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Laser ignition of traumatically embedded firework debris
Author(s) -
Taylor Charles R.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1096-9101(1998)22:3<157::aid-lsm2>3.0.co;2-o
Subject(s) - debris , projectile , pulse (music) , ablation , laser , medicine , ignition system , geology , materials science , optics , physics , metallurgy , oceanography , detector , thermodynamics
Background and Objective The Q‐switched ruby laser (QSRL) has a good track record for traumatic tattoo removal. An unusual case of QSRL‐treatment of a traumatic tattoo composed of firework debris is presented. Study Design/Patient and Method: A young man's traumatic tattoo, composed of firework debris, underwent QSRL ablation at 4–7 J/cm 2 (pulse width 5 mm; duration 20 ns). Results Each test pulse produced visible sparks and focal projectile ejection of skin with pox‐like scar formation. Conclusion Caution is advised when using the QSRL for the treatment of traumatic tattoos composed of potentially combustible debris. Lasers Surg. Med. 22:157–158, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.