Invented by Bell Labs in 1964, carbon dioxide (CO₂) lasers are used extensively in dermatology, cosmetic and plastic surgery for treatment of skin conditions ranging from wrinkles and moles to melanoma.  CO₂ lasers emit beams of infrared (IR) light that are absorbed by water in a patient’s skin or tissue.  The beam creates a layer of thermal necrosis (dead cells) sufficient to seal blood vessels, yet thin enough to reduce scarring.  Laser treatments have proven highly effective when compared with mechanical abrasion or chemical agents in laser resurfacing and other dermal procedures.

Laser medical devices are used in diverse clinical settings, including vision corrective surgery and in general medicine, where surgeons routinely use laser delivery systems to cut, vaporize and remove tissue in open operations and laparoscopic surgeries such as removal of tumors, polyps or kidney stones.

Referred to as “bloodless” surgery, CO2 lasers allow a surgeon to focus on a small area, which reduces patient bleeding and postoperative pain, and helps facilitate wound healing.  The laser seals blood vessels as it cuts, which can reduce postoperative swelling and infection.  CO₂ laser surgery improves surgical field visibility for greater accuracy and control.  Laser procedures typically take less time and can be more cost-effective than conventional surgery.  The diameter and power of laser beams can be adjusted for rapid removal of large tissue amounts or removal of only a few layers.

Excellent laser guiding and precise visible aiming beam alignment are critical requirements for handheld probes and other laser therapy equipment.  Molex has stepped up with specialty fiber technologies for CO₂ lasers.  Polymicro MediSpec™ Mid-IR Hollow Silica Waveguide (HSW) with Aiming Beam Technology integrates mid-IR laser power delivery and visible aiming beam alignment for safer, high precision patient treatment using high-power medical laser delivery applications.  A game changing technology, the unique structure of the MediSpec™ HSW gives surgeons a lightweight precision alternative to bulky articulated arms and handheld probes carrying two fiber cables, one for illumination and one for laser power delivery.