Institutional safety certification of a research class IV laser for clinical photodynamic therapy

摘要

In preparation for photodynamic therapy clinical trials, a research class IV argon ion-pumped dye laser was modified to allow delivery of laser radiation from the Laser Biology Research Laboratory (LBRL) to a surgical operating room (OR) located one floor below and over 50 meters away. Optical fibers and coaxial cable, protected by flame retardant conduit, were fed from the LBRL to the OR. A remote control box was constructed to allow physician control of the laser output from the OR. A safety-off and output-power control wee included in the control system. Safety issues involved calculations of maximum permissible exposure of OR staff to optical radiation, the classification of the laser output in the OR and dealing with the placement of relatively high- flux carrying optical fiber placed in utility chases. Operational considerations involved the calculation and measurement of optical transmission losses, the procedure for relaying operational status between the OR and laser facility and the necessity of conducting practice runs with the laser and OR staff.