title: Setting up an Nd:YAG laser training course.
abstract: We report our experience in developing a two-day training course for the Nd:YAG (Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet) laser and describe the curriculum. This project arose from an attempt to modify an existing course on the CO2 laser for a newly-acquired Nd:YAG laser in such a way as to adequately demonstrate the properties of the latter and to highlight dissimilarities with the CO2 laser. The course, which is taught on a 1:1 student to instructor basis, uses both videotapes and a series of locally developed exercises to appraise the trainee of the potential of this tool. Both inanimate objects and live subjects (anaesthetized rats) are used in the exercises. Examples of the exercises developed and the principles they demonstrate are given, as well as specific problems that were overcome in order to produce a course that adequately covered the subject whilst containing costs at a reasonable level. The need for extensive hands-on use of the laser is emphasised.
authors.affiliation: University of Manitoba, Canada.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McCutcheon
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Stranc
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008350:Manitoba; D051381:Rats