Utilizing CO2 Laser
Laser surgery has become used more frequently in veterinary medicine, from routine elective surgeries to highly complicated operations. The term laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. At Mohnacky Animal Hospitals, we utilize the CO2 laser.
How CO2 Laser Works
The CO2 laser emits a beam of invisible light at a wavelength of 10,600 nm. When this light is absorbed by soft tissue, it is converted into heat. The photons of the CO2 laser beam are absorbed by water molecules that increase their energy state. Soft tissues are 90% water, and the beam is equally absorbed by water. An energy transfer from water molecules to tissue components results in photothermal ablation. The CO2 laser can penetrate up to 0.1 mm into the target tissue, which means that the incisions it makes are precise and eliminates the risk of damage to surrounding tissue.
When and Why Use CO2 Laser
Laser surgery is often performed for routine procedures, such as spaying and neutering. Patients also have improved outcomes and recovery times when laser surgery is performed for non-routine procedures, such as mass removal, mass ablation, soft-palate resection, correction of stenotic nares, and ocular enucleation.
Patients have a more comfortable recovery after routine surgical procedures using CO2 laser. Clients can reduce their pet’s discomfort by choosing this option.
Better postoperative pain control is only one of the benefits of CO2 laser surgery. Additional benefits include:
- Precise incisions which means less tissue trauma and swelling
- Decreased bleeding
- Improved access to surgical areas
- Reduced surgery time and fewer sutures after some procedures
- Faster recovery for the patient.
All parties can be confident that patients will experience fewer side effects when the CO2 laser is used. Ask about CO2 laser today!