Chapter 3: Laser and Radiofrequency Surgery

Chapter 3. Laser and Radiofrequency Surgery

In general, lasers with longer wavelength have deeper tissue penetration. Which of the following lasers is an exception to this rule?

A. Alexandrite, 755 nm

B. CO₂, 10.6 µm

C. Argon, 514 nm

D. KTP, 532 nm

E. Tunable dye, 585 nm

During an operative procedure utilizing a laser, the following safety precautions should be observed.

A. Patient’s eyes must be protected with moist eye pads.

B. All operating room personnel must wear wavelength specific protective glasses.

C. While the laser is not in use, it should be in “stand by” mode.

D. In laser aerodigestive tract surgery, partial pressure of oxygen in the gas mixture should be reduced to a minimum.

E. All of the above.

Which of the following lasers would be appropriate for treatment of superficial vascular lesions?

A. CO₂, 10.6 µm

B. Er:YAG, 2.94 µm

C. Alexandrite, 755 nm

D. Copper vapor, 578 nm

E. Holmium:YAG, 2.1 µm

All of the following are contraindications to laser skin resurfacing, except

A. Use of isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 1 to 2 years

B. Scleroderma

C. Active smoking

D. Active acne

E. History of a facial burn

Which of the following statements regarding laser surgery is true?

A. Alexandrite laser (755 nm) is frequently used for tattoo and hair removal.

B. CO₂ laser is often used for treatment of superficial vascular lesions.

C. CO₂ laser light (10.6 µm) can be transmitted through an optical fiber.

D. Postoperative pigmentary changes after laser skin resurfacing are more pronounced in patients with low Fitzpatrick classes (I and II).

E. CO₂ laser light is visible.