Which laser is used to coagulate bleeders during an endoscopic procedure?

Which laser is used to coagulate bleeders during an endoscopic procedure?

• A. CO2
• B. Argon
• C. Nd:YAG
• D. KTP

Answer: (C)

Hemostasis with lasers depends on how deeply the laser energy penetrates tissue. The Nd:YAG laser emits energy that penetrates deeper into tissue, producing a photothermal effect that coagulates proteins and seals bleeding vessels. This deeper heating is what stops a bleed effectively during an endoscopic procedure. In contrast, CO2 is highly absorbed by water, so it acts mainly on the surface for cutting or vaporization; argon and KTP lasers tend to coagulate more superficially, good for small surface vessels but not as effective for larger bleeders. So, for coagulating bleeders endoscopically, the Nd:YAG laser is the best choice.

Hemostasis with lasers depends on how deeply the laser energy penetrates tissue. The Nd:YAG laser emits energy that penetrates deeper into tissue, producing a photothermal effect that coagulates proteins and seals bleeding vessels. This deeper heating is what stops a bleed effectively during an endoscopic procedure. In contrast, CO2 is highly absorbed by water, so it acts mainly on the surface for cutting or vaporization; argon and KTP lasers tend to coagulate more superficially, good for small surface vessels but not as effective for larger bleeders. So, for coagulating bleeders endoscopically, the Nd:YAG laser is the best choice.