Medical Laser Physics

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved

Course Description Version:3.00

Study Course Accepted:29.07.2020 15:00:35

Study Course Information
Course Code:		FK_067		LQF level:		Level 7
Credit Points:		2.00		ECTS:		3.00
Branch of Science:		Physics; Medical Physics		Target Audience:		Dentistry
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:		Lāsma Asare
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:		Department of Physics
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:		Riga, 26a Anninmuizas boulevard, 1st floor, Rooms No 147 a and b, fizikarsu[pnkts]lv, +371 67061539
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)		13	Lecture Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Lectures		26
Classes (count)		2	Class Length (academic hours)		3	Total Contact Hours of Classes		6
Total Contact Hours								32
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Knowledge of mathematics and physics.
Objective:
1. To promote acquisition of knowledge about the main use of lasers in medicine and to provide a basic understanding of tissue optics. 2. To provide theoretical knowledge of lasers and intense pulsed light therapy applications in medicine. 3. To teach students to evaluate the impact of lasers on the human body, tissues and to predict the changes in laser power; know security tools, frameworks and standards for working with lasers; use and follow safety rules at work with lasers.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.	Topic			Type of Implementation		Number	Venue
1	Introduction. The physical laser guiding principles. Atomic spontaneous and stimulated radiation. The population inverse levels. Optical and electrical "pumping" scheme. The principle of laser resonator. Resonator modes. Laser operating continuous and pulse mode.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
2	Laser Safety. Medical laser safety classes and the corresponding potential tissue damage. Most frequently applied medical laser exposure limits. Medical staff and patient laser safety rules. The laser safety rules and standards. Goggles and other safety equipment. Warning signs of the laser beams, the colour combinations, depending on the degree of danger. National and international laser safety standards.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
3	Laser radiation effects on tissues. Living tissue specificity. Scattering and absorption in tissue. Therapeutic window. Skin optics and basic optics of blood.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
4	Laser radiation effects on tissues. Main mechanisms of laser radiation – tissue interactions. Laser – induced photochemical, photothermic and photodegradation effects; appropriate radiation dose and temperature ranges. Laser radiation penetration depth in tissue. Cell necrosis. The critical laser power/ energy density tissue photocoagulation, photoablation, and evaporation.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
5	Laser types. The main types and constructions of medical lasers.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
6	The use of lasers in therapy and diagnostics. Laser fluorescence diagnostics: basic principles and clinical applications in oncology, cardiology and dentistry.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
7	Laser dopplerography principles.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
8	Lasers in dermatology. Medium-power laser biomedical applications. Laser photodynamic therapy. Cosmetic laser applications: port-wine stains and tattoos. Laser hair removal.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
9	Laser surgery: a high-powered laser medical applications. Laser scalpels. Laser surgery, laser angioplasty and laser dentistry.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
10	Lasers in surgery: eye surgery using lasers. Tissue welding with lasers.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
12	Seminar: lasers in dermatology.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
13	Seminar: lasers in therapy and diagnostics.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
14	Seminar: laser surgery.			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
15	Laboratory works: Tissue heating with Infrared laser. Skin fluorescence spectrum intake. Photoablation.			Classes		1.00	laboratory
16	Process experimental data – calculation, drawing graphs, writing conclusions. Practical work submission.			Classes		1.00	computer room
Assessment
Unaided Work:
During the course the students do individual work – practical calculations according to the course themes. Presentation: Each student gives an oral presentation with demonstration of understanding of physical principles and applications of medical lasers.
Assessment Criteria:
Students are evaluated by in class activities: attendance and oral presentation about study theme.
Final Examination (Full-Time):		Exam
Final Examination (Part-Time):
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:		Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to: 1. Correctly use terms of laser physics. 2. Discuss the differences between continuous and pulsed laser systems, and the uses of both. 3. Describe the basics of laser safety. 4. Understand how the design of a laser affects its output characteristics. 5. Assess the properties of laser systems based on a knowledge of their design. 6. Describe the role of lasers in medicine, their applications in diagnostic and therapeutic processes.
Skills:		Students will be able to use the physical principles in modern medical laser equipment for further studies. Will be able to recognise the more frequent use of laser types and safety class.
Competencies:		Upon completion of the study course students will be able to evaluate the activity of the laser, its physical structure and its effect on the human body, and to justify the use of lasers in medicine. By the end of the study course the students will be able to apply the principles of the effective use of medical lasers and knowledge of risks.
Bibliography
No.	Reference
Required Reading
1	W.T. Silfvast. Laser Fundamentals. Cambridge University Press, 2008. (akceptējams izdevums)