Table of Contents

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

About the Author

Noel A. Berger, DVM, MS, Dip ABLS, Master Fellow VSLS, Boston Road Animal Clinic, Massachusetts, is a respected luminary in laser medicine and surgery. He is a published writer on the subject of laser surgery tecniques in veterinary medicine and is Past President of the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society and practicing companion animal veterinarian. Peter H. Eeg, DVM, BSc, Master Fello VSLS, Poolesville VBeterinary Clinic, LLC, Maryland, has lectured nationally and internationally on surgical laser techniques and is a published writer on the subject of the use of laser energy in general veterinary practice. He is a Past President of the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society and the current Executive Vice president of the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society and a practicing companion animal veterinarian.