A new method of dosimetry-a study of comparative laser-induced tissue damage

The use of lasers in medicine and surgery has increased slowly-its effectiveness based on trial-and-error clinical experience. Very little comprehensive data has been published that scientifically presents dosage, energy, absorption, and comparisons between types of lasers. Our laboratory has developed a method for taking the guesswork out of laser dosage using scientific data to optimize therapy and give reproducible responses. Experiments were conducted using an argon laser, a neodymium: YAG laser, and a broad-band infrared light source. This preliminary study uses a beam scan technique, which for the first time permits accurate measurement of the laser intensity incident on tissue. Therefore, this protocol allows the standardization of dosage measurements with good experimental reproducibility in biological models. By using this accurate method of measuring the intensity delivered to pigskin, we are able to reproduce for the first time similar histological damage with the different energy sources.