Introduction to Medical Applications

Abstract

The first two parts of this book describe various theories associated with light propagation in tissue and the resulting thermal response. We assume that the transport equation governs the optical interaction of light with tissue and the heat conduction equation provides the basis for estimating the thermal response of tissue to laser radiation. In Part III of this book, the theory for optical and thermal interactions of laser light with tissue are used to analyze medical applications. In particular, the concepts of Parts I and II

• (a) can describe the optical and thermal interaction of therapeutic applications of lasers;

• (b) can estimate dosimetry requirements for photochemical and thermal clinical treatments;

• (c) can provide predictive information for design of medical systems; and

• (d) can provide a framework for interpreting optical and thermal measurements, especially for diagnostic applications.