carbon dioxide surgical laser
Date: circa 1974
Inventory Number: 1999-1-0040
Classification: Laser
Dimensions:100 x 72 x 61 cm (39 3/8 x 28 3/8 x 24 in.)
DescriptionAn upright rectangular outer frame on wheels has detachable panels on the left, right, and top sides, which encase laser instrumentation inside.
The front control panel is recessed and inclined. It has numerous knobs, dials, and buttons controling power on/off, power level, shutter, and the laser. The lower front panel contains additional knobs and a gauge measuring "tank pressure."
The dials and knobs are marked:
OUTER POWER CONTROL
LASER ON
LASER OFF
POWER
STANDBY
LASER OFF
LASER ON
OPERATE
OFF
MAN
TIME
SECONDS
SHUTTER CONTROLS
ST BY
OPER
HV1
HV2
TANK PRESSURE
CAVITRON
Attached to the left side is a light blue power cord and a white, plastic, ribbed tube that attaches to a long, metal arm approximately 75 cm. long. The laser shoots from this arm. The entire arm/tube attachment rests in place next to the main body on protruding metal rods.
The apparatus has various stickers: one technical support sticker on top; one equipment inspection sticker on the right side; and three more stickers on the back side, which are unidentifiable.
Signedon control panel: American Optical / MODEL 300 CARBON DIOXIDE / LASER FOR MICROSURGERY;
on dial inside left white panel: INCHES OF WATER / MAGNEHELIC / MAX. PRESSURE 15 PSIG CAT. NO. 20200 / PAT. 2,722,837 [two other patent numbers listed illegible?] DWYER INSTRUMENTS INC. / MICH CITY, IND. 46360 U.S.A.;
underneath dial in red: CAUTION / PRESSURE / MAX. 15 PSIG / TEMPERATURE / MAX. 140 F;
on internal laser machinery: FRANKLIN ELECTRIC / BLUFFTON INDIANA 46714 / PAT. NO. 2849695, 2847629, 2877068, 3159763, 3060860, OTHERS PENDING
Inscribedhandwritten on dial: 50218NH75;
handwritten on blue EQUIPMENT INSPECTION sticker: [illegible?]
sticker on left white panel: FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT / CALL / LaserSonics / Cooper Laser Sonics, Inc. / FIELD SERVICE [service phone numbers follow];
three more unidentifiable stickers on back panel
FunctionOriginally used for ear, nose and throat procedures by permitting the physician to burn away abnormal cells without the use of anesthesia. The laser was used in conjunction with a Zeiss operating room microscope, which allowed for pinpoint, surgical accuracy. It was later modified for gynecological procedures, allowing the doctor to remove abnormal cervical cells in an efficient and painless manner in an outpatient setting.
Historical AttributesThis model was a prototype made by American Optical for use in dealing with cervical dysplasias. It was used in the private practice of Dr. Leonard J. Cibley and Dr. Laurence Cibley from 1974 until 1985-86 when newer technology rendered it obsolete.
ProvenanceDonated by Dr. Leonard J. Cibley and Dr. Laurence Cibley.