Spring SAVY 2018, Day 5- Biophotonics (5th/6th)
This week, we tackled optical therapeutics. With absorption as our primary tool, we set out to understand how lasers can be used for ablation and how we can control laser parameters to get precise cutting. To help visualize how absorption drives laser ablation and tissue heating, we tried to pop some pigmented balloons with our lasers. (We couldn’t get them to pop in class, but they popped as soon as you guys started heading up to dismal! I’ll bring a more powerful laser next time so we can see this in action!) The students also selected laser wavelengths to perform LASIK, laser tattoo removal, and Port Wine Stain treatments that minimized heating in surrounding tissues but delivered enough energy to the targeted area.
Next week is our final week. I’m sad to see SAVY come to an end, but we will go out with a bang (not just because we will finally pop balloons with lasers). I have some unique clinical challenges for you guys to solve, and some cool demonstrations to show your parents. See you next week!
Graham