Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence for acing the exam!

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Which laser beam can travel through clear tissues without heating them?

Argon
Excimer
Carbon dioxide
Neodymium: YAG

The correct answer is: Neodymium: YAG

The Neodymium: YAG (Nd:YAG) laser is specifically designed for deeper tissue penetration without heating the surrounding clear tissues, making it suitable for certain surgical applications. It operates at a wavelength of approximately 1064 nanometers, which is absorbed less by water compared to other lasers. This property allows it to pass through clear tissues, targeting specific areas without causing thermal damage to the surrounding tissues. In contrast, other lasers, such as Argon and Carbon dioxide, either absorb strongly in water or have wavelengths that do not penetrate well into deeper tissues without affecting the surrounding structures. Excimer lasers, while highly precise in specific applications such as corneal surgery, also do not have the same tissue penetration capabilities as Nd:YAG lasers. The ability of the Nd:YAG laser to travel through clear tissues and minimize thermal injury is crucial in applications that require precision, such as in ophthalmology and other surgical fields.