The Holmium laser produces an invisible 2100nm infrared that is transmitted via a 400 micron fiber and rigid handpiece. This technology has been used on over 400 orthopedic surgeries in the last two years at St. Peter Hospital. Safety policies and procedures based on ANSI Z136.3, OSHA, and AORN guidelines have been developed for use of the Holmium Laser in arthroscopic surgery. Laser classification, nominal hazard zone, personnel, and protective equipment appropriate to the Holmium laser are discussed. Safety monitors to ensure continuous quality improvement are also discussed.
REFERENCES
1.
“Ho:YAG Promises to Elevate Laser’s Position in Orthopedics,:
Clinical Laser Monthly
, January
1991
.2.
Symposium: Lasers in Orthopedic Surgery.
Contemporary Orthopedics
. pp. 61
–91
, January
1991
.3.
Coherent Laser Inc.
News Bulletin
, August
1992
.4.
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations,
November
1992
.5.
American National Standard Z136.3 for Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities
, Laser Institute of America
, Orlando, FL
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.6.
Sliney
, D.
“Report of Hazard Evaluation of the Coherent 2.1 Holmium Surgical Laser Systems
,” October
1990
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Coherent 2.1 Holmium Surgical Laser User Manual
, 1990
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Coherent Laser Inc., Medical Division, Palo Alto, CA.
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© 1993 Laser Institute of America.
1993
Laser Institute of America
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