Thermography of Whole Blood during Laser Heating through Bare Fiber

Abstract

The dynamics of temperature fields in whole blood during the action of continuous-wave (CW) laser radiation with wavelengths of 0.97, 1.56, and 1.68 µm for the temperature range up to 600 ºC were studied. On the blood heating thermograms four characteristic stages differing in the heating rate were distinguished. Comparison of the obtained thermograms with the data of differential scanning calorimetry of blood and its thermogravimetry with mass spectrometry of released gases made it possible to attribute these stages as the temperature rises to protein denaturation and aggregation of blood cells, formation of coagulates, and carbonization of organic blood components coagulate and burning carbon. It has been established that the duration of separate stages of laser blood heating is determined mainly by the wavelength and power of laser radiation. The results obtained may be useful for the development of automated laser systems for the obliteration of varicose veins and other vascular tissues.