Evaluating the potential for internal injuries from a pulsed 3.8-micron laser

Thomas E. Johnson; Dawn C. Fitzhugh D.V.M.; Nicole McPherson; Golda C. H. Winston; Tridaugh D.J. Winston; Donald Q. Randolph

doi:10.1117/12.594536

25 April 2005 Evaluating the potential for internal injuries from a pulsed 3.8-micron laser

Thomas E. Johnson, Dawn C. Fitzhugh D.V.M., Nicole McPherson, Golda C. H. Winston, Tridaugh D.J. Winston, Donald Q. Randolph

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5686, Photonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.594536
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2005, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The goal of this study is to determine if a high energy laser pulse can cause internal injury that cannot be grossly visualized. High power lasers are currently in development such as the Medical Free Electron Laser (MFEL), the Anti-Ballistic Laser (ABL) and the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) and the potential exists for human exposure. Little is known about the effects of these high output lasers on internal organs when a thoracic exposure occurs. This study utilized a 3.8 micron single 8 microsecond pulse laser for all exposures. Yucatan miniature pigs were exposed to a single pulse over the sternum. In addition, some animals were also exposed in the axillary region. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and troponin levels were measured prior to and post exposure to assess cardiac muscle damage. Gross and histologic changes were determined for the porcine skin, lung tissue, and cardiac muscle. This study explores if a greater than class 4 laser classification is warranted based on the potential for thoracic injury.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas E. Johnson, Dawn C. Fitzhugh D.V.M., Nicole McPherson, Golda C. H. Winston, Tridaugh D.J. Winston, and Donald Q. Randolph "Evaluating the potential for internal injuries from a pulsed 3.8-micron laser", Proc. SPIE 5686, Photonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics, (25 April 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.594536

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