 14 Weeks **Course Description:** This course provides a comprehensive overview of various surgical laser systems, their components, operational principles, maintenance, and troubleshooting for biomedical technicians. It emphasizes safety, functionality, and common service procedures across different laser technologies. **Course Objectives:** Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and differentiate between various surgical laser types (CO2, Nd:YAG, holmium:YAG, thulium, diode) based on their active medium, wavelength, and clinical applications. 2. Explain the fundamental principles of laser generation and amplification for each covered laser type. 3. Describe the construction, function, and maintenance requirements of different laser power delivery systems, including articulated arms, waveguides, and optical fibers. 4. Perform proper inspection and cleaving procedures for optical fibers used in surgical laser systems. 5. Understand the role and operation of aiming beams, cooling systems, and power supplies (high-voltage, flashlamp) in maintaining laser system functionality. 6. Identify and explain the purpose of safety features such as footswitches, interlocks, and smoke evacuation systems. 7. Outline considerations for the integration of surgical laser systems within operating room environments. 8. Diagnose common failures in surgical laser systems and apply systematic troubleshooting methodologies. 9. Demonstrate an understanding of preventative maintenance schedules and service documentation practices for surgical lasers. **Weekly Outline:** * **Week 1:** Introduction to Surgical Lasers: Fundamentals, Safety, and Classification * **Week 2:** Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Lasers: Principles, Components, and Applications * **Week 3:** Neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) Lasers: Principles, Components, and Applications * **Week 4:** Holmium:YAG and Thulium Lasers: Principles, Components, and Applications * **Week 5:** Diode Lasers: Principles, Components, and Applications * **Week 6:** Laser Power Delivery Systems: Articulated Arms, Waveguides, and Optical Fibers * **Week 7:** Fiber Optics: Inspection, Cleaving, and Maintenance * **Week 8:** Midterm Review and Assessment * **Week 9:** Supporting Systems: Aiming Beams, Cooling Loops (Water/Air) * **Week 10:** Power Supplies: High-Voltage and Flashlamp Systems * **Week 11:** Safety and Control: Footswitches, Interlocks, and Smoke Evacuation * **Week 12:** Operating Room Integration and Environmental Factors * **Week 13:** Common Failures, Troubleshooting Methodologies, and Preventative Maintenance * **Week 14:** Capstone Service Project: Integrated System Analysis and Troubleshooting