[Diagnostic and biostimulating lasers]

In this brief report authors present data regarding the application of diagnostic and biostimulating laser instruments in medicine. For diagnostic purposes there are several types of laser instruments and procedures available: Laser Microscopic Masonic Analyzer (LAMMA), Flow cytometry. Doppler effects of laser rays (Laser Doppler velocytometry, Laser Doppler spermokhinezymetry, Laser Doppler spectrometry), Laser fluorescent microscopy, Laser nephelometry, Transilumination by lasers (diaphanography), Laser spectroscopy, Laser holography, Laser rethinoscopy, Microirradiation by lasers. Literary data concerning favorable effects of low power laser radiation on series of diseases covering different medical specialties are cited, pointing to possibility of significant enrichment of already available arsenal of physical methods, thera-pies and rehabilitation procedures. Mechanisms of biostimulation of human tissues and organs under low power laser radiation are also presented. All these stimulatory and regulatory mechanisms of the cell metabolism are involved in the wound epitelization, reduction of edema and inflammation and reestablishement of arterial, venous and lymph microcirculation and consequently inducing better tissue nutrition. The use of laser spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of cations from a single drop of dried blood on a piece of filter paper was not realized, although individual analyses of frozen skin biopsies for calcium, arsenic and gold were accomplished. In Europe, this technique has also found its application in forensic medicine. Furthermore, laser-based methods have been used to study air pollution with carcinogens in occupational exposures and also for the detection of narcotic drugs. Laser cytofluorometry utilizes the argon laser for scanning of single stained cells and has achieved utilization in mass examination programs for Pap-smear determinations. The same technique is used in cell sorting system that is now important in monoclonal antibody determination in hybridoma technology. Other possible diagnostic applications include laser particle size measurement techniques, and laser nephelometry for determination of immunoglobulins classes and autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factors. Laser Doppler velocimetry is used to measure blood flow by means of a simple probe that rests on the lip. Biostumulating laser instruments The world famous Hungarian scientist Mester Endre, from Budapest, is one of the pioneers with the greatest experimental and clinical experience in the use of biostimulating effects of lasers. His former student, O. Ribari first used biostimulating effects of He-Na laser (390 mJ power) for the epitelization of perforated tympanic membrane and treatment of postoperative fistulas of the neck and of the mastoid. Generally speaking, biostimulating effect of low level laser treatment (LLLT) is in its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-edematous effect on tissues. There is absolute increase in microcirculation, higher rates of ATP, RNA and DNA synthesis, and thus better tissue oxygenation and nutrition. There is also increase in the absorption of interstitial fluid, better tissue regeneration and stimulation of the analgesic effect. The past three decades of laser medicine and surgery have shown great progress and promise for the future.