Laser Spine Surgery


How Are Lasers Used in Spine Surgery?

Lasers have a long and illustrious history in the medical field. Lasers provide means to deliver a great deal of energy to a focal point, and similar to a surgical blade, they can create precise cuts. Interest in the laser technology has had its ups and downs. Several iterations of the technology have occurred since its introduction to the medical field to improve on the safety of lasers.

In spine surgery, lasers have had different applications, but mostly as devices to stop bleeding or evaporate tissues, such as disc. Percutanoeus disckectomy techniques have mostly employed the use of lasers as an adjunct to the removal of herniated disc material. These techniques are based on single beam and lack of 3-dimensional visualization. The laser is delivered through a working channel that is directed into the disc herniation. Generally, a small portion of the herniation is removed by the laser and the rest of the disc is removed by mechanical means. The close proximity of the delicate structures, such as nerves and spinal cord to the herniated disc, makes it very challenging to deliver the laser energy to the disc and spare the vital structures. Since the laser energy does not distinguish between nerve and disc, a great deal of caution must be exercised when using lasers during the actual disc removal.

Endoscopic Technology for State of the Art Spine Surgery

Modern spine surgery techniques rely on clear visualization of the tissues, nerves and disc, and microsurgical tools, operative microscope and special miniaturized tools, to provide the needed safety. Gentle technique and superior visualization are hallmark of modern practice of microsurgery. At spinesurgeonla, microscopic techniques for removal of herniated disc material provide the surgeon with great precision and a full 3-dimensional view of the relevant structures. At the time of the disckectomy (removal of herniated disc) the nerves and other vital structures are gently and carefully moved out of the way. Microbipolar technology provides the surgeon with pinpoint accuracy in delivering electrical current to control bleeding or to shrink the disc bulge. In addition to superior visualization, bony decompression and expanding the passageway of the nerve root (foraminotomy) are achievable with the microscopic technique.

Limited Role of Lasers in Spine Surgery

Laser is not effective for removal of bony overgrowths, such as bone spurs (osteophytes). Bone spurs are rather commonly encountered during the disckectomy procedure and can be a contributing factor to the nerve impingement. Again detailed visualization, removal of bone spurs and creating larger openings for the passageway of the nerve ensure long-term relief of pain and repair of the nerve. These are important points that are consistently achieved with the modern spine surgery.

Lasers do strike a note of fascination and intrigue; however, they play a very limited role in state-of-the-art spine surgery. At spinesurgeonla, we value safety, efficacy and delivering proven treatments.

Why Choose Dr. Mobin?

After graduating with honors from the UC Davis School of Medicine, he completed his residency in neurosurgery at the University of California Medical Center, where he was named both outstanding senior resident and chief resident and where he remains affiliated as a member of the clinical faculty.

He has performed over 2,000 spinal procedures, pioneering the adoption of innovative imaging and minimally invasive techniques while at the Daniel Freeman Hospital. He helped found Diagnostic and Interventional Spinal Care in 2006, an organization recently named an official medical provider to the United States Olympic Team.

He fully understands that surgery is not always the answer and he works closely with colleagues in other disciplines. His patients always know their options and, if they choose surgery, he makes every attempt to use the procedure that is least invasive.

Two additional facts will resonate with patients: Other surgeons frequently recruit Dr. Mobin to assist with difficult cases and his services are often requested when the patient is a member of another physician’s family.