Risks and injuries in laser and high-frequency applications

K. Giering; Carsten M. Philipp; Hans-Peter Berlien

doi:10.1117/12.229187

3 January 1995 Risks and injuries in laser and high-frequency applications

K. Giering, Carsten M. Philipp, Hans-Peter Berlien

Proceedings Volume 2631, Medical and Fiber Optic Sensors and Delivery Systems; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229187
Event: BiOS Europe '95, 1995, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

An analysis of injuries and risks using high frequency (HF) and lasers in medicine based on a literature search with MEDLINE was performed. The cases reported in the literature were classified according to the following criteria: (1) Avoidable in an optimal operational procedure. These kind of injuries are caused by a chain of unfortunate incidents. They are in principle avoidable by the 'right action at the right time' which presupposes an appropriate training of the operating team, selection of the optimal parameters for procedure and consideration of all safety instructions. (2) Avoidable, caused by malfunction of the equipment and/or accessories. The injuries classified into this group are avoidable if all safety regulations were fulfilled. This includes a pre-operational check-up and the use of medical lasers and high frequency devices only which meet the international safety standards. (3) Avoidable, caused by misuse/mistake. Injuries of this group were caused by an inappropriate selection of the procedure, wrong medical indication or mistakes during application. (4) Unavoidable, fateful. These injuries can be caused by risks inherent to the type of energy used, malfunction of the equipment and/or accessories though a pre-operational check-up was done. Some risks and complications are common to high frequency and laser application. But whereas these risks can be excluded easily in laser surgery there is often a great expenditure necessary or they are not avoidable if high frequency if used. No unavoidable risks due to laser energy occur.

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K. Giering, Carsten M. Philipp, and Hans-Peter Berlien "Risks and injuries in laser and high-frequency applications", Proc. SPIE 2631, Medical and Fiber Optic Sensors and Delivery Systems, (3 January 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229187

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KEYWORDS

Injuries

Tissues

Laser therapeutics

Safety

Surgery

Laser applications

Electrodes

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