Patient FAQ

What is a CO₂ laser?

The word laser stands for light amplication by stimulated emission radiation. A laser is a device that produces light energy through the excitation of a substance, such as a solid crystal or gas, and is typically named after this excitation crystal or gas. CO₂ lasers use carbon dioxide gas as the excitation medium, and generate light energy in the infrared spectrum (10.6 micron wavelength). CO₂ lasers can be used for a variety of industrial and medical applications.

What is CO₂ laser surgery?

Laser surgery involves cutting or treating tissue with an intense, concentrated beam of light. Laser beams vaporize target tissue by evaporating the water inside its cells. Due to its unique physical characteristics, CO₂ laser energy is used by surgeons because it provides high precision and control during surgery.

What is the OmniGuide BeamPath?

The OmniGuide BeamPath is a flexible fiber system which allows for the first time, flexible delivery of CO₂ laser energy for surgery. The BeamPath fiber was developed to allow surgeons to use CO₂ laser energy in a variety of minimally invasive procedures. The technology behind the BeamPath fiber was developed at MIT and published in two of the world’s most prominent scientific journals, Nature and Science.

What do surgeons use the BeamPath for?

The BeamPath is used for: airway papillomas, airway stenosis, brain and spine surgery, ear surgery, gynecology, mouth and tongue cancer, and throat cancer.

How do I find a surgeon who can treat my condition with the BeamPath?

More and more surgeons choose to use the BeamPath to treat a wide variety of conditions. These surgeons are located throughout the USA (and parts of the European Union). To locate a surgeon near you, click here to fill out an online form.