J-Plasma and Laser have many similarities, but also some important differences. Read more about some key differences between j-plasma and laser.
Application of Energy
Both surgical tools involve the application of energy to an operative site. In the case of J-Plasma, the energy is transferred by a stream of ionized inert gas, typically helium, while in Laser the energy is transferred in a beam of light. Each can be tuned over a wide range of settings for multiple effects from relatively mild, as might be used in skin resurfacing, to intense and ablative, which could possibly be used for removing diseased tissue. The additional benefit of J-Plasma is having two independent, controllable variables that define the plasma stream’s range of effects. A clinician can control the amount of electrical energy placed into the stream, providing a heating effect (similar to the light intensity in a laser), and can also control the inert gas flow rate, which provides a cooling effect. This flow of gas can also help remove debris and push aside fluids, such as blood, exposing the underlying tissue.
Inverse Square Law Spreading
Laser beams undergo what is called inverse square law spreading. Suppose a laser beam supplies one Watt (W) of power to an area of one square centimeter (cm2) of tissue when the laser applicator is 2 cm (about ¾”) away from that tissue. The power density (the “strength” of the beam) is 1 W/cm2at that distance. Suppose we move the laser applicator further away to 4 cm (about 1.5”) away from the tissue. The power density now drops to only 0.25 W/cm2, or a quarter of its previous value with a change of distance of only ¾”. Similarly, if we move the laser applicator closer, from 2 cm to 1 cm, the power density now jumps to 4 W/cm2, which could be dangerously high compared to the original 1 W/cm2. In other words, the distance that the laser applicator is to the target tissue must be very accurately controlled to get a consistent tissue effect. J-Plasma, by comparison, is very insensitive to the distance between the applicator and the tissue that is necessary to maintain a consistent operative effect. This is especially important in laparoscopic procedures where precise control of longer surgical tools takes skill. Also, J-Plasma has a highly localized and self-limiting effect on tissue, whereas a laser can burn-through the target tissue and damage underlying tissue.
J-Plasma is Color-Blind
Different lasers operate at different wavelengths, or colors of light, and rely on the interaction of the target tissue with that very specific wavelength. Consequently, some types of lasers are more effective on certain tissue types than others. J-Plasma, on the other hand, is “color-blind” and operates on principles independent of wavelength absorption. It is equally effective on a wide range of tissue types.
Safety
In terms of operator safety, many lasers are dangerous to view directly, particularly if they inadvertently bounce off a reflective surface. Protective eyewear must always be used, and the operating site must be screened-off or otherwise enclosed to prevent injury to others by a stray beam. J-Plasma has no such restrictions.
Expense
Finally, lasers are relatively expensive, maintenance intensive, and require periodic recalibration to be used safely. J-Plasma has no such requirements, and provides a great many of the benefits of a laser at a small fraction of what they cost.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, or leave a comment below.
Additional J-Plasma Resources:
- What is Cold Plasma?
- Advancements in J-Plasma Surgical Tools
- J-Plasma: An Advanced Cold Plasma Surgical Tool
- Understanding J-Plasma: What is Plasma?
Image courtesy of Carlos Porto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
